“I feel pretty confident that there isn’t a military rule that soldiers have to do this. This made my heart happy to see the amount of respect that this gentleman showed a family that he doesn’t even know. #values #respect.”
Soldier identified
It was after her post went viral that WHASII located the soldier responsible for the heartwarming act. He was identified as Col Jack L. Usrey, the Senior Army Advisor of the Tennessee Army National Guard.
He refused to accept the praise given unto him, instead stating: “I also owe it to my parents, Jim and Judy Usrey, from Martin, TN. They taught me to do this from when I have memory.
“I’m humbled and surprised at the reaction to such a simple gesture. My first thoughts were about how the bad weather can’t be helping how the family feels and I was hoping my small action would let them know we care.”
You can see more on the story in the video below:
Col. Usrey might try and play his gesture down, but we think it’s both mighty impressive and a brilliant way to pay respect.
