Images and Comments from the Memorial Service of Alex Bayer ’01

Bob,

Yesterday was a very sad day for all of us who knew Alex and in particular for his young wife, Jennifer, and our friend and colleague, Barbara. At the same time, it was an uplifting day to see eight young men come together and perform flawlessly on the biggest stage, under the direct observation of the 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard), the United States Secretary of the Army John McHugh, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mullen, the past United States Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, as well as multiple retired and active duty military personnel, most of them Colonels and above. I talked to a Navy Commander at the reception as well as to Colonel Hunte and Colonel Lewis and all three expressed amazement at the skill level and professionalism of our High School (their emphasis) cadets. I think we even surprised the Old Guard!

At the grave site, our boys, in front of the entire crowd and as part of the official ceremony, were to offer their condolences to the family, something they hadn’t expected and which definitely placed them out of their comfort zone. They were magnificent in their response. Mike Bayer, Alex’s father, commented that as the boys expressed those condolences to the family, (after an hour at the church, a mile march in coatees, white ducks and shako’s plus twenty minutes at the grave site, in DC heat and humidity) that their faces were bathed in sweat and it was dripping from underneath their shakos. They were perfect troopers and of great comfort to both him and Barbara as living reminders of Alex not so long ago.

I am writing each of their parents and while I know they are not all perfect cadets, they represented the very best of the Fishburne brotherhood in a manner which should reinforce to all of us the positive impact we are having on this generation. I am not sure I have ever been prouder of our boys, their attitude, compassion, and desire to do their best for Barbara, the family and Alex. To have a cadet tell me this was an honor, that they felt connected to the school and the family was uplifting.

I want to also add my sincere appreciation to the JROTC Department for your efforts. In particular, I want to thank you and Top for everything you did Monday night and Tuesday in ensuring the multiple ceremonies came off without a hitch. I know we kept adding tasks and duties. Your willingness to accept those additional duties without question or complaint and the personal dedication your department exhibits is of the highest caliber and a credit to each of you as individuals and career members of the United States Army. As you know, this was particularly important to me (as evidenced by my rather intense attention to detail) and you have my sincere personal gratitude for your efforts.

Ted Moroney