The Funeral

A great man deserves a great funeral. And let me tell you, I have never been to a funeral quite like Chucks! The military pulled out all of the stops and made this an event that I and many others will never forget. If we ever had any doubt that Chuck was loved by many, his funeral proved he was.

The funeral was held on the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Friends and family from all over came to pay their final respects. Here are some pictures of the ceremony.

Bagpipes played as they escorted Chucks body into the chapel. Just hearing the bagpipes up close sent chills down your spine.

The body was draped in the American flag to honor Chuck as a true American hero. The base commander and also Chuck's squandron commander spoke about what a remarkable pilot he was. Chuck's brother James also spoke about his brother.

I told you all how strong my sister is, but I can't imagine how much courage it took for her to speak about the love of her life at his funeral. She also wore a dress and a ruby necklace that he had gotten her. She said she just wanted Chuck to be proud of her. She said beautiful words about him and I know he would be proud of her.

After my sister Sara spoke, my other sister Lindsay got up and sang Amazing Grace. This song has special meaning to Sara beacuse it is the song she sang at my grandpa's graveside a few years ago. The song took on even more meaning the night before Chuck died. We had all gathered because we knew it wouldn't be long. As we were all sitting around Chuck's bedside (there were about 15 of us...told you he was loved by many!) someone suggested that Sara sing a song. She sang Amazing Grace. While she was singing, Chuck began singing with her. You couldn't recognize his words but you could hear the melody in his voice as she sang. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. I will never be able to hear Amazing Grace again without being reminded of this moment.

After the service, we were given a police escort to the cemetary. It took about 8-10 motorcycle officers to stop traffic for the 30 minute drive. Picture what you would see if the president was in town and his motorcade were driving past. That is exactly what this was like. People stopped and just stared wondering who was being honored. A few motorists didn't realize what was going on and got the blowhorn siren from the police which made us all laugh.

Once we were at the cemetary, they did a 21 gun salute in Chuck's honor and gave the shell casings to Sara and his 3 children. They were also all given the flag in remembrance. The most amazing moment at the burial came when the type of plane that Chuck flew during his time in Iraq and Afghanistan did a fly over. I just pictured Chuck in the cockpit smiling down on everyone.

(This is a C-130)

After the funeral, we all gathered at a seaside restaurant on the base to just honor and celebrate Chuck's life. There was an open bar which I know he would have loved as well! The funeral had its sad moments but it was more of a celebration of a man who lived life hard and fast and had fun doing it! It was a great tribute!