Posted on 06/30/2003 9:24:54 PM PDT by tgslTakoma
Many of you remember Joel Kernodle from the Patriots Rally for America III on January 18, 2003 here in Washington, DC. Joel and the DC Chapter worked together on that rally and the pro-troops demonstration that followed at the Marine Barracks that day.
It was Joel and his Vietnam veteran friends who motivated us to get back out on the streets and have that third rally, in the middle of a freezing cold January, to stand up against the communists and other America-haters who were coming to DC that day for an "Anti-war" march. Joel wanted to do it for the troops serving now, because he didn't want done to today's soldiers what had been done to him and his fellow Vietnam veterans so many years ago.
Joel and some of his combat buddies stood firmly at the front of the line that day - as some of the very worst that America has ever produced marched by shouting curses, making profane gestures and carrying profanity-laden signs just dripping with hatred of the US. But Joel and his men stood tall and proud, and peaceful throughout; as did the DC Chapter members who were also veterans. I was never more proud, while at the same time I was so angry that my friends' old wounds had undoubtedly been reopened that day.
Joel was severely injured in a motorcycle accident on May 27th as he was riding back home to Indiana from a Memorial Day Weekend gathering of his combat buddies. He died one week later, on June 3rd, from those injuries. We lost a good man that day.
Joel C. Kernodle (aka "Pointman Herc"), USMC Vietnam Veteran, patriot and friend, will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, July 7, 2003, at 11am.
Services for Joel C. Kernodle will commence at 1100 hrs 7-July-2003 at the Admin Center directly behind the visitors' center at the main entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.
There will be NO Chapel services.
The burial will be STANDARD Marine Corps enlisted burial services consisting of an 8 man burial party, 7 man firing detail, NCOIC, Chaplain, bugler and a contingent of the Marine Corps Band for ruffles and flourishes.
All services will be conducted at the gravesite.
All participating in the ceremony are advised to be formed in group by 1015 hrs. All in party are to meet at the above mentioned Admin Center. All in party are advised to come equipted with adequate but minimal transportation to follow the burial party and hearse from the admin center to the gravesite.
All attending ceremony are to be at Admin Center with transportation at no later than 1030 hrs.
Floral arraingments will be the responsibility of the attending parties and will be left at the gravesite until the administrator or his representitive deems them to be either to faded or unsightly to be of a dignified nature. Wreaths must be of the type that can be pegged into the ground via self contained wire legs.
Gravesite section and plot number will be made public knowledge no more than 24 hours prior to the service. (The female Army SFC that I spoke with told me to call on Saturday prior to the service before noon and she'll tell me the section number and grave number as a courtesy to our group.)
It is requested and expected that all salutes rendered by non-active duty military personell be done by placing the right hand over the heart instead of the traditional military salute. Proper decorum is expected. Unless specifically approached by the NCOIC of the burial party, it is requested that all members of the attending party restrict contact to the burial party to the Chaplain only.
Attire is expected to be of a dignified nature but does not have to be formal. (No shorts and tank tops and flip flops etc.) Head gear is acceptable but must be removed and placed over the heart during salutes and benedictions.
It is requested that the attending parties retreat from the gravesite immediately after the Chaplain's retreat and remain away from the gravesite until the grave is properly filled and the guard retreats.
Joel C. Kernodle, 57, Indianapolis, passed away June 3, 2003. He was born on April 19, 1946 in North Salem, IN. He served in Vietnam with India Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines as a Pointman during his tour of duty. Served as current Chapter President of the Indiana Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association and as Spokesperson for MOVE OUT. He retired as Division Head for CIT in the early 80's. Joel enjoyed the great outdoors, a wide range of food and music, was an avid reader and delightful conversationalist. Survivors include: wife, Marla (Hasty); children, Brian and Jennifer Kernodle; step-daughters, Megan and Maren Grahn; mother, Margaret (Hennon) Kernodle; brother, Lawrence Kernodle; half brothers, Thomas Ragland, Norman, J. Dean and Richard Kernodle. Services: 1 p.m. June 14 at Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Center- Washington Park East with calling from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. June 13. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to 1st Marine Division Association Scholarship Fund, 14325 Willard Rd. Suite 107, Chantilly, VA 20151-2110.
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