POC Report:  Interment of Richard E. Kramer, USMA '65, February 26, 2019 at Arlington Cemetery

Strength and Drive gathered on a sunny but chilly morning February 26, 2019 at the Arlington Cemetery Administration Building in advance of joining the procession, honors and interment of our classmate, Richard E. (Flash) Kramer.   Nineteen classmates attended to honor Flash and his extended family.

From left to right: Terry Ryan, Jack Koletty, Tom Fergusson, Jim Ferguson, Peter Cahill, Mike Applin, Jim Murphy, Peter Linn, Bruce Marshall, George Gehringer, Bob Harter, Steve Ammon, Dan Christman, Fred Laughlin, Emory Chase, Clair Gill, Joe DeFrancisco, Bob Cato, Ric Shinseki.


Due to traffic in and around Arlington Cemetery, Flash was late for his own funeral.  I actually think he'd have been proud of that.  Nonetheless, the procession departed the Administration Building to a transfer point where the casket was set on the caisson with great respect and honor.  The Old Guard does these ceremonies with great professionalism, respect and precision.  In this particular case, Captain (P) Larry Harris USMA '10 was the Officer in Charge, performing this duty at my request to also honor our class.

Several classmates and the family dismounted and walked behind the Honor Guard, Army Band, the family and our class flag to the interment location.  Our class flag was carried by Daniel Hechenberger, managing the wind and cold admirably.  Daniel is a high school freshman and is interested in one of the academies (he received some heavy advice to select West Point).  Daniel and the other youngsters wore Dick's purple heart pin, Class of 1965 emblems even a crossed saber pin to honor his time in the 11th ACR.  Daniel's father, and Flash's son-in-law Paul, is a Navy Captain and attended in full uniform.   All four daughters attended and made the walk.



Once at the interment site, the Honor Guard performed their service impeccably, the Chaplain led the service, CPT Harris presented the folded American flag to Coleen Hechenburger and the family, the Arlington Lady provided her thanks from a grateful nation.  The West Point Alumni Glee Club (with classmates Ferguson, Fergusson, Linn, Ryan, Cahill and CPT Harris, the Glee Club President in 2010) sang the Alma Mater.


  Flash's daughters (l to r) Colleen, Stacy, Trina, Mindy


  Hechenberger Family with Ric Shinseki


Those who could stay, moved to a nice lunch reception at the Fort Myer Patton Hall (formerly the Officers Club) arranged by Paul Hechenberger.  It was an opportunity to meet the extended family and share some legends and lies.

Left:  Roommates Ryan, Kramer and Laughlin.  Roommate Gehringer could not stay for the reception.

The Class of 1965 continues to impress those who observe our camaraderie and brotherhood.  We just need to have far fewer of these ceremonies.

Terry Ryan USMA '65 POC