We spent a beautiful Sunday with three wonderful families from the Knoxville area: Bill and Bernie Koprince, parents of Marine LCpl William C. Koprince, Jr.; Kim and Doug Harrison, parents of Army Specialist G. Daniel Harrison; and Robin and Mike Ferschke, parents of Marine Sergeant Michael H. Ferschke Jr. We also met two lovely ladies who give tremendous time and energy to supporting veterans and military families: Cindi Mink and Suzy Dauber, both members of Tennesee Rolling Thunder Chapter 3. Our day began with a drive from Cookeville to Kingston, to visit with Bill and Bernie at Billy’s gravesite in Kingston Memorial Gardens. Billy gave his life on December 27, 2006, while deployed to Iraq. We learned that once Billy set his mind to something he was determined to see it through. His photographic memory gave him an intuitive sense of the best and safest routes when his platoon patrolled through their area of responsibility—this was one of many things Billy’s fellow Marines shared with his family after his death. Later, we visited with the Harrisons and the Ferschkes at their sons’ gravesites at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. Kim and Doug shared that their tall, imposing son was really a big teddy bear, and they called him “Bear” ever since he was little. Daniel served as a Military Policeman, and he had a goal of working in civilian law enforcement as a K-9 handler one day. Daniel gave his life on December 2, 2004, in Mosul, Iraq. Sergeant Michael Ferschke was a reconnaissance Marine. His commitment to tactical proficiency was balanced by a fun-loving side—he would pull out a can of cheese wiz on a break during a long fin session, and he’d keep his guys up late at night singing and playing Guitar Hero. “Only Ferschke,” they told his parents as they laughed and shook their heads. Michael gave his life on August 10, 2008, while serving in Iraq. I noticed a common thread in my conversations with these families yesterday—the parents of these heroes have learned a great deal about their sons as Marines and Soldiers through stories their comrades have shared after their deaths. This has actually been a common thread throughout this journey, and it reinforces the importance of the bonds between surviving families and surviving friends. In general, Gold Star families want to have contact with their loved ones’ brothers and sisters-in-arms. These relationships provide them with a deeper understanding of the men and women their children grew to be while in the service. They help keep the memory of their fallen heroes alive, and they provide comfort and healing for the ones who are left to carry on. Celeste and I had enough time for a short ride around the waterfront southwest of Knoxville yesterday afternoon. Although it is secondary to my time with families, time on the bike is very important—it provides time for reflection and offers a physical and emotional release that seems to help things fit together better in my mind. As tough as the hills can be, I think I need them in a way.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Oct 2013 13:53:12 +0000
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