(Funeral service remarks, as delivered by Brigadier General Randal A. Dragon, US Army on May 20, 2013) SPC Thomas Paige Murach- We gather here today to honor Thomas Paige Murach, Specialist, United States Army … Son, Grandson, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, Soldier … a Gentleman, a Christian, a Hero and a Friend. On behalf of the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army, and all of the Soldiers and Families serving our great Nation, and on behalf of a grateful Nation, let me offer our most reverent and sincere sympathy at the loss of such a great young man, a true American Patriot, a man respected and endeared by all who had the fortune of walking alongside of him. Much as you loved him, and he loved you, he was also loved by his fellow Soldiers … a true Band of Brothers who had forged a friendship at Fort Bliss, Texas and in Afghanistan … he was deeply respected by his peers and superiors alike, and we all share in your loss. Few words are comforting at this time, but I hope and pray that you will take comfort in knowing that so many of his Army Family respect this young man, and that he will be missed from the ranks, but his spirit will continue in all who had the great fortune of serving with him. If there is anything that I can leave with you today, it is this: No man, no Soldier, no young Leader better exemplified the values that we, as Soldiers hold so dear, as Thomas Murach … those values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage … he is the example of every one these. I had the opportunity to communicate with Soldiers from his unit, and those who knew him well … who forged a friendship that can only be forged under the conditions of combat, Soldiers of all ranks, who passed on several things. Tom was a Patriot … loved America and joined the Army to serve this Nation and all that it represents. He was a Team Player and filled with enthusiasm … his concern for ensuring that his fellow Soldiers’ needs were looked after had a huge impact on his teammates. He was quick to listen, and slow to speak … he always had a way of … as he would say … “Keepin’ it Class.” His character, his quiet professional approach, and his discipline to do things right, and to do the right things were unmatched, and he routinely brightened a room and created teamwork. Tom was a preeminent Combat Infantryman. His understanding of the fieldcraft, the profession of arms at the grass roots, and his drive meant he always asked for the hardest tasks … Sniper … a task handled by our most accomplished and confident Soldiers. One of his fellow Soldiers recalled how focused Thomas could be … this Soldier said that during overnight missions when the temperature would drop and others would shiver and be challenged by the lack of sleep, Tom would be like a rock laying behind the gun, eyes trained on the scope, motionless and seemingly unaffected by the elements. Not because he was ordered to, but because he would rather shoulder the burden than let his brothers in arms have to bear it … he was always ready to go the extra mile, to give more than he got. These are the characteristics that mark him as a premier Combat Infantrymen. I believe that the most telling characteristic recognized by his teammates was that he was not only an outstanding American Soldier, but also an amazing Soldier of God. Of all things remembered by the Battalion Leadership, was that Thomas told them that before every mission he would recite Psalm 27:7, “Hear my Voice when I call O Lord, be merciful to me and answer me.” It is hard to describe the closeness of Soldiers … especially those who have shared and endured the hardship of combat … so I will use the words of one of his Brothers … Big brother, Teacher, Friend, Mentor, Expert, Leader … Competent, Courageous, Committed, Resolved … all great descriptors of Specialist Thomas Murach. But words that best describe Tom, are those of a true American Patriot … a Hero. In his short time with us, he accomplished more than others do in a lifetime. His willingness to sacrifice to preserve our freedoms, our way of life and to build a better future makes him the exemplar of the great strength of this Nation, and his dedication and sacrifice deserves our never ending respect. He epitomizes the very best of America. Those of us in uniform, past and present, pray that God blesses you, his dear Family and friends, and we pray that you will be comforted in knowing that Tom was loved by so many. We are honored to have served with, lived with, and learned from him. We will always remember his magnificent service to the United States of America … we will remember who he was and how he served, we will remember what he stood for and the example of courage and character that he set for us all. May God watch over you and ease your pain. There will never be a passing day in which we do not think of you and your sacrifice. Our lives have been enriched for having known this exceptional person … and we will remember Thomas as a Hero. May God Bless and welcome home his Faithful Servant, and may God bless this Family.
Posted on: Sat, 17 Aug 2013 19:06:01 +0000
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