Sharon Mobley, stationed at the Hardee’s in Harrisburg to wait for the hearse carrying Sgt. First Class Donald Shue to pass by: “Because he’s coming home. He represents all our young servicemen.” She was living In Louisville, Ky., during the Vietnam War and used to visit wounded soldiers at Fort Knox.
Pete Miller, Kannapolis: “I’m here to pay my respects. I had 11 years in the military. That’s the least I can do. I can’t do as much as he did.”
Ken Deaton, Harrisburg: “We’ve got two nephews serving right now. There’s special prayers out to all them fellas.” His nephews are Cody and Michael Powell.
Jerod Berd, Concord: “To pay respects to the fallen military.”
Shawn Arrowood, Concord: “This is to pay respects to him from both me and my father.” Arrowood’s father was Steve Arrowood Jr., who also served in the MACVSOGs. This will be Arrowood’s 12th servicemen’s funeral. “I’m continuing a tradition in my father’s honor. Anyone who was killed in or around his command, he went to their funerals.”
Frank Troutman, Concord: “I was in Vietnam. I was over there when he went missing. They had everybody looking for them at one time. We didn’t know all the details, but we knew there was a problem.”
John Bowman, Concord, by way of Detroit: “Because I heard they were giving the special forces veteran that was found a homecoming.” Bowman served in the Army from 1972-76.
Tommy Russell, Concord: “To honor another vet.”
Dorothy Trammell, Concord: “I didn’t know him but he was one of us. It’s time the Vietnam veterans have gotten the recognition they deserve.”
Isabelle West, Concord: “I came out because I served in the military from 18 to 22.” West served as a nurse in the Navy from 1978 to 1982.
Harold Toppings, Landis: “I work third (shift). I worked last night. Went down to Charlotte. I’m used to it. It’s my patriotic duty.”
COMING MONDAY:Coverage from the funeral service at Whitley’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis