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chiprj
Join Date 06/2004
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Funeral Detail - 9 March 2005

If it weren't for short notice, we'd have no notice at all, right?

March 9, 2005 5:22:18 PM from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
If it weren't for short notice, we'd have no notice at all, right?

At the beginning of practice yesterday, we had only one full honors funeral and one two person detail lined up for the next few days. By the end of practice, we had a full honors lined up for today, a full honors for Friday, and two full honors details for Saturday. Busy schedule, especially with only one full team for full honors.

So, we got our team together this morning extra early (for those that read my posts last summer, you know I like to get to the cemetery early) and we had a couple extra people, since this was our first full honors for this rotation. One of the other NCOICs and the other firing team leader came to help out and to observe how things went.

We got to the cemetery and made contact with the personnel there. The grave site was already set up so we were able to run through some practices on the spot. My firing team leader was a bit out of practice since it had been a while since he'd done a funeral so I was starting to get a little nervous as time went on and he continued to make some of the same mistakes over and over. It got to the point that I asked the other NCOIC that came with us if he'd be willing to step in and take the firing team leader position. But by the time we were close to the start time, I felt more comfortable with the firing team leader, so that became unnecessary.

It was a good thing we were so early because the chapel service finished 30 minutes earlier than scheduled. We received a five minute warning and got lined up. The chapel was only a short distance from the grave, so they wheeled to casket out on a small cart. Once I and the other NCOIC got it in position on the road side, I had the firing team move up and carry it the rest of the way. I also made sure the funeral home director pointed out the widow. I learned the hard way last summer that sometimes they forget to tell you who it is, so I make sure to ask ahead of time now.

The ceremony was brief. The minister talked for a bit and read a short passage. He then turned it over to me. I centered myself on the casket and saluted. The team sounded in sync as they fired, but on the third volley, only one rifle actually fired. After Taps finished, the team moved back to the casket to fold the flag. We ran into a minor problem with the folding. There are a couple of organizations that donate flags to these funerals and, oddly, the flags aren't always the same exact dimensions. Some require a small lip be folded into them and some don't. Well, the team folded the lip in and then weren't left with enough material to finish the folding. They ended up having to undo it and refold the flag.

After the team marched off, I presented the flag. I was really nervous (as usual) but took my time and got the line out clearly and precisely. The widow thanked me through her tears and I offered my condolences. I then moved off to the side and waited for the ceremony to end. Afterwards, I asked the widow to allow me to put the flag in a case for her and returned it to her moments later. I then rounded up the team and we left.

Overall, the ceremony went well. The team did a good job, despite the misfiring rifles and hiccup on flag folding. I was nervous the entire ceremony, but now that I have my first funeral done for this rotation, I will feel more relaxed and confident for the rest of the time. And after I finish the back to back full honors funerals on Saturday, I'll feel even better, I'm sure.



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chiprj
xtine
Join Date 04/2004
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Reply #1 March 9, 2005 5:37:49 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
I do not know how you do it. The whole flag thing dissolves me every time.
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chiprj
mignuna
Join Date 01/2004
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Reply #2 March 9, 2005 5:58:10 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

chip, one of the main reasons i like joeuser is the opportunity to experience things i'd never get the chance to learn about any other way, and this article is a great example of that.

i was so moved by your words and actions here, and your genuine expressions of the heavy weight of responsibility when grief is a factor are among the most beautifully expressed thoughts i've read in a long time.

thanks so much for sharing this, i enjoyed it a great deal

mig XXX

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chiprj
greywar
Join Date 05/2003
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Reply #3 March 9, 2005 7:46:01 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
What is the deal with the rifles?
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chiprj
drmiler
Join Date 09/2004
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Reply #4 March 9, 2005 9:05:50 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

What is the deal with the rifles?


"21 gun salute"? It's required for a full honors feuneral.
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chiprj
drmiler
Join Date 09/2004
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Reply #5 March 9, 2005 9:09:16 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
I do not know how you do it. The whole flag thing dissolves me every time.



I don't know how he does it either. The flag folding doesn't get me....Taps is what gets me *every time*. As does the missing man formation (reserved for aviators).
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chiprj
greywar
Join Date 05/2003
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Reply #6 March 9, 2005 9:21:33 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
21 gun salute"? It's required for a full honors feuneral.


I mean why are they constantly misfiring?
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chiprj
chiprj
Join Date 06/2004
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Reply #7 March 9, 2005 10:01:20 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
"21 gun salute"? It's required for a full honors feuneral.


Actually 15 gun salute for retirees. 21 guns for active duty funerals.

I mean why are they constantly misfiring?


Because when 7th ID shut down, we still only got their crap. Now, 10 years of declining service later, we have some of the worst weapons the Army has to offer. TRADOC isn't very high on the list to get new, quality gear.
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chiprj
drmiler
Join Date 09/2004
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Reply #8 March 10, 2005 8:22:17 AM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
"21 gun salute"? It's required for a full honors feuneral.


Actually 15 gun salute for retirees. 21 guns for active duty funerals.


Your entirely correct, I had forgotten that. The last 2 I was at was 21 because both were active USN.
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chiprj
chiprj
Join Date 06/2004
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Reply #9 March 10, 2005 12:20:10 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
i was so moved by your words and actions here, and your genuine expressions of the heavy weight of responsibility when grief is a factor are among the most beautifully expressed thoughts i've read in a long time.thanks so much for sharing this, i enjoyed it a great deal


Thanks so much. Right back at you, by the way. I have i want to go to a funeral in my watchlist and read it often. That is one of my absolute favorite posts here at JU.
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