Vets give comrades final salutes

The Daily Inter Lake

Blinding sunshine reflects off fresh snow but does little to chase back the late October chill in Conrad Cemetery.

As if on cue, a small contingent of cars and trucks follow a trail of American flags leading to a freshly-dug grave.

Men and women in white gloves, black pants, black boots, white jackets, red ascots and garrison-style caps emerge from the vehicles. They huddle together, their breath condensing into steamy clouds.

Jim Hiebert, honor guard commander, begins lining out his troops from United Veterans of Flathead Valley for another final salute to a fallen comrade.

Because of these volunteers, any of 365 days may become one veteran's special day. With just 18 members, United Veterans perform military honors at up to 100 funerals a year.

"We're getting low on help," Hiebert said.

Hiebert, who joined 14 years ago, took over command about 8 years ago. Jerry Collins serves as assistant commander.

He estimates that Don Haverfield has served the longest at 30 years.

Other members are Burl Adams, Mike Bennett, Ed Candelaria, Carey Dill, Linda Elgin, Henry Fettler, Ron Frisbie, Jack Heller, John Kessler, Corkey and Snoma Meagher, Don Nadeau, Curt Peterson, Margo Harris, Jerry Wheeler and Randy Winter.

A sense of duty and patriotism drives these men and women to venture out to cemeteries in subzero days of winter as well as the blistering heat of summer.

"Without a person doing this, veterans couldn't get a dignified last salute," Hiebert said.

By noon on that cold October day, the commander had two lines in formation, one squad bearing rifles and the other carrying flags. Members snap to attention and salute as the pallbearers carry the flag-draped coffin.

A minister moves briskly through services before a few rows of mourners huddled under blankets in metal folding chairs. Another veteran's final hour has arrived.

"Ready, aim, fire," Hiebert commands. A volley of shots crack the quiet of Conrad Cemetery, echoing across the blue autumn sky.

The mournful notes of a bugle blowing taps mark the end of another veteran's earthly tour of duty. Honor-guard members ceremoniously fold the coffin flag, tucking in an empty rifle round, for presentation to the next of kin as a keepsake from a grateful nation.

Hiebert retires the honor guard members who wrap up the flags and stow the M-1, World War II issue rifles. Their duty done, members mingle briefly before scurrying off to thaw frozen fingers in their cars.

According to Hiebert, members range in age from 45 to over 80. Because most United Veterans qualify as senior citizens, he has recently asked funeral homes to schedule their ceremony before or after graveside services to cut their time in the cold.

Along with numbing fingers and toes, the chill also impacts the bugle.

"Cold weather affects reeds differently," Hiebert said.

He has hopes of attracting some of the younger veterans, such those of Desert Storm, to join United Veterans.

Any honorably discharged veteran qualifies for membership in the nonprofit group. Members of ladies auxiliaries also may join.

Formed in the early 1970s, United Veterans brought together members of Disabled American Veterans, the Marine Corps League, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to share ceremonial military duties.

The group participates in the Memorial Day parade, annual poppy sales, flag retirement and flag-raising ceremonies across the valley. Members have a cherished tradition of holding a summer barbecue for the veterans home in Columbia Falls.

They also taking part in the annual Veterans Day ceremonies, including the one held Saturday at Depot Park in Kalispell.

Hiebert said they rely on donations to pay for the veterans picnic, an annual appreciation event, as well as major expenses like keeping the honor guard in jackets, gloves and ascots.

Anyone interested in joining (or sending a donation) may call Hiebert at 250-3287. He happily provides any training needed to new people.

"If I have a new recruit, especially for the firing squad, we'll go through the rifle maneuvers," he said. "We use blanks for ammo."

As many times as Hiebert has performed the military funeral, he said he always finds it touching. Sometimes he doesn't know the vet, but other times the loss hits close to home.

"I did my brother's," he said. "It was the last thing I could do for him."

Hiebert said any honorably-discharged veteran qualifies for a military funeral. Members come together for a service with as little as a day's notice.

According to the commander, the United Veterans, though short-handed, don't consider this duty a burden.

"How can you get tired of doing something good?" he asked. "You should see the appreciation we get from their family and friends."

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.