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With burial of Iraq war casualty, Washington welcomes latest addition to its military community

Army Specialist Stephen G. Zapasnik, killed in Iraq on December 24, 2008, was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on January 6, 2009.

The majority of the Capitol region’s military community isn’t in the Naval Yard or Marine Barracks or on Ft. Myer or either of the area’s two Air Force bases. It’s in Arlington National Cemetery, and with the burial of Army Specialist Stephen G. Zapasnik there yesterday, Washington, D.C. welcomed another service member to its military community.

 

The proceedings were short, quiet, and characterized by the dignified simplicity that is the least due to someone who died for his country’s sake. The six-member casket team slid the casket out of the silver hearse, step by step, heels clicking, and carried it quickly through the rain, up a pathway covered by corrugated metal sheeting. They passed two small rows of empty chairs and set it down on a low platform before removing the plastic cover that protected the golden-brown grain of the wood from the water. Then, they unfolded a flag over the casket and stood at attention as Major Stanton Trotter, the chaplain presiding, stepped forward to offer prayers.

 

From where I stood at a distance, along with the other press (two photographers and a Washington Post reporter), I could only hear bits and pieces of what Trotter said – “serve our nation,” “in the hands of almighty God,” “ashes to ashes.” He gestured to the rows of graves behind him and the family in front of him – Zapasnik’s mother, Chris Zapasnik; his sister, Ashley Zapasnik; and a close friend, Chris Hamil. (Zapasnik’s father is recovering from surgery and was unable to attend.) When Trotter finished, the sharp crack of the gun salute broke the silence. And as the air cleared, the warm, brassy sound of 'Taps' being played by the bugler, who stood a ways off, alone – and yet not – amongst the graves, broke the chill and brought the ceremony’s meaning home.

 

Both Rowe and Secretary of the Army Pete Geren were there to offer their condolences to Zapasnik’s family, as was Evelyn Majauskas, a representative of the Arlington Ladies, who send someone to every Arlington funeral, to ensure that no one is buried alone. Appearing on behalf of the chief of staff of the Army and the entire Army family, Majauskas offered a card of condolences to the Zapasniks.

 

I can’t tell you what happened next. Us members of the press were escorted away. The family filed back to the asphalt road. Everyone piled into their cars and SUVs and left. Spec. Zapasnik would be buried in private.

 

Originally from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Tulsa World reported on December 26, 2008, that Stephen Zapasnik joined the Army at 17 and completed basic training at Fort Sill (also in Oklahoma). He served in the Army’s 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, which is based out of Fort Carson, Colorado.

 

Though Tulsa World reported that Zapasnik wanted to go to Iraq “more than anything,” his MySpace status reveals his desire for home: “I WANT TO SEE SOME GRASS PLEASE!!!!” His profile page depicts him as a 19-year old “average joe that likes sex, money, and Artillery, in that order” and whose “goal for this year” is “don’t die in Iraq.” Unfortunately, he fell just short of that goal, but judging from the many messages of condolence left by friends and family, he will be remembered as much more than average by many people.