Florida Old Guard Riders

The Funerals of Boswain's Mate Johnnie Franklin Callahan, Specialist Six James William Dunn and Corporal Isaiah Mays were conducted at Arlington National Cemetery May 29, 2009. It was an honor to be a part of this event.

Special thanks go out to Ron Eppich, his wife Lea and all the men and women of the Old Guard Riders. If it had not been for their tireless work Corporal Mays would still be resting in the empty lot beside the Phoenix Veterans Hospital. I enjoyed meeting and talking with each of the Old Guard Riders on this mission and look forward to continuing to serve with them in the future.

Fred Salanti and his Missing in America Project have done a great service to the memory of Callahan, Dunn and Mays. Their calling is noble and I pray for their future success in recovering and honoring our heros from all wars.

The Buffalo Soldiers members who came from across the country impressed me by their discipline and dignity. It was a privilege to meet TC and the rest of these men and women. It was an honor to stand the line, and ride by their sides. My hat's off to you all. I am sure that Corporal Isaiah Mays would be proud of the legacy you have carried forward.

A Slideshow of the event can be seen here.