 |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Remembering
a Shipmate: Ensign John Elliott In May 24, the
Class of 2000 celebrated one of the most anticipated moments in
their lives. Receiving a commission as an Ensign or Second Lieutenant
from the United States Naval Academy means something because of
the promise it holds – entrance into the officer corps of the
naval profession, achievement, adventure, and honor. Each graduate
went forward equipped with the knowledge necessary to be the finest
naval officer possible. Nearly two months
later, one of the brightest futures in the Class of 2000 met tragedy.
Ensign John Elliott was killed on July 22, 2000 while driving home
to New Jersey to celebrate the birthday of his mother. Ensign Elliott
was temporarily assigned to USNA as the Assistant 24th Company Officer
during Plebe Summer. He eagerly awaited his move to Pensacola in
September to begin flight school. Sadly, the death of John was no
mere accident. He was killed by one of the most dangerous threats
in our society today – a drunk driver. I had the privilege
of serving with Ensign Elliott as a member of 24th Company last
academic year. Without a doubt, he was the most well-liked and probably
the most respected first class in our company. His classmates selected
him to act as the company Human Education Resource Officer (HERO),
a selective billet in which he served as a counselor for his peers
and underclassmen. Many midshipmen did in fact seek his help. John
always gave sound advice, but his greatest asset was his love for
other people and his most profound sense of empathy. Midshipmen
rarely trust a peer with personal problems, yet we trusted John
to be both our counselor and friend. Ensign Elliott
graduated with a degree in Systems Engineering, and he was a participant
in the company squash team. John’s accomplishments alone in
no way do justice to the extraordinary person he was. John was the
sort of gentleman the American public hopes for in a Midshipman.
He maintained a balance between his friendships and his duty as
a midshipman, and he never compromised his conscience for any matter.
John was also a fan of music and could often be found swing dancing
the nights away during his weekends. I felt honored
to attend the funeral services for Ensign Elliott. His family was
as kind and generous as he, and I could not help but feel angry
knowing that a drunk driver had so recklessly robbed them of such
a loving son. Shortly before the accident the drunk driver had been
stopped by the police, was charged with driving while intoxicated,
and was released to a friend. Tragically, the driver’s friend
allowed him back behind the wheel. Minutes later the drunk driver
drove across the road into oncoming traffic and collided head on
with John. Both John and the drunk driver were killed instantly.
Ensign Elliott’s girlfriend survived the accident, but she
suffered critical injuries. Drunk driving
is one of the most selfish, dangerous acts we in our society commit.
John Elliott should not have been taken from our Navy, our country,
and his family and friends. As I reflect on what happened to John,
I feel an enormous challenge to live my life in a reflection of
his own standards. I pray we all have the moral courage to stop
others from drunk driving if ever confronted in our own lives. Together
we may help others be safe. Drunk driving is an outrage that takes so many innocent lives. Next time we go out with friends to enjoy a drink, let us all remember to designate a driver or get a cab. Is the $20 cab fare worth someone’s life? We all know the answer. The lives of our shipmates may depend on us. |
