Much has been written about Capt. Funkhouser. My article at Redstate, and the original article written by CJ, fromA Soldier’s Perspective, were only 2 of MANY; a simple Google of Capt. Funkhouser will bear this out. I became attached to this story, motivated in part by my frustration with the media accounting of Kimberly Dozier’s injuries, and the anonymity with which they reported the other casualties. While I continue to suffer angst and frustration over the way our Soldiers are treated by the media, my focus has become personal.

I “adopted” the Texas Military Family Foundation recently(though Julie might argue that she adopted me), and a few months prior to that I had joined the Patriot Guard Riders. By the grace of God, my first ride (they call them “Missions”) was to support the Funkhousers through their final trip with the man they called “Alex” to his last resting place at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetary. Riding with the Patriot Guard is the most awe inspiring, humble, solemn experience I have ever had. Attending a funeral with Full Military Honors; from the flag-draped casket on the 2-horse drawn caisson, to the 21-gun salute, to the rendition of taps by a Marine bugler, and especially the riderless horse, I can say it is an experience I will never forget. The respect the Military pays to its fallen, and the honor and dignity with which they treat the families and friends of these Heroes is deeply moving.

The Texas Military Family Foundation (Julie) and I supported the PatriotGuard by bringing pick-up trucks laden with ice chests and bottled water to refresh the riders and the support team. In all this day, 67 members were present and we were each given a 10 foot long metal pole with an American Flag attached. We walked in “formation” to the pavillion where Capt. Funkhouser’s body would be brought by caisson to be viewed by the attending family, friends, and Soldiers there to pay their last respects. As we stood shoulder to shoulder with our flags held proudly and solemnly in front of us, some of Capt. Funkhouser’s family and many of the Soldiers who were present walked down the line and personally thanked US for what we do for Soldiers’ families in such difficult times. That, among so many other things I witnessed, probably amazed me the most; that we are there to thank and honor THEM, yet they offer such grace and appreciation at such a difficult time should serve to remind the rest of America what patriotism, sacrifice, honor and duty actually means to those that fight for us every day.

An especially moving moment came when, prior to the beginning of the service, one of Capt. Funkhouser’s fellow soldiers who was injured in this explosion and had suffered severe burns, was brought to sit by Jennifer’s side and pay his last respects. He is still recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) but insisted he be there. He was brought by hospital staff, still in his hospital attire, and sat next to her and the children; everyone applauded him as he was seated. While there were no protesters, thanks to new laws preventing them, the media was present and they took every opportunity to capture that moment on film, something I am glad they did for it will forever symbolize for me the closeness of our Soldiers, to each other and to their respective families, and the honor they bestow upon each other for their service and their sacrifice.

When the service was over, Mrs. Funkhouser had requested that only she accompany her husband to his final resting place. We stood guard until Capt. Funkhouser’s body had been placed in the hearse, and she had been escorted into the family car to take the Capt. “home”. As this was going on, their 2 little daughters were brought over near us to await the next cars that would take them to the reception afterwards, designated to take place on base at Ft. Sam Houston. They were standing about 5 feet away from me, everyone telling the girls how pretty they looked in their matching dresses; they pirhouetting about showing off their dresses and shoes. The youngest was then picked up and hugged and kissed, and she said to another family member “Daddy’s with God now”, as matter of factly as any 2 yeard old I have ever been around. My wife started to cry, my eyes welled up with these same tears, and I thought this was perhaps the most telling moment of the entire service. This little girl had lost her Father, her sister and her mother and all the relatives and soldiers had suffered this loss, but they stood proud, showed grace and dignity, held their heads up high, said goodbye to a wonderful Father and Son and Husband, and began the business of picking up the pieces and moving forward; with the grace of God.

May Capt. James A. Funkhouser rest in peace, his duty done. May his family be safe and well, and may his daughters grow to understand that their Daddy was a true American hero, having given his life for his country, for her citizens, and for the future of the Iraqi people.


Link for article  http://www.noendbutvictory.com/?p=449