View Full Version : Jefferson County Sheriff defends soldier's funeral procession
Team Sergeant
09-11-2009, 08:06
Well said, Thank you Sheriff Boyer. Team Sergeant
Jefferson County Sheriff defends soldier's funeral procession
Staff and Wire report
09/10/2009
Updated: 3:38 p.m. Thursday
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County sheriff has offered a stern response to a woman complaining she was inconvenienced by a procession accompanying a soldier's casket.
The woman wrote an e-mail to Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer after she had a hard time driving around the procession escorting the casket of Sgt. William Woods, who was killed by Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.
In his response, Boyer called the complaint self-serving and noted that her inconvenience was of little consequence considering what America's soldiers go through.
Boyer's response has made its way to the Internet, where it is getting a strong reaction as it is e-mailed around the country by soldiers and military groups.
Boyer is a Vietnam veteran.
Boyer said he sent a copy of his response to the complaint internally to sheriff's department employees so they would know his position should the department receive similar complaints in the future. He assumes some of the employees sent it on to friends and colleagues. From there, it landed on military, police and news websites across the country.
Emails about soldier's funeral procession
Boyer estimates he has received more than 200 e-mails.
"She was a citizen who deserved an investigation and an answer to her complaint," Boyer said. "I wrote it from the heart. It took me about five minutes."
Boyer said he would not release the name of the woman who wrote the letter.
"It's not about releasing her name and allowing others to chastise her or cause her any more inconvenience," Boyer said. "What it's about is, making people understand that there are people willing to sacrifice their lives so they can complain about things like that."
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/localheroes/story/4CBF361CCA9F41328625762D0054CCCE?OpenDocument
Team Sergeant
09-11-2009, 08:07
Continued:
The original email was sent to Sheriff Glenn Boyer on Thursday, August 27. Below is the citizen's email followed by Sheriff Boyer's response.
I tried to call you earlier this morning, but was unable to obtain your extension from the voice mail system as I was not sure of your first name or correct spelling of your last.
I was inadvertently in this procession as I was leaving work on 270 from Creve Coeur and proceeding on Hwy. 30 West. I have some issues and complaints. I called the Sheriff's office last night, but the officer in charge would not speak with me. His name was Corp. Curtis. I am in no way complaining about your officers. I, however, was not treated very fairly when I called last evening because I wanted a ticket/complaint/or at least a slap on wrist for the people involved. Let me explain:
1) This procession should never have been held during rush hour traffic! Hwy. 270 is dangerous and people drive way too fast and there is too much traffic. This soldier's certainly would not have want his family hurt on the interstate taking him to Cedar Hill. People were dead-stopping on the interstate even though the procession was in the far right lane, the other three lanes just stopped. There were many near accidents and possibly were after I drove through. I was in the 2nd to left lane, no way obstructing the funeral procession.
2) I exited off on Gravois (30 W), far right lane. Your police officers went in the left lane to stop any additional on-coming traffic so the procession could exit off 270 into the LEFT lane of 30. Again, I was in the right lane. The St. Louis County officer stopped and turned around at Weber Hill to return on 270 after the procession passed.
3) The road was not closed. (Only for president as far as I know.) Again, the road was not closed. Your officers only had the left lane blocked/closed for the funeral. All other traffic by MO law can proceed as long as they do not interfere (weave in and out )with funeral procession.
Let me say, that I did not know what was happening. I knew the did not have Kennedy coming to STL, at least not yesterday. I was at work all day. No news. Nothing reported on the traffic on the radio driving home.
Anyway, two of these dirty, nasty, renegade, who knows what motorcycle men that were escorting the procession proceeded to stop in front of me in the right lane on Gravois. I had to stop in the middle of an intersection. They proceeded to scream and yell at me about respecting this soldier, etc. One of them climbed off his motorcycle and came over to me and stuck his head in my car continuing to scream at me. I asked him what this was for and he told me I needed to stop as the officers had the road blocked and show some dang respect. #1, the road was not blocked, the funeral was in the other lane. #2, I am proud of our country and sorry for the family, but they had no idea where I was going or anything else. I could have a child at day-care, I could have been sick and racing to the bathroom, I could have a sick parent waiting for me, etc., etc.
#3, They are not law enforcement and had no right to stop in the lane on Gravois and they had no right to scream at me and intimidate and threaten me. If I would have had my pepper spray, I would have used it on this nasty man! He is just a big hoo ha that is not even related to this soldier. The other man did not get off his scooter, but was along side of my passenger window screaming.
I left an abusive husband 1 1/2 years ago and I did not need this intimidation. I was livid and shaking!!
My son is a deputy sheriff in another MO county. I respect police officers. It was not their fault as they were busy with traffic, but I called to make them aware of what was going on during this thing. The St. Louis County officer saw it but of course he was out of jurisdiction.
However, I called last night and your office asked me if I knew about this soldier. Again, I am sorry about him, but I am a taxpayer. I got a speeding ticket a few months ago and paid the fine. I do not deserve to be treated like this. I wanted to let the officer know how these men were acting. Also, they were driving into the turnarounds on Hwy. 30 and then back onto the road. the funeral was much further ahead. One of them nearly got hit by me and other people almost hit him and another as well. I wanted to lodge a complaint about them why they were still there, but no one in your office would take any information or do anything.
This was not a military funeral, even though it was a soldier. There were not military vehicles. It was a funeral and the road was not closed, the lane was closed, I was in the other lane and again, these nasty men had no right to do this and I would have liked them to get a ticket!
I am sorry for the soldier and his family but you cannot let these motorcycle renegades do this. They could have caused several accidents and I really wanted them arrested. If they had any respect for the soldier they would have dressed better and not looked and acted so scuzzy.
Thank you.
From:
Glenn Boyer/JEFFCO
Date: 08/31/2009 02:05 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Funeral Procession - Yesterday p.m.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear XXXXX:
Yes, you do deserve a response and I am willing to give you one.
I would like to say that I am sorry for the inconvenience we caused you during the funeral procession of Sergeant 1st Class William B. Woods, but I cannot do so. I would ask instead that you take a moment of your time to take into consideration the scope of the event. Your very right to complain was the reason Sgt. Woods fought for his country and ultimately gave his life; thus making the ultimate sacrifice for you and your family.
Let me introduce you to him. After high school, Sergeant Woods entered the Marine Corps. After his contract was up, he joined the Army, where he became a Green Beret. He comes from a long line of military members in his family. His Uncle is a Vietnam Veteran and two of his grandfathers were World War II Veterans. His job in the Army was one of the most dangerous jobs - he was a sniper looking for the bad guys to stop before they killed or injured one of our soldiers. He has numerous decorations to include the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
He grew up in Catawissa and was best known by his middle name, Brian. He enjoyed the outdoors, playing sports, and skydiving. He had a wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters, whom he loved dearly. He was a soft-spoken, level-headed young man who was proud to serve his country no matter what the risk. Now, I did not know him, but I wish I did. I am quoting from newspaper articles written about him.
At the young age of 31, he was shot during an engagement with Taliban forces in Ghanzi , Afghanistan . He died of his wounds in Germany on August 16, with his family by his side. He did not choose the time of his death, nor did he choose the time his remains would be brought back to his home in Catawissa. He just did his duty. He was quite a young man.
While you were being inconvenienced in your car on your way home, there were soldiers just like Sergeant Woods carrying 100+ pounds of equipment in 120 degree heat, up some mountain or in the middle of some desert. They will shower out of a helmet liner if they get the chance. They will eat a cold meal of MRE's; something most people would consider garbage. They cannot text their family or friends, or go to McDonalds, or watch TV. They can only continue the mission and look out after the guy to the left and right of them. They don't complain because they know they volunteered. The only thing they ask is that we do not forget the sacrifices they have made.
One of the dirty "big hoo ha" bikers, as you call them, was Brian's uncle, a Vietnam Veteran, like myself. We were not treated with a homecoming. We were spit on and called baby killers by a misguided public. Brian's uncle was giving him the respect that he, himself, never received when he came back and I, for one, am proud of him for doing so.
You say that your brother is a deputy in another Missouri county. I am sure he would be proud to escort the casket of a fallen solder, the same as he would that of a fallen officer. I am also sure he would not agree with your complaint about being inconvenienced.
My mother recently passed away. She was a World War II Veteran, serving the U.S. Army. She would say, maybe you should pick up Sergeant Woods' ruck sack and carry on where he left off. Then you could see first hand what it really is to be inconvenienced.
Per your request, I will forward your complaint to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for his review. It is my personal opinion that your complaint is self-serving and without merit.
Sheriff Oliver "Glenn" Boyer
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/localheroes/story/FDC95CA794BBF94D8625762D0054F980?OpenDocument
Interesting article, thanks for the post.
It's becoming increasingly evident to me that for a lot of people just taking a moment out to maybe "inconvenience" yourself and honor others is a burden. Noticed that today at the office (working with DA civilians) as 8:46am rolled around and everyone continued making noise, talking, complaining etc.
The least we can do is remember and honor the fallen.
As for the lady that complained, I'm sure she typed that email up on her Blackberry while driving that day, she should be ashamed of herself.
RIP SFC Woods
TS,
Thank you Sir, for posting this.
Can only hope that woman learned a lesson from the Sherrif's response.
If not, then I pray that someday I run into her. My response would involve something along the lines of an old-fashioned bitch-slap!:mad:
Rest-In-Peace, Sergeant Woods. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Thanks for the post. It is always great to know we have people like this serving us. I commend the Sheriff and his tactfulness in his response to the women who made the complaint.
Rest In Peace Sgt Woods, my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Officer Boyer is a gentleman blessed with patience. This lady might find life under a fundamentalist Islamic regime " rather inconvenient" as well.
Men like Sergeant Woods shield us from that fate.
greenberetTFS
09-11-2009, 11:02
Rest In Peace Sgt Woods, my deepest condolences to his family and friends.........:(
Big Teddy
Would like to see stuff like this make CNN/Fox News ect. ect... with her picture posted....
Well done Sheriff !!!!
RIP Warrior
Rest In Peace Sgt Woods. One would hope that this lady would reflect on this email response and adjust her attitude accordingly, and maybe follow-up with an email acknowledging her change of heart. However, I imagine she has still the same attitude and the option of becoming enlighten is not really an option for her at all.
On a side note, I thought people using the phrase,"I'm a taxpayer" was something which only occured in the movies, etc. Wrong again.
The Reaper
09-11-2009, 12:37
I wonder if the "mean bikers" were Patriot Guard riders?
TR
Dozer523
09-11-2009, 12:58
I suspect that I am insane for posting my thoughts.
But I live just across the Mississippi River on the Illinois side. I’m familiar with the general attitude of the Metro area public, I have dealt with the Patriot Riders (personal and professionally); have witnessed them in action, and I have driven that damn road, at least once every week.
First, the road sucks! Doesn’t matter when you drive it or what part you are driving. It sucks. It especially sucks near the Gravois Mills area. It’s near the I 64 construction and in the middle of town. In fact, with Interstates 70, 270, 64, 55, and 44 and all the minor state highways in the area it’s a really bad idea to try to run a funeral procession at any time. I will assume the internment was at Jefferson Barracks National Cementary. There were other much better route selection options available.
Second, the lady is correct about the law. On the Interstate you’re not supposed to stop for anything. (Except a serious accident.)
Third. I have been to more then a few military funerals for Soldiers lost in the past year – our NG Battalion lost 5 and the Brigade lost 15. The level respect shown by St Louis and neighboring Illinois is heart-rending. I can only describe it as shared grief. I believe from this lady’s writing she is not one of those horrible protester.
Fourth, The Patriots Riders are an awesome group of dedicated volunteers. They are there at the Departure ceremonies; they will rendezvous on the Interstate with our guys returning home to escort them in. But, I have to tell you something, the ladies visual description of these great guys and girls is right on. (“Nothing says ‘Thank you for your service’ like a 55 year-old in full leathers on a Harley at a funeral”). It is only a little difficult to image that one or two might respond as described. After all, initially the PR were formed to protect the families and deceased from protesters. On the two lane highways I have seen them stop oncoming traffic. None too subtly. They just pull into the on-coming lane of traffic.
The ladies letter was about a safety issue compounded by an assault. She reported it. The thoughtful response might have been to acknowledge her right as a citizen and bring it to the attention of the PR leadership. They might look like the Hell’s Angels but they sure don’t want to that reputation.
The sheriff’s response was hasty and in poor judgment and I’m afraid there will be repercussions. He let his personal experience with Vietnam overly influence him. This lady did not spit on him. He let his relationship with the deceased’s family cloud his response. She did not disrespect SGT Woods. This had almost nothing to do with the honor due SGT Woods. Attending services is very difficult. I have held hands with total strangers during the Our Father. While ‘Sharing the Peace of Christ’ I’ve been asked, by civilians with tear streaming down their cheeks, “Did you know him?” When I say, “No, not personally.” Most times they reply, “I didn’t either.” Their pain is no less real or deep then mine and that sense of loss and sorrow nearly engulfs me. I've looked carefully though her letter and have not found the word "inconvenience" anywhere. We ought not to look for offense. Emotion ran wild with the participants; the sheriff was recalling his own pain that service in Vietnam was not honored and witnessing the overwhelming pain suffered by the family, This lady recalled her trauma of an abusive relationship. But, on this forum maybe we could take a thoughtful moment or two before we go around “bitch-slapping”. We are better then this. $0.02
I wish I’d know of the service. I’d have attended to spend the last few miles and moments with this brother. The local SFA made a donation to the family.
SFC Woods, my sincere condolences to his family, may God Bless and keep them always.
TR-
They were indeed.
Here's the original link/itinerary:
http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/view/topic/forumid/29/postid/1221758/Default.aspx
We ought not to look for offense. Emotion ran wild with the participants; the sheriff was recalling his own pain that service in Vietnam was not honored and witnessing the overwhelming pain suffered by the family, This lady recalled her trauma of an abusive relationship. But, on this forum maybe we could take a thoughtful moment or two before we go around “bitch-slapping”. We are better then this. $0.02
Dozer,
Upon reading this story this morning, with the Twin Towers engulfed in flames in the background on TV, it evoked a very real emotion. I connected this woman's email to the fallen soldiers that have fought for this nation ever since we were attacked, and saw it as an attack on them.
After reading your post, it reminded me that I too got caught up in my emotions when posting, and maybe should see this from all angles. Thank you.
My thoughts are with Sergeant Woods family and friends.
Holly
Yeah, I think she sounds like a whiney broad.
RIP Soldier, my condolences to your family and friends.
MoonAngel
09-12-2009, 08:47
One of the issues I have with this is that this woman's email screams of ENTITLEMENT in the face of total SACRIFICE.
Any justified complaint she has, sours in the manner she presents it.
Regardless, I'll quote Sheriff Boyer in saying that he was not the hero that day when he responded to her.... The hero was Brian Woods.
God speed Sgt Woods and God bless your family.
I could have been sick and racing to the bathroom, Thank you to my bothers and sisters in the Armed Forces for helping maintain a country that is so safe that having to go to the bathroom makes it onto a list of potential emergencies.
~Aaron
Great to see my PGR brothers and sisters doing good work in Missouri.
Rest in peace, SFC Woods! Thank you for your sacrifice.
John "Top" Kammerer
Ride Captain
Patriot Guard Riders of Texas
I wonder if the "mean bikers" were Patriot Guard riders?
TR
I would bet that they were..... I've been known to associate with this kind of "riff raff" and even lead them. :D
Here's the link to some of the pics.... http://www.eaton-photo.com/woods/
Apparently this lady missed the common courtesy briefing by her elders or parents that when a funeral procession drives by, you pull over and let it pass by.
Team Daddy
Fayetteville PGR Ride Captain
PedOncoDoc
10-30-2009, 11:32
Excellent photos, Stras. Thanks for the link!
greenberetTFS
10-30-2009, 12:28
I would bet that they were..... I've been known to associate with this kind of "riff raff" and even lead them.
Here's the link to some of the pics.... http://www.eaton-photo.com/woods/
Apparently this lady missed the common courtesy briefing by her elders or parents that when a funeral procession drives by, you pull over and let it pass by.
Team Daddy
Fayetteville PGR Ride Captain
All I have to say is Thank God for you and your "riff raff" friends...........:lifter:lifter:lifter
Big Teddy :munchin
dadof18x'er
10-30-2009, 14:16
I never thought much of Jefferson County but after all this
I must say I'm proud to live here !!:D
Utah Bob
10-30-2009, 17:21
I suspect that I am insane for posting my thoughts.
But I live just across the Mississippi River on the Illinois side. I’m familiar with the general attitude of the Metro area public, I have dealt with the Patriot Riders (personal and professionally); have witnessed them in action, and I have driven that damn road, at least once every week.
First, the road sucks! Doesn’t matter when you drive it or what part you are driving. It sucks. It especially sucks near the Gravois Mills area. It’s near the I 64 construction and in the middle of town. In fact, with Interstates 70, 270, 64, 55, and 44 and all the minor state highways in the area it’s a really bad idea to try to run a funeral procession at any time. I will assume the internment was at Jefferson Barracks National Cementary. There were other much better route selection options available.
Second, the lady is correct about the law. On the Interstate you’re not supposed to stop for anything. (Except a serious accident.)
Third. I have been to more then a few military funerals for Soldiers lost in the past year – our NG Battalion lost 5 and the Brigade lost 15. The level respect shown by St Louis and neighboring Illinois is heart-rending. I can only describe it as shared grief. I believe from this lady’s writing she is not one of those horrible protester.
Fourth, The Patriots Riders are an awesome group of dedicated volunteers. They are there at the Departure ceremonies; they will rendezvous on the Interstate with our guys returning home to escort them in. But, I have to tell you something, the ladies visual description of these great guys and girls is right on. (“Nothing says ‘Thank you for your service’ like a 55 year-old in full leathers on a Harley at a funeral”). It is only a little difficult to image that one or two might respond as described. After all, initially the PR were formed to protect the families and deceased from protesters. On the two lane highways I have seen them stop oncoming traffic. None too subtly. They just pull into the on-coming lane of traffic.
The ladies letter was about a safety issue compounded by an assault. She reported it. The thoughtful response might have been to acknowledge her right as a citizen and bring it to the attention of the PR leadership. They might look like the Hell’s Angels but they sure don’t want to that reputation.
The sheriff’s response was hasty and in poor judgment and I’m afraid there will be repercussions. He let his personal experience with Vietnam overly influence him. This lady did not spit on him. He let his relationship with the deceased’s family cloud his response. She did not disrespect SGT Woods. This had almost nothing to do with the honor due SGT Woods. Attending services is very difficult. I have held hands with total strangers during the Our Father. While ‘Sharing the Peace of Christ’ I’ve been asked, by civilians with tear streaming down their cheeks, “Did you know him?” When I say, “No, not personally.” Most times they reply, “I didn’t either.” Their pain is no less real or deep then mine and that sense of loss and sorrow nearly engulfs me. I've looked carefully though her letter and have not found the word "inconvenience" anywhere. We ought not to look for offense. Emotion ran wild with the participants; the sheriff was recalling his own pain that service in Vietnam was not honored and witnessing the overwhelming pain suffered by the family, This lady recalled her trauma of an abusive relationship. But, on this forum maybe we could take a thoughtful moment or two before we go around “bitch-slapping”. We are better then this. $0.02
I wish I’d know of the service. I’d have attended to spend the last few miles and moments with this brother. The local SFA made a donation to the family.
Well, I tend to agree.
brianksain
11-05-2009, 21:47
Well ... the good sheriff was a helluva lot nicer than I woulda been.
I'da blown her hair back.
But that's just me.
Mr_PreScuba
11-06-2009, 00:10
Rest in Peace... SFC Woods...
and for his family... I grieve with thee...
On a side note, I thought people using the phrase,"I'm a taxpayer" was something which only occured in the movies, etc. Wrong again.
When the civilians used to use this excuse on me... with the added comment of: "and I pay your taxes..." I usually turned and looked at them... and said; "Golly gee, ma'am; I guess that means that I'm self-employed.... because I pay taxes too!"
Just a personal observation... and my .02 worth...