i had no doubt about that.

I forgot to mention, Chad'* mom said that she has received a lot of very nice cards from the members here.

I would like to thank all of you again for all of the prayers and support for Chad and his family. I was also at the visitation last night and met Dick (Archon) for the first time. Of course my face was already puffed up and I was teary eyed when I said hi to him but it was such a great feeling to have him there bc I knew he was representing so many more people than just himself. The book he put together with this thread in it was thick, it made me cry even more but they were happy tears. I didn't know so much work was going to go into it. The cover with Chad'* picture of him and his car looked great. I know his family will find some comfort in reading it when they have time to settle down for a while. I can't even imagine what it'* like to lose a son and one of your siblings. This has taught me to treat life with a bit more care because we never know when we'll be taken from it all. It taught me to forgive more then I usually would because I never want to forgive someone after they're gone again, and or feel bad because I can't directly tell them I'm sorry for what I've done. I really don't know what else to say but it'll hit me later and I'm sure I'll come back with more because I love you all so much even though some of us have never met. You all share a friendship with Chad like I had also and that friendship is not over, trust me. I know he'* sitting on the biggest fluffy cloud up there in the sun smiling down on us as he reads this... of course with the most beautiful Bonne parked right next to him that we all could only imagine owning! Be back later tonight hopefully! Have a great day guys because you deserve it!

Melissa:
A very well written post. I for one just knowing Chad through his posts will miss him very much. He was and is a fine young man and I would be proud to call him a friend or have him at my side in combat.

Excerpt from below article:

"...Today, Gov. Jennifer Granholm ordered U.*. flags in Michigan lowered to half-staff Thursday through Tuesday in honor of five Army soldiers and a Marine from the state who were killed in Iraq in Dec. 21-28.

Thursday'* flag-lowering is in memory of Army Spc. Chad J. Vollmer, 24, of Grand Rapids; Friday'* is for Army Pvt. Bobby Mejia II, 20, of Saginaw; Saturday'* is for Army Pfc. Andrew H. Nelson, 19, of St. Johns; Sunday'* is for Army Sgt. Curtis L. Norris, 28, of Ingham County'* Ingham Township; Monday'* is for Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Burgess, 21, of Midland County'* Hope Township; and Tuesday'* is for Army Pfc. Wilson A. Algrim, 21, of Howell."

Retrieved from:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...EWS99/70103053

Losing a close friend has to be tough, I can't even imagine it, but reading this makes me want to cry. My condolences to Chads friends / family. I did not know who he was, but I'm sure to a lot of people he meant a LOT.

I dont know what else to say, my condolences.

It'* truly appreciated Bob thank you so much!

I didnt get to spend much time on this forum with Chad, but from the little I did, I saw what a great person he was. In my eyes, and i'm sure in everyone else'*, he is a true hero.

Chad'* funeral was held this morning at Calvary Church at 10 am. There was no doubt as to where to enter, as the entrance was lined with flags, and car after car was waiting to turn in the drive. The long drive curving drive was lined with flags, and as you approached the church you were greated by a funeral director, advising those who were going to the cemetary to the right, and those not, to the left.

It was a crisp, sunny morning and the salt that had been thrown on the parking lot to melt the morning frost crunched underfoot during the long walk across the parking lot to the church. Line after line of cars were parked in the huge lot, while veterans with flags stood in a line along the sidewalk going up to the church.

Once inside, the large church was already packed with people. Older, younger, dressed in everything from uniforms and suits, to jeans and jean jackets. The organist was playing patriotic hymns, and down front on each side of the pulput were 6 American flags, with a huge one draped from the ceiling. The center arrangement of flowers had a small flag placed in it.

When the music stopped, the church was silent. Everyone likely caught up in thoughts of memories of Chad. As the casket was wheeled in, everyone stood and even that was done almost in silence considering the number of people who were there.

Once the casket was placed in front, the chaplain led us in prayer and song. "America, the Beautiful" was sung. He invited family and friends to speak, and each gave their memories of Chad. His time and love of scouting; how he enjoyed and was quite good at golf. Apparently, he'd give the "older" golfers some good natured ribbing about their game. Arguably, the most touching was from his sergeant. He told of how Chad was the first to learn how to use the equipment, and then taught others. How he often would finish up the job that frustrated others. He spoke of the bonding, and trust that immediately develops, and how he regretted that he was not with Chad on that terrible day.

Then the bagpiper came up from the rear, playing Amazing Grace and theh he stood, playing in the center of the church for a time. He then turned and walked back with the song fading away.

Chad was presented the bronze star, and the purple heart for his services to the country, and to us. Then - silence - which was suddenly shattered, and the congregation jumped to the sounds of the rifles firing their salute. There was hardly a dry eye as "Taps" was played.

Everyone then quietly filed out to more patriotic songs, and finally "Going Home". The funeral procession was to be led by a Kent County cruiser, and the Grand Rapids Police had the traffic blocked off at the church exit. I chose not to go to the cemetary, as I see that as a time for the close friends and family to say their good-byes.

High, thin clouds created a filtered sunshine as you walked outside. It was an honor for me to represent the members of the Bonneville Club at the funeral of our fallen hero. What keeps coming to mind is a variation of an old Irish song..."Chad, We Hardly Knew Ye!"

Edit-1/4/06 3:15 PM

Thank you so much for going on behalf of all of us here at BC. Your post was truly amazing. Thanks again for attending and explaining in such detail.

Amazing grace from the bagpipes, that brings tears just hearing it.

wonderful description, I felt like I was actually there just by reading it. Thank you