SFC Chad Stackpole, Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, makes his last walk and inspection

SFC Chad Stackpole

 

On Thursday, March 14, 2013, SFC Chad Stackpole made his last walk and inspection at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.  I was privileged to be there to witness this event.  I'm told that this event takes place about twelve times a year.

 

Many of you in the military community may recognize SFC Stackpole's name as the 2009 winner of Best Ranger Competition along with his teammate SFC Simms.  But March 14th wasn't about Best Ranger Competition, it was about honor and duty at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

 

On that cold and windy day SFC Stackpole emerged from the barracks under the Tomb to begin his final inspection of the Sentinel who would take over guarding the Tomb.

 

SFC Stackpole after just leaving the barracks under the Tomb

 

There was a large crowd on hand as SFC Stackpole completed the inspection of the Relief Guard who was about to begin his time guarding the Tomb.

 

SFC Stackpole (left) during the inspection of the Sentinel coming on duty

 

Once the inspection was complete, SFC Stackpole completed the Changing of the Guard for his last time:

 

SFC Stackpole (center)

 



 



SFC Stackpole on left

 



Once the Changing of the Guard was complete, SFC Stackpole, who would normally have marched smartly back to the barracks under the Tomb, stopped and came to attention right in front of me in preparation for his Rose Ceremony.  The Rose Ceremony is conducted by each Tomb Guard at the end of their final walk or inspection at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

SFC Stackpole preparing for his Rose Ceremony

 

As the Rose Ceremony began, SFC Stackpole marched to the center of the area and turned left to his wife.  He gave her a rose then removed his white gloves and handed them to her.

 

Marching to the center to get the roses

 

Preparing to place the roses

 

 

He turned to face the WWI Tomb of the Unknowns and, with four roses tucked in his left hand he saluted the Tomb.  He then silently marched to the WWI Tomb and knelt to place a rose.  He then stood up and saluted the Tomb.

 



SFC Stackpole places a rose at the WWI Tomb of the Unknowns

 



SFC Stackpole then marched to the WWII crypt where he paused to salute then kneel to place a rose.  He stood up and, again, saluted.

SFC Stackpole places a rose at the WWII crypt

 



He repeated this honorable and moving process of placing a rose and saluting at both the Korean War crypt and the Vietnam War crypt.

SFC Stackpole placing a rose at the Korean War crypt

SFC Stackpole placing a rose at the Vietnam War crypt

 

The SFC Stackpole rendered his final honors

Rendering Final Honors after the last rose has been placed

I found it incredibly poignant that, just after SFC Stackpole rendered his final honors, a gust of wind blew the roses from where he had just placed them.  To me it symbolized a "thank you" to SFC Stackpole and a wish for his future endeavors to go well.

The wind blew the roses just placed by SFC Stackpole

SFC Stackpole marched to his family and escorted them from the Tomb of the Unknowns back to the barracks.

SFC Stackpole escorts his wife and children from the Tomb of the Unknowns back to the barracks under the Tomb

Once inside the barracks SFC Stackpole's Commander, COL James Markert, thanked SFC Stackpole, his wife and children, for their service.  He wished them well as they move on to their next duty assignment with the 82nd Airborne.

COL James Markert thanking Mrs. Stackpole for her committment and her support of SFC Stackpole

COL James Markert, Commander of the Old Guard, SFC Chad Stackpole, Mrs. Stackpole and children

There were speeches lauding SFC Stackpole for his time at The Old Guard as well as his career in the Army.

I am so grateful to have been allowed the privilege of witnessing this historic day for both the Stackpole family and the Old Guard.

Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns

I was in the DC/Virginia area for a couple of weeks recently.  The more I visit there the more I wish I could live there for a few years because of all of the unique opportunities and events.

On Friday, March 15, 2013 I had the privilege of attending an Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.  Vice Chief of Defense Force of Australia, Air Marshall Mark Binskin (equivalent to a 3 Star General), laid the wreath.  Major General Michael S Linnington, Commander of the Joint Force Headquarters National Capitol Region, US Army Military District of Washington, escorted the Vice Chief.

Thanks to Major General Linnington, who I met just before the ceremony began, I had a fantastic place to stand and watch.  It was another cold and windy day in the DC/Virginia area but because it was spring break there was a huge crowd (mostly of high school students) present for the wreath laying.  I've been to several wreath laying ceremonies at Arlington.  They are all very moving but this one definitely had a lot of added pomp and circumstance.

Members of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard gathered in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns.  Many people think that the front of the Tomb is the side they face when watching the Changing of the Guard or Wreath laying ceremonies when, actually the front of the Tomb faces away from the amphitheatre and towards Washington, DC.

Members of the five branches of our Armed Forces waiting for the ceremony to begin

 

The units march up the steps towards the Tomb of the Unknowns in order of the date (oldest to newest) that their branch of service was organized - Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force then Coast Guard.  The precision is impeccable.

Here they come

It is very moving to watch and listen as the Commanders of each group shout out orders to their men/women.  Finally they are all in place.

All in place

Then the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard moves into place

The Joint Armed Forces Color Guard is in place

After the Color Guard is in place the US Army Band, Pershing's Own, moves in.

US Army Band - Pershing's Own

The US Army Band plays our National Anthem followed by the National Anthem of the visiting nation - in the case Australia.

The Old Guard Presidential Salute Battery was there to fired their cannons to honor Vice Chief of Defense Force of Australia, Air Marshall Mark Binskin. The cannons begin to fire for his arrival to the cemetery, timing the rounds so that the first round was fired as he entered the cemetery and the last one went off as his vehicle stopped at the memorial amphitheater. An amazing feat of timing and precision because they fire a specified number of rounds. I cannot remember if it's 17 or 18 but I know it's somewhere around that number. They were thunderous for sure!

The Joint Armed Forces Color Guard moves back towards one side of the Tomb and is joined by the Sentinel with the wreath, a bugler and a drummer.  The bugler and drummer are members of the U. S Army Band, Pershing's Own.  It was very impressive to me to watch the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard as they moved with such precision while navigating intricate turns.

 

The members of the Official Party are brought down the steps and moved into place

Members of the Official Party are escorted into place

Once the Official Party is in place the visiting dignitary who will place the wreath along with his/her host then move down the steps followed by a Color Guard with the flag from the visiting nation.

MG Michael Linnington accompanies Vice Chief of Defense Force of Australia, Air Marshall Mark Binskin followed by the Australian Color Guard

 

Air Marshall Binskin, assisted by one of the Tomb Guards, placed the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns

Placing the wreath

And then renders honors

Vice Chief of Defense Force of Australia, Air Marshall Mark Binskin saluting

Vice Chief of Defense Force of Australia, Air Marshall Mark Binskin then moved back next to Major General Linnington and honors are rendered again.

The bugler plays TAPS while all military personnel in uniform salute and all others are encouraged to place their hands over their hearts.

TAPS

The visiting dignitary, Vice Chief of Defense Force of Australia, Air Marshall Mark Binskin, is escorted from the area by his host, Major General Linnington.

The Official Party leaves the area as the US Army Band leaves while playing and the members of the Armed Forces units march back down the steps.

I was incredibly proud to be an American that day.  Of course I am always proud to be an American.  But on that particular day, being able to see so many of our men and women in uniform, looking so sharp and and professional while representing us, was just extra special.  I honestly had no idea about the Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath Ceremony and am thankful to COL James Markert for inviting me to attend.

Veteran's Day 2012 at Arlington National Cemetery

Just as they have on most Memorial Day and Veteran's Day weekends for many years, a group of 173rd, 2-503d Vietnam Bravo Bulls Veterans gathered at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday November 10, 2012 to honor and remember the fallen from the 2-503d.  They were joined by family and friends as well as other Vietnam Veterans and 2-503d Veterans of OEF VI and OEF VIII (Afghanistan) their families and friends and an OEF VIII Gold Star widow.

Four members of the 173rd, 2-503d Vietnam Bravo Bulls render honors after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns as the Old Guard bugler plays TAPS at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Back row left to right - Joe Logan and Jim Robinson 

Front row left to right - Dave Glick and LTC Roy Lombardo, Jr.)

The weather in the Washington, DC area could not have been more perfect as the Bravo Bulls, their wives, Veterans of the current day 2-503d, SGT Jeffery Mersman's Gold Star widow, Lynn, parents of a currently deployed 2-503 Battle Co Soldier, family and friends gathered at MG Ellis Williamson's grave at 11:00 to begin the day's remembrance events.

Part of the crowd assembled at MG Williamson's (and his wife's) grave at Arlington National Cemetery.  Sec 60, Site 383

LTC (r) Roy Lombardo, Jr. spoke about MG Williamson including how he brought the 173rd up on Okinawa.  LTC Lombardo related historical information and shared memories of MG Williamson both during the time the Vietnam Bravo Bulls served under him as well as fond memories after MG Williamson retired from the Army. 

MD Williamson was the first commander of the 173d. In 1963 he was given the job to assemble and train a strike force based in Okinawa, that was able to assault anywhere in south east Asia in 24 hours. In May of 1965, it was thought that Saigon was about to be overrun. At first the Brigade was all scheduled to jump into Vietnam. However, the plan was changed to land in Bien Hoa.  There were some elements of the Brigade who did make the only combat jump into Vietnam.  They were the first army unit to enter Vietnam and the last to leave. General Williamson in later years preferred to be called Butch.  MG Williamson started his army carrier as a trombone player in the North Carolina National Guard! After coming ashore at Normandy, he survived the carpet bombing at the "St. Lowe breakout". He started leading troops east, turned north and ended up in Berlin. Along the way he accumulated 4 DSC's, 6 Silver Stars, 4 Purple Hearts as well as many other medals and awards. He was a hell of a trombone player.

I've heard LTC Lombardo relate these stores before and never grow tired of listening.  I was especially grateful that so many of the modern day ROCK Paratroopers were present to learn about this part of their legacy. 

A wreath was unveiled and Honors were rendered.  LTC Lombardo, Jr. then recited the words to TAPS.  It was a very respectful and emotional moment.

Rendering Honors to MG Ellis Williamson

After the ceremony at MG Williamson's grave we all moved to the 173rd Memorial Stone in Sec 33 of the Cemetery where we waited for the 82nd Airborne Color Guard and Bugler to arrive.  Each year on both Memorial Day and Veteran's Day the 82nd Airborne sends the Color Guard and Bugler to Arlington National Cemetery.  They spend the majority of the day moving from Memorial to Memorial presenting the Colors and playing TAPS for any group who requests them to do so.

Members of the 173rd, 2-503d Vietnam Bravo Bulls with the 82nd Airborne Color Guard at the 173rd Memorial in Arlington

After the colors were presented, Bravo Bull Jim Robinson read the very moving poem Bury Me With Soldiers.  If you have never heard or read the poem I encourage you to click the link and read it.

Jim Robinson reading "Bury me with Soldiers"

 

LTC (r) Roy Lombardo, Jr. reminded us all of the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made for our nation throughout wars of all generations.  He then began to read names of the Fallen.

 

LTC (r) Roy Lombardo, Jr. reminding the crowd about the ultimate sacrifice of the Fallen Sky Soldiers from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan

As LTC Lombardo, Jr. read names of the fallen, members of the crowd placed an American flag around the base of the 173rd Memorial stone.

 

Ed Kearney placed the first flag in memory of Medal of Honor Recipient Milton Olive

 

LTC Lombardo, Jr. continued to read names of the Fallen from Bravo/Battle Company who were killed in action in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan as members of the crowd placed the flags.

 

 

 

2-503d "C" Company (Chosen Company) Soldiers who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) during OEF VIII (2007-2008) were there to remember and honor the fallen.

 

The 173rd Memorial Stone at Arlington after the ceremony

 

Gold Star wife, Lynn, her children and friends of SGT Jeffrey Mersman who was Killed in Action on 9 November 2007 during OEF VIII.  SGT Mersman was a member of 2-503d Chosen Company

 

From there we moved to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where members of the 173rd, 2-503d Bravo Bulls laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

 

Tomb Sentinels bringing in the 173rd Wreath for the Bravo Bulls to place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery

Photo by Ed Kearney

  

Bravo Bulls being briefed by the Sergeant of the Guard just before placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Photo by Ed Kearney

 

Bravo Bulls with the Sergeant of the Guard just before placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

 

 

 

Placing the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns

Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

LTC Lombardo, Jr. left the following comment on one of my pictures on facebook:  "It was a great honor to be able to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. There are no unknowns from the Vietnam War but I used the occasion to remember personally PFC Van Campen (The first KIA in B/2-503) and SFC John Lopez, awarded the DSC. Neither body was ever recovered. For me they reside in the same Limbo as the other Unknowns."

 

Rendering Honors after placing the wreath

Photo by Ed Kearney

 

 

Rendering Honors as the Bugler plays TAPS.  It was one of the most emotional moments of the day.  Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

 

Photo by Karin Evink Markert

 

 

Photo by Ed Kearney

 

After the wreath had been placed at the Tomb of the Unknowns we went below to the barracks of the Sentinel Guards for a briefing about the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Tomb Guard Platoon.  The Soldier who briefed us was incredibly professional and informative.  I learned several things - one being that the Sentinel Guards do not wear rank while they are guarding the Tomb.  The reason for this is so that they do not out rank the Soldiers interred in the Tomb.  I also learned that the sitting President at the time the remains of any Unknown were interred is the one who is listed as "next of kin."

 

During the briefing the Sentinel who was briefing us excused himself for a minute.  When he came back he brought with him the Sentinel who was preparing to take over the guard duties at the Tomb.  He explained the Sentinel's uniform to us then answered questions regarding the uniform and weapon. 

 

 

Although the Sentinel was about to step out to take over guard duty he and the Commander of the Relief took a quick moment for photos.  We were very grateful to all of them for these very special opportunities.

 

Jim Robinson, Ed Kearney, Joe Logan, Commander of the Relief, Sentinel about to go on duty guarding the Tomb, Dave Glick and Roy Lombardo, Jr.

 

 

I honestly realized then and still do, how fortunate I am

 

Immediately after the above photo was taken the Soldier standing between Joe Logan and me, known as the Commander of the Relief, approached the exit door of the room and began his march out to the Tomb.  Within a short amount of time the Soldier on the far right of this photo approached the exit door to begin his march out to the Tomb where he took his place as the Sentinel guarding the Tomb for the next hour.  The Commander of the Relief is the Soldier who inspects the new guard coming on duty at the Tomb.

 

I was struck by how each Soldier's first step from the room was sharp and with such meaning. 

 

Our next stop was at the Caisson Stables for a tour and a briefing about the Caisson Platoon.  The Soldiers of the Caisson Platoon are those who escort the remains of our Fallen and of retired Veterans to their final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery.  Not only do they participate in numerous burials each day, they also care for the caissons, horses and the stables.  They, just like the Tomb Sentinels were incredibly professional and welcoming to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L to R:  Ed Kearney, Carol Lombardo, Dave Click, Judy, Roy Lombardo, Izzy, Caisson Soldier, Joe Logan and Jim Robinson outside the entrance to the Caisson Stables on Fort Myer

 

COL Jim and Mrs. (Karin) Markert had invited the Bravo Bulls back to their home for an early dinner after the day's events.

 

From lower right: Judy, Joe Logan, Izzy & Dave Glick, COL Jim and Karin Markert, Roy & Carol Lombardo and Ed Kearney at dinner at the Markert's home at Fort Myer

 

 

Kevin, a friend of the Markerts, and Jim Robinson at the dinner at the Markert's home

 

I am thankful to the Bravo Bulls for, once again, allowing me to be a part of such a special and memorable occasion.  I am thankful to Andi Fehl for helping to get the word out and to so many of the "younger" ROCK Paratroopers who attended the events.  I am also thankful to my friends COL Jim and Karin Markert (current Commander of The Old Guard), Arlington National Cemetery (for allowing the Bravo Bulls to lay the wreath), the Old Guard PAO, the Tomb Sentinels and the Caisson Platoon for going out of their way to make this such a special day.