A Father's Pride In His Late Son's Service
(March 17, 2010) |
|
|
| WASHINGTON, March 15, 2010 – While flying on United Airlines
last week, I overheard a telephone conversation from a
gentleman seated directly behind me. His words went
something like this: "Although today was an extremely sad
day for me - it was absolutely the happiest day of my life,
and I am proud to be an American."
This gentleman went on to talk about a funeral he attended
in South Carolina, and specifically gave great kudos to the
U.S. Army for the professionalism displayed at this service.
He went into great detail about the funeral service itself
and how it was conducted. He went on to say that Jeremiah
really enjoyed serving in the Army, and now, he clearly
understood why.
My ears immediately perked up when I overhead him talk about
the Army in such a positive way. He boasted about the
general who presented the flags to him and his family, the
sharp-looking soldiers of the salute battery, the sounds of
taps, how the soldiers stood at attention for such a long
period of time, how the military paid for his family to fly
to South Carolina, the number of letters and calls he
received from Jeremiah's command, how the Red Cross
assisted, and so on. He could not say enough great things
about our Army.
I quickly pulled a two-star card from my briefcase and wrote
him a thank-you note for his kind words about our Army. He
had no clue I was in the Army since I was in civilian
clothes. Within seconds, he tapped me on the shoulder and
with tears in his eyes proceeded to tell me the rest of the
story.
The gentleman's name is Robert Wittman. He was flying with
his entire family: wife, son, daughter, Mom, Dad,
grandparents and friends. They were carrying home the
cremated remains of his son, Sgt. Jeremiah T. Wittman of the
4th Infantry Division, who was killed in Afghanistan on Feb.
13.
Dad told me that Jeremiah already had two tours in Iraq and
ultimately gave his life in Afghanistan. While in Iraq the
first time, Jeremiah's vehicle was hit by an improvised
explosive device, and several of his buddies were severely
injured. He went on to say that his son truly loved the Army
and did what he did from the heart.
His dad was a proud man. He did say that he often wondered
why his son stayed in the Army after his initial attack in
Iraq. Now that he saw the U.S. Army in action at the
funeral, he said – as he had on the phone earlier -- that he
now understands why.
Dad proudly held up the urn and boasted about how beautiful
it was, and he continued to brag about the Army for all to
hear. The folks around him listened with big ears and
inspiration.
I must admit, although it really was a beautiful urn and a
wonderful Army story - it brought a slight tear to my eye,
as I, too, have a son —- a captain in the 82nd Airborne
Division -- serving in Afghanistan, and this moment hit
home.
Bottom line: Although the family was saddened by the loss of
their son, they were all proud to be associated with the
U.S. Army. I could see it in their eyes and hear it in their
voices. Why? Simply because of the way they were treated by
our Army family at the funeral. The 4th ID leadership and
others involved did it up right and made a positive,
lifetime-lasting impact with this family. Great job!
To top off a memorable flight, when the aircraft came to a
halt the pilot announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have
your attention please. Among us today is a great American
soldier named Sgt. Jeremiah Wittman, killed in action on 13
February. Our deepest sympathy, respect and sorrow go out to
the Wittman family. We ask that you honor Sergeant Wittman
-- our fallen hero -- the entire Wittman family and our
armed forces by remaining seated and allowing the family to
depart the aircraft first.”
At that moment, you could have heard a pin drop in the
aircraft, but within seconds, everyone on the aircraft was
clapping as the family departed on their way.
The family departed feeling special and honored. I sat there
proud to be an American soldier. | |
By Army Maj. Gen. Kurt J. Stein
Commanding General of U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management
Command
Special to American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2010
R eprinted from American Forces Press Service / DoD
Comment on this article |
|
