The song is about bringing home a fallen brother. To some this would seem a grim duty but to those who have served this particular mission they understand the honor of it. To those of us who have had a son brought home we understand the comfort of knowing our loved one was escorted and never for a moment alone on his journey home.

Micheal’s escort from Dover AFB was Sgt John Lee.  I remember the moment I met him. He held out his hand for me to shake and seemed surprised when I hugged him and thanked him for bringing my baby home.  I’m sure he had been briefed on proper etiquette and what to expect we (but as we were often told throughout this) are not normal.  We invited him to join us at our home. Which he refused.  He was the last to leave the funeral home the night we brought Micheal home.. the last to leave after the visitation.  He made sure Micheal was well cared for and everything was in order.

Later Jason and I would talk and soon became friends. I have watched as his own son has grown. I have kept track of his changing life and I have sat across the table and shared meals with him.  At times it is a  little weird when we think about how we met because we have become friends.

One night while on CQ with another soldier he listened to the complete story of what happened the day Micheal died.  He is the one who told me the 1Sgt never let go of Micheal’s hand.  He never told me everything because it didn’t feel right over the phone and when we were face to face the time was just never right.  Someday maybe but now I know most of it and it will be easier for us both if it is a conversation we have.

So as I sat in my car at a stoplight listening to the song “ Angel Flight”  my thoughts turned to Sgt Lee and Micheal.. and how they  “met”.  And to the many other families who will have someone escort their loved one home. And I wonder if the average person listening to the song has any idea how powerful the words are to those of us who have had someone on an “Angel Flight”  either bringing or being brought home.

The Song  “Angel Flight” is By  Radney Foster.  It’s dedicated to the Red River 44. Which makes it even more personal since we have become friends with one of the Red River 44 families and have met many of them….