Pearl Harbor survior honor question.

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Tue, 13 May 2014 01:10:57 -0400

Ok, my wife of two years has a grandfather, great grandfather to my daughter. His service is as follows, and I'm not embellishing:
Survived Pear Harbor, piloted a full complement of B-17 missions (only 2 "hard landings"), was in consideration for the one of the pilots to drop a nuclear bomb on Japan, was asked to be one of the initial pilots for B-52 training and if thats not enough was stationed at Roswell on a very famous day. Transferred the next to England.

Retired LtCol USAF, former Army Air Corps.

Anyway, he's 94. In pretty damned good shape for someone that old, yet he's still getting up there. She knows the honor and respect I have for his service, nobody else in the family understands. I told her, she will handle his affairs and I will handle his service. He rates a flyby from Luke AFB, confirmed, as well as a spot in Arlington, which he doesn't want. I told her I want it to be big. I want her family to walk out of the church after services to see hundreds of military men there.

When the time comes a long while from now, do you think if I contacted the local MEPS and base commands I could get a good number of Active there? Not to mention the Legion, VFW, Patriot guard riders, etc.

I got a new, slightly larger, uniform last year to attend my fathers honors. 54-57 USMC Jan 16, 2013 cancer. I told her I would only wear that uniform one more time. She doesn't really get it, I know all you reading this do.

How many of you would make time for such a treasured hero's services? I was unable to attend the one of my Dad's friend, Joe Foss, but I won't miss this one.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 1:22 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 01:22:53 -0400

I would MAKE the time. He sounds like a national treasure and should be treated as such. Your good man for wanting to recognize this great American!

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made May 13 at 2014 4:10 AM

SGT Shon D. Hill — Tue, 13 May 2014 04:10:32 -0400

If possible yes, definitely make time for such a special circumstance ! :). My grandfather was also a Pearl Harbor survivor and was so young (18 y/o). I think that's an awesome honor, please keep us posted on anything, I'm sure many others here feel similar :). Fantastic post!

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 13 at 2014 7:36 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 13 May 2014 07:36:12 -0400

Your intentions are honorable indeed. I would hope that many would support you in honoring this distinguished brother in arms!

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made May 13 at 2014 1:34 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Tue, 13 May 2014 13:34:09 -0400

As I buried my Father in the Phoenix area, I requested the funeral home make the appropriate arrangements. We got a full Burial Detail from Ft. Huachuca (Dad was an Army guy). They were excellent and I couldn't have been prouder. I took part in the Ceremony (I wore my Dress Blues, Tennis Shoes, and a light coat of gun oil) and received the folded Flag from the Sgt. of the Guard and presented it to my Mom.

I am so thankful for the recognition he received as he was a WW2, Korea, & Vietnam Veteran.

Response by SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee made Dec 24 at 2014 9:38 PM

SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 21:38:35 -0500

When he does receive his final transfer orders, please post it on RP so we can try to make it and honor his service.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 16 at 2016 11:03 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 11:03:19 -0500

My fiancées Uncle passed away two years ago, he fought in Europe. In directly we both fell under the 42nd ID (NY, National Guard), He in Europe after he was transferred from unit to another to back fill a shortage of officers, I in Tikrit, as part of the TX NG support to the 42nd. I wore my blues the day of his service, out of respect for a man who had certainly earned it. So yes I would do it.