Professional Soldiers ® - Colonel Jack Moroney

Good Evening Quiet Professionals,

Ten years ago today, COL Jack Moroney, my father and hero, suddenly and unexpectantly passed away.

With my family's permission, I am posting the eulogy I was honored to deliver at Arlington National Cemetary on 04 November 2008:

Thank you all very much for coming. You honor my father and our family. We
are grateful and deeply humbled by your presence here today.

A few weeks ago, my 12 year old son Brian was working on a series of Veteran's
Day projects for school. During his research, he came upon the following quote
by Winston Churchill,

'We sleep soundly in our beds because Rough Men stand ready in the
night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."

Well kids, let me tell you something about your Grandfather. Your Grandfather
was one of those Rough Men. He was a rough man who loved his family, loved
his country, and loved his soldiers.

Your Grandfather Loved His Family.

Your Grandfather loved your Grandma very very much. After he retired from the
Army, I asked him what he planned to do next? He replied that now he had to
make up for all the lost time he missed with your Grandma.

He loved your Aunt Carron. She was his favorite....daughter. Favorite daughter.

He loved your Uncle Dan, especially after he chose to attend the same
university, nearly the same major, lived in the same dorm room, and chose the
same branch of military service. He even named one of his dogs, "Jack"!

He loved your Aunt Romi, he had to, she had more parachute jumps than he did!

He loved your Mom. After meeting your Mom for the first time, he took me aside
and said, "She would make a terrific wife!...DON'T **** IT UP!" As always, he was right.

He loved his sister, as you two guys should love your sister.

He loved all his in-laws, nieces, and nephews, although he thought some of his
nephews needed haircuts.

And he loved you three guys, very much.

Your Grandfather Loved His Country.

He was conservative...VERY conservative.

One of your Grandma's friends found him "slightly to the right of Attila the Hun."

He believed in Democracy, and loved its champions.

He was a huge fan of Rush Limbaugh, William F. Buckley, Mark Steyn, Dennis
Miller, Charles Krauthammer, Charlton Heston, ....and Wagner.

If you don't know who these guys are, don't worry, your Mom will make sure you
know before you move out of the house.

He was prepared to sacrifice his life for the just cause, whether it was to defend
the Constitution of the United States or to Liberate the Oppressed, without
hesitation.

Lastly, your Grandfather Loved His Soldiers.

He was the best example of the "servant leader" I have ever seen.

He believed in and lived the maxim,
"If you take care of your people, they will take care of you."

He loved his Soldiers, and his Soldiers loved him.

Of the many many condolences we have received from his Soldiers over the past
week, the one which best sums them all is,

"I loved him like a brother."

So kids, be proud that your Grandfather was one of the Rough Men.

He loved us all, and we loved him.

He was our Hero, and is now a Legend.

...and Legends live forever...