Really sad story.

[fbodfather]

--- just horrible.

God Bless all of those who have served or who are serving.....and may God grant those "who gave all" a special place in heaven.

I spent the day at Pease Air Base - -for the Boston-Portsmouth Air Show. (we are featuring the American Pride Camaro)

I had the honor and privilege of meeting many members of the "Pease Greeters" - and if you have never heard of them - please do yourself a favor and log onto www.peasegreeters.org --

They are a volunteer group - and here are some notes from their mission:


The Pease Greeters Mission:

· To welcome troops passing through Pease International Airport on their way to, or from, Afghanistan or Iraq, or any other areas of conflict in any part of the world.

· To create within the Pease Trade Port an environment that reflects the respect and high esteem in which we hold all veterans.

· To promote broad participation by the general public in this welcoming of heroes, paying special attention to the education of school children by instilling respect and admiration for the troops through formal ceremonies for each flight.

The Greeting

It does not matter whether it is 0400 (4AM) in the morning or 1600 (4PM) in the afternoon the greeters are there to welcome the troops. The Greeters’ welcome has three phases; the initial greeting which includes hundreds of Greeters clapping and cheering while patriotic music plays in the background. Hospitality continues with Dunkin Donuts ™, coffee, soda & water, cookies, Friendly’s ™ ice cream, and many more delicious goodies (too many to mention) along with use of the telephone banks installed by Whaleback™ Industries so that our brave men and women may place telephone calls free of charge to anywhere in the world. All of this is topped off by being able to spend time with a great group of Americans who are appreciative of what they do for our country.

The Greeters’ closing ceremony may come last, but it is far from least in the overall scheme of the greeting. This part of the greeting includes photographing the troops so that each flight may be added to Hero’s Walk – a hallway at Pease dedicated solely to our brave men and women whom have passed through Pease International Airport. Next our Nations Colors are presented, we have the singing of our National Anthem, a blessing from the Greeters Chaplain, a brief presentation of who we are to the troops before us along with a reading of the Star poem – Stars from retired flags with a poem are given to every man and woman who come through Pease, and an offering of “the shirt off our back” – a signed Pease Greeter sweatshirt presented to the commanding officer. At the closing of our ceremony, just prior to the troops boarding the flight, the officer of the day will salute the troops with the following words, “We, the old Warriors, salute you, the young Warriors”.


For those of you looking for a way to honor those who have given so much - this is the perfect charity. Rather than send flowers to a funeral home, I am now going to start making a donation in memory of friends and family who pass on.

I was presented with one of their "Stars" and a copy of the 'Star Poem' (it's my understanding that every man and woman going into battle is given one of these.....)

The star is cut from a worn out flag -- the blue behind the star is cut in the shape of a pentagon.

The poem reads:

"I am part of our American Flag.

I have flown over a home in the U.S.A.

I can no longer fly.

The Sun and Winds have caused me to become tattered and torn.

Please carry me as a reminder.............that you are never forgotten."


Might I suggest that we always fly the American Flag in rememberence of those who have given everything so that we have the freedoms that we take for granted every day?

Lowes and Home Depot sell a flag kit that can be attached to a door frame, the side of a home, or to a post - for less than 20 dollars including the flag, the pole and pole bracket.........

Lastly - let's all say a prayer EVERY DAY for those who are serving in our armed forces.

[black.]

Damn that's hard to hear. Thank you to all the armed forces for serving our country.

["prima"Donna]

OMG, there are no words...thank you for sharing this brave hero's story with us...:flag2:

May God bless him and his family at this difficult time...he died a hero, and has the thanks of all of us that are free because of brave heroes like him...


:flag1: :flag1: :flag1:







p.s. please keep us posted about what happens with his car and his family...I care

[HxCGuitars]

Really puts life into perspective. Best of wishes to his family and our armed forces. May God bless them.

[Patrol.in.a.Camaro]

Rest in Peace brave Soldier. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. May God bless your family and comfort them in the very hard time.
:flag1:

[TJ91]

Its stories like that make you take a second and look back at what we stress abotu and realize what we truly have and should be greatful for. Heartrenching, thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
The honour and valor badge would be a great idea!

[Zarko]

minute of silence. fallen hero

[TSSUNAMI]

My deepest condolences to the family of this heroic American.

[Overflow]

Wow.. That's... Deep. Always sad to lose a fallen warrior. R.I.P.

[Flatsix Racer]

Bring our troops home NOW!!!

[Caspers2SSRS]

Condolences to his family, Pride Runs Deep and though Chevrolet and Camaro's are Icons in their own right to owners and fan's the world over ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,American service men and women sacrifices over the centuries and decades around the globe, make it all possible. Our Sincere Thanks to these Icons of Flesh and Bone!

[mdsbuc]

It tears me up to hear these stories about our heroes. Rest in peace, soldier.

[Beescuz]

Everytime I hear about a lost soldier cant help it but get tears in my eyes.

My father was in Vietnam and I saw the effects of that war had on him daily. Out of his platoon only three came back and he was one of them. My father commited suicide when I was 16 because he couldnt deal with the pain no more. I miss him everyday.

My heart goes out to the family

[Agent Atomic Orange]

Rest in peace. May God be with your family. I will catch 2nd for you tomorrow morning.