Riverside National Cemetery - Mission Accomplished

by Adelle McKinney
(Riverside National Cemetery, CA)

It was a beautiful sunny California day! Civil Air Patrol seniors and cadets were represented by Squadrons all over southern California. The ceremony was preceded by a parade motorcycle tribute by the Patriot Guard Riders, approximately 25 motorcycles with flags and banners as they escorted the wreaths to the presentation site.

After a minute of silence, Chaplain Mike McKinney (Sq. 64) requested the presentation of the colors.
Squadron 45 Cadet Color Guard did an excellent job and colors were presented in the midst of the beautiful waving flags of the Army, Navy, Marien Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIAs.

Special guests included Chaplain (Col) Stephen Kirtley, USA retired; Mr. Kenneth Rolene, Asst. Director of RNC; Capt. Paul Adcock, USA; Capt. Jerry Prickett, USN; MSgt. Mike McElroy, USMC; Sgt. Mike Mizak, USAF; Ch. (Capt) Norman Goodwin, US Coast Guard; Bosun John Pitts; President of the American Merchant Marines.

Chaplain Joy Jeannette, President of Rolling Thunder presented the Wreath for the POW/MIA's. We had a Gold Star Mother in attendance who's son was killed in Iraq in 2003.

A touching part of the service at the end was the presentation of military honors to Capt. Karen Nahrstadt, who's husband Ch. (LTC) Jack Narhstadt
was the coordinator of the first Wreaths Across America Memorial at RNC in 2006, who passed away suddenly in September of 2007.

At the conclusion of the ceremony both Major Rob Nagby commander of Squadron 45 and 2LT Robert Harris spoke.

Squadron 64 retired the colors. Both Squadron 45 and Squadron 64 are winners of their color guard competition for their respective groups (3) and (1).

Special thanks go to Chaplain (Maj) Michael McKinney who was the Chairman of the event and for the project officers 2Lt Robert Harris and 1Lt Adelle McKinney who organized and coordinated the event!

It lasted 47 minutes and was attended by between 120-130 families, veterans, active and retired service personnel.

Thank you Wreaths Across America for making this event possible that touched the hearts of so many people!

We will never forget!

Riverside National Cemetery
December 15, 2007
9:00 a.m.