Tonight we honor the memory and the service of CSM Benjamin Moore, Jr., who served our country in the US Army for nearly 26 years. Last Saturday the Department of Defense made the following announcement:
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
CSM Benjamin Moore, Jr., 43, of Waycross, Ga., died Apr 24 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Please follow me below the fold to learn more about the life and service of CSM Moore.
Benjamin Moore, Jr. joined the US Army in June of 1983, shortly after his graduation from Waycross High School in Georgia. During his 26 years of service to our country, he rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, one of the highest enlisted ranks in the Army. Here is a description of the Command Sergeant Major's job:
Functioning without supervision, a CSM’s counsel is expected to be calm, settled and accurate—with unflagging enthusiasm. Supplies recommendations to the commander and staff, and carries out policies and standards on the performance, training, appearance and conduct of enlisted personnel. Assists Officers at the brigade level (3,000 to 5,000 Soldiers).
During his career in the Army, CSM Moore earned 55 medals and served overseas in Korea, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq.
An colleague who served with CSM Moore in Korea wrote the following tribute on the Patriot Guard Forum:
I have known Ben since we were assigned together in Korea from 2004-2006. He was my brother and friend for life! Ben was one of those guys who would go out of his way to help anyone. I am truly going to miss him for the rest of my life!! Mary, Krystal, and Marcelis please stay strong and remember I am always there for you!!
His niece wrote the following about her Uncle Benny:
Well I am actually the Niece of CSM Benjamin Moore Jr. "Uncle Benny is actually my mothers baby brother. I just first and foremost wanted to thank you guys on behalf of my uncle for your condolences and prayers.Its hard, trust me its hard, Uncle Benny was just always upbeat,good looking, and had the brightest smile ever. One thing my mom said today that hit hard was that we actually do come from a pretty big family, and when Uncle Benny let us know he was on his way home everyone was prepared for him to stay in either one of our homes for just a day or two before he went to another home. Everyone would be so excited that he was coming home but now there is no more coming home.My mom cried before he left for the second time and I can remember him telling us I'm gonna be alright. But, this is really emotional but as I stated before to you all THANKS FOR YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Here is a picture taken during CSM Moore's service in Iraq (source).
CSM Moore's family have asked the public and the media to respect their privacy. The Army has issued the following statement on their behalf:
"The Moore family wishes to thank the public and media for their prayers and support, but kindly request the privacy and space to mourn [their] loss," the Army said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Moore family at this time. Poppies are the universal symbols of remembrance.
May we never forget CSM Benjamin Moore, Jr. and his lifetime of service to our country. We are a poorer nation for the loss of this brave and talented man. May he rest in eternal peace.
About "I Got the News Today" (IGTNT)
I Got the News Today is a diary series intended to honor service members who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; its title is a reminder that almost every day a military family gets the terrible news about a loved one. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno, and which is maintained by Sandy on Signal, monkeybiz, noweasels, greenies, blue jersey mom, chacounne, twilight falling, joyful, roses, SisTwo, SpamNunn, a girl in MI, JeNoCo, and MediaProf.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members chronicled here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.