Closed for the Funeral for my Father (Richard L Collie) at Arlington National Cemetery on Feb 22nd. He was 93.
He was a WW2 Vet (B-17 pilot), then in the Korean War, and later a B-47 Squadron Commander at Whiteman AFB, MO. After he retired from the USAF, he joined the FAA and over the next twenty years rose up to Chief, Airline Safety Standards which is how the family came to live in the Washington DC area. And then a third career with the Regional Airline Assn. Not too shabby for a kid from the Arkansas boonies that went to a one-room school with a dirt floor, eh? He was self-taught, and always had his nose in a book learning-learning-learning. it will be a full military sendoff, the horses and caissons, 21 gun salute, military band, Bugler, etc.
Last edited by drcollie; 02-02-2018 at 11:53 PM.
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
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I am sorry to hear about your father, Duane, but I am glad he is getting the wonderful tribute he clearly deserves.
I, too, am sorry to hear about your father. Your pride in him shines through and is touching to read.
Thank you all. We had the funeral at Arlington National Cemetery today and the USAF Honor Guard, Firing Party, Band and Support Teams did a wonderful and professional job. The gravesite overlooks the Potomac, Pentagon and Lincoln Memorial, in a field of honor with so many others who have served - the nation's finest.
My father would have LOVED it.
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
My Private Messages are Disabled - Please ask questions here in the forum.
The greatest generation. I was worried that the weather wouldn't hold off for you; it looks like it did. I have heard there is nothing more impressive and beautiful than a full-honors graveside service at Arlington - exactly what should be provided for those whom have given SO much to our country over the years. Thinking of you and your family.
You and your family were in my thoughts yesterday too, I'm so glad the weather held up. Such pride your Dad bestowed on you and your family to have a ceremony befitting a life of service to our country and to be laid to rest within our nation's most hallowed ground.
I am glad he had an honorable send-off, Duane. My condolences.