Honoring a Fallen Hero

On a hot Saturday afternoon, August 21st, a small town congregated to honor a young soldier who lost his life in service of his country in one of those things that should have never happened, a massacre at Ft. Hood, Texas.
Family, friends and classmates of Specialist J.D. Hunt gathered to pay tribute to a young man taken way too early in his life. It was a very well-organized tribute to Specialist Hunt with all the normal participants that you would expect from a small town: the local fire department, highway patrol, sheriff and local police, as well as several from the local community. Two of the extra additions that helped make it a special day and increase the military presence was the Army Band from Ft. Hood where Specialist Hunt was stationed and The Patriot Guard Riders, a group of bikers many of whom are veterans themselves, decked out with veteran flags and the POW MIA flag. I believe they are the same group that shows up at military funerals because of some of the protests that have occurred from the Kansas church that seems to have been causing problems at military funerals across the nation with their war protests. The Patriot Guard Riders that were there did not have to worry about a protest occurring that day because a protest would not have been taken very well by this Southwest community who were there to honor the family and the life of one of their own. There was also a vehicle from the disabled veterans and a vehicle from the Audie Murphy National Fan Club. Many young people who grew up with J.D. and were friends and classmates attended the ceremony as well.
I was able to stop on my way to Altus and present a citation to the family of Specialist Hunt in addition to Congresswoman Mary Fallin who was also on hand to present a proclamation from the U.S. Congress and had some kind words to say about not only J.D.’s service but the service and sacrifice of many of our military people as they put their lives in jeopardy to keep our country free. It was a proud day for Tipton and for the Hunt family who lost a son, grandson, brother and friend in a senseless shooting that happened while he prepared to go serve his country. The show of support was outstanding as the town showed up in droves to honor this young man’s life and to help us remember some basic lessons, the main one being: freedom is not free. I was honored to be an ever so small part in that remembrance and in helping Tipton, Oklahoma swell with pride as they honored their local hero. It was a big day in a small town but very fitting. Rest in peace J.D. Hunt and thank you for your service to our country.

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” ~Joseph Campbell