Looking Back

[CompB]

After reading the Marine Memorial posts, I thought I would share one myself.

In March of 2007, Master Sergeant David A. Sutton passed away due to brain cancer. I lost a mentor, a leader and a fixture among our community. At the time, we were both stationed at the EOD Shop aboard MCAGCC 29 Palms. Although I had not been a long-time friend of his, I did have a close personal relationship with him, partly due to the fact that my own father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphona some years ago.

As soon as I heard the news of his passing away, I insisted that I escort his remains from our duty station to his place of burial. I and another Marine were subsequently tasked with ensuring that his Dress Blue Alpha's, which he was to be buried in, were up to standard when they dressed him at the funeral home, in addition to escorting him back to his home town.

The viewing and service were very nice. A local I&I unit provided Marines in Dress Blue Bravos to render honors as he was escorted from the airport cargo area to the awaiting hearse. Although I and the other Marine insisted to stand a 24-hour post to guard MSgt Sutton's remains at the funeral home while he was awaiting burial, we were not permitted to due to the fact that the funeral home was also the residence of those who ran it.

Our EOD field is a small one, and we have close ties to Federal and State agencies, many of which have former-active Marines working within them. One of these former-active Marines who knew David contacted the Illinois State Police Bomb Squad, who attended his viewing and funeral. In addition, they were part of the procession, providing several squad cars and response vehicles which had their lights flashing until arrival at the burial site. I don't exaggerate one bit when I say that a tear came to my eye when I witnessed this. Ironically, a member of this Illinois State Police Bomb Squad actually went to high school with David and had not spoken to him in some time.

I was tasked to dress a Marine in his uniform for the last time and to ensure he made it to his resting place safely. In my opinion, that's one helluva mission and one that I was honored to be a part of.

I already have a hard time holding it together when the firing detail commences, but this particular memorial service affected me like no other. I suppose I post this now as some sort of inspiration to others who may experience this in the future.

Semper Fidelis

[SGT7477]

We Marines will always take care of our own, Job well done Brother,Semper Fidelis.