He ain't heavy... he's my brother

I think of the Army - and the military as a whole - as a big family. Sadly today I had to say goodbye to one of my military brothers, a young Marine. It is an unfortunate but true fact that men and women lose their lives while serving in combat. Here at Kandahar we have ceremonies to bid farewell to many heroes as they are sent off on their final trip home. "Amazing Grace" played on the bagpipe always brings tears to my eyes. Hearing that music as I watch a group of Soldiers shoulder a flag-draped coffin and carry a comrade onto a waiting plane creates a lasting impression. No matter how often it happens, I am always touched, always proud of being part of an institution that honors its fallen heroes in such a way, and always tremendously overwhelmed by the sacrifice of one life, one family, one nation, one coalition.