[thefitzvh]

I Just recieved word that an Air Force pilot who worked at my school passed away, and his funeral is on february 10th. The current honor guard commander didn't realize that a firing party is customary, and I feel it would be a shame NOT to have one included as part of the funeral ceremony. Thus, I'm trying to get one together, and it may not be possible, but If it doesn't happen, I'll be DAMNED if it's gonna be because no one tried.

I need to know if anyone has either 3 or 7 identical rifles that they could loan me, with blank ammunition. At this point, I don't care what kind they are. I know there're some collectors of militaria here, so that's why I'm asking. I would have the marines in the area do it, but he was an air force vet, so I'd like to have my ROTC fellows do it. I would be commanding the detail, since I was in the Army's Old Guard, and know how it's supposed to be done.

As far as payment, let me know. We can work something out. I'd rather put up some money out of pocket than have this vet miss out on the firing party that he should get.

It's in the San Diego area, by the way.

Thanks in advance, I hope someone can help, although it may be WAY too late.


James Fitzer

[Jeff White]

James,
Get the phone book out an look up the local Army National Guard unit. A few years back when congress realized the WWII generation was passing on and in many cases being laid to rest without military honors, they funded a program to provide these honors. All of the units were provided instructions boombox and CD for taps etc. The program may be administered through the state headquarters, but someone at the armory should be able to point you in the right direction.

Veterans groups such ad the VFW and American Legion also can provide assistance.

HTH

Jeff

[Larry Ashcraft]

We've got a group here named the Pueblo Veterans Ritual Team. They do funerals of all military veterans in the area free of charge. Most of them are elderly vets and they are connected to the Local D.A.V. You might try your local veterans groups.

[Brad Johnson]

Veterans groups such ad the VFW and American Legion also can provide assistance.

Contacting your local VFW is my suggestion as well.

Brad

[Amadeus]

www.chgww2.com


Try these guys. They're WW2 reenactors in Southern California. I'm certain some would be more than willing to show up in class A's with their M1s and blanks for your event.

There are several units available but I highly recommend the 9th ID. I've met some of them and they're great guys.

I hope this helps.

[thefitzvh]

waiting for a call back from the prez right now... Thanks. I'll let youall know how it goes.


James

[Henry Bowman]

The funeral director should be able to handle contacting the appropriate group, no problem.

[Brian Williams]

You do not need to have 3 or 7 rifles because it is not a 21 gun salute but 3 volleys to signal the end of the death and wounded time. It comes from when armies fought on a field with the opposing army in lines, a truce was called to collect the dead and wounded and 3 volleys were fired to signal the end of the time alloted for funerals and caring for the wounded.

IIRC a 21 gun salute is done with artillery pieces (guns) to honor heads of state.

look here Jeff White states it about the middle of the page. http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53730&highlight=salute+gun

[gaston_45]

The reserve provides people for funeral honors all the time, the nearest reserve base to San Diego is across the freeway from Miramar Air station. They can either provide the detail or point you in the right direction.

[thefitzvh]

Perfesser.... found that out last night. I wrongly assumed it was 21 because thats the way we always did it in the Old Guard. Thanks.

Anyways, Bob got me in touch with a man in San Diego who rents firearms to movie studios. I contacted him, and asked him how much he'd charge, he said nothing. He's donating the rifles and ammunition

Oh, and the reserve/guard unit idea didn't escape me, but I didn't want marines doing an Air Force officer's funeral.

Anyways, thanks all.

James

[FPrice]

"Oh, and the reserve/guard unit idea didn't escape me, but I didn't want marines doing an Air Force officer's funeral.

Anyways, thanks all."

First off, let me thank you for doing what you could to insure that a deceased veteran was appropriately honored. It says a lot about you and your character.

Secondly, your desire to have the AF present is certainly commendable, but in the end, we are all part of the same military. If I could not have an AF honor guard at my funeral I would certainly feel just as honored if the Marines, or any other service for that matter, showed up and did the honors.

In any case ya done good. (I wish I had a saluting smiley)

[yayarx7]

Amen

(from an AF vet)

[thefitzvh]

i know, i know... we're all on the same team...:D

It stems more from a desire to see that it's done RIGHT than anything else. When I was in the Old guard, nothing pissed me off more than when someone "messed up" during a funeral detail. If there's ANY time that an Honor guard should be PERFECT, that's the time.

Although the marines are good, I want to be involved, to see that it's done properly.


James

[JohnBT]

Salute !!!

http://glocktalk.com/images/smilies/patriot.gif