FORT CARSON, Colo. -- The story of Pfc. Keith Williams' life and death came full circle for his mother, Debbie Tuttle, at the Mountain Post Warrior Memorial Ceremony May 21, 2015.
Williams, a Soldier who served with 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, was injured in an improvised explosive device attack while his unit was deployed to Afghanistan. His chaplain, Maj. Don Williamson, held Williams' hand as he died July 24.
At the ceremony, Williamson held the hand of Williams' mother.
"The fact that he was with the chaplain when he passed, that's such a comfort to us," she said. "It meant everything. And I was holding his hand today when they read (my son's) name, and to me, that's the connection."
The chaplain's experience with Williams inspired him to write a song, "We're Still Here."
"I don't know if Keith knew that I was holding his hand, but I was there," Williamson said. "When I found out that Keith's mom was going to be here, I wanted to be the one to do (the escort)."
Tuttle joined other Family and community members at the ceremony to honor seven fallen Fort Carson Soldiers who were added to the memorial for 2014. The memorial stones, containing the names of 394 Soldiers, recognize those who lost their lives fighting in support of overseas contingency operations.
"We commemorate their service, their bravery and their patriotism … these seven Soldiers selflessly volunteered to serve their country in a time of conflict. They stepped forward as guardians of freedom and they served the people of the United States when other people would not," said Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson.
"These words can never adequately express the sorrow that (the Families) bear every day," he said. "Coming from every corner of our nation, each of these names is a reminder to all of us that the price of freedom is high."
Knowing the value Gonsalves and the Army place on the lives of lost Soldiers was a comfort to Tuttle.
"The tribute from his guys, the guys that he served with, the leadership of the Army, it really means a lot that they come out and show their respect. A mother never wants her child to be forgotten," she said. "We want the (Soldiers) who are left to know how much we appreciate what they do, that it was just Keith's time. As much as you never want to see your child's name on the memorial, we're real proud of Keith."
To honor her son, Tuttle joined the California State Military Reserve. She even wears his Army Service Uniform.
"Being around the military is comforting to me. It's really comforting to me because I know that Keith loved it. He loved the military and (I do this) to honor him; I think he would appreciate it," she said.
In his remarks, Gonsalves echoed President Barack Obama's words on the occasion of the 2009 Fort Hood, Texas, shooting."Their memory will be honored in the places they lived and by the people they touched. Their life's work is our security, and the freedom that we all too often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on a tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness -- that is their legacy."
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