The death of any U.S. service member is a loss for the country.
Within the Wichita military community, there is a growing debate whether all deaths are treated with the same level of honor as those that occur in a war zone. Specifically, there's concern groups of honorary motorcycle riders show up in droves for a soldier killed in action, but not for others.
"Any soldier that enlists in this time of conflict knows that they could be deployed and they could be killed. And so it's not the fact that someone dies, it's the fact that they're willing to sacrifice," said Gold Star Mother Denise Lange.
Her son, PFC Erin Thomas, was killed in a car accident while on duty in Texas two years ago. Lange believes all servicemember deaths should be given the same pomp and circumstance as those that occur in a combat zone such as Iraq or Afghanistan.
"For them to die in a motorcycle accident or an auto accident," said Patriot Guard founder Terry Houck, "You can't put them in the same category. As Patriot Guards, we're not going to do it, simple as that."
Houck said several Gold Star Mothers have asked the Patriot Guard to expand its motorcycle riding mission to be more inclusive. Houck said the mission statement of the all-volunteer Patriot Guard is clear:
To shield families from protesters at the funerals of "America's Fallen Heroes who are killed in action or are casualties of the current wars on terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq, or any war zone."
The mission has been expanded to include law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty.
Other groups do ride at the funerals of veterans who weren't killed in action, including the American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard Riders (not affiliated with Houck's group). Because all the groups are comprised of volunteers, it's often difficult to assemble large numbers of riders for funerals that aren't well publicized.
"So if you drive by and you see a funeral and there's 600 bikes, you automatically know that's a KIA," said Lange. "But if you drive by and you see 10 bikes, you think that must be some retired soldier."
Houck said he understands the concerns of the Gold Star Mothers, but the mission of the Patriot Guard will remain the same. Both sides have great respect for the other and will continue to fight for the families of all who wear the uniform.
