For 1st time, brothers guard Tomb of the Unknown

[Robb]

For 1st time, brothers guard Tomb of the Unknown

WASHINGTON – For the first time, two brothers have earned the rarest honor offered in the U.S. Army, having completed training to serve as highly regimented sentinels guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Army Spc. Mathew Brisiel of Spring, Texas, on Friday followed his brother, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Brisiel, when he became the 578th soldier awarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge since 1958.

The 24-year-old said it was the toughest thing he's ever done. Sleep only averaged about four hours a night after 20-hour days of work, studying "tomb knowledge," shining shoes and perfecting uniforms. The job entails guarding the tomb at Arlington National Cemetery all hours of the day, regardless of weather. The soldiers pace silently and deliberately 21 steps in front of the tomb and pause facing the tomb for 21 seconds. Each walk lasts a half-hour in the summer months and an hour in the winter.

Most striking, though, was what it came to mean for him when his trainers would ask if he "loved the unknown soldiers."

"In my head, I was thinking, love the unknowns? That's a little strong, that's a little much," Mathew Brisiel said.

But something changed over eight months of training. "When I'm standing out on the plaza and I'm walking and I see an elderly woman sitting there by herself crying ... it sends chills up your body," he said. "You realize how awesome it is. ... You represent every soldier that gave the ultimate sacrifice.".....

[krispos42]

1. I've seen that

Gets you right in the gut, it does.

[lpbk2713]

2. These guys are special.

I remember hearing a true story that happened not too long ago. A hurricane was about to pass through the DC area. The Officer in Charge of the Tomb detail told the guard on duty he could take cover for a short while. The sentry refused to leave his post. Like I said, these guys are special.


:thumbsup: :thumbsup: