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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (June 3, 2012) - The Guard is a family. I have
heard this statement throughout my active-duty career, from PME, and
from Guard members I have served with. I never paid much attention
to this statement, until I joined and saw it in action.
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U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army members of the Indiana Air/Army
National Guard gathered at Hulman International Airport, Terre
Haute, Ind., June 3, 2012, to honor a fallen hero. As the hearse
passed by, members of the 181st each rendered a salute of honor.
(U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. John Chapman)
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On a cold May afternoon, the 181 Intelligence Wing
leadership learned, through local media sources, that a
fallen soldier was being returned from Afghanistan to
Indiana to be laid to rest. In fact, the unknown Guardsman
would be flying into Hulman Field the next day. Armed with
this unexpected information, Col. Patrick Renwick moved
quickly to ensure the fallen soldier's return was met by the
Wing with the honor due a fallen hero.
 Spc.
Arronn D. Fields, 27, deployed in January with the 381st
Military police Company, 81st Troop Command as part of Task
Force Guardian, a multi-unit police force from Indiana.
Fields died May 21, 2012 as a result of injuries sustained
during a rocket propelled grenade attack in Qal-ah-ye Mizzaa
Jal, Afghanistan. A 2003 Northview High School graduate,
Arronn enlisted in 2006.
Fields was the 23rd Indiana
National Guardsman and the 197th Hoosier killed since the
terrorist attacks of 9/11.
By close of business, the
details of Specialist Field's arrival were known and a plan
to support his transportation from Hulman Field hammered
out. The base would honor Fields as he left the airport by
lining the road and rendering a slow, solemn salute to the
hearse as the funeral procession left the airport. Wing
leadership would join the Army Guard leadership to pay their
respects to the family and friends of the deceased.
The next morning the word went out. With mere hours to plan,
organize and assemble, Racers responded to the call in
droves. Master Sgt. Pressey volunteered to transport
personnel using the motor pool bus. Multiple individuals
provided rides to Racer members in their personal vehicles.
By 10:00 a.m., more than 80 personnel had volunteered to
stand in the cold, foggy weather to honor a soldier who,
until a few hours ago, they did not know existed.
At
the airfield, Racers once again stepped up. This time
organizing the base volunteers and providing instructions
regarding the proper etiquette and procedures for saluting
the hearse.
When the time arrived for the 181 IW to
render their respects, it was Racer standard.
Courtesy of 181st Intelligence Wing, Air National Guard
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
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