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CHAPLAIN CHESTER ‘CHET’ MALIK
THE MILITARY ‘FACE’ OF POST #372  We’re
very proud of our Post #372 Chaplain, Chester “Chet” Malik, the all-around
symbolic military “face” of our organization who is always very welcome
when he turns up—expected or unexpected—at many high-profile events in
Cherry Hill.
Wearing his natty Army formal dress uniform with the impressive hash marks
and Staff Sergeant stripes, Chet cuts a mean sartorial figure.
In addition to his normal Post duties of attending member funerals and
providing the bibles, legacy flags at graveside and uttering consoling
remarks to the bereaved friends and families of the deceased, Chester
takes his honorary role quite seriously.
Last month, for example Staff Sgt. Malik was requested to accompany the
Marlton parents of a returning Marine Sgt. hero from his tour of duty in
Iraq at Philadelphia International Airport.
But this was no normal “arrival”.
With an entourage of more than 100 motorcycles and an official police
escort, Chester led the blaring, horn-tooting, flag waving cyclists back
to Marlton. There they were met with more patriotic hoopla and a hook and
ladder fire truck toting another 20-by-40 foot American Flag to mark Sgt
Ryan O’Rourke’s triumphant return home.
On a more somber note, the month earlier had an uncomfortable--but
devoted--Malik assist in the military graveside ceremony and burial of
Marine Lance Cpl. Curtis Allen Christenson, another Iraq casualty.
On this assignment, he not only accompanied the remains to the cemetery,
but he also assisted the Marine Corps. Honor Guard by playing taps while
the seven-member team fired their traditional piercing rifle salutes to
the fallen hero. |
