They also offer some thoughts on Bin Laden’s death
By B.C. Manion
Members of the Lutz Patriots saluted as the body of Air Force Maj. Raymond G. Estelle II passed by in a white hearse along Bayshore Boulevard.
Estelle was one of eight airmen gunned down on April 27 at Kabul International Airport by a disgruntled air force pilot in Afghanistan.
Estelle’s body arrived shortly after noon Friday, May 6 at MacDill Air Force Base. After a brief ceremony there, it was escorted by a motorcade led by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office down Bayshore Boulevard en route to Ray Williams Funeral Home on North Howard Avenue.
To prepare for the procession, the Lutz Patriots gathered around 10:45 a.m. in northern Hillsborough County to make the approximately 25-mile trek toward a spot on Bayshore’s grassy median.
A steady rain fell from a gray sky, as members of the Lutz Patriots got soaked, while pounding pieces of pipe into the ground to support large flags and signs.
When they were finished posting their signs, one read: “We Support Our Troops” on the top line, followed by “Thank You U.S. Military” on the bottom.
Another sign declared “Lutz Patriots.”
Shortly before the procession was set to arrive, they planted smaller flags, neatly along both sides of Bayshore Boulevard, in the lane leading toward downtown Tampa.
As they waited for the procession, others joined them. The Lutz Patriots and some others in the crowd talked about why they were there.
“He was serving his country. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. The least that I can do is come out here and pay my respects to him and his family,” said Bruce Hockensmith, of the Lutz Patriots. “I want his family to know that we do care. We appreciate what he did.”
Marilyn Breton and Mike Breton, who live in Oldsmar, also turned out to watch the procession.
They didn’t mind giving up part of their day to show Estelle’s loved ones that they’re not alone as they grieve their loss. “Having people out here lets the families know that they don’t have to go through this by themselves,” Marilyn Breton said.
Johni Lamons, of south St. Petersburg, also made the trek to Tampa to offer her condolences.
“This is the least that I can do to show support to the families of soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice. It’s an honor for me, to be able to do it,” Lamons said.
While offering sympathy for Estelle’s family, Hockensmith expressed no remorse at the recent raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound and of the U.S. action to kill him.
“I was elated when I heard the news,” Hockensmith said. “We have the greatest military in the world. I’m really glad for them that they have accomplished this.”
“I’m glad they finally got him,” agreed Judy McCray, another member of the Lutz Patriots.
Kris Starr, another member of the group, said she heard the news about the al-Qaida leader’s death from her son, Nathan Hodge, a marine who has served in Afghanistan, but is currently stationed at Camp Lejeune. N.C.
She said when her son called, she flipped on the television said. “We rejoiced together, knowing that he’s (bin Laden) been taken out,” Starr said.
