Memorial Day Tribute

[USCG Yaquina Bay]

I received this the other day and thought it was appropriate to post with Memorial Day coming up. Thank You to all those who served and those who continue to serve this Great nation. Rich

Thomas Mouch
Sr. Mgr., Int?l. BD, Asia-Pacific
Raytheon Company

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant in Dress Blues traveling with a folded flag, but I did not put two and two together. After we'd boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (and was seated across the aisle from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

"No sir" he responded.

"Heading out?" I asked.

"No. I'm escorting a Marine home."

"Going to pick him up?"

"No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I am taking him home to his family."

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he did know them after so many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, "Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do."

Upon landing in Chicago, the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door, so as to allow Sergeant Steeley to de-plane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize two things: I am proud to be an American, and I will continue to fly on American Airlines because it respects what our soldiers do every day.

So here's a public thank-you to our military for doing what they do, so we can live the way we do.


And if there are no tears in your eyes now, you could use a heart transplant.

[DAB]

Man I! don't need a heart transplant I need a hankerchief.
A long long time ago I was known as Bench, D. A. Engineman 3rd class United States Navy.I can still remember my service number which was not my SS#.
I was getting fuel a while back and as I was in paying there was a young Lady in her camo fatiuges (National guard I believe) I got her attention and said thanks for serving and she beemed from ear to ear and said thanks.
I am proud to have served more than 40 years ago..
And am thankful for the ones that are serving now.
When you see a service Person walk over and say thank for serving.
DAB

[Pete]

Many of the men and women I work with every day, in their civilian jobs, also work evenings, weekends and leave at reserve or active duty jobs serving our country. The sacrifices they make every day to protect our communities and our country are a constant source of pride for me. 9 to 5? Ha! Most of them "live the life", ready to stop a thief today, ready to confront an insurgent tomorrow, training on their off hours, ready for call-out at any time - a highway accident at 2 am, an abused child at 9 in the morning, a tour abroad ... the men and women who wear the uniforms of national service in every capacity have my gratitude, pride and thanks. I will honor them more directly than usual as we celebrate this Memorial Day.