Last week my family and I lost a very dear neighbor and friend by the name of Dale Rich. He was like a dad figure to my husband Terry and myself and like a grandpa of sorts to our children. We'd known Dale many years and he had rented a house to us at one time just up the lane from him and his wife Phyllis. (It later burned while we were still living in it.) Our family has spent many a time assisting him in chasing cows back in, searching for a missing calf, and later helping out with turkey barns. Our son, Jason, even received a nice Hereford heifer to show at the fair from the Rich family in return for helping on the farm. We have a lot of great memories of Dale and will miss him greatly.

Dale had lived a great deal of his adult life in the United State Air Force and retired as Chief Master Sergeant. He'd been all over the world and had been involved in many top security missions and dangerous situations. He served our country well!

Even into his 60s and 70s, Dale was a tall, upright, strong man. He had large hands that were strong and yet gentle when he shook our hands or put them on our shoulders to give us comfort or a hello greeting. His three daughters even spoke of this at the lovely memorial service they held in his honor.

I don't believe I've ever attended a more touching, spiritual memorial service in my life, even at my own father's. In fact, when we reached the cemetery two rather very coincidental incidents occurred. The first thing we noticed when approaching his resting place was the field of Hereford cows just across the fence from the cemetery. Hereford's are what Dale had on his farm. The second, very spiritual event was that up above in the sky was a HUGE cross made by jet streams. I don't know if perhaps Whiteman Air Force base had flown in and made the cross on purpose in Dale's honor, if it was a coincidence, or if it was an act of God. I've never seen such a beautiful sight! The cross gradually moved to the east. What an uplifting sight!

Losing Dale brought back many memories of my own Dad's funeral; the gun salute, the playing of Taps, the folding of the flag. These honorable events remind me of how proud we should be of our country and those who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces. I know my Dad and Dale went through many hard times when serving in the military, as many are going through now, but they were proud to serve our country.