Some of you know, others may not. I am a veteran of the United States Army Infantry. While in the Army, I had the honor of serving as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. From 28 Dec 93-14 Nov 95 I walked my tour in humble reverence. It is a rare honor to be down there. The badge I earned, #408, is a badge that has fewer recipients than the Congressional Medal of Honor. We are few in numbers and a tight bunch. The best way to describe it is a family.
Today, 28 October, 2010, I received a message that one of our brothers fell in combat in Afghanistan. His name is Adam Dickmyer, badge #528. Let me say that losing any service member is a tragedy and its affects are felt wide and far. This particular loss hits very close to home.
So as you read this, as you go to a play, drive to work, grocery shop, speak your mind in a debate, vote, go surfing, paint a picture or any other activity you do on a daily basis that may be anything from mundane to earth shattering, remember this. Remember that there are those out there that have sacrificed everything for us to be able to do this. They gave up everything for complete strangers, including their lives.
I wrote a poem before I took my last walk at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The last walk is a very emotional ceremony. Mine occurred on 14 November, 1995. I read this poem right after I walked.
In the bitter cold of Winter
when no one is around
and the blazing heat of Summer
with endless crowds abound
He cares not who comes and goes in his life
or who stands outside the chains
His only goal, a heartfelt mission
is to guard the unknown remains
No one knows where he has been
Nor where he will go
Except for the four that lay in the ground
For only they truly know
and when the Sentinel is in Valhalla
he'll hear the four cry
thank you for watching over us
thank you for standing by
Rest In Peace, brother Tomb Guard.
Adam Dickmyer, badge #528, KIA 28 October 2010 in Afghanistan
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Chad,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! This write up finally made me break down a little! You said it in all the right ways.
We are a tight family, even if we didn't serve together!
Line Six,
Ryan Ball, #522
Thank you for these powerful words. Adam was married to my sister in law. He was an incredible man. We will never forget.
ReplyDeleteWill estrada
thank you guys. I fell a lot of sadness. I know he will be missed. Lot's of love to your family, Will.
ReplyDeleteAdam was a very close friend of mine. I've known him since middle school and loved him unconditionally. He was an incredible person and had an amazing future ahead of him. My heart hurts to no end...I will be spending time with him sister and his parents tomorrow...our guy will be truly missed.
ReplyDeleteAdam was my nephew,,,his mother is my sister. We are in total shock and disbelief. We have a huge hole in our heart. Please keep Adam's family and others in your prayers. God give us strength to carry on.
ReplyDeleteHey Chad. Thank you for your words about one of our fallen brothers. It's a sad day to have one of our Guards fall and yet a great day for him to meet the Unknowns in God's graces. It was an honor to work with and for SSG Dickmyer while at the Tomb and I have spent the last few hours mourning and celebrating everything that he has done. Thank you once again Chad and Line Six
ReplyDelete#555 SGT Kyle Obrosky
RIP Adam
ReplyDeleteNow you walk with the Lord and will meet those four you once guarded.
I had the oppritunity to get to now Adam in high school. He was CO in JROTC at Carver High School. He taught me a lot in the short time i got to know him in.
I will say a prayer for the Dickmeyer Family and Adam. Just Remember he is know one of GOD's Soldiers.
I also went to High School with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. It is people like him that we can live free. Thank You Adam, RIP!
ReplyDeleteHello everyone. This is Annette Fuller, a reporter at the Winston-Salem Journal. I am trying to write a news story on the passing of Adam Dickmyer. Could those of you who knew him please call me ASAP? Or e-mail me. I would love to talk to as many family and friends as possible. THANK YOU.
ReplyDeleteAnnette Fuller.....336-727-7389 .....
e-mail: afuller@wsjournal.com