HERE are some stupid words from a LIBERAL:
MATHEW JOHN HOLLY of the 101 AIRBORN, was sent home in the BELLY of a COMICAL PLAN with the CARGO of others.
NO DRESSED FLAG and no HONOR GUARD to MEET HIS REMAINES, when RUMSFILD was asked he refussed to COMMENT.
MORE and more SISTERS and BROTHERS are being found to be coming HOME this WAY. BUT don't worry you found no SPACE TO PRINT THIS STORY.
ONLY US UNAMERICAN FOUND IT WORTH POSTING , just another stupid comment from a LIBERAL

Umm Grandpa,

He printed this two days ago:

http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/003933.html

Read slowly and carefully Grandpa, as I said our fallen are always treated with the upmost respect.

How was it done when you were in? How do you suppose it should be done? Where else, aside from the cargo/freight area of an airliner, could a coffin even be stored?

Please give details.
And don't forget current rules and regulations of the FAA.

In WW II, we buried them where they died or are in cemetaries in Europe. No home coming. We are honoring these men and women by bringing them home by ANY MEANS and it is always done honor and and with an escort.

I believe I accidentally deleted a trackback from this post - if it was yours, my apologies.

ACCORDING to the "SERVICE MANUAL" ARMY, ETC. :
" A SOLDIER THAT HAS FALLEN IN COMBAT MUST
BE GIVEN DUE HONORS"
NOW when I came home and before our FALLEN were always flown MILITARY HOME, MEET by an HONOR GUARD. ITS not new its not some thing we just do for someone. EVEN when a SOLDIER was to be layed to rest in HIS or now HER home town , HE or SHE IS
ACOMPANIED by a OFFICER to the FAMILYS HOME or ?.
THEN an HONOR GUARD WOULD LAY the SOLDIER TI REST giving HIS or HERS COUNTRYS FLAG that has made the trip with HIM or HE.
ITS called RESPECT / HONOR.
HE or SHE is not to be put into a BELLY of a COMERICAL FLIGHT with NO ACTIVE DUTY OFFICER or NONCOM to TAKE THE LAST MILES ALONE, WE OWE THEM MORE THEN THAT.
AS for the COURENT RULES amd REGULATIONS FAA the we have realy CHEAPEND the LIVES of OUR FALLEN.
I'M 63 years old and I fought beside many men I will never see or talk to again in the full count as we know (58,000) in a war some like this one.
WE as adults AND GROWN PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT WAR ONLY BRINGS DEATH.
IN IRAQ we will win in the end maybe
eight (8 to 10 ) years down, and thousands will die to bring this to pass.
BUT your generation has learned nothing from the past and war, many have just put this war out of minde and have let the "FEW" fight for the many.
BUT TO BE A PART OF IT AND TO ALOW MY BROTHER / SISTER TO BE DELIVERED AS A POUND OF CARGO, ITS AN INSULT TO HIM / HER AND THE OTHERS WHO WILL FALL IN THE FUTURE.
BUT again its your future not mine.
I'M sorry if I thought they DESERVED BETTER.

Grandpapete,

I was a CAO for a soldier that fell when with the 101st. He received an escort the entire way. He was treated with the utmost respect the entire way, and he was accompanied by a soldier in uniform. The widow and his family were walked through the entire process (paperwork, funeral arrangements, ect..) by me. Hardest thing I have ever done, but I must say that I was impressed every step of the way with the professionalism and respect with which the family and fallen soldier were treated. By the community (schools lined the roads, police escort ect...), soldiers and the army.

The army isn't perfect, but this is one thing they do RIGHT. If this incident did happen, then I agree that it is completely wrong and the soldier deserved better, but I would say it is a rare instance. The men and women taking their brother or sister to their final resting place KNOW what it means and they do it right. Plain and simple.

Although I don't agree with your politics, I must respect your passion.

Thank you.
A Soldier.

The thank you was for your service sir.

As Jason noted, there's a post elsewhere on this topic. Grandpapete, you especially should read it - you've fallen for an attack on the honor and dedication of the fine men and women who ensure all due honors are rendered the fallen. Read the link, you'll see first hand descriptions of the efforts of civilians - baggage handlers, airport cops and fire fighters, aircrews, other passengers - and fellow military members in this process. Further comments belong here. I won't tolerate additional attacks here.

Rick if you want to tell your story I'd be glad to post it here. Email me if you'd like.

Greyhawk,

Thanks for the offer, but I don't think it's my place to tell it. It was my honor and priviledge, but it is the story of the fallen soldier's family, not mine.

Absolutely love you blog by the way.

Copy that Rick, understand completely.