2LT Robert Harris - Mission Completed
by Adelle McKinney
(Riverside National Cemetery, CA)
Arrival of the Wreaths
Report from 2LT Robert Harris, Co-Chairman of WAA RNC:
As I sit here contemplating a very long day that included Wreaths Across America this morning, a wedding this afternoon and meeting with a family whose son will be buried this Monday, I am so very grateful for each and everyone's help today at the Riverside National Cemetery.
Each and every one of you worked as a team to help me put together a program that would honor our Veterans' courage and sacrifice. I thought our program went well and ended well. My day is still not over because I have to put the finishing touches on my Sunday sermons but as I reflect upon all the help from everyone, I feel blessed and encouraged that, as the Late Ronald Reagan use to say, "We can accomplish much if we work together with one focus and as one people."
I am writing this e-mail as I sip on some hot milk and coco listening to Christmas music and feeling very thankful for each and every one who put time into our project.
Thank you to the Patriot Guards Motorcycle Team, John Nanney, Commander, for caring our great flags; to Ch Maj Mike McKinney and his wife Lt Adelle McKinney for their help in recruiting and program design; to Lt Col Ken Hartwell, CAWG CAP SQ 64 for the color guard; to Cadet 2nd Lt Connor Doyle for leading the Pledge of Allegiance; Ch Col Stephen Kirtley US Army Ret for the invocation; Mr. Kenneth Rolene, Asst Director Riverside National Cemetery for his help in providing the chairs and podium and grounds help; US Army Capt Paul Adcock, Artillery; US Navy Capt Jerry Prickett Ret, President of the JPLNucl; US Marine Corp MSgt Mike McKelroy, Chairman of the Veterans Advisory Committee; Maj Cathy Neubauer, USAFA, CAP, Deputy Commander Seniors SQ 45; Ch Capt Norm Goodwin, US Coast Guard Ret, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Chaplain Loma Linda Hospital; US Merchant Marine John Pitts, President American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Committee, Inc.; Chaplain Joy Jeannette, Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Group; Maj Rob Nagby, Commander CAP SQ 45 MARB; Capt Dave Goude and the Honor Guard from SQ 45 for their excellent presentation of the colors; to Lt Vicky Taylor for helping me to get some music. And not to leave out our legacy, the Late CH Lt Col Jack R. Nahrstadt, who put this program on last year and set the highest standards for us to follow.
As I counted the audience we had over 120 people attend this year, reported 30 last, in the Amphitheater and others looking on from outside. So next year we can start earlier to get the word out. I look forward to working with all again of you again in the future.
Sincerely,
2nd Lt Robert W. Harris
Project Officer/Co-Chairman
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
CAWG SQ 45 MARB
TO WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA,
We thank you so much for allowing us to host this event.
We had assembled the most awesome group of individuals who's main purpose was to remember, to honor and to teach. We were honored to have a Gold Star Mother in attendance who lost her son in Iraq in 2003. What a wonderful inspiration she was.
As Chaplain Mike McKinney opened the program with one minute of silence, the cemetery's bells chimed a beautiful medley of songs.
The Patrior Guard Riders escorted the wreaths in and provided the flags of all the services and POW/MIA. They stood with dignity and honor holding up the flags of each military service for the entire event.
The Cadet Color Guard from Squadron 45 presented the colors and The Cadet Color Guard from Squadron 65 retired the colors.
It was an amazing day! And like so many other WAA events our ceremony ended with Military Honors being paid to our veterans who have gone on before represented at Riverside by the family Chaplain (LTC) Jack Nahrstadt, Sq. 45, CAWG Wing Commander who passed away in September.
Thank you so much for this great opportunity to remember those who serve! Special thanks to 2LT Robert Harris for sharing his marvelous talents.
Chaplain (Maj) Michael and 1Lt Adelle McKinney
USAF Aux. Civil Air Patrol, Squadron 64, Brackett LaVerne
Chairman and Co-chairman of WAA Riverside 2007
