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People of all ages lined an escort route Thursday afternoon to honor Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien of Waukee and Sgt. Declan Coady of West Des Moines, who were among six soldiers killed in an attack in Kuwait on March 1. The procession started at the Des Moines International Airport just after 2 p.m. The escort headed northwest along McKinley Avenue to Park Avenue, then west to 63rd Street, and continued north. It split at 63rd Street and Ashworth Road as the remains made their way to their respective destinations.Iowans lined up along the route. For many, it was all about showing their respect for both O’Brien and Coady, as well as showing their respect and love for their families. “The sacrifice that they’re enduring right now isn’t forgotten among the Iowa community and their brothers and sisters of the veteran community,” said Michael Young, the state quartermaster for the VFW. Veterans, young children, and people who either knew the families personally or didn’t know them showed up in different spots along the route. In several spaces, local fire engines lined up with their ladders high and an American flag suspended at the top. “I would hope that the families would know and understand that they’re not alone — that we stand with them; we stand beside them,” said Darnell Jones, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant. “We pray for them. We encourage them, and we walk right with them just to let them know that we love them and their families. Even though we may not know them directly, we all share that common bond of being Americans and also being service members that serve and love our country.”
People of all ages lined an escort route Thursday afternoon to honor Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien of Waukee and Sgt. Declan Coady of West Des Moines, who were among six soldiers killed in an attack in Kuwait on March 1.
The procession started at the Des Moines International Airport just after 2 p.m. The escort headed northwest along McKinley Avenue to Park Avenue, then west to 63rd Street, and continued north.
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It split at 63rd Street and Ashworth Road as the remains made their way to their respective destinations.
Iowans lined up along the route. For many, it was all about showing their respect for both O’Brien and Coady, as well as showing their respect and love for their families.
“The sacrifice that they’re enduring right now isn’t forgotten among the Iowa community and their brothers and sisters of the veteran community,” said Michael Young, the state quartermaster for the VFW.
Veterans, young children, and people who either knew the families personally or didn’t know them showed up in different spots along the route. In several spaces, local fire engines lined up with their ladders high and an American flag suspended at the top.
“I would hope that the families would know and understand that they’re not alone — that we stand with them; we stand beside them,” said Darnell Jones, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant. “We pray for them. We encourage them, and we walk right with them just to let them know that we love them and their families. Even though we may not know them directly, we all share that common bond of being Americans and also being service members that serve and love our country.”
