Detail pays tribute to Soldier’s service

By Eve Meinhardt
Paraglide

	Photos by Eve Meinhardt/Paraglide Sergeant 1st Class Kenneth Tiell, 44th Medical Brigade, practices presenting the flag to loved ones during a military funeral. In his year of funeral detail duty, Tiell said he has participated in about 220 funerals for Soldiers, veterans and retirees.

In the midday August sun, seven Soldiers stood at attention, saluting a cot with a flag draped across it. After slowly dropping their salute in unison, the Soldiers picked up the cot and marched across the field to its final destination. After the team simulated firing three shots in the air, two noncommissioned officers began folding the flag into the familiar triangle shape.

When the fold was perfect, three bullets were inserted into the crease representing the service of a Soldier with the words “duty, honor, country.”

After going through all the steps for a military funeral with honors, the Soldiers from the 44th Medical Brigade wiped the dripping sweat from their faces, drank some water and started all over again. The funeral detail practices their duties three to four times a week, making sure that every step is perfect.
“We practice so often because we have to get it right,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Tiell, who has been a part of the funeral detail for about a year. “It’s important to ensure we respect the service and sacrifice of our fellow Soldiers.”

Specialist Joel Garza, who played the bugle during the practice, said he has been a part of the funeral detail for almost six months. During that time, he has attended over 40 funerals. He said it is a duty he doesn’t take lightly.

The detail conducts about 15 to 20 funerals each month, often with only 24 to 48 hours notice. They travel the state, ensuring that the Army says a proper final thank you for the Soldier’s service to his country.

Rain or shine, they will keep practicing each week for duty, honor and country.

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