My Honor Guard recently performed for one of our department members, Lt. Dan McDonald; who died from illness.

Here'* a quick obit and some photos.

is that you Kevin.....on the left...second person in?

looks like a very nice service tell your boys good job!!

That'* a very difficult thing to do, I've done my share with my acting group.

Nope Todd. The photographer was standing next to me when that photo was taken. As the Commander, I seldom get involved in the performance pieces. I'm too busy making certain the Chief'* don't ef anything up!

That'* Gunner...I'll share that with them.

Yep..it'* a hard thing to do Dan...it'* even harder to walk away and not do anything though. At least you can redirect your grieving to something of value in honor and with dignity.

I feel ya there and it never gets any easier and it is very hard to walk away. I have done many a funeral details while i was in the army. And it kills ya not to be able to do anything more for the family and freinds. and to know you've lost another great person.

I frequently have to intervene with my team on their desire to do more than what we typically do, partly because It will set a precedence, but mainly because they are trying to find ways to cope with their own grief through giving me. Until you can come to terms with your feelings about the situation, nothing else that you can do for the dead or the survivors will help.

It'* almost like an intervention that I do...lot'* of man hugs, talk and a few beers.

Another awesome task performed Kevin. Thanks for sharing. It'* cool but sad most of Honor Guard duties deal with death. But certainly a tribute to those that pass away and their families.