We’ve all done it before.  We’ve traveled anywhere for 5 miles to 300 miles to stand, with respect, for a Fallen Hero.

We’ve all done it before.  For some it was their first or second Mission.  For others, some have lost count.

We’ve all done it before.  We’ve wondered about the family and how they’d deal with the finality of the Service we were attending.  What changes would there be?  When would the sadness abate, if ever?

This Mission was different.

For the very first time I got a small sense of how the family and friends of the Fallen Hero feel.

I knew Dave.

We both ate breakfast at the same restaurant. It was a place where we all knew each other, somewhat.  We were not close friends but close enough to say “Good Morning, how are you?” and exchange a few pleasantries. 

Until he died I didn’t know Dave was Vet.  Like many others, for whatever reason, he didn’t talk about his time in the Military.  He was there, served his County and when his time was up, he came home to a changed Nation.

I did know that Dave was a good man. 

He devoted his life to his wife, Debbie, for 29 years.  Dave was a good husband. 

He and Debbie raised a family, a son, Eric and a daughter, Stephanie.  He was proud of his children and he spent time with them.  Dave was a good father.

Mostly, I remember Dave and his grandson, Tyler.  I watched that relationship grow.  Dave was a good Grandpa.

Our Country lost a good man.  Our breakfast stop lost a good friend.

Thanks Dave, for what you did and who you were.  We are all proud of you and our lives were better because we knew you.

To Debbie, our deepest condolences to you and your family.  It is our wish that Our Lord will wrap you in his arms, as He has done with Dave, and give you peace and comfort.

To my friends, who rode to honor this Hero, I say “Thank You.”

Your presence at Dave’s Memorial was appreciated.

Tom