Behind the Headlines

BY MICHELLE SWARTZ

I had the honor of covering the funeral service for Army Sgt. Christopher Messer on Monday. It was impressive to see so many people at the service. Besides family and friends, it was nice to see so many City of Monroe Police and Monroe County Sheriff officers also in attendance.

It was especially nice to see Kelly Greer at the funeral home giving her support. I know this could not have been easy for her since she lost her son, Nicholas, in the war just over a year ago. But she was willing to step into the funeral home in support of the Messer family despite her own personal loss.

The community’s true class was evident when visitors pulled into Bacarella Funeral Home. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders held American flags along the entranceway and along the sidewalk leading to the front door. It showed ultimate respect for a fallen soldier and his family.

This was the eighth time a local soldier has died since the war began. I hope this is the last time Monroe County will have to say goodbye to another local hero.