The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to stand in honor at the Interment Service for James Lee Merritt at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Blvd., Denver, 80236, on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 10:30AM, Committal Shelter B.
James was born on March 8, 1949 and died on April 24, 2022 at the age of 73. He served in the US Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. A number of us were honored to know him for at least the past ten years. He was a graduate of the Denver VA PTSD Program and was their Peer Support Specialist since 2010. James had a huge impact on the lives of hundreds of Veterans who participated in the Program during the ten years that he was there.
9:45AM - Stage at the Fort Logan Visitors Center 10:00AM - Mission Briefing 10:15AM - Depart for Committal Shelter B in order to form Flag Line
Will an available Ride Captain please post.
I will be honored to attend and will bring Flags.
Jim Herstein
303-518-8790
Please accept our condolences on the death of your loved one. Their service and sacrifice, as well as the family's support are very greatly appreciated. When one joins the military, they become a member of a brotherhood. Less than one percent of the US population are currently serving in the military and only seven percent of the US population are either veterans or part of the active military. These heroic men and women are bonded forever.
Our defenders of freedom were compelled to serve for many honorable reasons. Some left their homes, families and friends and went halfway around the world. They were willing to sacrifice their lives so that we could all be free. How fortunate for all of us that while we rest and sleep some brave warrior risks it all so we can sleep in peace. It takes a special man or woman to sacrifice their comfort and safety for their country. We would not be living the way we do now if it weren't for brave men and women who serve and risk their lives for our freedom and safety. Freedom is a right ultimately defended by the sacrifice of America's servicemen and women.
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. We, the members of the Colorado Patriot Guard, so greatly appreciate the service of your loved one and it is a great honor for us to stand at their Service. We thank you for inviting us and we offer our thoughts and prayers.
I wish to send my sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of James Lee Merritt a Vietnam US Army Hero. I am grateful for the years of service that was provided us, in the past, so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Thank you or your service to our country and Welcome Home.
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‘Can Do’ Bob Aholt
PGR Ride Captain/Southern Colorado Assistant State Captain
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories console you and bring you peace and comfort.
I first met James in 2010 and saw him monthly at the VA PTSD Program Table Tennis tournament, in which the PGR participated prior to the Coronavirus restrictions. I had many conversations with him about his life and the religious beliefs that were instilled in him by his mom. His life changed when he entered the US Army and was sent to Vietnam, which led to a tragic downward spiral. During his darkest days, he found God, once again, and became one of the most inspiration individuals that I have ever met. He spent ten years as a Peer Support Specialist with the VA PTSD Program and touched hundreds of Veteran's lives during that period. He had risen from the lowest point imaginable to being a role model to those enrolled in the Program. I feel certain that his experiences and his example saved the lives of some of those that he influenced. His life's story is difficult to comprehend for those who did not have the good fortune to meet him. He was one of a kind.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Merritt. I will be honored to stand for this veteran.
Fair winds and following seas to this US Army/Vietnam veteran. The family and friends of Mr. James Lee Merritt have my most sincere sympathy and condolences. So sorry for your loss. I knew James briefly from the VA PTSD program, and he was indeed an outstanding individual. It was an honor and a pleasure to know such a man. We are grateful for his gallant service to our nation and for his commitment to our Veterans. I will be honored to stand for James. Welcome Home.
RIP Soldier
Jim
Linda and I lift up prayers of comfort for Mr. Merritt’s family and friends. May your memories bring you peace and comfort. We are forever grateful for this veterans’ service to our great country and for the freedom it allows us today.
To the family and friends of Mr. Merritt please accept my sincere condolences. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country. I will be honored to stand for this Soldier.
Mike
My thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. Merritt as they lay him to rest. Please accept my deepest condolences and my eternal gratitude for his service to our nation. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to the family and friends of this proud US Army and Vietnam veteran, James L. Merritt. Sorry for your loss. I’m thankful for his service and sacrifices to this great nation. Rest easy Soldier your tour is complete. I will be honored to stand for my friend and I’m available to assist as needed.
James was one of the finest men it has ever been my honor to know.
I am privileged to stand for James and offer his friends and family sincere condolences.
James was my friend, always glad to see me as I was happy to see him. He made a difference to countless lives, including mine. For that I will be forever grateful.
Rest in peace, hero. We will take the watch from here.
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Dave “Captain Slow” Lefavor
USAF 1967-1972; USAFR 1972-1979