California Army National Guard soldier rests eternally

News: California Army National Guard soldier rests eternally

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Story by Spc. Edward Siguenza Follow This Journalist

Spc. Edward Siguenza

After being presented the U.S. flag, Cheryl Walsh is comforted by her father as other family members grieve the loss of Spc. Sean Michael Walsh, a California Army National Guardsman who died Nov. 16 in Afghanistan. The Guardsman was Cheryl Walsh's only son. He was laid to rest Dec. 3 at Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose, Calif. "This is the hardest day of my life, but not the worst," the mother said. "The worst was the day he died."

SARATOGA, Calif.—Gripping a United States flag, one of nearly 70 peacefully flying as the casket of Spc. Sean Michael Walsh marched by, Greg Grace unnoticeably reached out his free hand.

Eyes closed, he mumbled words no one heard, not even by those of his fellow Patriot Guard Riders flanking him.

"I reached out to touch him," the U.S. Army veteran said. "I just prayed, prayed for him and his family. I wanted him to know he has our respect. He risked his life for the sake of others. He truly has our respect."

Had he succeeded, Walsh would have been touched by grace. In some way he truly has, having given his life Nov. 16 in Afghanistan while serving with the California Army National Guard's 870th Military Police Company in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Walsh, 21, died by indirect fire. He was finally laid to rest Dec. 3 in San Jose, Calif., via full military honors. This was his family's closure to a sorrowful two weeks, starting with Cheryl Walsh's notification that her only child died in the line of duty.

"It's the hardest day of my life, not the worst," she said at his funeral. "The worst is the day he died. The hardest is saying goodbye to him."

What will never be left behind are the cherished memories of the boy who suddenly became a man through his passion for the military and law enforcement. Walsh died wearing an Army uniform, but he perished as a member of the Santa Clara Police Department Explorer Program, a program that prepares youngsters for police officer careers. He joined Explorers in 2007.

"Sean was a team player, and knew what it meant to support the people he worked with," said Officer Bill Davis, executive director, Santa Clara Police Activities League. "Sean could just as easily have stayed at home, gone to school and have pursued his goal of being a police officer. Instead, by running toward danger – just as police officers do every day – Sean found one more way to serve not only his community, but his country."

According to Davis, Walsh joined the Explorer Program "because I love law enforcement, and I want to learn more about the profession."

Explorer cadet Brian Garcia is one of Walsh's best friends. He said Walsh will be remembered as a great person, liked by everyone.

"Every time that he found somebody in a stressful situation or just having a down day, he'd always find a way to make you laugh," Garcia said. "No matter what the situation was, he'd always find a way to get your spirit up, always find a way to get you laughing."

Walsh is his family's fourth generation Soldier. His grandfather served in the U.S. Army in World War II.

California National Guard leaders joined police officers, community leaders, friends and family as Walsh's flag-draped casket was presented at Saratoga's St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. He received his final prayers and respects. Cheryl Walsh accepted her son's Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal and California Memorial Service Medal from his service's leaders.

"Today we honor the courage and sacrifice (Walsh) took upon himself when he joined his fellow military policemen and headed over to make Afghanistan a safer place," said Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, adjutant general, California National Guard. "Take some comfort in knowing that all Americans are deeply indebted for his sacrifice."

Less than an hour later, Cheryl Walsh tearfully accepted her son's flag – presented by Baldwin – in traditional military gratitude.

Said Cheryl Walsh: "There’s a quote Sean wrote, and this came from him on his Facebook page, and it said, from Sean: 'I learned to live life and not just take things for granted. Live for today because you might not see tomorrow.' I thought that was very profound, and that's what I want the message to be. Enjoy today, for you might not see tomorrow."

Sadly, Walsh died about a month before the 870th was to return home for good. The rest of his California battle partners were to arrive mid-December.

Walsh now rests eternally a few feet from something symbolic. A statue of an eagle sits atop a memorial, with the words "Let's Roll" etched in marble stone. This memorial honors victims of United Airlines Flight 93, the plane that crashed Sept. 11, 2001, in Pennsylvania.

This is one of the incidences that ignited Operation Enduring Freedom – the purpose for Walsh in Afghanistan.

So again, within a few feet, Walsh is eternally touched by grace.