Drowned soldier laid to rest

Boston Herald ^ | Brian Fraga , New Bedford Standard-Times

[SandRat]

In a final call home, Army Sgt. Benjamin Sherman told his sister to tell everyone he loved them, “because I don’t know if I’ll get that chance again.”

Sadly, his fears proved true.

Sherman was laid to rest yesterday in his hometown of Plymouth in a funeral Mass attended by hundreds.

Sherman, 21, was eulogized as a selfless soldier who did what came naturally to him when he jumped into a river in Afghanistan to try to rescue a comrade in distress.

“He jumped into that river because he loved deeply, he was pure of heart, and he exhibited the very highest of Christian living,” said the Rev. Mark Mendes.

Sherman, an infantryman and paratrooper assigned to the famed 82nd Airborne Division, disappeared Nov. 4 after jumping into a river in western Afghanistan, reportedly to rescue a fellow soldier who had fallen into the current. The two soldiers were trying to retrieve air-dropped supplies. Sherman’s body was later found by a military dive team.

A horse-drawn carriage brought Sherman’s casket to the church yesterday morning. Paratroopers from his platoon marched alongside the casket.

Sherman’s pregnant widow, Patricia Sherman, asked everyone to pray for the still-missing soldier, Army Sgt. Brandon T. Islip, 23, of Richmond, whom her husband reportedly had tried to rescue.

“If Ben were here right now, he would say go and have a drink on him,” she said.

[SandRat]

SHOWING THEIR SUPPORT: Mourners contend with heavy rain while lining State Road outside Second Church in Plymouth yesterday.

Photo by Ted Fitzgerald

SOMBER: A horse-drawn carriage yesterday carries the body of Army Sgt. Benjamin Sherman who reportedly drowned trying to rescue a fellow soldier in Afghanistan.

Army Sgt. Benjamin Sherman.

[SandRat]

PING

[tflabo]

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends"...John 15:13

[mrsmel]

Prayers for his family. What a good man to do this. I’m so sorry he didn’t make it. Another hero in heaven.

[maine-iac7]

Rest in Peace, Dear Sgt.

[LucyJo]

Prayers for Sgt. Sherman’s family. God bless and comfort them.

[snowtigger]

Amen

[SandRat]

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

‘Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?’

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
‘No, Lord, I guess I ain’t.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.

I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.

I know I don’t deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

‘Step forward now, you soldier,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.’

Author Unknown~

[Third Person]

I wonder how Matthew Koh feels about this story?

[BlessedBeGod]

Eternal rest, soldier.

[Stars&StripesNE]

Our paper did a compilation of photos on Wednesday, when Sgt. Sherman came home to Plymouth from Hanscom AFB. We all came out to honor the fallen hero. The streets were lined for miles as his body took a final tour of all the places he so loved in Plymouth. May God rest his soul and bless his wife Tricia and their unborn child.

[SandRat]

PING

[mrsmel]

That’s a beautiful tribute to our military, who are bearing the whole weight of protecting our freedom right now with no appreciation from the government which keeps them there. It’s more important than ever for us, the people, to let them know we do appreciate their sacrifice.

[mrsmel]

Thank y’all for doing it, they need to SEE our support more than ever now.

[fatima]

Beutiful man-our kids.Amen Good Soildier.We went through this with firemen at a refinery fire.Hero’s-Saints.God bless them.

[BykrBayb]

Rest in peace Sgt. Sherman. May God bring comfort to your loved ones.

Prayers up for Sgt. Islip and his loved ones.

[BykrBayb]

Thank you SandRat. This is a beautiful tribute.

[BykrBayb]

I’m so glad that there’s such a strong showing of support for our heroes.

[Freedom2specul8]

Young Hero ping~

[BykrBayb]

Bring tissues.