I too had the honor/anguish of Funeral Detail. I did two rotations while at Ft. Bragg where it was a full time detail (for the duration of the rotation we were either practicing, getting inspected or bestowing the final honor our nation has for our vets and servicemembers; and have done it for many while in the National Guards of 3 states (National Guard teams are usually put together at the last minute, from anyone available, so unfortunately there is far less polish. On the other hand, there is a bigger chance that those on the detail actually knew the deceased, than the active duty teams.
In 1st COSCOM only companies came up on the roster for the detail, the teams were all made up of volunteers. I volunteered both chances I had, the first time because (apparently like you), I knew there were a lot of things I could learn from doing them. The second time, most of us from the rotation before volunteered because we knew we could do it right. Most of us also looked forward to the chance to work together again.
Most of those we buried were old WWII vets, the rest were from other wars, or did their time and got on with their lives. While they were sad, they were usually celebrations of a life, complete with laughter, tears and fond memories by those who knew the deceased at their best and worst (as a funeral should be).
There were a couple though that still have a hold on my psyche.
One was a Mess Sergeant who had been stationed in Korea. He was caught falsifying records so that he could sell rations on the black market. Since it had been going on for a long time, he was facing many years "breaking rocks" at Levinworth. He chose a death sentence for himself and a lifetime of pain and anguish for his family. Imagine being the preacher of a congregation in a small Appalachian town. Imagine trying to give hope to a bereaved family who are 100% sure that their beloved son, brother, cousin, or friend is burning in Hell even as you speak. Imagine knowing that they knew it with such a conviction because you taught it with such conviction.
The second was a fellow Rigger. Headed home for Christmas leave, he fell asleep at the wheel. We were not on the rotation at the time, but the family had requested that the funeral detail be made up of those of us who served with him.
I see from your articles on the subject that you understand and are willing to put into this detail all that it implies and requires. There are few things more moving than a well executed military funeral; it is equally sad when those executing one apparently don't care.
As always, thank you for your service. But even more, thanks for being one who cares.
