On Sept. 25, I was one of many that attended the funeral of SFC Shawn McCloskey, in itself a humbling experience: The chance to render final honors to one of America’s finest, a hero, a husband, a father, a fellow soldier.

In all of the sadness of this event, I was caught off-guard by the outpouring of the citizens of the area, the number of law enforcement personnel that gave up their day off to support the smooth sequence of events, the firefighters who took the time to be present at the airfield and the cemetery.

Most notable: each of you, the citizens of the Fayetteville/Peachtree City area who stopped, got out of your vehicles as the funeral procession passed by and rendered honors for this soldier.

This simple act of dignity, patience, citizenship, is something I have not seen in this country for some time. Then again, I haven’t been stationed in the South for awhile.

Your courtesy uplifted my spirits and reaffirmed my faith that just maybe SFC McCloskey’s death was not in vain, that he and the rest of us who serve our country are still appreciated and noted.

From this outsider’s observation, you all have it right, you all have a wonderful community. Thank you for this simple courtesy and display of patriotism. Very respectfully, a soldier.

Thomas J. Farrell Jr.

LTC, GS