Fallen Soldiers No Longer Treated Like Luggage on South West

Veteran designs a fitting tribute for the last rides of fallen soldiers
Wisconsin Journal Sentinel
Meg Jones
September 17, 2014

Vietnam veteran Richard Kalashian worked with Southwest Airlines to design a special luggage cart to carry the caskets of fallen soldiers.

Town of Genesee— Rich Kalashian had gone to O'Hare International Airport to greet a friend when he looked out the window to see a flag-draped casket unloaded from a military plane.

The fallen service member was loaded onto a luggage cart and driven to a waiting hearse parked next to a grieving family watching their loved one's final journey.

The Vietnam veteran watched the poignant scene unfold and thought the veteran deserved something more than a luggage cart that looked like all the other baggage carriers.

"Military families and their fallen soldiers deserve a proper patriotic entrance with all the respect and dignity they deserve," said Kalashian, who earned a Bronze Star in Vietnam.

Through Kalashian's inspiration and efforts, a cart for caskets is being transformed into a fitting tribute to service members.

Starting next month it will be permanently stationed at Mitchell International Airport.
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