Part two of the mission was on
Tuesday, May 8, when our motorcycle flag honor guard
escorted Alex's hearse from the mortuary to the church.
Thank you to all the volunteers
who provided that escort, again in the rain.
Part three of the mission was the
funeral service at the church, followed by the graveside
service. Staging was at the Alef's Harley Davidson
dealer in north Wichita. Dan Alefs, owner, graciously
provide hot coffee and donuts, and his dealership
facilities to all of us. Riders from all over Kansas
converged and lined up for the ride to the church. Chief
John Daily of Bel Aire PD led us from Alefs to the
church. Upon arrival at the church, we lined the
sidewalks and entrances with flags and stood guard.
This was a long service, and was attended by many. In
particular, a class of school children from his
community arrived who were all pen pals with Alex. They
had adopted him as their soldier. The Bel Aire
community were there in force showing the Funcheon
family their love and support. It was clearly
evident that this soldier and family are special
to them. As we drove past Wichita Heights High School
where Alex graduated, students stood and held flags
and watched. Graveside services were at the Kechi
Cemetery. We surrounded the service with
Bel Aire Chief John Daily of Bel
Aire enlisted the help of Park City, Bel Aire, Kechi, Wichita
Police, Sedgwick County Fire Department, and Sedgwick
County Sheriffs Department to ensure that the
processions to and from the church were safe for
everyone. Capt. F. Norris of the WPD organized her
officers and provided traffic control at the busy
Wichita intersections. Bel Aire Lt. Carl Enterkin led
us from the church to the Kechi Cemetery. Sedgwick
County Fire Department had fire trucks at intersections
along the way, with their booms raised to hang the US
flag. Sedgwick County Sheriffs Department,
Park City and Kechi Police also provided traffic control
and escort along the way, along with Pro-Service Escort
Company.
Bob and Karen Funcheon, Alex's
parents, asked that I convey their heartfelt thanks and
appreciation to all of you for the support you've shown
them this past week and yesterday as you honored their
son. They will remember your selflessness forever.
The Patriot Guard sincerely thanks
all the law enforcement agencies involved in this
mission, and the fire department for the flag display.
Their efforts to ensure our safe travel were
outstanding. They made our mission safe and successful,
with no mishaps along the way. Thank you to Dan Alefs
for his support and for providing us a staging area.
My personal thanks go to the
Patriot Guard co-captains, ride captains, road
guards, and volunteer honor guards, and to each and
every person who supported this Fallen Soldier mission
on a day that started out with rain and turned to hot
and humid. Your endurance and passion for supporting
our soldiers was tested yesterday, and you didn't
falter. It was an honor to stand with you. Thank you
to Charles Liles, our Patriot Guard bagpiper, for his
inspiring music during the funeral and graveside
services.
The Patriot Guard extends a very
special "thank you" to US Army Sergeant First
Class Charles Hilt, the Casualty Assistance Officer who
assisted the Funcheon family and was the military
liaison who kept the Patriot Guard informed.
The Patriot Guard extends our
gratitude to all the soldiers, who like Sgt Alex
Funcheon, guard America's front battle line. Because of
our soldiers, America remains free. God bless Alex,
his family and friends, and God bless all our soldiers.
This was a three-part mission. Part
one was on Sunday, May 6, when we escorted Sgt. Funcheon
from the airport to the mortuary. Alex's parents were
overwhelmed and very appreciative that so many came out
that day and waited for the delayed flight to
arrive. Thank you to everyone who showed up despite the
rain and serious storm activity. It was an extremely
emotional experience to stand in the hangar and out on the
tarmac as the private jet arrived, and to witness the US
Army Honor Guard receive the casket as the family stood
close by, watching. It was an honor to escort Alex and
his family to the mortuary.