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Garrett Slaughter Obituary
SLAUGHTER Captain GARRETT SLAUGHTER November 8, 1981 - October 13, 2010 Garrett died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center of complications from a brain injury. He is survived by his wife, Heather Slaughter of Stuttgart, Germany; by his father, Scott Slaughter of Chevy Chase, Maryland; by his sister, Evelyn Slaughter of the Tulane School of Medicine; by many aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves his beloved dog, Beary. His mother is the late Meredith McCoy of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Garrett spent every minute he could with his mother during her last months. A gifted writer, he wrote and read a beautiful eulogy at her memorial service in September. Garrett graduated from Army Jumpmaster School, Army Ranger School, Vanderbilt University (where he was a DEKE), and the Landon School. He deployed once to Iraq, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, and twice to Afghanistan. At the time of his death he was in the Army's 1st Battalion 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Before that he served in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Garrett lived life intensely, whether he was running with the bulls at Pamplona or playing international rugby. He was best when working with a band of brothers, whether on patrol or on a soccer field. No one ever had a more loyal or loving friend. In his death Garrett gave the gift of life. His heart and liver were transplanted into separate Washington area recipients. One of them now has the heart of a warrior. Garrett will be buried on Monday, November 8, 2010, at 11 a.m. in a public ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Please send any contributions to the Yellow Ribbon Fund, http://www.yellowribbonfund.com/ (phone 240-223-1180), in the name of Captain Garrett Slaughter. Please send any contributions to the Yellow Ribbon Fund, http://www.yellowribbonfund.com/ (phone 240-223-1180), in the name of Captain Garrett Slaughter.
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Memories and Condolences
for Garrett Slaughter
Sponsored by A Renison.
Sascha Lüno
July 29, 2020
I will never forget you. He was a great man and he impressed me.
A Renison
June 28, 2017
Missing you as much as ever. No words.
June 22, 2011
AMLFAML... FIOL... Only you will know what that is, as it should be and always will be.
Natalie Slaughter
December 30, 2010
Garrett,
Though cousins we spent most of our lives living on opposite ends of the continent. I remember meeting you for the first time and finally feeling less alone in the Slaughter clan now that there was someone my age I could associate with. We only went to a few events, but I always asked about you. Always thought if I maintained that tenuous connection of seeing how you were every few months or years, somehow I'd be better informed the next time we saw each other.
It breaks part of me to now realize that this can never be true. I will never be able to get to know you as well as I would've liked. I didn't even know you wrote poetry, though the one you wrote for your mother brought tears to my eyes.
May you find the best semblance of peace any form of afterlife provides you, and may that be passed on to your father and sister. Love you, cousin.
December 22, 2010
A POEM FOR ALL MOTHERS by Captain Garrett Slaughter read at his mother's funeral on September 3, 2010
She was a gentle soul who touched us all with grace that made Nan proud
My mother was a an expressive woman that could truly win a crowd Encouragement, nourishment, and virtuosity abound
But never a single day did she wear a lasting frown
She had razorback roots with hog red boots but her children were her home
She loved her past and embraced the future with everything she owned
Though five feet tall she was a mighty soul who knew the meaning of compassion
Though a mother bear with tooth and roar, she was a legend of creation.
My mother held the lion's share of the burdens that I bear
She scrapped and clawed and fought her way through catch and trap and snare
A grin, a laugh, love and forgiveness, sometimes tears she knew,
But everyday up to walk Clark dog through the morning's dew...
Now if I could write you a song that the world would remember
The lyrics would sing of the victories of a prize fight contender
She was a fighter that never understood quit or concede
She was a dreamer of dreams who held strictly to her belief
God surrounds us and crowns us and fills us with love for all
For both her first and final lesson, she taught me how to fall
But each time I get up, wipe off my cheek, and return to the ring
While she waits in my corner with advice for what life will bring
She tells me to duck, move, back away then punch high
I stood there and took the shots but she taught me to survive
Then she left me here, but life is good, I really can't complain
Love will always be the axiom, leave hate for those who blame
So now children weep and remember, beneath a father's sorrow,
But we always know that over it all, she guides us through tomorrow.
Captain Garrett S. Slaughter (November 8, 1981-October 13, 2010)Was buried with high honors at Arlington National Cemetery on his birthday.
Dear Captain Garrett Slaughter,
We go back a long way. Your wise mother Meredith was the office mate of the young attorney I came to take to lunch on a blind date August 1976. Your mom and dad found the first house Karen and I bought together in 1979. We still own it. Your parents were at our wedding. November 8, 1981, we were at Alexandria Hospital when you were born. We gave your first birthday party. Your mother organized a baby shower for Karen. Many cookouts and catch ups later, you were a star, Landon and Vanderbilt grad, then Army Ranger Special Forces 101st Airborne. Then to Iraq and the Bronze Star. Through the trials and tribulations of seeing you and Evelyn grow and achieve excellence in everything you tried we cheered.
On September 3rd, 2010, at services for your wonderful mother, you again lit up the world with your poem to Meredith. No one has captured the love, respect and admiration we have for our mothers the way you did. That poem will live on for all mothers everywhere. Many friends who have read it cry before finishing it. You said what we know and feel but never can find the words to say. But you did it. With love and excellence as usual.
We went to Walter Reed many times to see you. We saw you off the ventilator, breathing better on your own. We saw your eyes watching the football games. We hoped and prayed for your full recovery. We prayed for God to bring the miracle of life and spirit back. But God needed a strong man to help him in Heaven. Some prayers were answered. You are not in pain anymore. You are not suffering. We are. You are in a better place with your wonderful mother. We miss both of you terribly.
Your heart, that of a strong warrior, is living onward with a very lucky family. One day they may learn of the wonderful you. Your poem to Meredith will live on for mothers everywhere.
Goodbye Captain Garrett S. Slaughter. We thank you for your stellar service to our Country. We thank you for being a good son, brother and friend. Thank you for your beautiful poem. Karen, Miles and Martin.
Patrick Morey
December 7, 2010
Garrett, you are missed brother. I take comfort knowing you watch over us now and I hope I'm lucky enough to see you on the other side. Semper Fidelis, Semper Memor.
Sandy Elder
November 23, 2010
Dear Scott and Evelyn:
I was so sorry to learn of Garrett's death and also of Meredith's. Our Arkansas connection and NPS connection and Chevy Chase United Methodist Church connection go back a long way. Ashley was in elementary school with Garrett at NPS and Blake, although younger, was at Landon when he was there. We, the Elder family are shocked and saddened by your double loss. Sandy Seymour Elder, Gary, Ashley and Blake
Dave Maginnes
November 17, 2010
We were several years apart growing up, but I remember playing football in the Levitt's front yard and I always remember what a fine young man you were growing up. I'm honored to know a true American hero.
Stuart Chapman
November 9, 2010
Hey G,
Your burial was beautiful and well attended. I hope you know how much you are loved. We miss you man. In the Bonds, Stu
elizabeth paige benson
November 8, 2010
happy birthday man......you will be missed. Forever in our thoughts,
SSG. and Mrs. Sean W. Benson
SFC Jeffrey Krenzer
November 7, 2010
I am proud to have been your first NCO and to have you as my first FSO. We did great things together in Iraq and you wil never be forgotten. Rest in peace brother.
Allie Renison
October 30, 2010
The world will never be the same again without your smile in it....a wonderful, enduring friendship grew out of our families' closeness, and one which I shall forever cherish and treasure. Thank you for always being there across time, distance and space. And yet admidst all the sorrow, how happy my mom and I are that you are with Meredith (and your grandma), your rock, whom we all know you passionately adored without reserve.
Natalie Crichton
October 29, 2010
Garrett will be greatly missed. He and his family became friends with ours way back in his 3rd grade year of school. We have many pictures and memories of the Slaughter Family. We send all our love. Natalie, Beth & Andrew Crichton
Tony Schall
October 29, 2010
RIP Garrett - I consider myself lucky to have known you. You will be sorely missed by many.
Tony Schall
October 29, 2010
RIP Garrett - I consider myself lucky to have known you. You will be sorely missed by many.
October 27, 2010
RIP Garrett.
Capt Chateau Venable, USAF
October 27, 2010
RIP Garrett.
Capt Chateau Venable, USAF
LTC Rob Grundy
October 26, 2010
I've had the honor of serving with Garret over the last couple of years in Germany. He was full of life, and by being an organ donor this energy will continue to live on. He will be sorely missed.
Kay Berry
October 26, 2010
You are in my thoughts and heart during this difficult time. We are all fortunate for Garrett's service.
October 25, 2010
As a retired Navy officer, DEKE from the University of Rochester, dog lover and family person, I am honored by Garrett's service and sacrifice for our country. David Maloney
Lindsey & Jason Spalding
October 24, 2010
We had the privilege of knowing Garrett in Germany! May you rest in peace Garrett.
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