The Rules of Notification

1. Learn about the casualty.

Walking up the right garden path was crucial. Sam looked down at the NOK card, across to the mailbox, back to the card, they matched.

2. Be neat in appearance and attire to make a favourable impression.

The Class A uniform didn’t matter; they only saw death.

3. Notification to take place between 0600hrs and 2200hours.

Summoned at 0430hrs, an hour’s drive from Fort Benning to Opelika,at 0555hrs, he had a few moments to steel himself, waiting was the worst part.

4. Leave casualty report in the vehicle.

Sam glanced at the manila folder. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes. “Remains classified as non-viewable,” still burnt on his retinas.

5. Make your visit as inconspicuous as possible.

A black man driving an army car in Alabama in 1968 called for nothing but “undue attention.” It’s why he preferred early morning notifications.

6. Don’t speak hurriedly or extend over sympathetic gestures.

The tears were pooling in his eyes as the door opened.

7. Internalize and rehearse the notification script.

“Are you Mrs Calvin Kelly?” Her eyes answered.

8. Be prepared for an array of grief reactions.

“Daddy got the Western Union, ‘spose a negro’s some kind of improvement.”

9. Consider there may be children

PFC Calvin Kelly’s eight-year-old son, Paul, took Sam’s hand. He pointed to the end of the lawn.

10. Your duty as a Casualty Notification Officer has priority above all others.

Together, soldier and boy salute as they raised Old Glory.