“They looked up and said, ‘Sir, never leave a fallen comrade.’”

In an emotional, minute-long digital ad released today, Dr. Joe Heck relives one of the most heartbreaking moments of his deployment to Iraq. After unsuccessfully treating a wounded marine, Heck and his medics carefully drape an American flag over his body. Shaken as he recollects the vivid memory, Heck’s voice begins to crack. Although brief, what followed is poignant and powerful.

“They take up a position called Parade Rest at the foot of the bed. And they just stood there. It was several hours. I went in and I asked them, ‘Hey guys, you know, need a break?’ And they looked up and they said, ‘Sir, we never leave a fallen comrade.'”

Watch “Fallen Comrade”

Script

Joe Heck: The radio crackled to tell us the helicopter was on the way in with a marine who had just been shot.
We tried to do everything we possible could to save this young marine.
And we were unsuccessful.
Two of my medics come in with an American flag and they drape it over him.
And then they take up a position called Parade Rest at the foot of the bed.
And they just stood there.
It was several hours.
I went in and I asked them, “Hey guys, you know, need a break?” And they looked up and they said, “Sir, we never leave a fallen comrade.”
We have the most incredible men and women who volunteer to put on the uniform of our military.
And are willing to just lay it all on the line for us back home.

On Screen Text: Regardless of your political affiliation, your rights are protected by the sacrifice of the men and women in uniform.

Joe Heck: I’m Joe Heck and I approve this message.