Operation Just Cause... ...for as long as it takes
My Thoughts on Colonel Ted Guy's Funeral
by Chris Rich
On Friday June 28th was a day I was not looking forward too. It was a Sunny Warm Day a day that you would not think such a sullen event was about to occur. It was the Day that one of my Heros’s was being laid to rest. I could tell with the people I that I was staying that there was a sullen feeling in the air as we were getting ready. The Feeling of Why this Man one of my Personal Hero’s.
Everyone from the NAF decided to meet at 9:30. There was gunny, Kimmie, Steve, Diane, Dennis and his wife, Rick, Dave and so many others. It was a sight to see GUNNY yes our own Gunny in a Tie and Yes we have pictures. Just about everyone I saw had a POW/MIA pin on their jacket, dress, or shirt. Gunny needed a cane so I ran to two drugs stores in the area. The first one did not have any so off to the other and I was told that it was only a seasonal item.
We than Caravaned to Arlington, all the cars were packed full of people going to pay their respects to Col. Ted Guy one of the last UnSung Hero’s. When we got there which felt like the longest drive of my life we were directed to the Visitor Center where transportation would be provided to the Chapel, but when we got there, guess what no transportation. So we all got back in our cars Vans, Four wheels drives and some were even on bikes.
On the way over we were following a Caisson, I could only think it is Col. Guy. We were told to follow the White Line until it ended, sort of, how I felt, the end. I could feel the tears start to come, Rick asked if I was ok. I fought the tears back and said yes.
We reached the parking lot and it was already filling up, there must have been at least 75 vehicles there already and we had another 30 mins before the service even started. As we were walking toward the chapel, Kimmie on Gunny’s Arm, Diane on mine, and all the rest. I heard someone say, “I really don’t want to do this” I felt the same way. My knees started to buckle but I kept on going forward I knew I had to do this if not for me for Col. Guy.
When we get to the Chapel there was tow Old Guardsman in full uniform out front handing out the Memory service programs. Gunny, Kimmie, Steve, Diane, Myself, Dennis, and his wife all sat in one pew with all the rest behind me. I can remember saying that if I don’t open the program that means it did not happen and Diane telling me no that it really did. I felt the tears coming back but stronger this time I felt two hands on my shoulders, Thanks Rick and Dave, and someone squeezing my hand, my newest sister Thanks Diane. I turned the Program over first, as I still did not want to open it. There was a Poem;
One More Roll
We toast our hearty
comrades who have fallen
from the skies, and were
gently caught by God's own
hands to be with him on high.
To dwell among the soaring
clouds they've known so well
before, from victory roll to
tail chase at heavens very
door.
And as we fly among them
there we're sure to hear
their plea, "Take care my
friend, watch your six, and do
one more roll for me."
The poem it home, as my Dad was also a Pilot, just reading it now brings tears to my eyes. I finally open the program, knowing that I was safe with my Family around me, that I could show how I felt and not be embarrassed or feeling guilty as I wasn’t being strong as all Family members were taught. “Be Strong don’t let them see you cry.” I have heard this so many times from other “Kids”.
Now this is were it gets foggy. The chaplain started the Service and everyone sung a hymn followed by a prayer. Col. Guys Song, Ted Jr., Spoke about his dads last days and a couple of Men that Col. Guy served with spoke about him too. Again, another Hymn and a prayer followed by meditation. Not being a person that is into Organized Religion, I was just into my own thoughts.
On the way out of the Chapel, I noticed one of the Old Guardsmen was flying a POW/MIA Flag. Most of us got back into our Cars, some decided to walk to the grave sight, and started to follow the Caisson. When we finally arrived, the gravesite was on an upgrade so Kimmie got on one side of Gunny and I on the other and everyone else helping each other up the hill. There was a full Honor guard including a lone bugler and a rifle team on the hill. Another Prayer and than a flyover of two A6’s. Than one of the hardest songs for me, Taps and a Twenty One Gun Salute, I wasn’t to sure who was holding who up me holding Diane or Diane holding me, but I know my knees were buckling.
Some of the *SDIT Kids found a Card that I hope the picture of it came out so I can get the poem. It was a truly fitting Poem for Col. Guy. We signed it each with our own message and added,
In Memory to Col. Ted Guy
Senior Ranking POW of the Vietnam War
A Father to Many
It was left at the apex of The Wall, along with our Fathers Day Cards on Fathers Day.
Col. Guy even though I had only met you once, I have talked with you for many years. You were one that I would turn too when I felt like giving up on finding the truth. You would give the Strength and the Courage to continue the Fight to find the truth.
I know you are in a better place now looking and guiding all of us that continue to find the truth of our POW/MIAs.
I for one will NEVER FORGET You or The ones that are not home YET.
Thank you Col. Guy.
Rest in Peace
Chris Rich
Proud son of Capt. Richard Rich MIA/USN
