August 3, 2009 - the mission
by rider on Aug.03, 2009, under General
On July 29, 2009, a statewide email went out to the Patriot Guard Riders in Florida:
Friday July 24th SPC Justin D. Coleman from Spring Hill, FL and members of his unit were conducting security checks in a remote, mountainous region of Afghanistan where military officials believed the Taliban held captive Army PFC Bowe R. Bergdahl. PFC Bergdahl disappeared from his outpost a month ago and appeared in a Taliban hostage video last week.
Our soldiers were ambushed. Justin and three other members of his unit were killed in the attack. A week before Coleman’s death, he traded Internet messages with his father telling him he was leaving for a mission. The e-mail ended, “Alrighty dad, talk to you when I get back.”One of Justin’s concerns was that if anything ever happened to him that he would be forgotten. His family wants to be sure that their Hero lives on in the hearts of many. They have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to stand in silent respect for their Hero at services for him Sunday and Monday in Spring Hill, Florida.
Our group of 5 arrived at FNC Bushnell right on schedule, and stopped at the main visitor center to answer the call of nature and determine exactly where we needed to stage.
While we were preparing to leave the visitor’s center to head to staging, we were approached by a woman who had written a tribute to Specialist Coleman, which she wanted to have someone review and see if it was ‘good enough’ to have read at the service. She didn’t know Specialist Coleman, or the family, but she was moved by his service and sacrifice:
A TRUE SOLDIER
A little boy was born one day and grew to be a man.
His career was uncertain; but he had no concrete plan.
He wanted to go to college; but the money wasn’t there,
And to be a loafer, Justin wouldn’t dare.
He chose to join the Army to be all that he could be.
To show his love of country, and to help keep her free.
He went through basic training enduring the drill and the grind,
And furthered his education with a special goal in mind.
Holding steadfast to his faith, allowing God to lead the way,
He became and ordained minister and often stopped to pray.
When orders cam for Justin to fight in foreign lands,
He asked, God safe;y keep me in your loving hands.
He bravely faced his duty in Afghanistan,
Where life is so uncertain and you dare not trust any man.
Soldiers group together in this world so far from home,
Where things are so very different from the life that they have known.
Strangers become brothers; they watch each others back.
They give no though or whining to the comforts that they lack.
They cross unknown territory, enormous weight upon their back,
Where the enemy lay hid just waiting to attack.
While on a special mission Justin’s spirit quickly soared,
When an angel came to guide him through the gates at Heaven’s door.
God welcomed Justin home with a gentle warm embrace.
His soul was filled with peace; danger never again to face.
And though this Solder’s laid to rest, he still has things to do;
He’ll join the choir in Amazing Grace and walk each step with you.
He’ll stand guard as you are sleeping and watch over you each day,
And pray that you find comfort until you pass his way.
The meaning of a hero has gotten lost along the way;
A her9 is not an athlete that makes a living while at play.
A hero is a SOLDIER looking out for you and me,
Fighting for our country to preserve our liberty.
Our freedom is a gift forged by bravery and pride.
Many soldiers fought for it and many soldiers died.
As you enjoy your freedom, let Justin’s memory live on;
Pray for those still fighting and those already gone.Leaving on a mission, can’t say more.
If you want more details, I’ll tell you at heaven’s door.Written by Annie Brown Bonnett
I’d say it was more than ‘good enough’. Carl introduced Ms. Bonnett to the funeral director, who introduced her to the family. The family was deeply moved by the piece, and arranged for a family friend to read it during the service.
The response from the PGR and other organizations was just outstanding. All told, there were nearly 100 bikes involved in the escort from the funeral home to Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell and waiting in the flagline at Bushnell. As the processional rolled along from Spring Hill to Bushnell, the roads were lined with members of the community holding up flags and signs and paying their respects as the procession passed.The lush green rolling hills of FNC Bushnell echoed with the thunder of the arriving motorcade, and the arriving riders joined those already lining the walkways to the pavilion where the final ceremonies were being held for Specialist Justin Coleman. As the family arrived, a hundred American flags fluttered in the slight breeze, the rustling of the fabric the only faint disturbance of the reverent silence.
The honor guard arrived and formed up, and Specialist Coleman’s casket was carried to the pavilion. Following the traditional military honors, the Gold Star Moms presented Specialist Coleman’s mother with a pin and flag. A piper played “Amazing Grace”, and many a witness had difficulty keeping a dry eye, including yours truly.
Following the internment, we held the flagline until the family departed, and then broke down. The various assembled riding groups broke up and went their separate ways, our mission completed.
Rest in Peace, Specialist Coleman, and know that you are not forgotten.
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