Soldier’s remains escorted through Sidney

SIDNEY -- On June 22, numerous motorcycles and support vehicles stopped in Sidney on their way east. It is a cart delivery, a program through Alaska Airlines.  

“It’s a cart delivery. We have a program through Alaska Airlines for dignified arrivals, dignified departures, and dignified transfer of veterans that fly on our aircraft, said Daniel Brosch of Alaska Airlines. 

The cart contains the cremains of a soldier on the way to his, or her, resting place.

Saturday evening, riders and supporters stopped at the Sidney Elks Lodge where they were treated to dinner and offered seats for the night’s Way Out West production. 

The remains cart was escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders. Alaska Airlines has been collaborating with the Patriot Guard Riders since 2014. 

Brosch said this event is transporting remains of Navy veteran, Vietnam veteran, to Nashville. There he will be handed over to other Patriot Guard Riders who will take him to Valley Forge, Penn. 

The opportunity to honor a soldier and his family can leave a person speechless with emotion, according to Brosch.

"Words almost can't describe. It's very emotional. But then again, Alaska Airlines and the Patriot Guard Riders, we deal with deceased veterans all the time, and their families," he said.

Alaska Airlines created the program in 2011. The cart taken through Sidney is one of 16 in use. Remains have been transported as far as Washington, D.C. 

Brosch said it is a way for Alaska Airlines to honor veterans and their family.