JACK ARMY, scanning my sector!
Tears aren't all bad.
I'm in the PGR and I've seen 75 guys get all teary eyed when the family members walk our flag line and thank us for showing up to their loved ones service.
The care the CAOs give the families is awesome. It means a lot to them.
You'll do fine.
In my opinion you'd be great at it. After reading what you wrote here, someone that has the compassion and caring that you have for these families is the perfect person for the job.
I bet you would do a great job then cry after it was all over. It is good how we are strong when we need to be....
I'm sure you will do great at it, but I do hope and pray that you are never, ever called upon to do it.
We were one of the unlucky families to receive "The Knock". My nephew, Spc. Matthew Murchison, was killed in action in Baghdad when his ASV was struck with an EFP. Matthew was hit in the head from behind. He never knew what happened to him.
The army knocked at my sister's door at 6:01am on August 5, 2007. Matthew was killed at approx. 10pm Baghdad time on August 4th. She still hears the doorbell at 6:01am, though it's not really ringing. It will be with her forever.
Though the different branches of service handle the casualty notification differently, the army sends different people to guide the family through the preparations - not the same personnel that "knocked". My sister's CNO is the most compassionate, wonderful and caring individual we have ever known. Matthew was his first casualty. He is family now.
Expect that if you're called on for this duty, though it will be tough, you will gain another whole family through the experience.
Also, read the book "Final Salute". It's a great read and VERY accurate.
God Bless and Good Luck with your new duties.
Commenting by HaloScan
