Are the Army Core Values of Loyalty, Duty and Honor being trampled upon by our policy makers?

2015-10-05T21:30:07-04:00

Recently, I had the honor and privilege to escort one of my Soldiers home to Cincinnati, OH. SPC Darius D. Wilkinson was killed on 11 September 2015 from injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident. I was on BDE Staff Duty that night. My 1SG called me at about 0130 asking for me to meet him in front of our Company. Shortly thereafter, my CO arrived. He seemed rather shaken so I asked him if everything was ok. He stated that he could not discuss the situation and instructed me to go about completing the work I was doing. At about 0330, he called me back into his office to give me the news. I was crushed. What a great young man SPC Wilkinson was, and still is. Being his Maintenance Officer, my CO gave me the opportunity to volunteer to take him home. I just looked up and said, "Absolutely." Well, that week was busy meeting with the CAC, meeting with SPC Wilkinson's family and preparing for travel. I come to discover that escorts are NO LONGER authorized to complete with their mission. A new policy has surfaced that requires honors escorts to "sign over" their Soldier to a stranger. I find this absolutely outrageous and a total disrespect to the memory of the fallen. I was prepared to pay out-of-pocket to stay for the funeral. The end of my mission. Being there at the graveside with his family, as his Leader one last glance at the casket. Being there for his wife, mother, brothers, sisters as a Leader is charged with on a daily basis. Now that it is not fiscally sound, the Army has done away with it. Stripping this right, this duty, this honor from a Leader is 100% against what I have been taught during my short 11 year tenure. The policy makers and green suitors should be ashamed of themselves for even allowing this topic to be given a breath. I truly hope that you all write your congress person. Let them know that their sons and daughters need the Leaders of this great Army to execute their mission to the fullest. Mine being getting my Soldier home to his family. Stay safe and do not forget, we are all Leaders in one shape or form. Let us not forget what the right thing is. Thank you.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2015 9:32 PM

2015-10-05T21:32:13-04:00

I fail to understand how the actions of one or a few equate to trampoline.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Oct 5 at 2015 9:35 PM

2015-10-05T21:35:34-04:00

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member thanks for the well profound heart felt thread. I am with you 100%. Duty Honor Country is what's it about. Never let anybody take our Army Values from those whom have sacrificed so much. "United we stand divided we fall."

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Oct 5 at 2015 9:49 PM

2015-10-05T21:49:54-04:00

Yes sir, you are so right.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-10-05T22:03:23-04:00

Hell Sir, just take some Leave and escort him anyway. Screw that POS policy. That has to be one of the DUMBEST policy decisions I have heard of.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Oct 5 at 2015 11:32 PM

2015-10-05T23:32:41-04:00

That was a very bad decision... for escort officers.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made May 14 at 2018 8:56 PM

2018-05-14T20:56:04-04:00

I was friends with SGT Sawyer who was killed while we were serving overseas in 1973. He was not escorted by his CO or his NCOIC. He was escorted by another friend who was serving with us. He was a PFC at the time. I would agree with your analysis that the individual responsible for the deceased should be allowed to "complete" the mission. I was specifically requested to attend a funeral for a veteran by his family and participate in his MFH by presenting the spent shells to the NOK and family. It was an honor to do so

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Mar 30 at 2020 5:58 PM

2020-03-30T17:58:50-04:00

These values are what our service is about. I am with you. Our Representative often visits our Post. I will speak to him directly when I see him next