On Saturday morning, I rode through the rain and the cold with members of the Austin-area Patriot Guard Riders to pay our respects to SFC Miguel A. Wilson who died while saving the life of a fellow Soldier in Iraq on November 21.
The Fallen Soldier Memorial displayed for the funeral services of SFC Miguel Wilson. The headgear represents the soldier’s ability to think, react, learn and lead. The rifle symbolizes the battle soldier’s face, and the cover on the bayonet, the peace they want. The boots are meant to carry us wherever our country leads us. The dog tags represent the personal aspect of the losses and the soldiers who are loved and deeply missed … and will never be forgotten.
SFC Wilson was designated a “non-combat related” death, but that does not diminish his heroism or sacrifice in Iraq. Instead — and I doubt there is a Soldier anywhere who would disagree — SFC Wilson is the epitome of heroism, selfless service, and of an NCO looking out for his Soldiers.
According to the DoD:
Miguel A. Wilson, 36, of Bonham, Texas, died Nov. 21 in Abu Sayf, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a rescue attempt of another soldier while their unit was conducting a dismounted reconnaissance mission. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.
Military sources indicate that SFC Wilson was crossing a bridge when he saw another soldier struggling in the water below. SFC Wilson immediately jumped over the side of the bridge wearing a 65-pound backpack and managed to rescue the soldier in the water.
Sadly, SFC Wilson was unable to make it to safety and drowned in the river. His body was recovered two days later.
Without fear or concern for his own safety, SFC Wilson gave his life saving the life of a fellow Soldier. I cannot speak any higher nor have any higher regard for any man than I do for SFC Wilson.
It was an honor to ride in his honor, and an honor to stand the flag line to support his family, his friends, his community, and his fellow Soldiers.
_______
Our small group of riders arrived several hours before the main procession was arriving from the church. I used the time to visit the graves of some dear friends who are buried here, as well as the graves of Soldiers whose funerals I have ridden for in the past several years.
Earlier in the day, Christmas wreaths were placed on all of the headstones. You can see the digging equipment in the background preparing the final resting place of SFC Wilson.
The headstone for SFC Wilson was unpacked and lay resting on a pallet near his grave.
The Patriot Guard Riders stand their flag line around the friends and family of SFC Wilson.
After the funeral was over and most everyone from the funeral party had left and only the family and the PGR remained…the wife and brother of SFC Wilson placed a new University of Texas t-shirt and hat on top of his casket as they said one final tearful goodbye.
The US Army Captain who was the casualty assistance officer briefly left the side of the family to talk to the funeral director to make sure that the t-shirt and hat were placed into the casket after everyone left. The funeral director assured the Captain that it would be done.
SFC WIlson: selfless hero and a Longhorn fan. God Speed, Soldier.
Outstanding Soldier and a true hero.
Selfless devotion to his country and a fellow Soldier.
You couldn’t ask for anything more.
Like it says on the walls of the Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M: “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for a friend.” John 15:13.
A tragic loss for his family, our Army and our nation.
Thank you for this post and attending the burial ceremony.
I resent the increasing use of the term “non-combat” death or injury. SFC Wilson was in Iraq, a combat zone, on patrol, in full battle gear, for a reason. He wasn’t at the NTC or Hood training.
A lot of vets are getting denied benfits they rate by the use of this term. That’s got to stop.
SFC Wilson, thank you for everything you have taught me, you are my hero, I think about you daily, thank you for your sacrifice to our country you will not be forgotten..
Sfc Wilson will be missed even by someone like Me, he gave Me guidance more than anyother platoon sargent in eagle. Rip sargent Wilson
The Patriot Guard did an outstanding job paying tribute to SFC Wilson that day. Miguel and I served together in Iraq in 05-06, and I know for a fact that he always supported me and our unit. He was an outstanding leader and friend. I will never forget that voice and that smile. Nor will I ever forget the honorable job the PGR did to honor him.