Greetings,

I was greatly honored to receive a phone call from Commander John Siemers from the American Legion Post 193 inviting me to participate in the honorable memorial service for four unclaimed veterans. It was a privilege to escort their remains to Fort Jackson National Cemetery for their final resting place.

I’m confident that the spirits of these veterans were looking down on the gathering as they were treated with the respect and dignity they deserved. Being asked to participate was special for me for three very important reasons. Representing our wonderful Town of Chapin as a humble servant is a reward in itself. On behalf of our council and staff, I thank the American Legion for choosing our lovely Town Hall facility as their departing location and for performing this important service.

Secondly, I participated as a representative of my MC Club that I helped incorporate in 1987. As many of our members are veterans, including my sponsor, who I have known for over 40 years and was a paratrooper in Vietnam.

Lastly, my father was my true hero. He was a pilot and flight leader of a group of B-26 marauders in World War II. He flew and survived 65 missions over Nazi occupied France, including several missions on D-Day. If he were here today he would be 100 years old and I know he would have joined me in saying a resounding thank you to all the men and women that served and continue to serve.