On a cool, rainy autumn day, a casket containing a fallen Soldier was escorted into a chapel where family, friends, and freedom supporters gathered to honor this Soldier. On Oct. 20, Spc. George Cauley, Minnesota Army National Guard Soldier, entered Camp Ripley, Minn.’s Memorial Chapel, were he was honored for his sacrifice.
Spc. Cauley, 24, of Walker, Minn., died Oct. 10 at Bagram, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from an Improvised Explosive Device incident that occurred Oct. 7 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
“We mourn the loss of this brave Soldier,” said Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito, the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. “Please take a moment to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by Spc. Cauley. We will never forget his dedication, loyalty and bravery shown for the United States of America and the state of Minnesota.”
Landing at Beltrami County Airport in Bemidji, Minn., Spc. Cauley was transferred from Afghanistan. The Dennis Funeral Home completed his transfer home, taking him to Walker, Minn., being escorted by the Patriot Guard on Oct. 16. Spc. Cauley completed his long journey on Oct. 20, going from Walker to Camp Ripley.
Spc. Cauley enlisted during his senior year at Northland High School in Remer, Minn. at age 17, and was assigned to the 114th Transportation Company (TC) in Duluth, Minn. as a Heavy Vehicle Operator. He was on his first overseas tour of duty.
In addition to the military, Spc. Cauley was also interested in playing guitar, piano, and drums, as well as listening to music. He was also mechanical and enjoyed working on small sports cars.
“We have a name for young men like that,” said Chaplain Corey Bjertness, Minnesota Army National Guard Chaplain. “The word that we have for that is that he was an ‘All American.’ This All American, George Walter Cauley, personified the heart and the sacrifice and the dignity of a Soldier.”
From the chapel, Spc. Cauley was ushered to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minn.
For the final time, the Minnesota National Guard Funeral Honor Guard carried this fallen Soldier’s casket. Putting down the casket, they folded the American flag that had adorned his casket, and it was presented to Spc. Cauley’s parents, Richard and Gloria Cauley, by Maj. Gen. Shellito.
While the Soldiers Spc. Cauley fought with in Afghanistan were not able to attend his funeral, they remember him as they continue the fight.
“Spc. Cauley was truly loved by the Soldiers of the [114th TC] Wolf Pack. He was a true asset to our company and will be missed,” said Cpt. Jeffrey Nilsen, 114th TC Commander. “Spc. Cauley has touched all of us with his humor, his heart, and his work ethic. His sacrifice will be remembered by comrades, and our deepest condolences go to George’s family and loved ones.”
By Sgt. Jodi Krause, Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs
20 Oct., 2009
