Fallen Hero Honor Cart to pass through Tehachapi

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have sadly cost the lives of over 6,600 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. These fallen heroes have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The remains of those fallen travel home aboard aircraft in flag-draped coffins to their final resting place. It was during this journey home when Alaska Airlines baggage handlers and mechanics felt there needed to be a more dignified process for the off-load and transfer of these fallen soldiers.

In 2011 these individuals formed an all-volunteer group known as the "Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program". The group developed protocol for the loading and unloading to ensure our heroes remains were handled with dignity and honor. The entire flight crew is included in the protocol.

The volunteer group began to obtain old luggage carts and refurbish them. This is all done on their own time.

The carts are painted blue, with American flag curtains, and display the military insignias of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. On the top of the cart is a large emblem that says "Alaska Airlines Honoring the Fallen" along with a star and emblems for the five armed services. The interior has red carpet and the insignias of the Army National Guard and Air Force National Guard.

Once renovation is complete, the carts are donated to airports to be used specifically for off-loading and transporting the remains of our fallen heroes.

The Alaska Airlines volunteers are making sure the fallen continue to be treated with dignity and respect by dedicating a customized patriotic cart to the Ontario International Airport in Ontario, California.

These volunteers will be driving the cart to Ontario in a 1,163-mile journey from Seattle, with a special escort of motorcycle riders. The group will depart Seattle on May 13 and arrive in Ontario on May 16.

The riders will include members of The American Legion, American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), Vietnam Combat Vets, Bakersfield Freedom Riders, and anyone else wishing to join along the way.

The group of approximately 70 riders will be making a brief stop for fuel at the Tehachapi Love's Travel Stop on May 16 at approximately 10:20 a.m.

This leg of the journey is being sponsored by Tehachapi American Legion Post 221. The Post encourages members of the community to come out with their American flags to show their support and patriotism.

According to information obtained from the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program website, Ontario will be the seventh city to receive an Alaska Airlines Fallen Hero Honor cart. They are also in place at San Diego, Los Angeles, Portland, Anchorage, Washington, D.C., and Seattle airports.

The fallen soldier cart will remain in the care of Alaska Airlines but will be available for any airline at Ontario to use.