[Professional Engineer]
Allen, TX 75002
2APR04
The Honorable Sam Johnson
2929 North Central Expressway
Suite 240
Richardson, Texas 75080
Re: Military Funeral (Dis) Honors
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I’m writing on behalf of my wife, [Msdrby], and her family. We lay to rest her grandfather, Mr. O.J. Johnson, this past Wednesday, 31March. Mr. Johnson was a US Navy veteran, having served honorably aboard the USS Belle Isle (AG-73) during World War 2 and for some period in the Navy Reserve after his discharge from active duty.
Having served honorably, Mr. Johnson was entitled to Military Honors at his funeral service. The Honor Guard did not show up for the funeral. To the best of my knowledge, the Honor Guard had been contacted in sufficient time to plan for this funeral. Mr. Johnson did have a flag for his casket.
At the conclusion of the service, the funeral director and Mr. Johnson’s brother Oran folded the flag. My wife and I, each a fellow veteran, along with the family in attendance were very disappointed to not have the Honor Guard available for this sacred task. We sorely missed the rifle salute and the playing of Taps as well.
I do not know where the Honor Guard detail was scheduled to come from, but would like to learn what happened. The entire family has some bitter feelings about this perceived dishonor for a fallen hero.
Respectfully,
[Professional Engineer]