A Debt We Owe - In memory of Justin Swofford

[CarlS]

Most of you know that I am a member of the Patriot Guard Riders here in the States. This video will explain why I so dedicated to the PGR mission.

A friend and fellow PGR member as well as a fellow Brit Iron Rebel member was surfing the net, found this video, and posted it on BIR. It was composed by my daughters in honor of their brother. I had completely forgotten about it and had no idea it was on the net. The following is what he posted:

I just watched the video in the link. It moved me seeing not just another fallen soldier but to see him as a human being.

I suggest you all watch the video and see the soldier Justin Swofford as a child and a man.

It is never easy to understand the sacrifice some make so the rest of us can enjoy the privileges we have as US citizens. And even harder to know how to honor those who stand between us and those who would destroy our country.

So saying I am very grateful to CarlS for introducing me to the Patriot Guard so I can at least show my appreciation to our fallen. And most importantly for the service he and his family have provided to this country.

Thanks to all of you have served in the armed forces of our Nation...

https://www.facebook.com/drchristyb/videos/311726017928/


View: https://youtu.be/PRuiUIPiwao

 

[Dilligaf]

Re: A Debt We Owe

What a wonderful tribute to a life well lived.

Hard to see the screen through tears buddy.

 

[DaveM]

It made me laugh, it made me smile, and it made my monitor all blurry. What a wonderful tribute this is. :y115:

I have moved this over to the “In Memory Of...†as I feel it need to be in a place of honour

 

[CarlS]

Thank you Gary and Dave for thanking your time to view this video. When I views it again last night, the tears flowed.

 

[DaveM]

:y18: :y18: :y18:

 

[The Seeker]

Geez.....That was just crushing

Words can't express my sympathy when I see this Carl.

It's a great tribute....I only wish it didn't have to be made in the first place.

America was and is blessed to have so many outstanding men standing guard on behalf of all of us.

 

[devo]

Sheesh Carl

I knew that you and your sons were in the military, but I had no idea you had lost one.

I have no idea what to say, other than I am so sad for your loss, and thank you so much for your sacrifice so that others may live in peace.

Harry

 

[grandpaul]

I love the little boy Army guy photo, that's priceless.

What a cool kiddo. What a cool family altogether!

...I was sitting here thinking of something witty yet mushy to say, but it ain't coming, man.

I'll go back to "What a cool kiddo".

 

[CarlS]

Thank you, AJ.

America was and is blessed to have so many outstanding men standing guard on behalf of all of us.

Amen to that! And it began in 1776 continuing to this very minute. I thank your son for his service in our behalf.

Thanks, Harry. I appreciate that. The support of friends and even strangers means more than you can ever know - unless you have walked in those moccasins.

Not only are my two sons military, my oldest daughter and her hubby were Army. Both of them are West Point grads.

Thanks, GP, my daughters did a great job of selecting the photos for this. I love that particular photo, too.

 

[avion]

I never knew this Carl.
I don't think I can view this, but from what people have said I'm sure it's a great tribute.

...

 

[CarlS]

Avion, as Dave said, it will make you smile and laugh as well as bring the tears.

 

[grandpaul]

Carl, I admit I had to cut it short when the more recent photos of the chopper unit in action started up, it hit a lot closer to home and I'm having a hard time keeping a stiff upper lip.

I want ALL our forces home and standing side by side in victory with thier families next 4th of July. Let the UN do the peacekeeping and give our kids a break for a while. This is by no means a political statement, I think everyone agrees that the U.S. military is TIRED from over work.

 

[CarlS]

I concur. I want to finish the job in Iraq and Afghanistan and come home. I'm all for bringing our tromps home from Bosnia, Kosovo, and Macedonia. One of the photos you missed was of Justin's Apache on its side at the crash scene.

 

[MaeLyneS]

I was in the kitchen when Carl played the video while he was on line at the BIR website. Even though I had forgotten about the video, I recognized the music and knew instantly what he was watching. I came into the living room and found him in tears and I, too, broke into tears as the hurt and grief of that aweful time came flooding back. Carl actually handled the loss much better than I did. I am amazed at how well he has delt with it. Maybe it is something you military types have learned. Or maybe he just put on a good front...

 

[grandpaul]

It's pretty clear to see what keeps you two (Carl & Mae Lynne) going - YOU'VE GOT EACH OTHER!

Here's to good friends and a quick resolution to the middle eastern mess.

 

[CarlS]

Amen, brother!! I am am blessed to have her.

 

[CarlS]

Here is the TV news story of Justin's death.

CAMP BLANDING, Fla. - A Florida Army National Guard helicopter crashed Saturday afternoon at the Clay County base, killing one aviator and injuring another.

The AH-64A Apache attack helicopter (file photo, right)crashed about 3:30 p.m. on routine training mission.

Killed in the crash was 24-year-old Chief Warrant Officer Justin Swofford 24. Chief Warrant Officer Kent Walker, 40, suffered broken legs and multiple lacerations. The veteran pilot was in critical condition at Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center.

The two belonged to 1st Battalion, 111th Attack Aviation Regiment based at Craig Field in Jacksonville. Their commander and several pilots from the unit were at Shands Saturday night to support Walker and his family.

The last radio contact with the aircraft was 3:18 p.m. when two AH-64 Apaches accompanying the aircraft were routed back to Craig field to refuel. About 45 minutes later the unit reported the aircraft as overdue and a search for the missing aircraft began.

Army National Guard officials and Clay County Search and Rescue located a signal beacon about 5:45 p.m. and the aircraft location at 5:55 p.m.

At this time the cause of the accident is not known. The Florida Army Guard Aviation Safety Office and the Army Safety Center at Fort Rucker, Ala, will investigate the accident.

 

[Qship]

I am truly sorry for your loss Carl.
Parents were never meant to bury their children.

 

[CarlS]

Thank you, Steve. You are so right in what you said.

I am updating the thread for Memorial Day. In the first post of the thread, there is a link to a video my oldest daughter did to celebrate Justin's life. Check it out. She did a great job.It has been 17 years and it still hurts at times.

 

[DaveM]

It is sure must be a hard one to have to live with when you lose a child., I don't think there is anything anyone can say that can really help in a situation like this.

Justin thank you for your service