Post 143 Honor Guard presents demonstration of military funeral honors

POST FALLS — Sunlight glinted off the tear streaming down Post Falls Post 143 Honor Guard Commander Ken Johnson's face while he presented rifle shell casings to a weeping widow.

Although it was a demonstration of military funeral honors, the moment was poignant as the widow was played by his own wife, Desiree Johnson.

"It happens every time," Johnson said after the ceremony, describing how difficult it can be to look into the eyes of a mourning family member and hold back the tears.

A small crowd gathered Monday evening on the lawn of the Post Falls American Legion to witness the solemn ceremony conducted by the Post 143 Honor Guard at the request of military families who wish to lay their loved ones to rest with dignity and respect.

The Post 143 Honor Guard is the only local honor guard in Kootenai County that is fully equipped to provide military funeral honors. It is actively recruiting volunteers to help fulfill these requests. The demonstration was held for the public to see what is involved — a flag ceremony, the 21-gun salute, taps and the presentations of the flag and the polished rounds to the family members.

The Press first shared the need for honor guard volunteers in a May 25 article. Johnson said he has received several calls and inquiries since it published. Vietnam-era Army veteran Michael O'Donnell of Coeur d'Alene, who served from 1973-77, drove to the Post Falls American Legion that morning to volunteer after reading the story in the newspaper.

"There's a strong military background in my family," he said. "Both my parents were in World War II. My mom was a Navy nurse; my dad was an Army captain who served in the Pacific in the Philippines. My oldest brother was in the Marine Corps."

O'Donnell used his GI Bill to go back to school after he was discharged from the service. He worked for Shopko in the late '80s, which brought him from the Midwest to the Northwest. His wife's uncle, who was the state commander for Wisconsin American Legion, talked O'Donnell into joining the Legion while they still lived there. But once he moved to North Idaho, he became busy with work and starting a family and his Legion membership fell by the wayside until he read about the need for honor guard volunteers.

"I just went, 'These guys are hurting, they need somebody,'" he said. "I came down, had breakfast and said, 'Who do I talk to to sign up?'"

He said it was an honor to participate in Monday's presentation.

"That's why I signed up in the first place," he said. "Unfortunately, I think a lot of people have lost sight of the servicepeople and what they've done for our country. It's kind of sad; it started with Vietnam and even after 9/11 I think there's a lot of people who don't really realize what the armed forces do for us. Basically, I'm just trying to give back to those that went before me."

A few of Post 143 Honor Guard's inactive members wore their decorated hats and uniforms as they watched the ceremony from their seats.

"They did a great job, and I miss it," said Harold Markiewicz, retired Air Force, who has been an honor guard member for more than 30 years.

Next to Markiewicz was Hal Donahue, retired Navy, who has been on the team for 10 years.

"I think it was great," Donahue said of the demonstration. "It really showed the dignity and the devotion that goes into this for every veteran. I wish there could have been more people here. I miss it, you know."

Those interested in becoming honor guard volunteers can be veterans or members of Veterans Service Organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans or women's auxiliaries. They must also have text messaging capabilities.

Info: 703-887-5533 or 208-518-8565

    Post Falls Post 143 Honor Guard Commander Ken Johnson presents 21-gun salute rifle shells to a bereaved widow, played by his wife Desiree Johnson, Monday evening during a military funeral ceremony demonstration.
  

    Sentinels from the Idaho Army National Guard salute a flag-draped casket Monday as they perform a military funeral demonstration at the Post Falls American Legion. The Post 143 Honor Guard is actively recruiting volunteers to help with conducting these last respects for military families who wish to lay their loved ones to rest with the dignity they earned while serving their country.
  

    Post 143 Honor Guard member Dan Hanson plays taps as he and his teammates conduct a demonstration of military funeral honors Monday evening.