Veteran honored, laid to rest

by Airman 1st Class Xavier Lockley
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

5/20/2013 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Cannon Honor Guard laid to rest Johnny D. Morgan, a World War II veteran and member of the Roosevelt County National Guard in Portales, N.M., May 16.

Morgan served as a combat medic with the 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion. As a combat medic, he treated many soldiers and civilians, and was awarded the Bronze Star for his courage while evacuating wounded U.S. soldiers to safety during an artillery barrage. Morgan was the last remaining veteran of the original 14 Roosevelt County soldiers in the 804th TDB.

"The fact that we have the honor of performing a detail at this hero's funeral is something special to all of us." said Airman 1st Class Nick Ranck, 16th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief. "It is very rewarding to be a part of something so touching.

"Not many airmen are able to participate in something like this; it always makes a difference, not only in our lives, but for members of the families," he said. "When we go and perform details, we recognize that we represent the entire Air Force, and paying last respects to service members and their loved ones is truly moving."

The men and women of Cannon's Honor Guard view the task of performing details at funerals as an honor and a privilege.

"We have really meaningful opportunities available to us as Airmen and we are afforded the chance to do many wonderful things; this funeral meant a lot to us," said Airman 1st Class Dustin Parks, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron. "Paying respect to this hero is something that we will not forget. It was an honor."

Not only was the ceremony rewarding for the honor guardsmen, it was also sentimental for retired U.S. Air Force Col. Mike Woolley.

"Johnny Morgan stood for everything that is good in America," Woolley stated. "He is one of the last of his generation, which in my opinion, is the greatest generation. Now it is time to turn the leaves in the American journal and leave it to the next one."