I am a Gold Star Widow. I lost my husband who was a Marine in 2004. The minute I saw my husbands CWO3 in the front glass on the front door in his dress blues I knew my husband was dead. I dropped to the floor bawling and screamed that they had the wrong person. I didnt get a CACO at all. I am glad that they are making things like this and I only hope that they make all of the Marines that have to make these calls and inform families to watch this.
On July 2, 1968 I was 18 years old. I answered the door and a major was there. Daddy had passed at 49 and although he had retired the military still sent a survival assistance officer. Many years later and this still means so much. Thank you to all who have knocked on a door. God Bless them all.
This should be required watching by everyone in America to get a true grasp of what these heroes and families have to endure. My heart breaks for every mother, father, husband ,wife, brother and sisters, friends who have had to bury their own.
Had to do this in 2014, I thought I was prepared, I was not, but I did it. I have a hard time when I remember going through this, in fact, I was so nervous that I still had my cover on when I did the notification and I was a Major. The young widows reaction is burned in my memory forever. I spent 20 years in the Marine Corps, fought two wars with three combat tours, been shot at, scared out of my mind but this was by far the hardest mission I ever had. I am still friends with the family today. May God bless the families with joyful memories of their Marines.
My battles Sternman and Wilker did this. Wilker got a glancing punch off his shoulder during a family notification. They both stated after they got to Iraq, they wished they had marched with the rest of the Division 90 days before. Anyway, Sir, thank you for doing notifications.
I knew that rear detachment entailed details and duties such as notifications and funerals. The term stabilization time isn't a better option that rolling on out with the main element. Shoot, this was a sad video.
I’m very sorry to hear this!!!! 42 of my friends are no longer with us and six more took their own lives.... you are never alone my brother!!!! ❤️🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😢😢😢🙏🇺🇸🙏💪💪💪
In my entire 17 years in the Corps this was the hardest assignment I ever had. It’s not at all like you see portrayed in movies where you notify the next of kin and your off to do something else. You really get attached to these families as you assist them through this difficult time in their lives. Along with it being the hardest assignment I ever had, it was also the most rewarding in honoring these Marines.
And while not the same, as a Army reservists, I volunteered to do the duty at grave site. What an honor. Somewhere in VA, near Woodbridge, like this..... I was there to help them. ... Over 25 years ago. I agree. What an HONOR!
I saw my first notification as a military brat playing at a friends house off base. Even at 9 years old I knew what that meant. The next one was a friend’s son and it’s breaks your heart to see the life go out of a Gold Star Mother. Finally I answered my door to my notification and you could have knocked me over with a feather and I can’t tell you a word they said passed regrets. Seven years ago I was severely wounded and told I should get my affairs in order. I tried to die on my way home to the US and my spouse demanded my retirement. I’m just an old beat up soldier but my heart goes out to my brothers and sisters who did serve, are serving, and their families. When I was stationed in DC I went to Arlington every weekend both to pay respects and to remind myself that decisions have names.
Isn't is heartwarming how "Mom's" heart changed from hating them (in the grief of losing her beloved son) and having a COLD heart toward Mandy at the beginning, to giving Mandy hugs in the Funeral Home, and showing gratitude to the SSG at the end? My son is an Army Chief Warrant Officer and both he & my daughter-in-law (Retired SFC) have served multiple tours "down-range" and since he went "Down Range" the first time in 2002, I pray daily for them and dread the possibility of Soldiers (Army) showing up at my door.
I am a 76 year-old retired Navy Master Chief, and I cried. Our Marines are national treasures...warts and all. God save these incredible men and women. This video...masterfully produced. Well done...well done. Semper Fi.
My husband was a Navy Medic (two purple hearts - shot both times while trying to get back into the copter after picking up wounded) stationed with the Marines for a time and he said they were something else but when it came to being serious they were as serious as one can get. The Few, the Proud, the Marines! He loved those guys. :-) I was lucky because I was fortunate to have him come back home standing up. I can't even begin to imagine what I would have done if I saw those men standing at my door. That has to be the hardest detail there is. God Bless them all.
10 years, USAF Tsgt. I fully agree. Toughest job, Done with Honor and Integrity. Our Brothers and Sisters serve and die for our freedom. Many are wounded for ever, some visibly others invisibly. May God grant our love ones peace and until Valhalla when we shall gather together in joy.
As a former Marine and later on a Navy Corpsman who was blessed to serve with Marines, I can say that Marines and their Docs share a special bond that nobody will understand without having experienced it. I count myself among those fortunate enough to have done just that.
My son was Army and he was MURDERED in 1998 hunting up North. I feel what you say! GOD help us ALL! We never forget! And I find it hard to forgive! What’s a Mom to do? Y’all take care! Sincerely, Judith Richards
My son is a new Marine, I am an old Soldier. I’ve been Honor Guard at more funerals than I think I can remember…they were all for Veterans who’d gotten to live a full life. Never had to do one for someone young who was KIA. This hits close to home now, God bless all the Gold Star families out there for their sacrifices, as long as I am alive they’ll never be forgotten.
I remember the exact moment my father walked into our house in Germany. To tell my mother her oldest son was killed in Vietnam. He was a Col. at the time and they came to his office to tell him. My brother, a young Lt and pilot was shot down. Broke my heart. And I was just 6 years old.
I've seen both ends of this. Having lost men in the field, WE banded together, as brothers and supported each other as we grieved for our fallen brother. WE are trained to handle the hardest of situations. On the flip side, these families are 99% unprepared for what the real possibilities are when their loved one deploys. Having served on an I&I staff, it is THE MOST GUT WRENCHING experience you will ever have. The MSgt was correct when he said "You see their face turn gray as if life is leaving them". I think I'd rather have open heart surgery without anesthesia than to have to tell another family, face to face that their son/daughter isn't coming home alive. They are just coming home.
Everyone should view the film Taking Chance starring Kevin Bacon. It depicts everything that happens in the mortuary and the heartbreak felt by the family and the community. A heart wrenching movie.
YES, I HAVE THE VIDEO, TAKING CHANCE. I WATCH IT ALL MOST EVERY SABBATH. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD GREAT RESPECT FOR ALL THOSE MEN AND WOMEN VETERANS, LIVING OR DEAD. BUT EVERY TIME I WATCH THAT VIDEO, WHICH IS A TRUE STORY OF CHANCE AND HOW SO MANY PEOPLE SHOWED SO MAS RESPECT AND KINDNESS NOT ONLY TO CHANCE BUT ALSO TO HIS ESCOURT, IT MADE FEEL MUCHO MORE RESPECT TO ALL VETERANS AND THIER FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
I am a retired US Navy Chaplain. During my time in the Navy I was called upon to make many of these calls. Of the many I’ve made, not one was easy. This training video was exceptionally well done and is well worth the viewing because it captures in a very sensitive and realistic way the agony experienced by the family as well as those who are privileged to provide care for them.
I was the parent who went thru this in 2004 and the child who watched his parents do the same in 1968. The hole burned into your soul never heals. You never get over it; you just sort of get used to it.
After my Father came back from his second combat tour in Vietnam we moved to Waco Texas from California. My Father was assigned to I&I Staff duty at the Navy/Marine Corp Reserve. Part of his duties while there as a newly promoted Gunnery Sergeant, was the notification of next of kin. He told me many years later after he retired from the Marine Corps, that other than being in combat, it was the toughest job he was ever assigned to do. After watching this short drama, I can see better now what he was trying to say. Semper Fi to all those that have worn the uniform of our nation and that have left us to soon. God rest their souls and give their families comfort.
I volunteered at my local VA. Cleaned their asses. No fucking reason those douchebags can't do their jobs at 18.00 an hour. I wanted to EFF them up. It would have gotten UGLY !
Bless you and thank you for service and for your continued service ! Happy holidays and a blessed and peaceful Christmas to you and everyone that you’re helping to die well. ❤️
When I served as a combat medic the only thing that really bothered me was the thought of my mom and dad getting this visit I knew it would destroy my mom
And that was the same way with me. When I left, my mother was brave, but I could hear the fear in her voice. She also slipped a small bible into my pocket. I will cherish it forever.
Don't know the actress's name, but whoever cast her for the role of the Mother, hit the nail on the head. Every expression, body movement and emotion almost made me feel like she had been through one of these before in real life. If you can watch this and not shed a tear, let's hope you never have to live through what that family went through.
I can't even begin to imagine how heartbreaking it is to be told your loved one isn't coming back alive. RIP to all of our incredibly brave servicemen and women who have served our country and those who gave their lives to keep us all safe
Over 20 years in the Marine Corps and almost 12 years being retired and this is still the hardest thing mentally and physically I ever did. Still hurts. You never forget. Never.
I was an undertaker for over 25 years and military funerals were the toughest as far as crossing I.’s and dotting T’s. Sad to say but any funeral home asked to take care of our military is very privileged
As a Veteran, I always felt that among the true heros were the cherished family and friends of those at home , waiting for their loved ones ! God Bless Them all " SEMPER FI " !
U.S Navy 8 year Veteran, TO all Military families who lost someone that served my most Sincere Condolences This happens almost everyday in America of any Military Branch/families 😞😢🇺🇸‼️
Everyone in this movie deserves an Oscar especially the mother. I have a friend who does this and he says that you get people upon notification as well as at the funeral who spit on you, yell and blame you, and numerous other crazy things.
Twice as an airman I was part of the rifle squad which fired the 21 gun salute over the graves of fallen servicemen. We spoke with the escort at one funeral. He said he would sooner accept a demotion than to have to go through the notification process again, it was that gut wrenching for him. He was a senior NCO with service in Korea and Vietnam.
This "skit" depicts what families and loved ones experience every day. It was powerful and moved me, thanks to all of our brave military members and their families for the sacrifices they've made.
I don't know why you use the word "skit" to describe this video. I would suggest you google the meaning of the word. I found nothing comedic about it at all
In the spring of 1967 I was home visiting my parents for the weekend. Standing at the kitchen window I saw an "official" Marine Corp car pull into the driveway in a remote area of Western Maryland. At that time my brother was stationed in "Nam" and like most others I knew what that car meant. Dad wasn't home and Mom was napping - so it was left to me to handle. I tried to be brave - as it turned out the reason for the visit was the parents had changed phone number and brother never changed it on the paperwork. He was badly wounded, losing his left leg from knee down. I later married an Army SGT fresh home from "Nam". Losing him to Agent Orange.
This in my mind is the most commendable duty, taking care of our own Marines and the Marine moms ,dads, sisters and brothers as we are all part of the corps.
This is masterfully produced and done...it's so real, so authentic that I can't help but weep. God bless those charged with handling such a terrible and delicate burden...
I still remember being in Helmand Province, Afghanistan like it was yesterday. I was patrolling and the truck in front of me (my best friend was in that truck), it got blown up by an IED. Till this day I tell myself was there something I could’ve done to avoid that from happening? Why it couldn’t been my truck? Why didn’t I got blown up? This video hit home in so many ways.
I'm thankful you made it home Manny. May God give you hope and strength to live life and fulfill your dreams and bring honor to your friend by special things you do for the rest of your life. Such a hard thing you experienced, my heart goes out to you.
I'm an Army Brat, and I know the initial communications seem to sound cold and distant, but it is the most foundationally important part of the process. I would know, my Dad is in Arlington, and the priority of details is what brings the fluidity and the stability to every Military Family, at this time. 🙏🇺🇸🙏
I watched this movie when I was active duty and I performed these duty 6 times, I am retired now and still think about the families I assisted in this time.
I remember this like it was today. I had two son's in the military, my oldest was in the Navy and my second son was Army. These men showed up at my job and when I saw the uniforms, I knew which son it was before they even said a word. I didn't have the support these men gave because my son was married and had a child. I really identified with this mother, the emotions are still here after 16 years. It's raw and unforgiven, the drama is real.
As a former TV News Anchor I had the distinction and honor of visiting Gold Star Families shortly after Notification. Their desire to proudly talk about their loved one was one of the most remarkable events in my long career. As a Veteran myself, I was stricken with grief but drew strength from their willingness to share. I had the distinction of reporting in Baghdad at the site where one of the Army Vets was killed. I gathered her CO and others to recreate events leading to her death. I kept the remarks and video close to my vest until I was able to share personally with her relatives when I got home. My conversation with the family and showing the detailed video was the first time they learned deep details about her death and heard from her fellow soldiers. I vividly recall it as I type this...the events occurred 17 years ago.
This is my GREATEST FEAR, my youngest son is in the Military and I've always had this recording if you will, going through my head since he signed up. Thank you to all that have to go through this process to tell the family's.
While serving on I&I Duty I had the difficult task to perform as a CACO to make a couple of these notifications, I will tell you that it was the hardest duty I ever had, not even my combat tours were that nerve-wracking. In this video when the MSgt says "They know as soon as they see the uniforms at the door" he is absolutely correct. Every family is different, each reaction is different but their initial denial of what is happening is almost exactly word for word as in this video. Everything we do during that duty is for the family of our fallen Marine, we deliver horrible news, but with the utmost respect and dignity and compassion that we can put forth. Even though I have been in this position, I have never seen this video until today, I sat here and cried while watching it thinking about the images from my notification calls. I remember each name, each word, each face, each cry and scream and each fist pounded on my chest by a loved one wanting not to believe it was true. It is heart wrenching and you have to maintain total control and military bearing. 8 short years ago, we were the recipients of that notification, my stepson had been killed in an accident and when the call was made at our house, his mother was exactly in the same frame of mind as this woman in the video. Once again I had to be the stoic one and make sure that I offered up every bit of strength I had to help her through the initial process of her grief. It is still hard every day for her, for both of us, especially knowing that with having three other children, that knock could always come again. You never expect it to happen to you and when it does, you just react as if you were kicked in the gut. Somehow you find the strength to carry on, even when you think there is no reason to. There are silver linings in every dark cloud and gifts in many things we have seen since then. This video was very tastefully done, it is powerful and it shows just what is expected by the Marines performing this duty, their thoughts on what they are doing and what it eventually means to the families of those fallen Marines. Semper Fidelis.
Speaking as an Army Brat, I was taught, "grace in the hardest of circumstances, is a true declaration of character". When my Mother received the news, her parting words, were "thank you for taking the time to come and tell my Daughter and I. She had me say thank you also. She expressed expressed empathy. She said I know this is your hardest day too".. As an aged out Military brat, if I could do that as a Child, and if my Mother could do that as a minutes old Military Widow, it is possible for every Military next of kin to strive for the extension of grace. It is a Character builder, I promise you. 🙏🇺🇸🙏
Aine wow you’re Mother must have really been something. My Mom had a little joke that she did sometimes while Dad was in Viet-Nam. She would put his picture up if she got mail.And face down if she didn’t. One night watching the news it was reported that they had struck Tan son Nhut. I could tell that something was wrong. I thought that someone there in base housing that she knew her husband was there. I asked her “Who do we know that’s there?” All she said is your Daddy’s there at Tan son nhut.” That picture never was face down ever again. We lost him a few years ago She put that picture back out.Along with the condolence letter from the president.
Amir there was one other that I wanted to say to you. Have you ever seen that bumper sticker about the toughest job in the military? A military Mom! Sounds like we were blessed with a pair. God bless them all.
I did this in peace time as a Special Forces SFC at Ft. Bragg N.C. it was very tough to do. No war but service members were still giving their lives for their country. Training can be deadly too.
I remember having to write a letter for an airman on my flight to his parents. He died from a single car accident after being thrown from the car. The driver a friend had to have psychiatric care to recover from the loss. I was a Sergeant at the time and also had to notify his best friend. It was not easy to tell him his friend was gone and why. I would say it was the most difficult assignment of my military career. We all cried, we loved him very much, he was a part of us. Our final salute was as the aircraft leaving our base broke ground at take off. We his Security Police Flight were outside for guard mount with all of our weapons. Our flight chief called the formation to attention, and then present arms which is a salute while under arms. There was not a dry eye from anyone, we broke down crying, including our Squadron commander who was with us. The flight we were relieving volunteered to stay on longer so we could grieve and compose ourselves before taking our posts. In this video, the Mom calls the Marines killers, she apologized realizing those of us that served have our personal sides. We have a brother/sisterhood that few understand. I was tearing up watching this well done video!!! it took me back to 1979 when Stephen Collins left us!! It still bothers me today March of 2021!!! The job is never easy as you see. I am thankful for every man and woman that has served our wonderful nation and gave everything!!! To their families, from this veteran, Thank You for sharing your son or daughter with us, it was an Honor to serve with them. God Bless!!!
I too had the honor and had to request that a SSGT that didn't know my Corporal removed from the duty in 1988 and given to me. The deceased Marine worked under me as an FA-18 avionic electrical systems tech at NAS Cecil Field, Florida. I remember how hot it was at the Jacksonville airport while standing on the tarmac to with him waiting fly to Baltimore. Upon arrival in Baltimore, we still had to go to the funeral home in Harve de Grace. The hearse was late due to a break down and I sat with "Chuck" on an open freight dock until a replacement hearse showed up for over two hours in Dress "A" uniform. Upon arrival and turning him over to the funeral director, I took a taxi to my hotel, then prepared to meet the family the next morning in their home. I was not prepared for this, other than a 30 minute brief by a young female LTJG (Navy) and a Senior Chief, at the funeral home. I quickly found out the parents were divorced, father a retired Master Gunny (USMC) and step-father, a retired Senior Chief Navy. Yes, I got grilled with questions considering the night of the motorcycle accident, he was on his way to my house to borrow money to go out (yes, Saturday night at the E-Club and typical Chuck broke right after payday, LOL). We had gotten rained out on 9 of 18 holes of golf at Mayport earlier in the week and took a rain check and had tee times for 1100 that Sunday. Back in the 80's at Cecil Field there was not a direct line to the barrack but rather you had to call the squadron and be transferred over. AE 2 Tim McCree, a fellow electrical tech was on duty. He answered "the horn", VFA-106, Petty Officer Mcree, how may I direct your call? Hey Timmy, it's Brian, patch me over to the barracks so I can get Chuckie up to go golfing. Tim stuttered not knowing exactly how to tell me and then told me he couldn't do it...Me: "are the lines down?" Tim: "no Brian, Chuck wrecked his motorcycle in a curve, hitting a light pole over in Riverview last night, I think not far from you place". You could have kicked in the nutz. Emotions took control for a bit but I knew exactly what I had to do. This was 33 years ago but seems like yesterday and obviously the details are forever in my mind. This "skit" is hard to watch and I still shed tears with a lump in my throat. I did not have to do all the admin part portrayed in this but did everything else. ? Would I do it again? Hell yes, with honor.! Semper Fidelis to all the family, friends, veterans and active duty out there in all branches! Respectfully, Brian L. Moore USMC 1985-1993, Marine for life!
I remember the day of my 1st cousin Johnny Serrano Lance Corporal of the Marine Corps. He was killed in a hospital that was bomb. His casket was viewed by all, his face and head was swollen. Couldn't believe it was him, his mother was committed to a psychoactive ward and died there. His father John blame himself for pushing his son out. Was a recipient of a triple heart surgery and never fully recovered. Died a broken man for what he did to his son. I remember Johnny as a friend and he was larger than life. Everyone who knew him, love to be with him. He was that type of a human being that care. He died in 1969, to this day as a 70 year old man. I will always remember him as my Brother and want to thank for the outstanding job that the United States Marine Corps for what they did. I am eternally grateful for their services.
I know it's just a short clip... But I see how wonderful the Staff Sargent is with the family.. He created a bond and will always be a part of their life ❤ I hope this truly happens..
@Chris Schulze - This has to be one of the most deeply moving, superbly crafted, emotionally wrenching videos I've ever seen. Thank you so much for posting it. I can't imagine what it must be like for these families...when they see two uniformed military officers approaching the door, most of them know in a heartbeat what has happened, even if they don't act like it at first. Their agony must be excruciating... Thanks again - I hope more people watch this.
Fortunately, I was never called for notification duty, just a few burial details. Presented the flag to the family member once. That was tough. Fair winds and following seas to all.
@GySgt USMC Ret…..Thank you for your service Gunny. My Father served on the island of Iwo Jima back in the day. He was so very proud of his United States 🇺🇸 Marine Corps. Semper Fi 🙋🏽♀️💕
As a young Lieutenant stationed in the Detroit area (late 60’s after the riots), I was the “Survivors Assistance Officer” for 3 servicemen that were killed. I had to make one notification as the serviceman was first reported missing. This film barely touches on our responsibilities, the impact on us and how the family reacted. This film brought back a lot of memories. We received no training as to our responsibilities: I believe all we had was a couple of pages of info. Most of what we had to do and how to do it we found out from other Lieutenants that had already done this The one thing I remember most about each of the 3. (1) I had to make the death notification (2) The soldier, who had been in Nam only 3 weeks, had a very pregnant Wife (3) The soldiers parents were divorced and it was a hostile divorce (the Mother had a gun to protect herself from the Husband). I ended up being the intermediacy/negotiator between the two with regards to everything
Excellent beautifully done!! I was wounded twice in Vietnam the second time almost killed me! Thank God my parents didn’t have to go thru that experience! Bravo for this presentation!!
Watch We Were Soldiers Once” about how notifications were handled in the first major engagement in Vietnam and how General Hall Moores wife handled this problem. Also, the HBO movie “Taking Chance” is a excellent representation of the transfer of remains home.
@@scottlin7876 I really don’t believe it was intended to be harsh but rather the transition into the age we are currently living in. It was just the way the pre technology era operated. There are actually few people that experienced the communications era we currently live in left in out world. GEN Moore’s (than LTC) wife changed the way notifications went out in his battalion specifically and all soldiers generally which has since become a base standard to use. There is a scene in A League of their Own where a telegraph messenger showed up in the locker room with a telegraph. That was harsh; unfortunately it was the way business was conducted. I think about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There are at least three families that have never been notified; just that their loved one was missing in action. The harshness of war.
I find the USMC way of doing things to be quite an eye-opener, but as a British Royal Marine I’ve served alongside them on more deployments than I care to think about. Despite being an officer I was on the frontlines and I found that seeing my men being injured or occasionally killed was harder than the actual fight. I’ll never forget the first time I had to write a letter to the family/dependents and I still don’t understand why I found it so difficult - being in combat would have preferable, but that would be a huge disservice to one of my men. Sadly he would not be the last but as my career was from 1978-2008, possibly the busiest the Corps has been for a long time, it meant having to write letters about a friend and colleague. I would like to think that those things are now in the past, but PTSD (with a side order of terminal cancer) and the drugs involved, especially whiskey, allow the unpleasant part of memories to flood back, but I have a very understanding wife (doctor) and she spots the signs of the arrival of “the black dog” and she does it so well that I’ve lived longer than expected. Anyway, here’s a big shout out of “Semper Fi” to all the great mates I met and befriended during each deployment. I try to keep in touch with as many of them as I can but I’m saddened by the numbers that couldn’t reintegrate back into society. Once you’ve looked into those really dark places and done so too often there’s little chance of living a normal life ever again. So it’s unsurprising that so many of them have taken matters into their own hands (not sure if that’s the VA failing the veterans, or the prevalence of guns?) but it’s something I understand, even to the point of wanting to do the same (but the UK has a really idiotic approach to gun ownership, especially sidearms, in any form). Sorry for blathering on for so long but this video really hit home - it seems that Marines from both sides of the pond have very similar issues and problems. Stay safe mates and if you feel the need to talk just send a message. I’ll help with whatever I can whilst I’m upright!
As a mother of a Marine and an Airman this scares me more than anything I could ever imagine. We are all a family and feel the pain of loss together with those who have experienced it firsthand. Beautiful, important video to show the reality of this trauma.
Man. Bless every one of our branches. First responders. Everyone. But these guys. Their mission is above and beyond. Huge salute to all the men and women that have this heartbreaking duty.
This made me cry. I remember that the last day I saw my dad alive was the day after my wedding. He died under mysterious circumstances in his company plane. My mom was notified over the phone by the Indiana State police and she could only hand the phone over to our accountant for our family business. My grandmother didn't want me to view his body on the last night before his burial but I did anyway. All I could remember was the laugh lines by his eyes. The did a great job with his forehead injury, one hand covered the injured one and his leg injury wasn't visible. It also reminded me of taking my daughter in to see a dear friend's son as she was beginning to do EMS locally. I explained what the drawing on the call sheet compared to what she saw on his head and body. Being an RN I was able to stand it better but I wouldn't let his mom.or sister see him . His head was wrapped in a Chux pad. Saddest part was he was run off the road as he rode his powered bike home from listening to a band play. He was different, an IdioSavant who knew everything about music from the 50's on up. The 3 who did it were waiting for him on purpose. They weren't crimally charged but his mom and sister got a small Civil settlement. It was just before Christmas and I haven't been able to.put a Christmas tree since. He used to bring us a big box of chocolates every Christmas. I've seen people and Veterans die before they should have and it's always hard.
As a father that both my son's served in the Marines both in Iraq. The old 1 tour, my youngest 2 tours in Iraq, 3 tours in Afghanistan. I'm blessed that both my son's came home safely, I can see where, Eric's fiance deserves a US flag. For all those that served I thank you, and God bless you all.
Wow !!! That was spot on !!!!! Everything was just like they do it!!! The acting was to perfection on everyone's part !!! It's a tough and sad job, but somebody has to do it . Thank you to all past and present military for your service. 🛐🛐🛐🛐🛐
I just happened to see this on my phone tonight. This should be required in every school in our country. Like we should still have The pledge of allegiance. My heart breaks for the families and for the people who announce their passing. Bless all of you. God bless America!
This is so well done, I felt so bad, it seemed to be real and not acted. It really did. I realize this is what must happen much too often. There are no credits for the performers, but they are so good. This film should be required viewing for all the world.
This was beautifully done!! It helped me understand it and I’m prior military and had the opportunity to serve on the March AFB USAF Honor Guard (Funerals) in the 80s. Our Mortuary Affairs Division handled this important component. I agree with the other commenters: Every USAmerican should be required to watch this. Maybe it could be linked to Voter Registration, obtaining government ID/Drivers Licenses etc. These experiences must be understood by every American.
Skit (noun) 1. a short literary piece of a humorous or satirical character. 2. a short theatrical sketch or act, usually comical. 3. a gibe or taunt. Thanks for the video, got the title wrong though.
That's what I thought at first. Reading the title, I thought this would be hilarious military comic. And then, it turned out other wise. But, I have to admit this is a good short movie.
I am not a Veteran Personally but for all who have served and those who have passed Thank you for everything you have done for this country It means a lot to myself as My parents were in the Military Thank you and my Deepest Regards for those who have passed
One of the tough parts of the notification team’s duties these days is the internet and satellite/cell communication service members have from forward locations, It is now necessary to shut off all internet communications to prevent deployed personnel from making calls home about a KIA. Personnel would call the deceased their family members or the family members of the deceased to express the condolences before a notification team could be assembled and sent out. Service members would call home or email to immediately to tell their families or call the deceased SM’s family to express condolences . Usually in the Army’s method of doing things, a chaplain would go with the team to provide aid and comfort. By the time the team arrived, families would be in distress from this word of mouth notifications. This turned out to be cruel to the deceased’s family and hard on the notification teams.
Seen times when the fiance was left out. Even when it's a catastrophe like 911 all the condolences and attention money etc is given to the family and the fiance is left out. Times of grief get really ugly for alot of fiancees
I remember when my mom passed and I was assigned a AO. She was a Retired MSgt in the Air Force, I didn't think we would be assigned one since she was Retired. They were very helpful in arranging for full burial honors for my mom. She told me before she died that she always dreaded the possibility of this happening while I was deployed. Now I have a daughter serving in the U.S. SpaceForce it's real.
As a British veteran of 33 years, regular army, army reserve, RAF and RAF reserve, this has to be one of the greatest training videos I have ever seen, absolutely superb. Unfortunately, the word SKIT in the Queens English, in the UK, means a short comedy sketch or piece of humorous writing or a parody. Not a good choice of a word for a very very serious piece of video.
There are multiple words or phrases that mean entirely different things. As you probably know, for us over here, it just means a "short educational film". I have suffered though years of fire dept. training videos. This is a well done piece, with darn good acting. 33 years! You must have seen a lot! All the best to you.
My uncle upon his return from Vietnam was assigned to what they called then " Death Detail" which was informing next of kin of those KIA. He proclaimed he'd rather still been in Nam than doing that detail.
having to make death notifications is one of the hardest things to do. They are all different and yet the same. Watching this skit. brought back memories I still wish I could forget.
I had a friend during viet nam. He worked in a recruiting office as senior officer. Lieutenant. Closest marine base was 400 miles away. He did four notifications in one week. He said they were very very hard but number three was the worst. The wife was pregnant and had two very young children when he showed up.
I served in AF Mortuary Affairs out of Dover 2005 to 2009, and then in Germany til 2011. This is fairly accurate for all services. I saw so many who passed through there and did Family Notifications, and all aspects of Mortuary Affairs to include investigations. I have no emotions anymore. I still see the faces of all who I serviced. I can not say any more
In my 20 years in the Marine Corps I am thankful that I didn't have to put my loved ones through this. One part of my duty while on Recruiting Duty in Buffalo New York June 1980 - June 1983 I assisted the local I&I staff with internment of Marines that was bad enough to bury a brother let alone face a family like this. Rest in Peace Marines and Semper Fi
I have folded so many US Flags during funeral details back in 2004. I've been out of the Military since . It's been 17yrs. are we are still folding the Flags from the same War.
Respect from India 🇮🇳 May all the brave hearts rest in peace. It really left me with a heavy heart, I'm still. I don't know what I want to do now. May God give courage to all the ya families of brave hearts.
I never made notifications for the military but, I did do this for civilians more times than I can remember as a Sgt. Investigator for my local Sheriff's Department, but I will always remember the first time my Lt. tasked me with the detail. No, you never get used to it, but you learn how to do so respectfully, honestly, and efficiently. I've had people try to hit me, pass out in front of me, go into massive panic attacks, and say "so what." But, when you knock on a door at 3:00 AM and make eye contact with the parents, spouses, etc., they pretty much know what you're there for. Believe me, there were times when I had a hard time not breaking down and crying with them. Denial is not at all uncommon. The worst day of my Law Enforcement life was the day I took it upon myself to notify my own parents about my brother.
As a veteran this makes me hurt because overseas we see our buddies leave and we never see them again. It's nice to know the families at least get this help. You are expected to keep marching forward. This is why we have so many vets with issues when we get home we get no closure or understanding when we lose our brothers and sisters in combat. It leaves a hole in your heart that can never be fixed. I am thankful that a few guys I served with are putting reunions together so that we can keep the memories of our brothers alive and heal together.
