Of all of the missions that I have been on the community support that was offered for the services of Lance Cpl Daniel Chaires has to be the most touching.  Daniel came from a close knit family in a small community just outside of Tallahassee.  It was apparent that Daniel was not only well known but well liked.

The services started early at the small church that was named after the family of Daniel Chaires.  The area the church was located in could have been  taken right off of a post card.  Century oaks lined narrow roads.  Horses pranced in corrals next to picturesque homes with manicured lawns on a two lane road through some of the most beautiful country that I’ve ever seen.  The morning sun was taking the chill off of the early November air and cast the entire area in a somber yellow glow.  Small American flags were put along the streets and fences.  There was a very slight breeze that made the flags that we carried tug on the flag poles and flap noisily.

The community turned out in very large numbers to pay their last respects for this man who has left us much too early.  The comments that we heard from people that knew Daniel drew us a picture of a wonderful young man.  His father was a retired Captain from the Sheriffs Department.  Law enforcement personal from the surrounding area turned out in very large numbers. 

Daniel’s family has tremendous strength of character.  The whole time that we were there they were not only bearing tremendous grief but they were making sure that all in attendance were taken care of.

The Panama City Crew had to depart early in order to make the two hour ride to the services and jump a time zone.  My alarm went off at 3:00 am but I was already sitting up waiting for it.  The early morning darkness was scented with salt from the Gulf breeze when we left for the first staging area.  By the time we arrived 30 miles north of our starting point the temperature had dropped 15 degrees.  It was time to leather up and move on. 

We made our way down Hwy 20 which is mostly a two lane country highway dotted with small cities and communities.  We stopped in Blountstown to pick up two Riders that were from that area.  We left there and made our way up a two lane country route to the Interstate.  Deer are moving around this time of year so we were all very alert and watchful.  Just before arriving at the Interstate the sun peeked over the horizon and we had to stop and change into sunglasses.  The temperature was still very cool full fingered insulated gloves and leather chaps were the uniform of the day.

The staging area for the mission was at a Publix Supermarket.  Twenty Two bikes left there with an LEO motorcycle escort.  Most of the oncoming cars and trucks pulled over to the side and stopped as we passed by.  We parked the bikes at the local elementary school in an area that parents use to drop off and pick up their children.  We would be finished before the area as needed again.  The school children came to the fence as we rode in to see the Riders with the Flags.

We parked the bikes and gathered our flags for the walk to the church.  I could easily imagine this community long before paved roads and automobiles.  Everyone was very friendly and curious who we were.  We lined up on the pathway that visitors and family members would use to enter the church.  I had to step out to speak to the mission ride captain for a moment and the site was truly stunning.  Twelve flags on each side of the pathway held by a Rider standing quietly.

There were hundreds of visitors that passed through the corridor of flags.  Most said nothing at all but a few shook our hands and gave their thanks for us being there.  When the service started we quietly made our way back to the bikes which were directly across the street from where Daniels final resting spot would be.

When the service was complete the casket was put on a horse drawn carriage and taken to the burial site.  We were lined up at the entrance with our flags.  The elementary school had been emptied and the children stood near the fences with their hands over their hearts as the carriage passed by.  After the family, friends and visitors had passed through the line of flags we moved quietly to the burial site.  The service was emotional for all who heard it.  Taps tugged at our hearts after the twenty one gun salute.  Mike Donohoe, the mission Ride Captain and I made our way to the receiving line and Mike delivered the Patriot Guard plaque to Daniel’s mother.  If you consider that the grieving family members transmit their grief then also consider that Patriot Guard Riders are excellent receivers.  No one who attends an Honor Mission leaves untouched.  First time Riders have a life changing experience.

To the family of Daniel Chaires my deepest heartfelt condolences.  It was truly an honor to be even a small part of this day.  We are truly blessed to have met you and I only wish that we could have met in better times.  Your family is one of the strongest and closest that I’ve had the pleasure to know.

Sincerely

John Adkins

“Koolness”

Senior Ride Captain

“I didn’t make a difference today but I rode with those who did”