Dear Mrs. Beckett,
I extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your beloved husband, Private Samuel J. Beckett. As an American Soldier, he volunteered to serve his country, and he was known as a good man to all who had the privilege of knowing him. This tragedy has taken away a fine young man from his family and friends, and no words can adequately express the sorrow and regret we feel.
Sam recently joined Bravo Company, 52nd Infantry Battalion, having completed his Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He took great pride in wearing his black beret and was eager to become a part of his new unit and family, the Bravo Company Bulldogs. He had settled into his barracks room, where he shared the space with PFC Darren Compton, while preparing for the unit’s first major training exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana. As you may know, our unit engages in rigorous training to maintain our readiness for combat, and this exercise was an important milestone for Sam. He served as a fine rifleman and set a remarkable example for others as a member of the second squad in the 3rd platoon.
On Monday, December 13, 2005, the Soldiers of Bravo Company began their day with an esprit de corps physical training run. Sam had the honor of carrying the guidon for his platoon, leading 35 Soldiers on a five-mile run through Fort Riley. Following breakfast, the company boarded buses to Range 31, where they would qualify with their individual weapons before their upcoming deployment to Fort Polk. Sam was assigned to the third firing order at the seventh firing point, with his roommate PFC Compton next to him. After firing their familiarization rounds and preparing for qualification, tragedy struck when another Soldier’s weapon accidentally fell and discharged. Unfortunately, the bullet struck Sam in the head, resulting in his instantaneous passing. His fellow Soldiers, his battle buddies, rushed to his side, and a combat medic, equipped with life-saving skills, was on the range in an ambulance. Despite their extensive efforts to revive Sam, they were unable to do so. Within fifteen minutes, a medical evacuation helicopter from the post hospital arrived and transported Sam to Irwin Army Community Hospital, where the doctors declared him deceased.
At present, an investigation is underway to determine the cause of this tragic accident and to prevent any future recurrence. Once the investigation is complete, I will ensure that you receive a comprehensive briefing on the findings.
I want you to know how deeply Sam loved the Army and the work he was doing. Although his time with our unit was brief, he already stood out as one of the most motivated and promising young Soldiers. He was always the first to volunteer for missions, maintained impeccable uniform and boot standards, and never missed a formation or a work call.
Sam was highly regarded by his peers in the platoon and the company, and I have a vivid memory of him carrying the platoon guidon that morning as the companies passed in review before me and my battalion staff. I recall his pride and the confidence with which he marched, proudly holding the Bulldog 3 flag. Sam was an American Soldier and an Infantryman, fully committed to the responsibilities he had undertaken. I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve alongside this exceptional American.
I cannot fathom the depth of impact this loss has had on you, his family. While I cannot offer solace sufficient to alleviate your grief, I want you to know that the Soldiers with whom Sam served hold him in great respect and affection. Today, we held a memorial service at 10:00 AM, where we remembered Sam and celebrated his fighting spirit. The heartfelt remarks shared by those who served closely with Sam were filled with deep emotion. Corporal Freeman, his squad leader, captured Sam’s service best when he said, “I will deeply miss the sharpest, most motivated Soldier in my squad, the one who always shouted ‘Yes, Corporal’ the loudest, the one on whom I could always rely to get things done. But most of all, I will miss the incredible potential he had and all that he could have achieved.”
Following the formal service, as bagpipes played “Amazing Grace” in the background, each Soldier in turn rendered a solemn salute to an M16, adorned with a set of Sam’s identification tags (dog tags) securely placed between a pair of his boots, which were elevated on a pedestal before us.
Rest assured that we are treating Sam’s personal effects with the utmost care and will soon forward them to you, as the designated recipient of his belongings. Among his personal effects, we will include the guidon that Sam proudly carried on the morning of his passing.
It is of utmost importance to me that you understand two fundamental truths. First, Sam loved what he was doing as a Soldier. Second, Sam cherished the camaraderie of the Soldiers with whom he served, and they reciprocated that love. Although the pain you endure is unimaginable, please accept my sincerest wishes for strength and healing during this incomprehensible tragedy. If there is anything I can do to assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out. Know that you will forever remain a part of the 52nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, the “Big Red One.”
With deepest sympathy