Try to watch this entire video without bringing your hand to your heart, I couldn’t do it:

“Killed in action the week before, the body of Staff Sergeant John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia , just south of Atlanta , on June 11, 2009 . The Henry County Police Department escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia . A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time.”

By any definition, SSGT. John Beale was a hero. He had already done his duty to his country in the Army during Desert Storm. He could have spent the rest of his life as a hero without ever returning to active duty. The son of a sailor, John chose to join the National Guard. It took him away from his beloved wife and children but John knew what honor meant and he chose to walk the walk instead of simply talking the talk. Well known in his community for his work with children, John knew exactly what he was protecting and he knew exactly what he was risking when he signed up for his second tour of duty with the military.

He also knew that from those who are given much, much is expected. Never one to leave the hard work to someone else, John left his relatively safe job at the Clayton County Water Authority and headed to Afganistan with many other young Americans.

On June 4th, 2009, in Kaspia Afghanistan, John died at age 39 of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. Major Kevin Jenrette and Specialist Jeffrey Jordan were killed alongside of SSGT. Beale.

Army
National Guard
1st Battalion
108th Reconnaissance
Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron
48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Calhoun, Georgia

He is interred at Camp Memorial Cemetery in Fayetteville, Georgia