Anibal would not be buried in the middle of the park-like yard in front of the church, but the Wilbert guy treated it as if he were.

Debbie and Justin. Patriot Guard and the army were the only ones in the field this morning.

We had assembled our flags early, just to be ready.

We had some waiting to do.

We were too big for the playground.

So we just equipped ourselves and

took our flags to our positions.

Ours were not the only flags in that church yard.

This is Brigadier General William K. Fuller. He joined the Army in 1981 as a rifle platoon leader. He joined the 75^th Ranger Regiment in 1982. Two months ago he was made deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C. which includes the Green Berets, Psychological Operations, Civil Affairs and…the 75^th Ranger Regiment.

It reflects well on our army that one of the first assignments for the new Deputy Commander of Army Special Ops is to officiate at a 75^th Ranger’s funeral.

As the rifle detail practiced, some of the guests joined us on the field. The Patriot Guard and the army brought formality. This girl brought Grace.

It was a long wait. The important thing is to keep the flagstaff vertical.

We can wait. The really important thing is to be ready when it is time.

And then it was time.

The rifle salute was very loud and then it was over.

Dave brought Gary Nagel over to us.

It was an opportunity to thank a good soldier for his service.

His great service.

Years ago, then First Sergeant Nagel was shot with a Avtomat Kalashnikova 47.

But not before he earned membership in the Order of Saint Maurice by individual combat. It is Primicerius, the highest level.

The rifle-bearers and the pallbearers and the bugler had no place more important to be. They would stand by for any length of time while Anibal’s family said their good-byes.

A younger 1^st Sergeant carries-on in his role and in the tradition of the United States Army.

We rolled out of the woods.

Tree-trimmers were clearing the power lines.

Bicycles and trains.

An hour later I was home. Soon, so would be Anibal Santiago. He was born in Puerto Rico, served in the United States Navy, served in the Rockford Police, served in the United States Army and was about to be cremated and buried. He was 37.

The Patriot Guard Riders were there. We did what we could to help. We did what we were told to do and we offered to do more. We always want to do more.

A week after this mission I had a conversation with Dave Meyers. He told me what Colonel Ostlund told him during that mission.

He has buried 26 of his Rangers and the Patriot Guard Riders were at every one.

back to the Santiago Mission

back to ALL MISSIONS