March 08, 2009
CPT William "Bill" Moran, CSMR, 1953-2009
CPT William "Bill" Moran was laid to rest Friday, March 6, 2009, in Cypress, California, accompanied on his last journey by an honor guard of his comrades from the California State Military Reserve.
I had the privilege and honor to serve with Bill at a number of missions at Camp Roberts, where we and the other CSMR JAG Corps officers worked with California National Guard troops to get their legal affairs in order before shipping out to Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia.
During the days we spent together at Camp Bob, I got to know a little about Bill, including the fact that we were both Brooklyn kids, although he had none of the stereotypical brashness that was the birthright of those who hailed from our hometown. Bill never mentioned that he'd graduated from Yale Law; that would have been tooting his own horn, something I never saw him do. What I did know was that he was the in-house counsel for AAA, and that he adored his wife Lynda, his kids and his grandkids.
He brought his vast legal expertise, gained over a 27-year career, to do everything in his power to help the brave men and women who were going into harm's way, volunteering to be away from his family every year, whenever the call went out that the National Guard needed the CSMR -- needed him -- to be mission ready.
Bill was perhaps the most squared away officer I've ever seen, a credit to the uniform and the CSMR. He was truly a gentleman and a scholar. He'll be deeply missed.
Requiescat in pace.
The chaplain spoke for a few moments, then comforted Bill's wife, Lynda, sitting with her and doing his best to ease her pain.
The bugler plays Taps, the haunting notes echoing off the marble of the mausoleum. For some reason I suddenly find it hard to see, my eyes burning; I'm not the only one of Bill's comrades so afflicted. Click on the image to watch and listen.
The rifle fire was startlingly loud, amplified by the marble walls surrounding us, the M1 Garands throwing their brass cartridges high in the air.
COL Marc Breslow, Commanding Officer of the Southern Regional Support Command, presents the flag to Bill's wife, Lynda.
Bill's comrades in arms render a final salute and say goodbye. (Click on image for full-size version)
Posted by Mike Lief at March 8, 2009 11:28 PM
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Comments
May he rest in peace.
Posted by: Thin Ice, Sr. at March 9, 2009 05:25 AM
I was unable to attend Bill's funeral, my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. He was a gentleman. He served well.
Posted by: Bridget Wilson at March 9, 2009 12:43 PM