Courtesy Photo | Paying his final respects, a Soldier from the 243rd Engineer Company, Maryland Army...... read more read more
Spc. Janine Coogler
CFLCC PAO/11th PAD
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Gazing at a picture, an empty pair of boots, a helmet, dog tags and a rifle, servicemembers and civilians filled Zone 1 chapel to pay their respects to a fallen Soldier during a memorial service Jan. 17.
The 243rd Engineer Company, Maryland Army National Guard, honored Sgt. Michael J. McMullen, who died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 10 of injuries sustained in Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position.
"Today we are here to pay our respects, to say farewell and to honor a rambunctious brother, a beautiful and caring son, a dedicated Soldier," said Chaplain (Capt.) Rodney Thomas. "Sgt. Michael McMullen was all these and more."
In tribute to McMullen, a fellow Soldier and friend reflected on their time together and spoke in eulogy.
McMullen, a firefighter in Salisbury, Md, was known to take pride in everything from his job in the civilian sector to the military, said Sgt. Benson Ford, 243rd Engineer Company Soldier. He gave the ultimate sacrifice, by laying down his life for other Soldiers" lives.
McMullen was quick to laugh, eager to learn and always willing to help, Thomas said.
During the memorial message, Thomas expressed the dedication, love and sacrifice McMullen showed.
"Greater love has no more meaning than this, to give his life for his friends," he said.
"McMullen showed that kind of selfless sacrifice when he jumped from the safety of his armored vehicle to rush to the aid of his friends. Disregarding his own safety, putting himself in imminent danger to protect his brother and sister in the Army," Thomas said.
Thomas spoke with McMullen's mother before the service. "She was and is proud of her son. She wanted to let you know that he died doing exactly what he wanted to do," he said.
Although her son is gone, she expressed her desire to greet the 243rd Soldiers when they return home safely, Thomas said.
"McMullen, a Soldier, a hero, a friend. May his life, may his sacrifice never be forgotten," Thomas concluded.
Silence was heard as 1st Sgt. Paul Mirabile conducted roll call, identifying the absence of McMullen. The firing of three volleys of musketry followed by the notes of Taps hung in the air as 243rd Soldiers joined their commanders and friends in saluting, honoring and saying their final goodbyes to Sgt. Michael McMullen.
| Date Taken: | 01.24.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.24.2006 13:07 |
| Story ID: | 5191 |
| Location: | ARJIFAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 763 |
| Downloads: | 145 |
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