Reminder: Services for Joel C. Kernodle at Arlington National Cemetery, JULY 7, 2003

68 grunt and other friends of Joel | June 30, 2003 | tgsltakoma

[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.

[sauropod]

Look forward to seeing you!

[bluesagewoman]

My heart goes out to Joel's family. I remember that cold D.C. rally. It was a huge inspiration to us in Missouri. May God rest him and give him a beautiful homecoming that he didn't receive before.

[JustAmy]

Thanks for the ping.
Prayers being offered for the soul of Joel C. Kernodle. May he rest in peace.
Please Father, bless and comfort this family.

[Old Sarge]

Silent, slow-up, slow-down, Class-A wearin', final-honors-renderin' salute from the Homeland Security Front of the War on Terror.

[Johnny Gage]

Joel C. Kernodle

[Angelwood]

I'll see you there. Thanks for pulling all the information together on the services for Joel.

[Dubya]

Thanks for the update and the ping.

[kristinn]

We're honored to be invited. See you Monday at Arlington.

[tgslTakoma]

I'll see you on Monday at Arlington, taxman.

[tgslTakoma]

Thank you for keeping us informed throughout this sad time, 68 grunt. We'll see you on Monday.

[tgslTakoma]

bump

[3D-JOY]

Thanks for all the information...have to do a little planning but expect to be there in plenty of time.

Anyone wishing to go to the Columbarium, with me, to visit my husbands site after the funeral is welcome too.

I am glad to see Freepers planning to attend. It is an inspirational event and not a "downer". Hope to see many there!