The True Price

I've received a number of emails at work since I have been here regarding "Fallen Warrior" ceremonies. Since this base is a big transit hub for the war effort there are constant rotations of aircraft and personnel. Sometimes, all too commonly, those flight rotations include the remains of soldiers who have been killed in the line of duty.

Today, during my work shift, I went over to the airfield and took part in a Fallen Warrior ceremony. It was very simple. The back of a C-17 aircraft is opened up, revealing a single flag-draped metal casket. The sight of that small casket in the back of that huge aircraft will be something I will remember for the rest of my life. All of the ceremony participants are lined up on either side of the aircraft and the honor guard retrieves the casket and carries it to a waiting transport vehicle. As the casket is brought down the cargo ramp, all the participants are ordered by the senior officer to "present arms" i.e. salute the passing casket. That vehicles is then driven over to the back of yet another C-17, bound for Dover AFB, Delaware. The process was repeated in reverse. Finally, the chaplain and the senior officers invited inside all of us into the large cargo bay for a short prayer.

During this time, the usually noisy and bustling flightline all but comes to a standstill. Vehicles stop moving and their occupants get out to stand at attention to salute the casket as it passes. It is still very loud, and the prayer inside the cargo bay is said over the intercom, the chaplain speaking through the intercom headset.

In the week I have been here, I've received a number of emails to participate but many times they are held in the middle of the night or when I am off shift. Everyone on base is invited to come any time they are able. Today's ceremony was presided over by the vice Wing Commander, Air Force Colonel Paul W. Tibbets IV. Col Tibbets comes from a very distinguished Air Force lineage. If you don't know the name Paul Tibbets, do a Google search.