 Today's THV -- The town of Higginson is quiet. The flag outside the volunteer fire department is flying at half-staff in honor of Sgt. John Massey.
He was home just last month on two weeks leave. He helped celebrate his son's birthday with a go-cart for a present.
 But Wednesday, his daughter's Monica, Emily, and son Joseph are without a father.
Amanda Massey, John’s wife, says, “When they pulled up, my son asked me, 'Mom is he dead?' I just looked at him, and we both started to break down. Everybody here that was waiting for the call just broke down.”
Amanda says everyone was proud of John's graduation from basic training. But the memory she holds most dear was a simple walk with John and the children in a nearby park.
Amanda remembers, “That's what he wanted to do and we took off, we were racing, I was racing the kids. We walked the Searcy trail. I mean it took us most the day. But it was one of the most enjoyable days with him and my kids that I remember. And I've got that captured. I captured that day.”
Over the Christmas holiday, Amanda says John re-dedicated his life to the Lord at a local church.
That knowledge is providing his family with peace of mind during this difficult time |
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
"Answers The Call"(142nd FB Motto)