There is a certain comfort in being associated with people of honor. Although the military truly is made up of a cross section of America, the ones that stay in for any length of time do so out of a belief in the greater good. I stay because I enjoy their company.
I enjoy walking in the company of heroes every day, knowing if something happens, if someone needs them...they will be there. I'm here to support and lead them because it is the least I can do. The story that follows explains how a small cadre of Americans had an opportunity to show their appreciation. Slowing down from deadlines and busy schedules to honor one of my fraternal brother's sacrifices.
Here's the story:
Diary of A Last and Final Flight Home
February 17, 2007,
0350
I was at curbside at 24th and M,
0425
paying the taxi fare at Dulles in front of the United Airlines counter, still cold.
0450
engaged the self-serve ticker machine and it delivers my ticket, baggage tag and boarding pass. Hmmm, that Marine over there is all dressed up in his dress blues a bit early this morning... "Good Morning Captain, you're looking sharp." He says, "Thank you, sir."
Pass Security and to my gate for a decaf coffee. A quick check of the flight status monitor and UA Flt 211 is on time. I'm up front, so how bad can that be? Hmmm, there's that same Marine. He must be heading to Pendleton to see his lady at LAX for the long weekend, all dressed up like that. Or maybe not. I dunno.
The speaker system announces "Attention in the boarding area, we'll begin boarding in 10 minutes, we have some additional duties to attend to this morning, but we'll have you out of here on time."
The Marine Captain has now been joined by five others. BINGO, I get it, he's not visiting his lady, he's an official escort. I remember doing that once, CACO duty. I still remember the names of the victim and family, The Bruno Family in Mojave - all of them, wow, that was 24 years ago.
On board, 0600:
"Good morning folks, this is the Captain. This morning we've been attending to some additional duties, and I apologize for being 10 minutes late for push back, but I believe we'll be early into LAX. This morning it is my sad pleasure to announce that 1st LT Jared Landaker, USMC will be flying with us to his Big Bear home in
Click Channel 9: "Good morning UA 211. You are cleared to taxi, takeoff and cleared to LAX as filed."
4 hours and 35 minutes later over Big Bear Mtn, the AB320 makes a left roll, a steep bank and then one to the right-Nice touch. Nice tribute. Five minutes out from landing, the Captain comes on the speaker : "Ladies and Gentlemen, after landing I'm leaving the fasten seatbelt sign on, and I ask everyone to please yield to the Landaker family. Please remain seated until all members of the family have departed the aircraft. Thank you for your patience. We are 20 minutes early."
On roll out, I notice red lights, emergency vehicles approaching. We're being escorted directly to our gate, no waiting, not even a pause. Out the left window, a dozen Marines in full dress blues. A true class act by everyone, down to a person. Way to go United Airlines for doing things RIGHT, Air Traffic Control for getting the message, and to all security personnel for your display of brotherhood.
When the family departed the aircraft everyone sat silent, then I heard a lady say,"God Bless you and your family, and thank you." Then a somber round of applause. The Captain read a prepared note from Mrs. Landaker to the effect, "Thank you all for your patience and heartfelt concern for us and our son. We sincerely appreciate the sentiment. It's good to have Jared home."
After departing the aircraft I found myself along with 30 others from our flight looking out the lobby window back at the plane. Not a dry eye. It was one of the most emotional moments I've ever experienced. We all stood there silently, and watched as Jared was taken by his honor guard to an awaiting hearse. Then the motorcade slowly made it's way off the ramp.
I realized I had finally seen the silent majority. It is deep within us all. Black, Brown, White, Yellow, Red, we're all children, parents, brothers, sisters, etc - we are an American family.
Official Report : February 7, 2007,
His death occurred at the same time as Anna Nicole Smith, a drug-using person with a 7th grade education, of no pedigree, who dominated our news for two weeks while Jared became a number on CNN.
And most unfortunately, Jared's death underscores a fact that we are a military at war, not a nation at war.
It has been said that Marines are at war.
1st LT Landaker, a man I came to know in the skies over
13 comments:
I spent this morning at the funeral of a man who fought with the 433rd in WWII. He was honored by members of our local National Guard forces and escorted from the church to the cemetery by a significant contingent of our local police.
I wish 1st LT Jared Landaker, USMC had the opportunity my friend had to see children and grandchildren grow up. Sometimes sacrifices are necessary. I am grateful for his service to our country -- and yours. Thanks for sharing this. I got here by way of Monkeygirl, too.
Judy,
The fact that he served 60 years ago, and they still gathered to honor him is quite a tribute. I think it's fitting, and I'm glad you were able to witness it.
I share you're wish that Jared had the chance to live a long life, but be assured he lived a full one. The men and women that do what he did for a living always do. Taking the time to do the important things is a huge part of this lifestyle.
Monkeygirl is a friend of a friend, and although we've never met, she likes Guiness so I like her.
wow, Uncle T, i got goose-bumps after reading this entry. but i really appreciate all that you put on here...helps me gain some sort of perspective to your life over these months. in regards to your email, PLEASE keep blogging, now you know how many of us enjoy reading this stuff!!! take care, love you!
Wow, leave it to my dad to make me cry this morning! It is always my honor to put on my dress uniform to pay tribute to those who lose their lives while serving the people who so often take them for granted. Thankfully, I have only had to attend a handful of these very touching funerals in the last ten years.
Madison, unlike many police agencies across the country, has lost some of its respect for tradition and honor in exchange for political correctness and not hurting anyones feelings. At the same time, my coworkers would trip over one another to have the honor of standing guard and escorting a brave police officer or soldier to their final resting place. I wish we were called upon to do this everytime a soldier returned.
We recently had some training on the importance of dealing with soldiers returning home from war. I am sure the community would be protesting if they knew we were talking about war on City time. How funny is that. We fight for your right to protest and protect you while you do, while you protest what we are doing.
I have an amazing amount of respect for you and all those with whom you serve. A heros welcome should be available to every one of you upon your return. God Bless and see you soon.
Kelly D
Hey Tommy;
We're are in the works of planning our 20th class reunion on July 28th. I wish you could be there, we'll take lots of photos to share with you. Glad to hear you are doing well. We are thinking of you often and enjoying your updates. Love ya, Jody
P.S. You'll love this, we stuffed, sealed, stamped all the invites for the reunion and then realized the date was not on there, think I'll get any heat about that one?????
What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing it.
The silent majority is still the majority.
Hey all,
Thanks for the comments. Cousin Kelly, your pop has always been an old softy, you shouldn't be surprised when he makes you cry.
Cailin, when do you get back to the States??????
Jodes, there must be some mistake, I haven't been out of high school for 20...oh, damn, forget it.
Marlaquack, you're welcome!
Take care all,
T.
Thank you for bringing the war home to me.
What an honor that must have been.
Susan RN,
I'll admit to getting a lump in my throat whenever I read a story like this. I imagine it's an honor for anyone in attendance. It's a small but lasting consolation to the family as well.
Hi
That was good. And it's hopefully brought home the pity of war to some of those mall rats.
Hi Amigo,
I don't wish for the people at home to stop enjoying themselves. The truth is, most of us are over here to do our part to help protect our right to pursue happiness. I just hope when people have an opportunity to pat one of these soldiers, sailors, and marines on the back they don't hesitate. I think most people do that anyway.
This past Sunday I attended a breakfast at the Rio International Airport and sat beside some wonderful crusty old WWII pilots and enjoyed their old flying stories. I approached some of the volunteers at the event and asked if anyone had thought of recording their stories. I think I may have volunteered myself, but honored to do so. The breakfast event is a fundrasier for the Rio Aero Club, and I thought the stories would sell too.
I also sat in a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter that morning and I got chills just thinking about the power of that machine but at the same time how unbelievably vulnerable in combat.
The best part of the event was that I had a chance to thank so many war heroes and hear their stories that I actually forgot that just the day before this event I was slippin and slidin at Wisconsin Dells which I had already thought was the highlight of my weekend!
A big thanks to you cousin and your guys. God be with you.
Reenie,
It has been forever since I've seen you cuz. How are you doing?
Sounds like a great weekends with the WWII vets. I'll bet they enjoyed it every bit as much as you did.
Did you get a ride in the helicopter? I don't know if they do that anymore, but it's a blast if you can do it.
I told your Dad I'd be down to Mad Town at some point after I get back. If you're still in the area I'd love to see you there.
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