Stryker Brigade News

The Army, most notably the 2nd Infantry Division, was present and well represented. The Brigadier General spoke to the congregation and read some emails that were sent by Chase's platoon. You could tell they found Chase to be a leader, friend, comic and soldier held in the highest regard. I cannot remember how many times I heard people say it was Chase's smile that you always remember. I also got the impression that that smile, was a bit on the mischievous side sometimes too. That was all part of what the Priest, who officiated the service, said was the "Chase Experience". One soldier wrote, "Chase saved my bacon" referring to a firefight a while back where Chase and his fellow soldiers did what soldiers do best, watch their buddies backs. There were many accounts of his hard work, dedication to service and his willingness to be the best he could be. In the words of his coaches, you never had to ask Chase to work harder. He always gave 110% in whatever he did. After meeting his mother and father, I can tell where he got those values. Two very fine people who I will remember always. After the general was finished speaking, he presented Chase's mom the Bronze Star on behalf of a grateful nation.

The family and friends put together a great video tribute to Chase's life. It gave me an insight into what the Chase Experience was. From an early age you could see the smile, the look and the love he had for his family. Fishing with his dad and younger brother. Boogie boarding on the lake, hamming it up for the camera doing an impression of Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear. All great moments the family and friends will remember forever. The home movies told me of a love for his brother that only brothers know. You could see they were both proud of each other and loved to rough house around a bit. My prayers are with Kyle, for I know at his age, it is hard to comprehend such a loss. Hang in there young man, remember the good times.

After the service, most of the congregation made their way to the reception next door. I sat to one side during the service and wanted to pay my respects to Chase even though I had never met him. I kneeled in front of his picture and military display and said a few prayers. I had been teary eyed throughout the service, but at this moment I became very emotional. Being a father of a soldier, I could only imagine what his own father is going through. How would I handle a day like this? I asked God to bless Chase and his family, they need Him so. As I looked at Chase's medals, ribbons and Combat Infantry Badge, all shinny and bright, I felt a sense of pride that I know his family and friends have for Chase. He was a soldier, a good friend to many and as it was said before, he will touch many more lives before our days are done here on earth.

I made my way to the reception line and that is where I finally met Chase's parents. Words cannot explain the emotion I was going through as I introduced myself saying that I had a son over there with the brigade and that I had never met Chase, but I wanted to be here today to pay my respects. We shook hands and then his dad gave me a big hug. I felt so sad for him but his strength was greater than mine and he said he would pray for my son, as he does for all our service men and women over there. This was another affirmation as to why Chase was who he was, his parents are extraordinary individuals and I am proud to have met them.

When I introduced myself to Chase's mom, I got the same kind words and embrace that I had received from his dad. Knowing that this fine lady had become a select member of Gold Star moms, broke my heart. You could see the hurt in her eyes but also the wisdom of one who knows that God only loans His children to us parents for a while. A family friend had read a poem about the time that God sends his children to us. When the time comes, I am going to find that poem somewhere. It has more meaning than anything I have ever written. After I told her my son was in the brigade, she told me of a great place for information about the brigade, she said she tells all her friends about Strykernews dot com. It was then that I told her I was the Mike Oreo on the site that helped Todd post messages and such. This brought a smile to both of us, and for that I am thankful. It was then that I asked her if it would be OK to post what I am writing now. She said it would be fine and thanked me being here. We hugged and cried a bit and I thanked her for sharing and that my prayers will be with her and Chase. He will never be forgotten in my home.

When I arrived at the cemetery I could see the Army was already there. Many friends had arrived and more were on their way. The white hearse that carried Chase was staged and ready for the family to arrive. The Army flag flowing in the breeze. It is such a beautiful hillside, covered by a big tree. A most fitting area for a fine young man's final resting place. The bugler from 1 Corp stood alone on the side of the hill. I knew why he was there, it is the toughest part of a military service for me personally. My first encounter with taps played for real was when I was Chase's age at my father's funeral. It still moves me emotionally. The honor guard was at parade rest, rifles at the ready. Two Brigadier Generals, one Master Sergeant, a few privates, specialists, sergeants, one captain that I could see and a few other officers I was not familiar with their insignia. (Remember, I was Navy, and the Army stuff is new to me) :-) Speaking of Navy, there was a Navy Chief in attendance. You do not see many Chief's around our landlocked neck of the woods, but it brought back memories of my father in his uniform and I was glad to see the Chief there. (More on that one later) It did my heart good to see the Army there to support Chase's family and pay him tribute with a full military honors. I pray I never have to see it again, but I thanked all that I could before I left the service.

The military chaplain and the priest officiated over the service. Their words were so calming to me and I pray they were also for the family. The honor guard raised their weapons, fired their salute, and taps was played. The emotions you feel at this time are more than words can describe. I felt so honored to be there. As the honor guard slow stepped to the flag draped casket, slowing raising it and folding it with care, I realized the full meaning of freedom and its cost. The American flag was presented to Chase's mom and a representative of the Governor's office, who had spoke at the service earlier, presented her with an Oregon flag. This is probably the most memorable and final moment for me. It symbolized the thanks of a grateful nation, state and friends of this fine soldier, friend, son and brother. May he rest in peace and may his family find strength in knowing he served his country well.

As people paid their last respects, Chase's mom thanked us all for coming. Her voice faint and choked with emotion, but heard by all in attendance. As I walked down the road to my car, I met up with the Chief. Thanked him for his service and told him it was nice to see a Navy man in landlocked Eugene. We talked as we walked, exchanged a few words and he said he would pray for my son. As I will his. Being the old man that I am, I totally spaced who this person could be. I did not put two and two together until my return home. JackWC, my apologies for not introducing myself. For some reason, when I first read your message online, I thought you would be at the service at Fort Lewis, not in Eugene. My mistake now that I reread the post and chatted with Todd. Boy do I feel silly. I guess I was in a fog most of the day. I had no idea you were making the trip from Washington, I would have like to gotten to know you better. Maybe another time, under different circumstances.

In closing I would like to say how grateful I am to have come to know Chase Whitham. He certainly was a fine young man with many friends and a loving family. To his brothers in arms, rest assured that Chase was honored by all those in attendance and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God rest his soul and may he never be forgotten.

Most respectfully yours,
Mike Oreo
A Proud Parent of a Solder who caught a glimpse of the Chase Experience

An article from our local paper gave a nice account of the service for Chase and I recommend you visit our section for Chase to read all the articles about this fine young man.