Final Honors

One of the hardest aspects of life - especially military life - is when we must say "fair well" to a fallen comrade.   While any funeral is emotional, for some of us, the haunting sound of "Taps" will make the most grizzled warrior shed a tear.

I received a call from the Army Reserve Center in Lexington, Kentucky, on Tuesday afternoon asking if the U.S. Army Cadet Corps (USAC) could render final honors for LTC(R) W. T. Buckner, U.S. Army Reserve, who passed away on Monday at the age of 70.  Of course we accepted the honor and immediately went to work.

Under the leadership of CPT Darin Ninness and SFC Tommy Sullivan, along with nine Cadets, led by C/SFC Clifford, the Honors Detail practiced for several hours.

The Honors Detail provided the traditional "three volleys,' along with "Taps" and the presentation of the flag "on behalf of a grateful nation" by CPT Ninness to the family of LTC Buckner.

The detail provided final honors to a fallen warrior with respect, dignity and pride.   That's the way it's supposed to be.

Hooah!


J. M. LAND, SR.     "Cobra 8"
COL, GS, USAC
Chief of Staff
U.S. Army Cadet Corps

Notes:

a.  The photos were taken at the request of the cemetery and with the permission of the family. 

b.   USAC Cadets do not carry Class "A" uniforms with them to Annual Training.  Therefore, the detail is in the Army Combat Uniform (ACU).   This was explained to the widow who stated, "...my husband - as a professional soldier - almost never wore his dress uniform...he would have liked it this way!"