Posted on May 7, 2014
LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
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I am proud and honored to be part of the funeral tomorrow for SGT Shawn Farrell. Unfortunately I found out today that the Westboro Baptist Church has passed out fliers and plans to come protest. If you were on the detail what would you do? I am interested to hear what you would do or suggest.
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Responses: 35
SPC(P) Signal Support Systems Specialist
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I would remain professtional, fulfill my duties to best of my ability, and pray for them.
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CW2 Patriot Battery Maintenance Officer
CW2 (Join to see)
10 y
SPC Roman, you hit the nail on the head! There really is NO other option! As a member of not just the funeral detail, but the military as well, you have to carry yourself as a professional, no matter what everyone else is doing around you. I am not going to say that this will be easy, though. I am sure I would be challenged to keep my cool in this situation!
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MSgt Keith Hebert
MSgt Keith Hebert
10 y
I agree 100% Spc Roman anything else would unprofessional and demeaning to our extended family
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SPC(P) Signal Support Systems Specialist
SPC(P) (Join to see)
10 y
SFC, when I say "pray", it can be in any form. But to clarify, I should have said, not think ill thoughts. I do genuinely hope these people come to peace with themselves, and stop forcing their hatred, of lord knows what, onto those who are in pain.
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SSG (ret) William Martin
SSG (ret) William Martin
10 y
That's awesome SPC GR. I commend you for that.
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MAJ Dallas D.
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Edited 10 y ago
I am a Proud Patriot Guard Rider. I am sure there will be some of us there to block them. That is what we do!
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CPT Jacob Swartout
CPT Jacob Swartout
10 y
Thank you sir for being there for our fallen comrades. I was able to meet about 30 of the Patriot Guard Riders for the first time in 2007. I escorted one of our Soldiers to her final resting place. I have heard about what your organization has done for so many and support your patriotism. It's unfortunate that those people have nothing else better to do but to bring disgrace upon themselves. I read about one funeral when the Patriot Guard Riders blocked out the noise and chants from the Westboro Church by drowning them with beautiful motorcycle "sounding off" engines. I would have loved to been there too. Thank you once again for showing our country that we do care for those we lost.
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LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
LTC (Join to see)
10 y
Sir, the Patriot Guard was there yesterday to escort and today as well. I thank you for being a part of such a great organization. I have worked with many different groups from this organization with nothing but great things to say about them. I am inspired to buy a bike to join.
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Capt Richard I P.
Capt Richard I P.
9 y
The stateside funeral I've been to had a patriot guard to counter the westboro baptists. I was glad to have them.
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SSgt Gregory Guina
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Ignore them and carry out your duties.
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LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
LTC (Join to see)
10 y
My plan is to let the Patriot Guard and local PD handle the situation. I am also going to brief my teams to avoid them and if interviewed not to mention them.
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SPC Charles Brown
SPC Charles Brown
10 y
Change from blanks to live rounds and then go attend their funerals. NO I am not kidding. They have been notorious in disrupting honors that are due our fallen comrades. Slam me now I don't care. This is my opinion and I am entitled. I know that as representatives of our respective services that we are to remain professional at all times, and I would do my best to be that professional. I just have a tough time keeping my composure when my family is being disrespected by a group of people who have the collective IQ of a box of air. How my father managed to keep his sizeable temper in check when he came back from Vietnam is beyond me. Hell, I would have gone to jail for what they did if it were done to me. Just saying.
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SSgt Gregory Guina
SSgt Gregory Guina
10 y
Exactly Sir. You and your team to to provide the honors that the service member deserves. I am glad that the Patriot Guard will be there. It is unfortunate that there are people out there still doing this but we protect their right to freedom of speech. hopefully everything goes off without a hitch.
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CPT Jacob Swartout
CPT Jacob Swartout
10 y
Good choice for the Patriot Guard!
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