A Hero's farewell

  • Published
  • By 2Lt Nicholas Mercurio
  • 22nd ARW Public Affairs Office
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETARY, Va --  Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, the place where for nearly 150 years the heroes of this nation have been laid to rest, are greeted by a grand entryway, its gilded wrought iron gates flung wide in a welcoming embrace.

Arlington National Cemetery is not a place of sadness; while the seemingly endless row upon row of glittering white headstones can be emotional for those witnessing it for the first time; feelings of sorrow and loss are quickly replaced by those of serenity and pride. The vastness of Arlington, with its sun-drenched marble, its meticulous order and the ever watchfulness of the guard who never sleeps exudes an air of stoic permanence. It reminds all who see it of the great men and women who have come before. Though they have been laid to rest, they are still looking after those who have been left behind.

Each headstone serves as a silent reminder of the precious gift of freedom. One cannot walk among our nation's heroes without experiencing an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

On April 9, 55 military and civilian members of Team McConnell traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to say their final goodbyes to Col. Michael V. Krueger, 22nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander. Each and every Airman, civilian teammate, and community partner walked through the hallowed grounds of our nation's cemetery with hearts heavily burdened with emotion that day as full honors were paid to a wingman, leader and warrior in the truest sense of the words. It was a day for the outpouring of love for a man who in the service of his nation touched so many; gratitude for a family who has lost a beloved husband, father, son and brother and pride for the honor and privilege of serving alongside a man of such quiet grace and dignity as Colonel Krueger. It was a day of sorrow for his passing, for he is truly missed and comfort in the fellowship of those gathered there, as well as all those across the world whose hearts and minds were with the Krueger family as they bid Colonel Krueger farewell.

The funeral procession was arresting in its homage to tradition, the flag-draped casket led through the stillness of the cemetery grounds by a team of horses and accompanied solely by the steady beat of a lone drummer and the footfalls of family, friends and servicemen and women. As the ceremony progressed, the distant sounds of the cemetery and nearby city receded to the edge of consciousness as the world appeared to be holding its breath. All attention was focused on our country's flag suspended above a gleaming casket by white-gloved hands.

It became apparent that there were many more than those gathered there initially. Those gathered could feel the eyes of our nations' heroes gazing as fixedly as our own as the flag was folded precisely, proudly, honorably, and gently pressed into the loving hands of Colonel Krueger's wife, Lisa. Our eyes brimmed with tears as Lisa and her sons, Drake and Reed, laid solitary roses upon the casket, their fingertips lingering in an unspoken expression of love.

The tears that came that day, unbidden but un-fought, whether freely running or held back, served as one final salute to a commander, a leader, a warrior, a man, who loved his family fiercely, defended his country bravely, and will never be forgotten.

Indeed, as the rifles' report faded into the warm spring air and the last note of Taps wavered achingly into silence it became clear this was not goodbye at all. Colonel Kruger was simply going home.