Sarah Hoss

A friend of mine from high school just joined the Army this past
January. He is now stationed in DC at Arlington Cemetery. He is on the
team of soldiers that handle the caskets for the funerals. Eventually he
will be the solider that presents the folded flag to the mother, father,
wife or husband of the fallen solider.

The day before I left to come here, I was in DC getting my passport and
I walked through Arlington cemetery. I counted the number to burial site
that were preparing for funerals that day and lost count after 10. It
was very serene; humbling. It was a reminder of why I am here. I may not
be doing a job in Iraq that is on the frontlines, but I am here to help
where I can in support of the war fighter. It is my little contribution
to the situation we are in, as a country.

I think back on that day, nearly everyday, and think about the fallen
who have lost their life for each of us. I see convoys preparing for
their rounds and wonder if they will return at the end of the day.