Ride Report posted for Bluesman

An American Hero from the Greatest Generation has passed away.
 
Andrew Senetsky, of Clarks Summit, died Saturday morning at the Hospice Unit in Community Medical Center.

Born in Dickson City, son of the late Andrew and Anna Labonich Senetsky, he was employed at the Chamberlain Corp. before retirement. He attended school in Dickson City, was a member of St. Mary’s Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church, Scranton, and a life member of the Dickson City VFW.

He was veteran of World War II, serving in the Air Corps. On a bombing mission on May 1, 1944, his aircraft was hit, causing the crew to parachute to the ground. He was captured by the Nazis and became a prisoner of war until the end of World War II.

He took great pleasure in watching golf, football and baseball on the television.
 
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. No pictures were taken. 
 
Twelve members of Friends of the Forgotten Northeast Wing and Warriors’ Watch Riders paid their respects with a flagline. A poem was printed and presented to the family…the poem is included below.

As stated by an observer, the family was so impressed – His brother, a Catholic Priest was so impressed he said he never saw such a heartfelt showing of respect! Each family member came out to see the flag line with grateful thanks- tears and praise for all we do!
Kim
 
SOLDIER
By: Ed Coet, Major, USA-Retired
 
  I saw a burial with a  bugler playing taps;
        I turned to my father, “what happened?” I asked.
He clutched my hand and with a quiver in his voice,
      he began to explain and his eyes became moist.
 
“My son,” he said, “this is rather difficult for me;
       for an old veteran like myself this is tough to see.
In that coffin lies a genuine patriotic warrior,
      an honest-to-God hero, an American soldier.
   
I appreciate that soldier and the service he gave,
       and I honor his sacrifice as he’s laid in his grave.
He was honorable, selfless, courageous, and bold;
       please remember him son, as you grow old.
 
The value of his service, I must explain,
       if not remembered, will be lost in vain.
As a nation we’re nothing without soldiers like him;
       and failing to remember would be a terrible sin.”
 
I listened in awe as my father spoke,
       it seemed as if his heart were broke.
I suddenly remembered when he went to war,
       and when he returned I thought nothing more.
 
I never asked why he walked with a limp,
       and I didn’t care about why he was sick.
I was to busy enjoying the life that I had,
       to realize that I had it because of dad.
 
I finally understood what my dad was about,
       and it hurt so bad I cried out loud.
He sacrificed so much so I could be free,
       and his battle scares were suffered for me.
 
It was my father’s spirit that spoke to me that day;
       thank God I finally understood what he had to say.
I saluted his coffin as they laid him to rest,
       and I thought about the medals pinned on his chest.
 
 That I didn’t honor him sooner, I will always regret;
       and I pledged that day to never again forget.
I’m proud that my dad was a patriotic warrior;
     I’m honored to be the son of an American soldier.
 
  

 Copyright Ed Coet, All Rights Reserved
 
 

Respectfully Submitted for Kim Atkinson by
Al “BluesmanNEPA” Philo
State Coordinator PA, Northeast Region
Warriors’ Watch Riders