SwiftVets.com

[coldwarvet]

Since real estate has fallen into the tank in the Mpls. St. Paul, MN market I have started taking shifts screening maintenance and transport vehicles coming into a restricted area at the Mpls. St. Paul airport.

When I arrive on post 11/27/07 1600 hours MSP gate 222, I noticed the American flag at half staff. I asked my fellow security officers at the gate; “why is the flag at half staff?”, no one could tell me the answer. About an hour later my question was answered when a flag draped Marine came through my post escorted by Marines, and what appeared to be family members in a private mini van right behind.

My post orders call for me to log all non registered vehicles and persons into an escort log, and under no circumstances, are privately insured vehicles allowed through my post. I broke all these orders as I allowed the entire procession pass through the gate with out even a mirror screen, as the procession passed. I just stood at full attention as the fallen marine passed through my gate with tears dripping off my cheeks.
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Defender of the honor of those in harms way keeping us out of harms way.

"Peace is our Profession"
Strategic Air Command - Motto

USAF 75-79 Security Police

[BuffaloJack]

coldwarvet,
I think I know the feeling.
Early last evening, as I was looking out of the front window of my living room, I watched a freshly washed and waxed government sedan pull up in front of the house across the street and two doors down. Two Army officers in dress uniform got out, went up the walk, knocked on the door and were then invited in. They stayed only four or five minutes and then left. This can't be good.
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Swift Boats - Qui Nhon (12/69-4/70), Cat Lo (4/70-5/70), Vung Tau (5/70-12/71)

[Guest]

A great move Coldwar
and Jack, I hope your neighbors are ok.
Too damn close to the holidays for the kind of news I think they got.

[BuffaloJack]

My wife learned from our 80 year old neighbor directly across the street (nothing happens in our neighborhood without her knowing about it), the visit was what we thought. I didn't know their names, but I remember their son cutting grass in the front yard during the summers. He'll be returning home later this week.
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Swift Boats - Qui Nhon (12/69-4/70), Cat Lo (4/70-5/70), Vung Tau (5/70-12/71)

[Me#1You#10]

Words fail for an experience such as this. I was a "Survivor Assistance Officer" on one occasion and the emotional drain I experienced was enormous.

May he rest in peace and in the hearts of a grateful nation...and my prayers for strength for his family and friends to see them through this most difficult time.