Fallen Hero Cart stops in Reardan

REARDAN - On Saturday, Sept. 16, the Fallen Hero Cart came to town and was on display in City Park. Alaska Airlines decided the use of a baggage cart was inappropriate to transfer the remains of fallen soldiers to and from their aircraft, so designed a customized Fallen Hero Cart for the job.

The cart is decorated with American flag curtains and the insignias of the five branches of the military. Inside the cart at the Reardan visit were the remains of Chief Warrant Officer Herbert Rand, who was being transported to his final resting place in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Approximately 75 Patriot Guard riders escorted the cart to Reardan and on to Spokane International Airport.

During a 20-minute ceremony, Chuck Lashley, Washington state captain of the Patriot Guard riders said, "Today our mission is to support the Alaska Airlines Fallen Hero Cart Program."

"We brought the cart through Reardan today to honor Medal of Honor recipient Joe Mann, who was from here," Lashley said. "While here, I wanted to explain the reason for the Fallen Hero Cart and to say a few words about Chief Rand. When I learn about heroes like Mann and Rand, I have to honor them by telling their stories."

John Horton, a Patriot Guard rider from Colville, explained why his group was supporting the Fallen Hero Cart Program.

"We have to do this," he said. "We are compelled to remind America of the sacrifice of so many people. It is important to us that the remains of fallen soldiers are treated respectfully."

Alaska Airlines spokesperson Daniel Brosch said Alaska Airlines has built 14 similar carts at airports across the United States.

"Never will a deceased veteran be delivered on one of our aircraft without receiving honor, respect and dignity," he said.

At the end of the ceremony, a bugler played Taps to honor Mann, who offered his life in an act of self-sacrifice 79 years ago this week.

After the 30-minute stop in Reardan, the cart and Patriot Guard received a police escort to Spokane International Airport.