We had another Memorial Ceremony this week. One of my Soldiers pass away while playing basketball in the post gym. He was a young man and left a young wife and daughter. The family flew in from CA to attend the ceremony. My Soldiers did a wonderful job of honoring their fallen comrade even though most hardly knew him. He had only been with us for a few weeks. He was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and loved being a Soldier as testified by his cousin who was a Non-Commissioned Officer also stationed here in VA. The post chapel was packed, standing room only with many Soldiers and guests not even being able to get into the chapel. It is very important for us to honor our Soldiers in this way. I always counsel the participants in the ceremony that they are to remain strong. Their time to mourn will come after the ceremony for we must all do our very best to minister to the Soldiers who are coming to the service. Rest in peace SSG Kerry Bell.
I also had to send off some more of our Soldiers downrange. Many were my very close friends and I miss them very much already. We read from Psalm 91 and prayed for God's blessing and safety for them as they travel to the battle space. We pray that they will all come home safe.
