Not everything is negative

Not everything is negative, although perusing (supposed) news Internet sites would have you conclude otherwise.

Apart from punditry replacing journalism, one should not let the so-called news set the tone for the day, because there really is a lot of good happening each and every day all across our fantastic nation.

An example of the good are the missions conducted by the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR).  Known primarily for supporting the funerals of active duty military members or veterans, these missions exemplify good.

Take this morning for example.  Eight folks, seven on motorcycles (including one married couple) came out to honor the passing of a veteran. His military resume was unique, by any standard.  He'd served in the U. S. Navy in WWII and the U. S. Army in Korea.  On this breezy, chilly (by San Diego standards) Monday morning, the PGR gathered to honor this veteran.  In the group of eight members of the all volunteer PGR were a retired Marine, Marine Corps veteran, Army veteran, three Navy veterans, the wife of a Navy veteran, and one gent who never served in the military.  

Each gave of their time this morning to stand for one who stood for us.  No public recognition would be forthcoming.  None of the PGR knew the veteran they were honoring, nor did any of them know any members of the veteran's family.  Yet they gave of their time to ensure he was honored.

At the cemetery, they stood a flag line as his coffin was moved from the hearse to the grave site.  They extended the flag line, standing behind the grave site, with flags flying as the final farewell was offered by a family member.  It was telling, as the two soldier Army Honor Guard presented the folder American Flag to the son of the deceased veteran, that the PGR presented arms, holding aloft the American flags.

This is an example of the good that happens all across our nation each and every day.  But you'd never know it, because the erstwhile media don't care.

That's OK, because the PGR doesn't support these missions several times per week in SoCal for media attention.  We do it because it is the right thing to do.

Not everything is negative.

Here we go

Here we go, with 2019 two weeks old.  It will be a terrific and rewarding year.

Already in the planning stages for multiple vacations, with my bride, family, and friends.  Excitement and purpose for each are invigorating.  A baseball watching trip, road trip on the new Harley-Davidson, family get together for a grand daughter's birthday, and other adventures await.  Even considering Death Valley (during the cool months).

Keeping the spirits up is well aided by deciding not to watch the news.  I'd rather spend time listening to country music with my bride than watch supposed journalists simply offer their opinions.  Leaves one in a much better frame of mind too.  

Joining with fellow veterans supporting Patriot Guard Rider missions continues the valued camaraderie from the years on active duty.  Also maintains the essence of patriotism.

More time cycling and hitting the weights in order to continue a healthy life style are favored portions of the daily routine, as is eating a more balanced and nutritious diet.

Saluting our American flag and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance each morning reinforces my citizenship.

Regular video chats with my brother are uplifting.

Employing old school letter writing to maintain contract with the grand kids helps fulfill the joy of grand parenting.

Yeah, 2019 is starting out very positively.  

I am determined that it will be a grand year, with new adventures creating enduring memories, along with reinforcing core values and beliefs.  

  

Military funeral

On 20 November 2018, Sergeant Millard Odom, United States Marine Corps was laid to rest in Miramar National Cemetery.

Part of what made this mission extraordinary is that it was exactly 75 years ago to the day that he was killed in action during World War II in the battle for Tarawa.

Supporting the funeral were members of the Patriot Guard Riders.

I had the distinct and solemn honor of presenting mementos to Sergeant Odom's surviving sister.

Also extraordinary was that Medal of Honor recipient John Baca presented the folded flag.  Here is the citation accompanying the presentation of the Medal.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Baca, Company D, distinguished himself while serving on a recoilless rifle team during a night ambush mission A platoon from his company was sent to investigate the detonation of an automatic ambush device forward of his unit's main position and soon came under intense enemy fire from concealed positions along the trail. Hearing the heavy firing from the platoon position and realizing that his recoilless rifle team could assist the members of the besieged patrol, Sp4c. Baca led his team through the hail of enemy fire to a firing position within the patrol's defensive perimeter. As they prepared to engage the enemy, a fragmentation grenade was thrown into the midst of the patrol. Fully aware of the danger to his comrades, Sp4c. Baca unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, covered the grenade with his steel helmet and fell on it as the grenade exploded, thereby absorbing the lethal fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action and total disregard for his personal well-being directly saved 8 men from certain serious injury or death. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sp4c. Baca, at the risk of his life, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Saturday morning

A nearly ideal, weather wise, Saturday morning in the San Diego region saw 68 motorcyclists come together in the early morning hours.  While most folks were probably sleeping in or enjoying a leisurely breakfast and second cup of coffee, these bikers gathered at a funeral home in the town of La Mesa, just east of San Diego.

Funeral home on a Saturday morning you ask?  Some might assume, with disdain in mind, that it must be for the services for "one of those bikers."  Couldn't be farther from the truth.

These bikers came to honor a fallen sailor, Petty Officer Curtis Adams, U. S. Navy, who had been shot down after stopping for who he thought was a stranded motorist.  



To honor him, these bikers would escort him to the San Diego airport for the final flight home.

Arranged by the Patriot Guard Riders, this morning's mission included bikers representing several groups.  The prevailing themes across the groups were patriotism, military service, and honoring for our men and women in uniform.  In addition to the bikers, which included some younger active duty members of the military, there were roughly a dozen cars carrying Petty Officer Adams' fellow sailors, those who had served with him.  

The package, as it is referred to, ultimately grew to 68 motorcycles, 14 cars, and the hearse.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, a prayer offered, and mission briefing provided.

At the appointed time, a flag line was set, honors were rendered, the pall bearers transferred the remains into the hearse, and the package departed and headed to the airport.  Once there, they repeated the process, rendering honors as Petty Officer Adams was delivered to the airline cargo representatives.

A somber Saturday morning, with dozens of folks, the majority of whom had never met Petty Officer Adams, coming together as patriots.

In this hyper-intense period leading up to the mid-term elections, I noticed the absence of the media and elected officials.  Damn!  A young sailor dies, gunned down in the midst of trying to do the right thing, and not one member of the media or one elected official could spare even a few minutes out of their Saturday morning.   

Not a routine Sunday

It was not a routine Sunday evening for the dozen or so  citizens who gathered at the funeral home.

While others were watching football, these patriots came together -- voluntarily -- to escort a fallen Marine to the San Diego Airport for his final airplane ride home to New York.  Shaking hands with the Staff Sergeant serving as Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO), these patriots expressed their condolences at the death of her Marine.

For members of the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), giving of their time, no matter when, no matter the day, is not at all uncommon.

As volunteers all, they proudly answer the call when missions are announced.  Most are veterans.  Most are bikers.  But not all.  But what each and every man and woman shares are patriotism, unbridled pride of country, and an abiding sense of duty.  Duty to the fallen, whether it is a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who died on active duty or a deceased veteran who has honorably served our country.

This evening, six proudly volunteered to serve as pall bearers at the small funeral home in a quiet area of a small town adjacent to San Diego, while the others raised American flags and saluted.  Once they loaded the hearse, they formed up, with many motorcycles flying large American flags.  At the signal, they began their procession down the streets and onto the freeways for the relatively short ride to the airport, where they once again formed up and presented honors as the casket was removed from the hearse.  The pall bearers executed a slow salute, touched the casket, then placed their hands over their hearts in a final gesture of respect.

Even after the air cargo personnel had moved the casket into the warehouse, preparatory to loading it on the aircraft, it seemed the PGR were reluctant to leave their brother-in-arms.  They stood, many still holding their flags, in silent tribute.  Eventually they walked to their motorcycles and departed, one by one.

Not a routine Sunday by any means.  

Standing for one who stood for us

A picture is worth a thousand words, as the saying goes.  In this one, military veterans from the SoCal Patriot Guard Riders serve as pall bearers for a homeless Marine Corps veteran who was killed by a hit-and-run driver, while he slept on the sidewalk. 

Standing for one who stood for us.

They stand for those who stood for us

Why do they gather most Tuesday mornings at Miramar National Cemetery to pay honor to virtual strangers?  

The names, ranks, and branch of the Armed Forces of veterans, previously unknown to them, are solemnly read off.  An American flag is ceremoniously opened then refolded exactly 13 precise times to form the triangular shape reminiscent of the three cornered hats worn by General George Washington and the first American Army.  Those assembled raise their flags or render a military salute. 

Veterans for the most part, patriots all, they voluntarily perform this important duty, believing individually and collectively that a military veteran should never be laid to rest without someone standing for him/her.

So they stand for those who stood for us.

They are Patriot Guard Riders.

Far from ordinary

For the vast majority of our fellow citizens in La Mesa, California, it was most probably an ordinary, average Thursday.  Nothing memorable.  Simply routine.  However, for one family, the day was traumatic, as they laid to rest their husband, father, grandfather.

At the funeral home, the family was joined by volunteers from the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), who came to honor and pay their respects to a veteran, "standing for those who stood for us."

Some of the PGR went ahead to the Miramar National Cemetery, preparing to honor the arrival of their fellow veteran by standing a flag line.  Others escorted the procession as it made its way to the cemetery, American flag flying from some of the motorcycles.

At the committal shelter the volunteers, mostly veterans, formed another flag line to honor their brother.

  
This they did in supporting the family and (in this case) the Navy Honor Guard.

Not one of the PGR volunteers was acquainted with the veteran they were honoring this day.  There were no connections; no links to serving on the same ship at the same time.  The only shared experience was having served our great nation.

Indeed, it was not a ordinary, routine, or average day for the family.  Nor was it an ordinary, routine, or average day for the PGR members.  In fact, for this Patriot Guard Rider it was far from it.  How can one not be touched by the raw, gut wrenching emotion displayed by a grandson?  Hearing his anguished sobs and seeing the obvious pain.  The tears of the family members, with their voices catching during comments about their loved one touched us all.

No, it was not an ordinary, average, or routine day.

It was an important day, as strangers voluntarily came together to honor a fellow veteran.  As they do countless times during the year.  The race, ethnicity, gender, age, cultural, and other socially prominent identifiers used by all too many to separate us matter not to the PGR.  The only identifier that matters is that one who is or has served honorably was being laid to rest.

Tomorrow there will be another mission, with another following on Tuesday.  And another, then another, and another.

No routine, average, or ordinary days.   

Marine Corps Birthday

Tomorrow is the Marine Corps birthday, a special day for all of us. As this picture shows, many deploy and are deployed around the world. What caught my attention in the picture, taken when the PGR welcomed home Marines from deployment, is the #10 in the lower right hand corner of the window. As we raise our glasses to celebrate the birth of our Corps, let us also remember fellow Marines are going in harm's way.

Yet another mission

As the local news stations reported, there was yet another mission.

Patriot Guard Riders and others rolled out on their bikes this morning to honor Sergeant Chad Jenson, U. S. Marine Corps.

Sergeant Jenson died, along with other Marines and a sailor, when a KC-130 Marine Corps aircraft crashed last month.  On this cool, overcast San Diego morning bikers of the Patriot Guard Riders staged near the San Diego International Airport, awaiting Sergeant Jenson's arrival.  After the mission briefing, they rolled out to escort the procession of the hearse, Jenson's family, and friends to the mortuary.  Superbly led by motor officers from the California Highway Patrol, the procession made its way north from the airport.

In the staging area prior to the mission, two retired senior officers who were to ride in the missing man formation (Navy Captain aviator and Marine Corps Colonel air command and control) spoke in clear, unambiguous terms about the state of Naval aviation, which includes the Marine Corps.  Incensed by the loss of life, including Sergeant Jenson, the two officers are highly critical of the leadership (civilian and military) that made decisions leading directly to the situation in which we now find ourselves.

It is reported that 70% of Marine Corps F/A-18s can not fly.  Also reported have been the grounding of a Navy F/A-18 squadron that is forward deployed on a carrier.  These reports join those of maintenance personnel visiting aircraft "boneyards" to scavenge parts.  And another of a mid-air collision between an instructor pilot and "nugget" aviator.  Neither aircrew had anywhere near the required minimum flight hours needed to maintain proficiency.

Not enough money to maintain the aircraft.  Not enough money for flight hours to train aircrews in perishable skills.

Though both senior officers have been retired for some time, their anger is no less intense as they recount other PGR missions for active duty personnel killed in aircraft mishaps that just should not have occurred.  Like the Marine aviator who died when his aircraft fell apart during a training flight. 

"Who the hell made these decisions?" one was heard to say.  Condemning leadership failures at multiple levels, these gray beards are aghast at the needless loss of life.  And they are equally angry at the totally unacceptable lack of readiness.  The word angry does not adequately describe the intensity of their comments.  With careers built upon training and leading our nation's finest as they prepare for combat, these war horses roundly castigated the civilian leadership, read Obama and successive SecDefs, as well as the flag and general officers in the Navy and Marine Corps who took the force to where it is today.

Who will hold those responsible for these failures?

I have no answer.  So, on this Tuesday morning, it was yet another mission to honor a serviceman who died on active duty.  In this case, a young Marine Sergeant and newlywed who died (with others) in an aircraft mishap on what should have been a routine flight.

How many more missions like this will these two warriors ride in?

Damn it.       

Benefits of mind cleansing

After considerable thought and reflection, I have deliberately undertaken a new approach to the daily routine: cleansing the mind.  Doing so has provided many more benefits than anticipated.

What is mind cleansing, you might ask?  To understand how I define it, an understanding of the previous daily routine.

The prior daily routine began with rising early (normally before 0500), reading a variety of online liberal and conservative news and opinion sites, working out (normally a couple of hours cycling and light weight lifting), then watching recordings of morning conservative TV broadcasting during breakfast.  By mid-to-late morning, I was pretty worked up.

The late afternoon and early evening included watching more recorded conservative TV broadcasting prior to dinner.  

By the time it was lights out, my mind was racing and emotions were high, what with all the news, fake news, unfounded opinions masquerading as news, lying, misrepresentation, pandering, demanding, embellishing, ego inflating, countless false news "alerts," and droning commentary from the ill-to-totally uninformed.  (Frankly, it was challenging to determine who was worse: so-called "journalists," self-appointed experts, or elected officials.)  Many a restless night ensued.

After one such restless night, I decided to change the daily routine.  Instead of reading pieces presented on purported news sites in depth, I scan the headlines and story descriptions.  Then it's on to exercise and breakfast, sans conservative TV broadcasting.  Similarly, in the late afternoon and early evening, I now watch sports and "gear head" shows, forgoing the conservative TV broadcasting.  The results are tremendous.

Apart from saving a great deal of time each day, I no longer subject myself to the views of idiots and near idiots, ideologues, and grossly overpaid commentators.  The benefit is a much happier life, including the time to do far more of those activities that provide simple pleasure and meaning, whether it be riding the Harley-Davidson, participating in a Patriot Guard Rider mission, playing tennis, taking my bride out to lunch or dinner, video chatting with the grand kids, working on a charitable cause (Toys for Tots Ride), or just keeping caught up on the household chores.  I also write more letters and have increased reading for pleasure (history, fiction, etc.).           

What I term cleansing the mind is astoundingly  beneficial.  Scanning the headlines and story titles provides a very quick (less than two minutes) sense of what is happening, while enabling the opportunity to actually stories that matter, such as the tragic death of the Marines and sailor in the crash of the Marine Corps KC-130 (RIP brothers).  See!  I decided that story is important.  No one else told me it was.

It is also satisfying not listening to or reading the histrionics, lies, unfounded opinions, baseless accusations, fake news, ridiculous suggestions, liberal demands, uncivil exchanges, threats, and the like that fill most so-called news programming and print/on-line articles.  Refreshing.  Maybe I'm happier being ignorant of the details. 

And I certainly enjoy more of the activities that provide simple pleasures and produce genuine smiles.  In addition to the above, researching and writing more pieces about veterans and motorcycling.

Yep, mind cleansing the daily routine produces many more benefits than originally anticipated.   

Another day, another funeral

Middle of the month.  Middle of the week.  Early afternoon on a typically sunny day in San Diego.  Just another day, with another military funeral.  This time at the Miramar National Cemetery, adjacent to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

The breeze was up, as usual, causing flags to flutter.

Soon the family arrived with their Marine Corps veteran, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR).  Awaiting them at the Commitment Shelter were the members of the Marine Corps Honor Detail, including a Marine bugler.

At the shelter, as the hearse pulled up, the PGR stood a flag line, coming to Attention and Presenting Arms as the casket was moved into position by the Marines.  The pastor spoke eloquently.  The family and friends of this departed Marine veteran nodded and offered some, "Amens."  His daughter stood and offered her appreciation in a shaky voice, speaking of her "Daddy" and playing song "I Will Always Love You" in his honor.

Military Honors were presented, earned by this Marine by his honorable and faithful service to his nation.  All stood while the rifle salute was fired.  The veterans and active duty military saluted and and PGR raised their flags to the Present Arms while Taps was played.  Eyes welled with tears and it mattered not that some had never met this Marine.  One of the PGR leaders explained the symbolism of every element of the military honors, from the 13 folds of the flag, the three rifle volleys, and the playing taps.  With the permission of the family, the PGR members offered one last Present Arms.  As each member departed, he placed his hand on the casket, offering a final prayer or thought.  For me, it was, "Semper Fidelis, brother." 

If you had been there and looked around, one aspect should have been obvious.  Race and ethnicity do not matter to those who came to help honor this Marine.  The Marines resplendent in their Dress Blues were there in a duty status.  The older, grayer bikers from the PGR were there as volunteers.  An African American Marine Corps veteran was honored by "old white guys" and a Filipino-American on motorcycles, led by an Asian American.  

All those there, regardless of race or ethnicity or age, were helping a nation recognize one of its warriors and his race mattered not.  

Were that it was the same throughout our society.    

 

Paying respects

I don't know how many bikes showed up, but overheard others say it was between 80-100.  On an otherwise quiet Saturday in Ramona, California, a (really) small town east of San Diego, California, the distinctive rumble of Harley-Davidson motorcycles filled the air.  

As distinctive as was the sound, equally noticeable were the countless American flags, large and small, proudly flying from the bikers.  (Contrast this with a high school in Iowa that apologized where its students wore patriotic attire to a recent basketball game.)  Looking at the bikers, military insignia, patches, and service ribbons adorned their vets.

These bikers (more on them later) were gathering on a Saturday morning to pay their respect to US Army soldier PFC Simmons.  They lined their bikes up by the mortuary, preparing to escort PFC Simmons to the church where services would be held.  And then on to the cemetery where he would be laid to rest with full military honors provided by the US Army.

The bikers were predominately military - active duty, retired, and veterans.  From oldest to youngest, the ages spanned five decades and multiple wars.  Some are known to have been awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received in combat.  Regardless, they came together in solidarity to recognize a brother none had met.

Looking around, I did not see one elected official.  I did see active, veterans, and military retirees giving of their personal time to ensure this soldier would be shown the respect he earned as a member of our nation's military.  

The elected officials may not think it was important enough to give of their time, but these military (active duty, retirees, and veterans) certainly did.

After Taps and a final salute, some of the bikers gathered to break bread at a local establishment.  During the routine post mission banter, serving as a release from the high emotions of standing for the fallen, one retired sailor exclaimed that when Taps played, there wasn't a dry eye to be had.

20 somethings and 70 somethings shared a moment this Saturday.  Several hours of their time contributed to paying their respect to a fellow warrior, gone before his time.  All the while cognizant there are other fellow warriors currently going in harm's way.

With less than one-half of one percent of our nation serving in uniform, all too often their sacrifices are unknown to the majority of the nation.  Today these bikers made sure the family of Army PFC Griffin knew his sacrifice was not and never will be forgotten.

Honoring the fallen

  
Chief Petty Officer Finan arrived in San Diego this morning and it was an honor to serve as an escort with my brothers from the Patriot Guard Riders.

KIA in Iraq, the explosive ordnance disposal specialist was transported from the airport to the Bankers Hill area of San Diego.  As the procession made its way along Harbor Drive, we could see members of the Coast Guard saluting.  On each street corner on 5th Avenue in Bankers Hill and Hillcrest, there were uniformed members of the Navy saluting as the procession passed.  Throughout, law enforcement provided traffic control and escorts, with the fire department prominent in the procession.

In addition to the military salutes, civilians lined the street, some waving American flags and some with their hands over their hearts.

Here is a short video from Channel 10 San Diego.

Picture of CPO Finan, overhead picture of procession (by Faris Tanyos), and video obtained from Channel 10 San Diego website.

Copyright Scripps Media

A military unit returns from deployment

As most of the nation enjoyed the first Saturday after Labor Day, I joined nearly two dozen fellow Patriot Guard Riders in supporting the homecoming celebration for VMM-166 (Rein), a Marine Corps squadron based on the V-22 Osprey aircraft.

Once we'd lined up the bikes outside the wire near the squadron's hanger at MCAS Miramar in San Diego, we walked through an enormous crowd awaiting the return of their warriors.  We had the privilege of standing our flag line in front of the temporary railing holding in the wives, husbands, children, parents, brothers, sisters, and friends gathered there.  Speaking with one lady, she emphatically told me I'd better not block her view of her "little boy."  Smiling, I offered he's no longer a little boy.

Looking at the crowd, the ladies were dressed to the T.  The children were carrying signs for their dads.  Fathers looked a little relieved.  And moms appeared to be on the verge of tears.  

We set our line, rehearsed the commands, and stood ready.  While waiting, several Marine F/A-18 aircraft took off, which is always inspiring.

Pretty soon the distinctive sound, the thumping rhythmic beating of the air, told of approaching rotary wing aircraft.  Then, overhead above the hanger could be seen four CH-53 aircraft, as they banked and entered the landing pattern.  They were followed by two groups of MV-22s, in flights of six and four aircraft.  

The crowd was cheering wildly as we came to attention and raised our American flags to Present Arms.  The cheering continued as our flags flowed in the wind.  

No one, REPEAT, no one took a knee here.

Once all the aircraft had landed, they taxied to their spots, with perfect Marine Corps precision, in front of the hanger.  On command, all aircraft simultaneously shut down their engines, leaving just the whines of the APUs filling the air that had moments before pulsed with the sound of large rotor blades.

With obviously well planned and ingrained military cadence, the aircrew and passengers from the lead aircraft, piloted by the unit Commanding Officer, marched in line to a point approximately 50 meters in front of the hanger, here they stood at Attention.  Then, will typical military precision, the crews and passengers from every other aircraft formed up and marched down to join the lead crew.  The formation started from the aircraft furthest from the hanger and as it passed each successive aircraft, another line of crew and passengers joined in, so the formation grew in size as it approached the hanger.

Finally, the large formation marched up and took its place behind the initial line of Marines.  Standing at attention, the Sergeant Major then turned about and reported the unit was formed to the CO.  He took command and in turn faced about and reported the unit to the Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

VMM-166 (Rein) had officially returned from deployment.  

After the CG departed, the CO then turned about and dismissed the command.  This was the highlight of the day, as Marines broke towards the hanger and the families and friends broke out of the hanger in their search for loved ones.

We stood aside, our mission complete.  I, for one, simply watched the reunions.  Mere words can not adequately describe the unabashed joy seen on the faces around me.  

Since less than one-half of one percent of the nation serves in our military, the overwhelming majority of the country has absolutely no idea how important this day was to the hundreds of Marines, sailors, and their families and friends.  Nor does the majority of the country take time to truly appreciate the sacrifices these men and women and their families make, day in, day out.

For this retired gray beard, being a small part of welcoming home VMM-166 was simply an outstanding way to spend some time this sunny Saturday. 

Footnote: Perhaps if Kaepernick had been standing with us today, he would appreciate why the American flag means so much.          

   

The real America

Southern California

26 March 2016

By rough counts, 280 bikers (many, if not most of them veterans) came together to escort fallen Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Louis Cardin home from his arrival at March Air Reserve Base today.  In a first, the hundreds of bikes were permitted to enter the base for this special mission.  

As the procession made its way south on I-215 from the base to Route 74, it was so massive that law enforcement essentially shut down a long stretch of the freeway, before it turned east towards the small town of Hemet.  As we rolled down I-215, each and every overpass was crowded with American flags, countless people, and even a few firetrucks and first-responders.  Some people in the vehicles heading north on the opposite side of the freeway had pulled off, with many standing and saluting the procession.

Continuing to roll through the small towns on Route 74, hundreds and hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects.  American flags were plentiful, with people noted for standing at attention, saluting, or placing their hands over their hearts in tribute to this fallen Marine. 

Old and young, men and women, children and grandparents.  These real Americans took time today to stand in the sun in a display of condolence.  They halted their cars along the road in both directions.  No one complained about the momentary disruption on a Saturday afternoon.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3We5epc_duI

No matter what politicians and others may say, middle America...small town America...is real and very patriotic.  These communities recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of their soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.

The first-responders came out in force, from beginning to end.  As we rolled, law enforcement and fire departments helped stop and direct traffic, as they too honored Staff Sergeant Cardin.

Talking to one local resident after Staff Sergeant Cardin was safely delivered to the destination, I was told the procession "seemed to go on and on."  Funny, though, some were highly conspicuous by their absence.  I did not see one elected official in the procession.  

I did see ordinary people.  I did see men, women, and children.  I did see veterans, young and old.  I did see soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.  I did see the Air Force Security Police saluting as we rolled by.  I did see riders of all races.  I did see the Patriot Guard Riders.  I did see the American Legion Riders.  I did see the VFW Riders.  I did see many military themed biker groups.  I did see flags flying from bikes.  I did see the Marine Corps Honor Guard.  I did see somber members of the community paying their respects to a fallen Marine.

I did see the real America.