Veterans, family mourn soldier who took own life

Veterans, family mourn soldier who took own lifeRarely has a burial taken place under such extraordinary circumstances.
Jesse Huff was laid to rest on Wednesday, April 21, five days after the 27-year-old Iraq War veteran dressed himself in U.S. Army fatigues and shot himself a few feet from the statue of the Civil War soldier on the grounds of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
A cadre of older veterans fired a 21-gun salute to honor the fallen Army veteran. The bugler played “Taps,” and the American flag draping the coffin was handed to Jesse’s father, Charles Huff Sr.
More than 100 mourners attended the “Committal Ceremony,” at a shelter on the grounds of the Dayton VA National Cemetery, where Huff was buried a short time later. The brief, emotional service was attended by more than 15 VA staff members as well as 25 members of the Patriot Guard who escorted the black limousine into the cemetery. It was peaceful, dignified. “I couldn’t ask for more,” said his older brother, Charles Huff Jr. “Today was about Jesse, his life and his sacrifice.”
Huff said the family has been deeply moved by the condolences from people from all over the country, many of them strangers. “It means a lot,” he said. “He deserves it. He went to war for our country and I’m proud of him.”
For Jesse’s brother, this was not a day for the inevitable “what ifs.”
It was a day for remembrance.
“Jesse was a great individual,” he said, “and a great soldier.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2209 or mmccarty@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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