Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys..

The CSA asked that this be shared with all of you.
MG Galen Jackman, Chief, Legislative Liaison, shares his recent experience as the CSA's representative at the funeral services in Hastings, Nebraska for the funeral of 1LT Kevin J. Gaspers, of Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73d Cavalry, 3 BCT, 82d ABN DIV, Fort Bragg, NC.

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-----Original Message-----
From: Jackman, Galen B MG OCLL
Subject: Temperature in the Heartland (UNCLASSIFIED)

I'm just finishing a trip to Nebraska where I represented both of you at 1LT Kevin Gaspers' funeral in Hastings and served as guest speaker at the University of Nebraska commissioning ceremony. The respect for the military and our servicemen and women in Nebraska is strong.

When I arrived in Hastings, I stopped for a quick cup of coffee. Folks in the restaurant came to my table and thanked me for my service. 1400 people attended the funeral. It was held in Kevin's high school gymnasium. Many of his ROTC classmates and soldiers from his home town now serving on active duty attended. Kevin was a standout in high school and was the top ROTC graduate when he was commissioned at the University. I met him at a military ball a few years ago. Clearly, he was a peer leader and widely respected by the cadets. After he was commissioned, he returned several times to the local schools in Hastings to talk about the Army.

He came from a strong family and his father, mother, and sisters, although mourning, were very proud of his service. They appreciated the medals we presented. The eulogy delivered by his priest was filled with admiring comments from his Soldiers in the 82d Airborne Division and from local citizens.

The entire three-mile route from the gymnasium to the cemetery was lined on both sides with American flags placed five yards apart. People from the town and surrounding area also lined the road, covering their hearts or saluting when the hearst passed. The Patriot Guardian Riders, who traveled to the cemetery on 300 motorcycles, formed a large ring with American flags around the burial site. The 82d funeral detail under the leadership of LTC Fred Drummond, himself a former resident of Hastings, executed honors flawlessly.

The Masonic Temple in town hosted all 1400 attendees for lunch. Many people remarked to me how well the Army family took care of its own, and how appreciative they were that we attended the funeral. Small-town America, from this experience and from others I have attended and heard about, continues to rally around the families of its fallen heroes and support the military.

At the University of Nebraska's commencement ceremony, in front of tens of thousands of people at the Bob Devaney Sports Complex, Kevin Gaspers was honored and the ROTC cadets who were to be commissioned were asked to stand.

People applauded and would not stop. The entire audience, including the graduating class eventually rose to their feet and continued to applaud these young Americans who answered the call to duty.

Patriotism and respect for our Servicemen and women are alive and well in our heartland. I was reminded at every turn of the tremendous trust they have in us, and the awesome responsibilities we have in return.