This week Kyle went to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to attend the funeral for Captain David Wisniewski, a fellow Pave Hawk pilot who died from injuries suffered in Afghanistan. Two members of Kyle's squadron at Moody AFB, Captain Brion Stroud and Lieutenant Don Smith, came up to Pittsburgh to get Kyle and drive him down. He was so appreciative for everyone's efforts to help him attend the service. It was a sad day and a day to remember all those soldiers and their families who have served to protect our country, and those that still do. Thank you and God Bless.
Kyle stands by the van and is ready to hit the road with Capt. Stroud and Lt. Smith. Photo by Elsie Deem.
Kyle, Lt. Smith and Capt. Stroud getting ready to head out. Photo by Elsie Deem.
Captain Shonkwiler and Lieutenant Colonel Tom Kunkel walking through Arlington Cemetery to attend the funeral. Photo by Kyle Deem.
Arlington Cemetery. Photo by Kyle Deem.
Capt. Shonkwiler and Lt. Col. Kunkel walking to the ceremony. Photo by Kyle Deem.
Members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard await their next commands during the military burial at Arlington. Photo by Kyle Deem.
Lt. Col. Kunkel and Capt. Shonkwiler drove Kyle back to Pittsburgh and had dinner with his family. Photo by Elsie Deem.
Lt. Col. Kunkel brought Kyle his first Air Medal and read the citation to him in his home on Monday evening. Kyle was awarded this for his combat missions flown in Iraq. Photo by Elsie Deem.
Kyle holds his Air Medal. Photo by Elsie Deem.
Please accept our deep condolences for the loss of Captain Wisniewski, and our continued best wishes for Captain Deem's recovery. On behalf of the Air Force Honor Guard, allow me to say that we owe our freedom to heroes like them, and we devote our service to make sure they are appropriately honored for theirs!
ReplyDeleteSir, we thank you for the honorable service that you provide, just as we thank all military men & women for the selfless and dangerous work that they do. With unspeakable gratitude ...
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