When the WAVE hits...

SGT David Moore — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 16:54:23 -0400

Taking a DEEP breath before I start this...

At 1725 hrs (5:25 PM) on 3 Aug 2010 a white government van pulled up in front of our house in Modesto, California. My
Wife, Debra, reacted first when she screamed "DAVID, it's Cody!" The Army Chaplain (Major) and the Sgt Major confirmed
that our Son, SPC Cody James Moore was found dead in his barracks room. Our world changed. And my numbness began.

Cody had returned after a tour in AFG "different". He was being treated at Fort Hood, Tx for PTSD and had his support
group, to include his Plt Sgt (and his family) and those he trusted. Then due to "needs of the Army" he was transfered to
Fort Knox, Ky. He had to check himself into a hospital off post because there is no treatment on Fort Knox. While in the
hospital he was to be visited by the Unit. It happened ONCE in 6 weeks. He was released and went back to a unit that he
didn't know. Two days later he checked himself back into the hospital. I honestly can't remember the time he was in the
hospital, it wasn't long. Cody was "Red Flagged". He couldn't drive his truck or have access to a weapon, he had to check-in
at certain times. His Unit reported him AWOL for 4 days before finding his body in the room.

We were allowed to have his older Brother Sgt (Now SSG) Shawn Re' bring Cody home. Cody's service was amazing from
what I remember. (There was lots of hugs) Cody's Unit didn't bother to send anyone and the flag was presented to Debra
by the CAO (Casualty Assistance Officer) {NOT the way it was supposed to be done!}

When Cody's personal gear arrived 3 weeks later, it got even worse. His room had been left unsecured for 11 days. Every
thing a parent would want was gone. His boots, headgear, patches, awards everything! What uniforms we did get were
mis-matched. Nothing matched. To add insult? The box had been broken into in transit. The inventories that were to be
IN the box and in each bag, were on the Driver's clipboard.

I never saw it, but my Wife says the Unit sent a DVD of a memorial they did. (Slapped again! They mis-spelled her name.)

After all this, what did we do? We bought and donated a Police K9 to our (Stanislaus, Ca) Sheriff's Dept. Who turned
around and renamed it "K9 Cody".

We tried going to some "Gold Star" events and contacting other's who have had a loss of a child in the service of the
country. We have been told that we are not "Real" Gold Star Parents because we got the "Next of Kin" pin. You are
beginning to see some of the pain we have been through.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 5:02 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 17:02:30 -0400

You went through Hell, and I know you still are. You are certainly not alone, but, yet you are. Know that others do care.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 18 at 2015 5:24 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 17:24:50 -0400

SGT David Moore I don't even know where to begin. This is such a tragic chain of events. I can't for a minute imagine what you and your family have had to endure. I wish I was in the military when this happened to you and your family and I could have done something. The way your son was treated and your family is unbelievable in every way, shape, and form. I'm actually mortified by this whole episode. I don't even know where to begin to provide you with some type of guidance and direction to get this investigated. I'm hoping that someone else on RP can provide some suggestions and guidance. RP members?

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 18 at 2015 5:45 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 17:45:58 -0400

This is worse then a Greek Tragedy. It sounds like every crack that your family could have slipped through, you did. I think that one of things that didn't happen that should have would be the Medical Release for PCS. I would have thought that would have triggered something. There are so many points in this story where things could have been turned around and weren't. The police department did things right... I can only hope that you and your family can eventually find closure and find peace.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 18 at 2015 5:52 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 17:52:48 -0400

I am so sorry for your loss.

Other than that I have no words for your ham-handed treatment.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 6:14 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:14:06 -0400

SGT David Moore, please accept my deep condolences for the loss of your son. I am appalled by the handling of your son's situation and personal effects. Did you request the CAO look into the missing items or inquire to the unit? If brought to my attention, this First Sergeant would not rest until I found who had perpetrated this great dishonor and personally saw to it that they paid in full. They'd better pray I don't find Cody's belongings in their room. I'd go old school.

I want you to think about all of the good things your son did in his life. A game of catch with dad in the backyard. A birthday party. Graduation day. How proud you surely were when he first put on the same uniform Dad wore.
He was a son to be proud of.
Hold on to that.

I love the idea of donating the service dog to the police department. That is a fantastic idea!

Response by CPT Bill Murphy made Jun 18 at 2015 6:34 PM

CPT Bill Murphy — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:34:41 -0400

SGT David Moore I'm very sorry for your loss, and I can't imagine the pain you and your wife must have gone through. Thank you for your service, your sons', and your wife's.

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Jun 18 at 2015 8:06 PM

Col Lyman Faith — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 20:06:10 -0400

May God bless you and your family. You experienced what all of us with serving children fear most. As for his unit, I have no words to express my disdain concerning their treatment of you during your time of greatest need. With respect to the "Real" Gold Star issue, in my opinion your son is a casualty of war. All wounds are not visible.