Book Log 2009 #13: Final Salute by Jim Sheeler
Regardless of how you feel about our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, it would be well worth your while to read this incredibly moving book detailing all aspects of what the military calls casualty notification. The book mostly focuses on Major Steve Beck, a Marine who, like most casualty notification officers, has little to no training on how to deliver the news or support the families now missing a child or spouse. Unlike some who are tapped to perform this duty - no one is permanently assigned to do so - Beck has a skill for it, thanks in no small part to his empathy for the families and understanding of how to truly honor the fallen.
One of the most moving parts of the book, though, comes when Sheeler spends time with the soldiers who accompany the caskets of their comrades back to their families. At the time the book was written, this typically happened on commercial flights, meaning that the accompanying soldier, often a friend or unitmate of the deceased, had the added burden that came when fellow passengers realized why the soldier was on their flight. The emotion here is at a completely different level than that of the families, at times more raw at the loss of a friend while at other times thankful that there are other passengers who provide comfort or support (thankfully, few passengers seem to seize the opportunity to voice their opinion on the war, one way or the other).
At times the book does get a little mawkish, which I think comes from the need to find material to bring what was originally a featured series in the now-departed Rocky Mountain News to book length. Even so, these periods are few and don't detract greatly. I don't know if it would change anyone's views on the wars, but I do think it helps to provide focus to what has been, for most of us, war held at arm's length.
Regardless of how you feel about our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, it would be well worth your while to read this incredibly moving book detailing all aspects of what the military calls casualty notification. The book mostly focuses on Major Steve Beck, a Marine who, like most casualty notification officers, has little to no training on how to deliver the news or support the families now missing a child or spouse. Unlike some who are tapped to perform this duty - no one is permanently assigned to do so - Beck has a skill for it, thanks in no small part to his empathy for the families and understanding of how to truly honor the fallen.
One of the most moving parts of the book, though, comes when Sheeler spends time with the soldiers who accompany the caskets of their comrades back to their families. At the time the book was written, this typically happened on commercial flights, meaning that the accompanying soldier, often a friend or unitmate of the deceased, had the added burden that came when fellow passengers realized why the soldier was on their flight. The emotion here is at a completely different level than that of the families, at times more raw at the loss of a friend while at other times thankful that there are other passengers who provide comfort or support (thankfully, few passengers seem to seize the opportunity to voice their opinion on the war, one way or the other).
At times the book does get a little mawkish, which I think comes from the need to find material to bring what was originally a featured series in the now-departed Rocky Mountain News to book length. Even so, these periods are few and don't detract greatly. I don't know if it would change anyone's views on the wars, but I do think it helps to provide focus to what has been, for most of us, war held at arm's length.
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