Members of military are united in their sacrifice
Source: The Tennesean, 5/31/2011
Consensus member Lt. Gen John Castellaw is a featured author.
By John Castellaw
It seemed like a scene from the movie Taking Chance. As we pulled into Gate 12 at Washington National, the captain came over the intercom and asked everyone to remain seated. I knew what was coming; the casket had been loaded by an honor guard in Atlanta and the escort in his dress uniform had made his way to his seat in front of me aboard the aircraft. Another fallen American warrior was going to his final resting place in Arlington.
The captain announced that Pvt. Thomas D. Costello, U.S. Army, was aboard as he pointed out the soldiers approaching the cargo hold door. The only passenger out of his seat was the escort moving rapidly to reach his place of honor beside the casket.
The tribute to Pvt. Costello continued with the captain saying it was an honor for him and his crew to transport this American hero. And he ended with a surprising revelation; Pvt. Costello was not killed in Iraq or Afghanistan but in Northern France in World War I, more than 90 years ago.
In the aircraft, the passengers remained seated as the casket was transferred to the hearse. With military precision, the task was efficiently done and soon Pvt. Costello was making the final leg of his trip from the battlefield to Arlington.
Many service personnel are immigrants
Later I would find out more about Pvt. Costello…
