Honorably

This image is from a 2006 Patriot Guard mission that I had the honor of participating in. 

This mission was for 23-year-old Air Force Senior Airman Adam P. Servais from Onalaska, WI.  He was a combat controller, the air force equivalent of the SEALS or the Green Berets.  During his second deployment, he was killed in Afghanistan when his vehicle came under hostile fire. 

I only went on a few missions, but I'm glad I participated.  It was very moving to be part of the funeral flag line honoring fallen soldiers and veterans.  As the hearse would drive by, the vets among us would salute and the rest of us would put our hand over our heart.

Sometimes the families and the fallen solider's military unit would come over to thank us afterwards, even though we were there to honor and thank them. 

Happy Flag Day!