In honor of Lance Cpl. Travis Babine

"Marine Lance Cpl. Travis T. Babine, 20, San Antonio, Texas, died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay."

It has been a very interesting day....

We started with PT at 7:30am this morning (I love it that the Air Force pays me to run/workout three times a week for a total of 4.5 hours per week!). By 9am we were informed that a marine who recently died in Afghanistan would be returned to San Antonio where his mother, a civilian, works at Kelly Air Force Base. They were requesting that service members who were available go to Kelly AFB at noon to line up in honor of this fallen soldier as his body would be brought back to the states for burial. They informed us on how to salute the motorcade and that the plane bringing the body would be arriving at 12:55pm. Well, this, of course, was my first experience in being a military member honoring a fallen soldier. Come to think of it, this was my first experience period in being present during a procession for a military member. Would it be really bad of me to say I wish I'd had my camera? The snapshots are forever in my mind.

We arrived at 12:15pm and sat in the car for as long as we could since it was 100 degrees outside. We began lining up about 12:25pm, and one of my fellow squadron members (psych nurses, psychiatrists, techs, etc.) said the plane was to land early at 12:36pm. I selfishly thought, "good, because it is hotter than Hades out here!" We walked a good quarter to half mile to make our way, as a group, to the beginning of where the motorcade would pass. I was told the line of service members stretched over a mile long. Mostly it was AF members, but I did see some Navy and several retired Marines. People were passing out flags, and others had brought their own. There were quite a few civilians there. Most of them were probably friends and family of members present with them. The mental health people entertained ourselves by playing the telephone game since we had to wait for over an hour before we saw any "action." You remember the telephone game, right? We all decided we really had very good communication skills. About 1:30pm a woman across the street from me passed out due to the heat (the "action" I was referring to). That was a little freaky! Of course, since I was there with several doctors I didn't feel compelled to display my new life-saving skills (although it was a good moment to sort of run through those in my mind... "airway, breathing, circulation.... now how many breathes per chest thrust?"). Not long after this incident, the motorcade was spotted, which took the spotlight off the poor girl who was lying on the ground across the street. I kept my eye on the guys within my peripheral vision to my left as they would be my guide in when to come to attention, salute, and how long to hold the salute. This whole saluting business stressed me out a bit, interfering somewhat with my ability to really take in the moment. I felt myself sort of standing outside my own body for a minute, realizing that I am now a member of the United States military saluting another member who has given his life in the service of his country. He has a mom.... I saw her. He has other relatives.... maybe brothers, sisters, cousins, perhaps a father in there too. I could see their faces pained with grief over their loss, but also in awe of what they were experiencing. Hundreds, maybe a thousand(?), people showing up to honor their loved one. I could see a sense of pride on their faces as they were beginning to pass by all these people who had lined up, standing in the scorching heat of south Texas, to pay their respects to one of their own. After the family, there were some very official looking cars, and I was quite proud of myself that I noticed the license plate on the front of a General's car, saluting at just the right moment! Then, the really cool part.... the patriot guard riders. This was a gang of motorcycles, maybe 30 or so, that all were carrying flags. They were decked out in their leather and skull caps, riding in honor of this marine and his family. We saluted them too (but I think it was a requirement due to the flags- I, however, like to think I was saluting the fact that they were men/women enough to wear chaps in 100 degrees!). The whole event was over within just a minute or two, but it was something I'll never forget.

So this evening in preparing to write this, I went online to look up this young man's name and learn more about him. I was shocked to see just how many people are dying every single day over in Afghanistan. Why do we not hear about this? Google it sometime... read their stories. Some are military members, some are civilians working there, and some are Afghanies (did I spell that right?) working on behalf of counter-terrorism. Gee... just writing that I'm starting to feel like I'm being converted.... I'll reframe it and just say that maybe my perspective is shifting.

It was an interesting day in the Air Force today. One I will never forget.


Addendum: Because I am technologically-challenged and was not able to figure out how to make a comment on my own blog, I am adding this in response to Bill's comment. By the way, if anyone knows how to help me with this problem (not being able to comment on the blog), please let me know. Thanks!

Bill,

I'm speechless.... you don't know me so my friends and family will tell you that doesn't happen often. What an honor to know you came across my blog although I have to say I was quite surprised. I guess the world is smaller than my little mind recognizes sometimes.

Having a 16-year-old son who says he wants to join the military and having recently joined myself, I feel for you, your family, and Travis in a way I would never have been able to before. Obviously, you all have been in my thoughts (hence the blog) and continue to be. I would enjoy knowing more about Travis if you want to share (or direct me to a blog?). I think our world needs a better understanding of who the people are who are losing their lives in this mission.

Peace,

Mandy