LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Friends
offer heartfelt thanks for love, honor shown to Spc. Ronnie Schmidt
Spc. Ronnie A. Schmidt died
in Iraq on Aug. 3, just two days before his 19th birthday. He was laid to rest
with honor and reverence on Aug. 13. Our heartfelt thanks are extended to the
Harvey County Sheriff's Department, the Newton Police Department, and the
Kansas Highway Patrol for escorting Ronnie on his final way home. Thanks to
Newton Fire/EMS for their presence and respect. Thanks to all the law
enforcement agencies in other towns and counties LETTER TO THE EDITOR for the
traffic control. The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion have
provided so much help and assistance. We thank you for all your help, advice
and support. You made difficult days a bit easier.
To the Patriot Guard: You
folks are awesome. Many of you were there when we received Ronnie's remains at
the airport. From that point on, you escorted Ronnie each step of the way. More
than 300 Patriot Guard members were at the church, and many went to the burial
in Eureka. All of you gave so much honor and respect to Ronnie and his family
and friends. You will never know what your presence meant to all of us. You
filled our hearts with love and pride. Thank you.
It was a 75-mile drive to
Eureka and all along the way people displayed flags and stood alongside the
road with hands placed on their hearts. Most everyone stopped their vehicles
and stood beside them with hats off, hands on their hearts. Some had made signs
that honored Ronnie; others, young and old, waved flags. Veterans stood at
attention. In Eureka, the main street was lined with people all paying respect.
It really restored your faith in mankind and in the pride we feel for the USA.
Ronnie was like a brother to
Daniel Dennett and to Daniel's two brothers, Devinn and Dakota. Daniel and
Ronnie were serving in the same unit, the 161st, in Iraq, and Daniel was with
Ronnie when he passed away. We are grateful the military let Daniel come home
for the funeral.
Ronnie lived with us for
quite a while and became a member of our family and extended family. We were
blessed to have him in our lives. We will miss him so much. Ronnie made the
ultimate sacrifice, and he will always have a place in our hearts. We loved
him.
Please accept our sincerest
thanks, and may God bless you all.
- Larry and Sherry Nuehring,
Daniel Dennett,
Darren and Stacey, Devinn and
Dakota Dennett,
Newton
