HMLA-169 Vipers Memorial Service

Joining fellow Patriot Guard Riders, American Legion Riders, Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Hogs, and others, I participated in our mission in support of the memorial service for Major Elizabeth Kealey and Captain Adam Satterfield, who had perished in an aircraft mishap during training last month.

These Marine officers were assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, known as the Vipers.

Our support mission was comprised of escorting the families and close friends of the two Marines from a facility overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the western edge of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, to the flight line home of the Vipers.  With three aircraft in front of us, two ceremonial black crosses outfitted with flight helmets, flight gear, and boots represented the departed.

Hundreds of Marines, sailors, and civilians gathered to help the Vipers say goodbye to two of their own.  Sadly, these services are all too frequent, both during combat and in peacetime.  As frequent as they are, I want to take a moment to highlight two specific portions.

First, the eloquent, determined, and dignified words of one young First Lieutenant, friend of and fellow Marine to Captain Satterfield.  Eulogizing a friend is never -- say again, never -- a task undertaken without gut wrenching difficulty.  With a steady, clear voice, this officer of Marines spoke with understanding and insight far beyond that which we might expect from a young man.  His meddle was tested this morning and he was more than equal to the task.

Second, the unapologetic inclusion of prayers, Chaplains, reading of scripture, and even testimony to the unwavering faith of Major Kealey.  I comment on this, because there are those fringe elements who seek to remove all things religious from our world and the military.  Nay say I to those individuals and organizations.  Go peddle your secular trash somewhere else.

After the missing man formation of helicopters had flown overhead and the Marines Hymn was played one last time by the pipes, the somber and knowing assembly had heard exceptional comments from a Marine officer and had bowed their heads in prayer led by the Navy chaplain.

The HMLA-169 Vipers Memorial Service accomplished its mission of helping all to say farewell to two Marines.