They say you know a man by his friends. If that’s true, then you also know a warrior by his countrymen:
Captain Jeff Wallace
By First Officer Gary BliedWe were informed at the gate that the remains of MSgt. Shawn Richardson would shortly be loaded on our flight for the trip to Miami. He was a 17 year veteran of the United States Air Force and had been killed in the service of our country. I went down onto the ramp and found the long box appropriately stationed off to the side in a luggage cart.. The curtains on the cart were pulled. It was my honor to spend a few moments in prayer with him.
The captain and I finished our preflight duties and then went back down onto the ramp and checked in with the crew chiefs to observe the loading of MSgt. Richardson. We departed almost an hour late due to our late arrival into Chicago.
We called for push and it was immediately granted. Normally, there’s a wait. We called ground for taxi and again
I’m proud to hear of the respect shown these fallen warriors in this era of “get outta my way, I’m in a hurry”.
I’d further recommend this link about a fallen Navy Corpsman’s final journey home. Lost my composure a couple of times.
http://insidedenver.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5216457,00.html
Thank you Lex. Thank you for sharing this. I too will share it.
Bringing Doc Home…
Update: Lex has the airline pilot’s perspective on these journeys….
Every time I read an account like this I am always on pins and needles that someone will come along and do something so rude as to take away from the honor and sacrifice of this young man and many like him.
God bless you Sir, and also everyone of of the people that brought you home. I am sure the loved ones of this young man, as well as all the others that have had to live through a day like this appreciate it, as do I.
Lex, between your post and Paul’s link, I guess I’ll just cry myself to sleep. My thanks to both of you. I’m so glad to hear of the honor shown these fine young men and women making their last trip home. Like all these stories, it both breaks your heart and swells it with pride.
Thanks for sharing Lex and Gary.
Lex, I must admit that this story caused me to shed tears.
It took me a few hours to decide what to say. But I am also
honored that the other people on the plane were so patient.
To me, the usual experience is Bronson Pinchot in “The Langoliers.”
But I am honored that such persons have lived in our country.
Dave
Everytime I read one of these, I brace myself for the emotional onslaught. I find myself grieving for these soldiers, their escorts and their families, every time I read about them.
I am honored to call myself an American, when such men and women are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so I may say that.
Thanks for this, Lex. Like Dave, I was unable to read all the way through with dry eyes. This is, indeed, such a great country.
Babs
I hear you. I always cringe hoping that some clod on the plane or in the gate area doesn’t say or do something rude and stupid, although I’m sure that any number of people would promptly set them straight.
Re-affirms your faith in America, it does. Not that I ever doubted it myself. I’m just damn glad that Americans still understand the important things in life. We’re still a strong nation, with a future ahead of us, so long as we hold those who stand at the gates in high esteem.
Web Reconnaissance for 12/18/2006…
A short recon of what?
Web Reconnaissance for 12/18/2006…
A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention….
In a time when children think role models are pro athletes and movie stars….if they could only read this to appreciate what a true role model and hero is comprised of. What a restoration of my belief that people are good and apprecitive of the ultimate sacrafice he made for our freedom. May eternal light shine on him.