Final Salute

By Virginia Huie

A fallen hero was laid to rest today. 29-year-old Specialist Jonathan Keller of Wading River -- remembered as a man of honor, a beloved son, brother and friend to many. Specialist Keller was critically wounded in a fierce firefight with the Taliban in Afghanistan. After nine months at Fort Bragg and multiple surgeries, he died of his injuries -- leaving his comrades at the Fighting 69th with heavy hearts and bittersweet memories. His friend, Specialist Ethan Garren, had tears in his eyes as he remembered Keller's sense of humor. Specialist Garren says, " It could be the worst of times, but he could make me laugh. Just one thing I loved about him, never a bad day with him. It was always fun." Keller's team leader, Specialist Jason Hwang of Bethpage, says Keller was a warrior to the end. Specialist Hwang was with Keller when he was shot. "To do what we do, what he did, takes a lot of courage." Since the war began, I have covered at least a dozen funerals of servicemen. It never gets any easier. The sorrow is palpable in the silent salutes, the wail of the bagpipes, the grief in the faces of family and friends. What I've learned from meeting the family and comrades of the fallen is the depth of their devotion to this country and their families. And I am inspired by the grace and dignity of the families left behind.