Fallen Multi-Cache

The busy flight line hums with the sounds of airpower. A lone C-17 is parked opposite the other aircraft on the ramp with its back door open. In the background over the noise of a power unit you can hear a three piece band warming up their instruments. Soldiers form two lines leading to the open C-17 doors. A color guard forms up near the edge of the flight line. Soldiers, Airman and Marines flow out of the many buildings that line the tarmac. They began to form up on the edge of the flight line next to the color guard. The flight line begins to quiet except for an occasional burst of an aircraft on the far side ramp. The small three piece band forms up and marches to the rear of the C-17. Along the ramp other troops come out of their planes and form up outside facing the C-17. A large contingency of Army Soldiers loaded in full gear for a mission walk out of their awaiting C-130 and form up facing the C-17. A command of "Attention!" echoes across the ramp as all who are in attendance snap to attention. The band begins to play and as it finishes its solemn song a command of "Present Arms!" is given and everyone slowly raises their right arms in a salute. In the distance and to the right periphery five Hum V's slowly make their way over and center on the rear of the C-17. In each Hum V is a detail of eight solders. As the Hum V's come to a stop the details move out and to the back and then move the five flag draped coffins out of the Hum V's. In unison they tap their feet as they move slowly one by one towards and into the open aircraft cargo bay. It is a sobering experience as one looks on knowing each casket represents one soul with a family and dreams that will never be the same. In the crowd standing side by side are Airman, Soldiers and Marines who all have different creeds but all share the knowledge that we will leave no one behind and we will return with honor. As the last casket disappears into the massive cargo bay a command of "Order Arms!" is given and the salute is slowly lowered. The formations break up and very few words are spoken on the way back to their respective places of work.

Thus concludes the Fallen Comrade Ceremony.

In the time I was deployed in Afghanistan I participated in far more of these ceremonies then I cared to but it is something that every American should have to witness. Freedom is not free and on this cold night in this foreign place the price is indeed high.

Enjoy the trinkets that I have placed in this cache from my travels.

Cache is a large container with trade items and a logbook