Dear "Bethie", First, please forgive the tardiness of this note, I have been very ill since my Husband's ( Thomas G. Watson) Honor Memorial Ceremony at Riverside National Cemetery on March 17, 2017.. I had started to get sick the day before and the night of the service really fell apart, like a " crash:. I had to hold up for the day, but then, well, I couldn't hold it together another day. I wound up with pneumonia, and then dislocated a rib during a particularly severe coughing spell. I am still doctoring, but am finally trying to play " catch-up".
Miss Beth, I cannot tell you just how much the presence of your volunteers meant to me and to my family. I had spoken to Mr. Mark Nevatt, one of your volunteers , who was also a close friend of my late husband, and he had suggested your organization's involvement as part of Tom's ceremony. Honestly, I was so honored for Tom, and looked forward to maybe six motorcycles to escort the transport vehicle to the ceremony site. When I saw not only the gathering of bikes, but the patriots lining the drive and the sidewalks to the site, the tears could not be held back. I was overwhelmed and so touched and proud. Your "Ride Commander, CLINT, ( I need to know more about him, name and address) was the most respectful, focused, and sincere representative of your MISSION OF HONOR, you could have assigned to that task. I will remember the kindness and tenderness of a true patriots heart that I saw in his eyes forever, I will never forget him. To me he was a GIANT of a man, and took command with such determination and respect.. I would like to thank him personally.
I could not believe the vast presence of volunteers, flags., patriotic embellishment and real reverence they all displayed for my hero. I know that our entire family and all Tom's friends in attendance will have the sweet memories of that day ever in their hearts as a day of true honor and respect. I want to know if there is any way that I can help your organization and in some way express our gratitude. I am not a wealthy woman, but I do want to know if there is anything I can do to let your volunteers know how special their "gift" was to us.
This mission that you have chosen to offer to the families of military and former military individuals is so very special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you did to make it happen, I wish I co9uld "hug" each and every volunteer and offer the hand of grateful friendship to each one. I hope you will convey the feelings to your organization. I hope to hear from you....sooner that I was able to "talk" to you and let me know how I can better say THANK YOU.
May God continue to bless your mission of grace and comfort, and honor to our military and veterans.
With a most sincere heart, Lynn "Dee" Brawley/Watson
