With it being the one year anniversary of the plane side honors I decided to revisit the post and add the pictures.
The day was extremely cold and we were still digging out from the blizzard that had happened 3 days before. My father, Jeremy, the girls and I all met at the funeral home. They drove us out to the airport and we met with our casualty assistant officer. He explained everything that would happen and kept track of the time.
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| Waiting at the security tower. |
Once the plane was close to landing we all piled into the cars and the security led us to the tarmac.
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| Following the hearse and security |
We waited in the car while the plane got into position. Once it was coming around we got out to watch. I remember it being so loud and being so cold.
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| The plane coming around |
Once the plane was in position the Honor Guard got their instructions and lined up to march to the plane.
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| Honor Guard members |
I had never met these men and women before and will probably never meet them again but I was so thankful for the service they provided.
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| Lined up ready to march. |
After the plane was stopped they hooked a ramp to the bay doors. When that was in place the honor guard marched over and lined up at the end of the ramp.
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| Marching to the plane |
Two soldiers dressed in acu's climbed up the ramp to prep the casket. They unpacked it from the crate it was shipped in to protect it and wrapped it in the American flag.
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| Wrapping the casket with the flag. |
As the casket was lowered down the ramp everyone, and I mean everyone, stopped what they were doing. The Honor Guard saluted and many of the airport employees saluted too.
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| Staff Sgt Joshua Melocik is in the front. He was a member of Matt's platoon and brought him home for us. |
The Honor Guard proceeded to pick up the casket and carry it across the tarmac to the hearse.
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| Solemn walk. |
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| Loading the casket into the hearse. |
They filed past us and it was a true honor to see how respectful everyone was. These men and women who had never even met my brother had tears and were struggling to keep themselves together.
The drive back to the funeral home was right during rush hour. I remember sitting in the car and just wanting this to be over.
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| View from the family car. |
We were given a letter from Delta and it included what was told to the passengers (this one was read when they transferred planes in North Carolina but the passengers at KCI were read something similar). Here is what it said:
Ladies and Gentlemen.
We would like to share with you that on today's flight is Army Staff Sergeant Joshua Melocik who had the difficult yet honorable task of escorting a deceased fellowserviceman on his final journey home to Missouri.
In a few moments members of the local USO Honors Support team, many of whom are veterans themselves, and the North Carolina National Guard Funeral Memorial Unit will join Staff Sergeant Melocik to form an Honor Guard as our fallen hero is transferred on to the aircraft.
Freedom is not free.
We invite you to remain silent during the transfer as a show of respect and gratitude for our fallen comrade's commitment and service to our country.
