kines

The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to provide escort and stand in silent Honor and Respect for Pvt Emmett Leonard Kines, US Marine Corps, WWII KIA, as he is returned home on Friday, 16 Sep, and is laid to rest in the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown on Monday, 19 Sep 16.

On November 4, 1942, the 23-year-old Kines made a trip to Clarksburg to enlist in the Marine Corps. Emmet trained at Parris Island, SC and New River, NC. He would leave New River as part of 5th Replacement Battalion. Along with his unit, Emmett would eventually land in New Zealand to prepare for their first battle.

Pvt Kines was with his brothers in the 8th Marines (Fox/2) of the 2nd Marine Division when they landed on Betio. Their mission was to secure the island in order to control the Japanese airstrip in the Tarawa Atoll; thereby preventing the Japanese Imperial forces from getting closer to the United States, and enabling US forces to get closer to mainland Japan. It would become one of the bloodiest battles in Corps history.

It was November 20th (D-Day for the “Battle of Tarawa”), when young Emmett – just 24 years old – perished.

For more than 71 years, Pvt Emmett Leonard Kines remained buried – indeed, lost – on that island where he and so many of his brothers-in-arms fell; however, in June of 2015, Pvt Kines was found by a non-governmental organization, History Flight, which notified DPAA that they discovered a burial site on Betio Island and recovered the remains of what they believed were 36 U.S. Marines who fought during the battle.  After so many decades of being lost, Pvt Kines is now being returned home to receive the honors he so richly deserves.

Pennsylvania ASC-West, Aaron Zeff (pgrpa.asc.west@gmail.com) has graciously agreed to be the Ride Captain in Charge of his return to Pittsburgh International Airport on Friday, 16 Sep, and his escort to the Donald G. Ford Funeral Home, U.S. Route 50, Grafton, WV (https://tinyurl.com/hcsxqcc)

Staging for Friday will be at the Sheetz, 9002 University Blvd, Moon, PA 15108 (https://tinyurl.com/zckuxvs).

Staging time: 0945.

Mission brief: 1000.  Additional information and KSU will be provided at the briefing.

Weather forecast is for sunny skies with temperatures in the low 80’s.  As always, please dress and travel accordingly.

REMEMBER, we will be on Federal property at the airport. Weapons are NOT permitted!

West Virginia Ride Captain Boonie Jarvis (doolittle202@gmail.com) is the designated Ride Captain in Charge for his services on Monday, 19 Sep 16.

Staging for Monday, 19 Sep, will be at the funeral home at 1100.

Mission brief: 1115.

Escort will be provided to the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown where interment services are scheduled for 1200.

Upon arrival at the cemetery, our flag line will be set and maintained until the conclusion of services.

Weather forecast is for temperatures in the high 70’s with a 60% chance of sunshine.  Please dress and travel accordingly.

Please join with us as we say “Welcome Home” and “God Speed” to one of our native sons who, unselfishly, made the Ultimate Sacrifice so many decades ago for OUR freedom and liberties.

Respects,

Joe