Honoring a Fallen Marine - 14 News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro

Well, we've made it to Friday!  Today was a long day at work, but when I think of the reason, it makes any complaint so insignificant.  I was on the road a little before 7am (which I know for many isn't that early!) to get to Celestine, Indiana, for the funeral of Lance Corporal Alec Terwiske.  He was just 21 when he was killed in Afghanistan earlier this month.  The loss is tragic, but the support for his family and friends in Dubois County is pretty amazing.  Coming in through Huntingburg, Jasper and then Celestine, there were numerous signs and messages from people and businesses honoring LCpl. Terwiske (not to mention about a million American flags).  That seems to say a lot about the community there. 

The funeral itself didn't start until 9:30 CST, but I needed to get up there early to get our equipment set up to record the service.  This was a little more involved than usual, because our camera wasn't allowed in the church.  Instead, one "pool" camera from the Jasper TV station set up, and we were all able to use the video they shot.  The problem here is that it required using some equipment that we rarely dust off.  Couple that with my basic technology shortcomings and you wind up with issues.  It didn't end up working out the way we planned, but it certainly wasn't for a lack of effort.  And this leads me to a thank you.  You know, as a news station we are frequently covering the same stories as our media competitors.  But it doesn't mean we don't help each other out now and then.  So to those guys who offered a hand today (you know who you are!)—THANK YOU!!

I wasn't able to watch the service itself, but did witness the playing of taps, a 21-gun salute and the releasing of white doves afterwards.  What a nice send-off for a young man who gave his life fighting for all of us.

One other note—local media was not the only media there today.  A crew working for a German television outlet was also on hand for the ceremony.  The three of them (yes, I was a little jealous they had a separate photographer, producer and sound guy) were from a bureau out of Washington, DC, and were heading back tonight.  They were working on a documentary-- I believe about the political campaign season.  They were filming LCpl. Terwiske's funeral for a portion of it involving foreign policy.  Unlike us in Evansville who put everything together for our 4, 5 and 6pm shows, their station/bureau will likely have weeks to piece it all together.  Hopefully it turns out great and really shows the wonderful tributes happening in Dubois County in honor of LCpl. Terwiske.

Well, that's all for now.  Have a wonderful weekend.  And I guess a message from today would be that when the going gets tough, maybe take a second to think about those in a much more difficult spot.  Usually, it seems, we have it pretty good.

Until next time,

Erin