Friday, February 6, 2009
An honor guard from Fort Leavenworth takes the casket of Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley off a plane Thursday morning at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. Mr. Kelley's brother, Chris Kelly, an Army reservist, far left, was a special escort.
An aviator's wife, two children, parents and other family members waited as a jet touched down at Rosecrans Memorial Airport at 10:05 a.m. Thursday. The civilian jet taxied in front of the 139th Airlift Wing's American flag, which flew at half-staff, and stopped on the tarmac.
Every Rosecrans Fire Department truck was lined up, and a hearse was parked on the tarmac as personnel on the plane respectfully lowered the casket holding the remains of Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley, a U.S. Army Kiowa helicopter pilot who died Jan. 26 in Iraq.
With the family was a U.S. Army honor guard from Fort Leavenworth, Kan., which received and escorted the casket to a waiting hearse.
Two Army officers escorted the casket. One was Chris Kelley, Matthew's older brother and an Army Reserve veteran who returned in June from Iraq and serves as a firefighter with the St. Joseph Fire Department. The two soldiers will remain with the casket until completion of the burial services Saturday.
As the remains left the airport ramp, an honor guard of several hundred airmen and women from the 139th Airlift Wing lined the roadway and saluted as the hearse passed.
Waiting were Patriot Guard Riders, 50 motorcycles, a dozen escort vehicles, law enforcement vehicles and many American flags. The three-quarter-mile-long procession escorted the hearse to Cameron along U.S. Highway 36.
With the Patriot Guard Thursday were two mothers whose sons died in the line of duty. Rhonda Bradbury, the mother of Pfc. Brian J. Bradbury, who was killed in 2006 while serving in Iraq, and Charlotte Dick, the mother of Spc. Edward Myers, who was killed in 2005 while serving in Iraq.
"None of this was in place when my son died," Mrs. Dick said.
Westboro Baptist Church members had disrupted her son's funeral.
"So now we're here to take care of another family and show our respect," Mrs. Bradbury said.
Mayme Miller, Gov. Jay Nixon's constituent services representative, delivered a proclamation to the family, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff this week in Clinton and DeKalb counties and across the state all day Saturday.
Marshall White can be reached at marshall@npgco.com.
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JAFO says...
to the family, i would like to extend my condolences, your family is in my thoughts, and prayers. may the memories of mr kelly stay fresh in your minds and last a lifetime. my family and i would like to say thank you for his service, and we're very sorry for your loss.
February 6, 2009 at 12:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rush620 says...
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Kelly family for their loss as well as my gratitude for his service to our country. He is an American Hero.
February 6, 2009 at 3:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ptl34 says...
My husband and I extend our deep condolences on your loss. His death is not in vain as He proudly served the United States of America and the freedoms we are so blessed to have. Nothing can ease the pain but just lean on Jesus, He will get you through. God Bless Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley and his family and friends.
February 6, 2009 at 6:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_O says...
Heavenly Father, Please Grant this family and friends the Peace they deserve in their time of Sorrow. Take this, our Brothers soul to a place of Honor that he deserves, and keep him him close to your Heart. This family gave up their Son for the benefit of others, and we know that You understand that pain. All gave some, but Some gave All, like this courageous Pilot, who willingly gave his life for his Country, and ALL fellow Americans. Father, Not My will, but Thy will be Done, In Jesus Name,,, AMEN
Steve-O
THANK YOU Chief Warrant Officer Kelley, from the Bottom of My Heart, and may you eat EVERY meal at the LORD'S Table,,, for ETERNITY !
February 6, 2009 at 7:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
citygirl says...
So sorry for the huge loss of this young man and the suffering his family and friends are going thru.
February 6, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jayhawkbabe says...
Thank you to the family for your sacrifice. I am praying for you in your time of need. This story brings tears to my eyes everytime I see it on TV or read it. Thank you for the service to our country and may you have some peace.
February 6, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
familyguy says...
God Bless Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley and all of the men and women serving our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
February 6, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
unknown_user says...
I am sorry for your loss, but even sorrier that the Westboro Church is going to be there...
February 6, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kmleavell says...
My prayers go out to the Kelley family. CWO Kelley was involved in this accident with my dear friend, CWO Windorski, who was brought home yesterday to MN. I know they're together now, bringing peace to each other.
February 6, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
concerned_citizen2009 says...
God bless you and your family. I pray He gives you comfort.
February 6, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bargerfamily says...
To the Kelley family, from my family to yours we have to thank you for raising such brave young men who have served our Country and one who lost his life protecting us and fighting for all the freedoms that,unfortunately, so many take advantage of!
Our family is still grieving from losing a loved one suddenly, unexpectedly and at such a young age who had a long life ahead of him. Know that your son is going to be greeted in heaven by so many wonderful people! We really want to be selfish and want to know why but the answer is simple...Your son, brother, husband and father was needed for a much greater mission and to serve a much higher power and that is the ultimate honor! We are so sorry for your lose! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! I'm so so so sorry for your lose and pain! Rest in Peace CWO Kelley and thank you for giving your life so my children have a safer place to live!
Sincerly, the Barger family
February 6, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
aliceprock says...
God bless the family of Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley. Also, God bless the Patriot Guard Riders and the wonderful communities of "Missouri" who are helping to protect the family in their time of great sorrow. I am proud to be an American because of people like you and Matthew. Think you.
February 6, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AnnaMd says...
Dear Kelley Family,
You are held gently in the hands of our Lord above as your travel this rough road. Know that your AnySoldier Family is standing by to assist in any way we can, just give us a holler!
Prayers, hugs, and best wishes to you all.
Cathi, stay in touch!
Chris, reach out for support. It is always tough to lose a brother... I know!
Take good care and be proud... for with honor your family has served this country above and beyond the call of duty.
THANKS!
Anna - Baltimore, MD
February 6, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )