Ride Report posted for Kel

On Tuesday July 7th, the Warriors Watch Riders had the great privilege of standing Honors for Mr. Mike Collins, of East Norriton Pa. Our detail, which included 2 active duty soldiers, assembled at the Plymouth Meeting Mall Rally point and proceeded to St. Titus’ Church, where the viewing and funeral mass for Mr Collins was to take place. We quickly formed our flagline outside the entrance and the 2 soldiers, my son PFC Sean Kelly and his friend Pvt. Ben Walker, took posts by the door. During the next 2 hours family, friends and those who were touched by Mr. Collins’ life of service came in a constant, almost unending, stream. Those who spoke with us universally said what a giving, generous soul he was to everyone he met, and his total dedication to his family, country, church and community was an inspiration to all. His 30 year career in the Army brought many of his comrades in arms, including a retired General, to pay their respects.

After the funeral mass, an honor detail from Ft Dix, NJ. performed a flag folding ceremony. Our detail formed two rows, as the casket was brought out from the church. A Colonel and a Warrant Officer removed and solemnly folded the flag, while we performed and held a flag salute. A bugler played ‘Taps,’ adding a note of poignancy to the assembled mourners. The folded flag was presented to Mr. Collins sister as the casket was carried to the waiting hearse. I then presented Mr. Collins sister with a Warriors Watch coin as a token of our deep respect for his life of service. Members of our detail also presented coins to each of Mr. Collins  4 sons, all who are in active duty, 2 of which will be going to the Mid East, shortly.

SGM (Ret) Michael Collins was an extraordinary individual. Serving our country with honor and valor during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, he instilled in his children the virtues of service and compassion, and conviction.  They carry on his example today. The entire Collins family are outgoing, generous, and warm hearted to everyone. After his retirement from active duty he continued to serve, very actively, his church and his community, despite his health being compromised by exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. The myriad ways he and his family have and will touch others can not be calculated. In an age when celebrity and adulation seem cheaply manufactured, a true Man like Mike Collins can only serve as touchstone to what it is to be a real Hero. Mr Collins and his family are what is truly great about America, its backbone and soul. Thank You, Mr. Collins. Take your well earned rest.