A Fallen Soldier

I'll admit it, despite having served for over seven years I have been fortunate to have learned of few deaths of those I have served with. Tonight, while talking to one of my former Soldiers, I learned of one that hit me a little hard.

SGT Jenkins, well, we were in the same area doing the same mission. SGT Minnucci, I was still over there and somewhat used to death. CPT Garcia, I was in the Old Guard and saddened to see it but knew he was a warrior who died a warrior's death. SSG Hake, he left the unit as I was getting there. I know there's been others, but I have yet to learn of their deaths.

SPC Hernandez was a fresh-faced junior enlisted Soldier who came to the Old Guard after I had already been there awhile and had earned my stripes. I had already been to Iraq. I had already seen both death and the impact of death on the homefront. The Old Guard is the Army's Official Ceremonial Unit and Escort to the President. Old Guard Soldiers conduct high profile ceremonies, funerals in Arlington National Cemetery and other usually non-hazardous yet very important tasks. SPC Hernandez did all this and more. Though he was not my stereotype of an Infantry Soldier he reenlisted after discussing it with myself and others. He was looking to go to Germany to get a nice cushy job, and that is what I fully expected to happen. I guess either himself or his unit realized his potential, though, and put him where he belonged; leading from the front.

SPC Hernandez had two sons, not much different in ages than my own two youngest daughters, or my oldest children were when I was in harm's way.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jmhernandez.htm

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...,3953084.story

Sorry to hear that man.

I'll keep his family in my prayers, man.