Free Loving An Airborne Ranger by Susan Leigh Carlton Page B

will, Captain.  Thank you.”
    Mid Afternoon
    Wives from the Night Stalkers continued to drop in through the afternoon and early morning. Many of them brought casseroles or other types of covered dishes.  There would be no need for cooking for several days to come.  One of the wives Lisa knew by sight came sat by her and reintroduced herself, “I’m Cindy and I’m chairwoman for the wives group.  First, let me tell you how sorry I am for your loss.  My husband was shot down just last year.  One thing you need to know.  You and your son will never want for anything.  Our organization takes great pride in taking care of our own.  We will help with the paperwork and make sure you understand all of the benefits you have coming.  If you remarry, that’s different things change but not for your son.  There is even assistance when he is ready for college. If you need anything ,  contact us and we will take care of it.”
     
    The next day, Lisa was contacted by the Department of the Army. She was given the time and date Matt’s body would arrive in Dover, and then transported to Lisa’s choice of mortuary.  Lisa selected a mortuary in Clarksville, Tennessee and informed the Army.  On arrival, funeral services would be arranged by the Fort Campbell chaplain’s office with all of the appropriate honor guards set.

Chapter 2
     
     
    The day of the services was rainy with a forecast of thunderstorms, some of which could be heavy and contain hail.  It was as if Matt was protesting what had happened to him.  A blue shelter was arranged to protect those attending from the elements.
    Matt’s family, the Turners, drove their own car following Lisa’s family, the Barrett’s to Fort Campbell. They were gathered under the covering when the Army Honor Guard unloaded the casket from the hearse.
    There were many Army personnel in attendance, as would be expected in an Army town.  The Post Chaplain conducted the services.  At Lisa’s request, the hymn, Amazing Grace was played.  A bugler played Taps.  Two sergeants from the honor guard folded the flag in the familiar tri-fold with only the blue showing.  One of the sergeants presented the flag to the widow and thanked her for her husband’s service on “behalf of a grateful nation.”
    Lisa carrying Kyle, walked to the grave stood silently then placed a single rose atop coffin.  She turned and walked away.  Her father draped his arm on her shoulder as she leaned heavily against him.  Her mother tried to take Kyle but he would have no part of it.
     
    The officers and men from the 101st Airborne Cavalry filed past the casket at a slow pace, each stopping briefly and saluting to pay his last respects.  A rifle salute was also fired.
     
    Many of the attendees came by the Turner’s home for a few minutes to offer their condolences and to assure the widow they were there if she needed them.
    The Next Day 
    Lisa’s mother and sister sat with her in the family room.  “What are you going to do, Lisa?”
    “I don’t understand what you mean Mother.” 
    “Are you going to move back home now?  I think you should.  We can help with Kyle until you get settled.”
    “Mom, all of my friends are here.  I’m going to stay here.  We are well taken care of.  I won’t have to work or anything and there is a tremendous support group here for the fallen warrior’s families.”
    Her sister said, “Lisa, I think Mom’s right.  I think it would be a better environment for Kyle than to be raised in an Army town.”
    “This is his father’s Army town and we’ll be fine here, surrounded by friends we know and love.  We are not moving to Dime Box and that’s it.”
    Her mother sniffed, on the verge of tears.  She was sure it was the grief talking.  Lisa would come to her senses and move back.
    “Dad wants to leave day after tomorrow.  I can stay for as long as you need me.”
     
    “Mom, we’ll be fine.  Matt’s mother offered to do the same.  We’ll