As a lot of you know, Little D, and her Mom, have been visiting her sister, Danielle, who lives in France! I've been very busy, calling! Had a great trip, to St Louis, where I had several terrific dances! Thanks, to all the dancers, in St Louis, for making my trip, great! Today, I flew out to southern California, for a weekend, of Advance and Challenge dancing. My flight, out here was very un-eventful, for a change, until we reached Phoenix. At that point, we had the honor, of being on a flight, with a fallen soldier, being escorted home, with two family members, and honor guard of four soldiers! The fallen soldier, was an Army Ranger, from the 82nd Airborne division, KIA, in Afghanistan. I had the pleasure, or should I say, honor, of being seated, right behind the family, and Honor Guard. His Sargent, and I struck up a conversation, as I offered to buy all, an adult beverage. I learned from my conversation, the Ranger, and his Sargent, were part of an air assault unit. The Sargent, without going into details, said the Fallen Ranger, gave his life, protecting his unit, so they may survive! At this point, the Ranger SFC, was showing much emotion! This was one of the most somber flights, I've ever been on! Upon our arrival, at the Ontario airport, we were met on the tarmac, by two firetrucks. As we passed by, the two pumpers fired a jet stream over the plane, forming an arc of water. I was told, as we entered the terminal, there was a rainbow over the plane!
The terminal, came to a halt! It was quite, an emotional site!
As I exited the aircraft, the flight attendant, allowed me to get the photo, below, as taken from the service door, of the aircraft.
As the Army Ranger was removed from the aircraft, the family was given a chance to welcome him home. You talk about choking up! Many veterans, including myself, stood at attention, and
saluted! I felt very proud, at that moment, to be an American!
His body was then escorted to the hearse, by his Sargent, and his Honor Guard. I would liked to have gotten a photo, of the flag draped coffin, but I felt holding the salute, was more important, at that time!
This photo, was taken, from the terminal, after he was placed in the hearse.
I can't find the words, to describe the feelings, and emotions, I was swept up in! I was reminded of the song: Angel Flight! We all felt part, of that, today! I don't know how these brave women, and men deal with all of these conflicts? I thought it bad, to have to serve, for one, or two tours of duty! These kids are serving tour after tour! The Honor guard, has served at least four tours, and the SFC Ranger, was on his sixth tour of duty! They're all, my heroes! All of this makes me even more proud, of my son, SSGT Michael Lipscomb, U.S. Army Special Forces, serving, somewhere, in harms way!
This photo was taken, as Michael completed his Special Forces training.
And to think, this administration wants to, and is cutting our service men's benefits, thinks they're being paid too much, and wants them to furnish their own medical, and life insurance! Makes me sick to my stomach! I think it's time, we all stand up for what's right!
I didn't intend to get on a "soap box"! Enough said!
I am so proud, of my service, and those who served, with me! Even more, I'm proud of all these brave, young men, and women, serving, now! After experiencing this, today, I don't think I will ever be the same! It is a moving, experience! I promise, my next post will be less emotional! Thanks, for your indulgence!
