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Final Salute

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Posted by: walkin2e

Please pray for Casualty Assistance Officers as they perform this special mission:

Final Salute (good read)


The Rocky Mountain News allowed a reporter to follow a Marine major whose job it was was to inform the families that their loved ones had died. It's a long, very touching story. God bless the "mainstream" print media for being able to tell great stories like these.

http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/news/finalSalute/



"Each door is different.

Some are ornately carved hardwood, some are hollow aluminum. Some are protected by elaborate security systems, some by loose screen doors.

During the past year, the 40-year-old Marine major in the white gloves has stood at the front doors of homes in three states, preparing to deliver the message no family wants to hear.

It is a job he never asked for and one for which he received no training. There are no set rules, only impersonal guidelines. It is a mission without weapons.

Steve Beck trained to fight as a Marine, winning accolades as the most accomplished marksman of his class - a man who later earned two master's degrees in a quest to become a leader on the battlefield. He had hoped to deploy during the Persian Gulf War and definitely thought he would get his chance this time.

Instead, he found himself faced with an assignment that starts with a long walk to a stranger's porch and an outstretched hand. It continues with a promise steeped in the history of the Corps that most people associate only with the battlefield:

Never leave a Marine behind."

When I was in the Army, part of my duties was "Casualty Assistance Officer". When I was stationed in Fort Rucker, Alabama, I was responsible for casualty reporting for active duty deaths (and retiree military funerals) for northwest Florida, south Alabama, and south Mississippi.

I was the one who received notification of casualties (or initiated casualty reports), assigned the notification officer, and assistance officer. I would often receive calls in the middle of the night..Time was of essence, and so was dignity and respect for the fallen soldier and his family. These officers have an extremely important mission, and often the stresses of the mission would get to them.

I have knocked on a door, and said "On behalf of the Secretary of the Army, I am sorry to inform you your husband has been killed in action".

This story you posted was well written, and reflected the behind the scenes tragedy of this war.

I salute all fallen military members, and the special officers and staff who perform casualty duty.


Irvin L. Rozier, Captain (Ret) US Army


Posted by: Sulten

Thanks for posting this Irvin.

Dear Lord in Heaven, I pray for all these Casuality Assistance Officer's who are given such a grim task. May they be bouyed up with Your spirit in undertaking such an assignment. May they be added upon to help the greiving families they must visit and bring this knowledge of this painful news. Bless them in every way. And please bless all the families that must endure such news. Help them to bear it with Your strength and support underneath them. I thank Thee for all those who have died for the freedoms that we enjoy each and every day. May be never take these things for granted, I give my thanks and salute, in Jesus Holy name amen.