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The Final Salute Given To Veteran Who Died in 1991

Charles Braun Jr. gets belated honor guard sendoff

A volley of gunfire pierced the steamy afternoon Tuesday in McMechen.

Members of the Indy Metropolitan Military Honor Guard raised rifles to provide a final tribute to Navy veteran Charles "Chick" Thomas Braun Jr. who died in 1991. For reasons not clear today, Braun, who grew up in McMechen, never received an honor guard sendoff at the time of his death. After the service, he worked in the welding business until he became disabled.

His brother, Richard, also a Navy veteran who served during the Cuban missile crisis, stepped in this week to make things right for Charles and his family.

Richard is a member of the IMMHG, an all-volunteer group that performs military honor ceremonies with some financial assistance from funeral homes and donations. It was Richard who brought the Indy honor guard to McMechen.

Gathered Tuesday in front of Center McMechen Grade School and the city's war monument were Charles' widow Etta Bolon, his two daughters, Pam and Brenda, brother Richard and his wife, Susie, and extended family and friends.

After the rifles were fired, Vietnam veteran Steve Brinker, a retired U.S. Navy petty officer with the IMMHG, gave the eulogy, calling Charles a true patriot.

"When he raised his hand to take his oath, he promised to uphold, protect and defend the U.S. Constitution ... He made out a blank check to his country," Brinker said. "He was a brave young man who marked his undying love for his country."

American flags were then presented to his widow and brother. Also, the immediate family was presented challenge coins and three spent shell cartridges.

Bolon said it was "a good day" and thanked the honor guard for giving Charles the honor and respect he was due.

Daughter Pam said, "I didn't expect it to be so emotional. It was a great thing they did."

Adjutant IMMHG Ron Montague, a Vietnam veteran having served with the U.S. Air Force, said the three cartridges represent duty, honor and country.

Montague said because Richard is a founding member of the IMMHG, they made the journey from Indiana to perform the ceremony, in full military dress.

"He deserves it and we are honored to be here," he said.

Montague said the organization has about 25 members, all veterans.

"We have logged 9,600 miles a year and have done 400 funerals for veterans whose honor guards were not available," he said.

Richard, a bugler, played Taps during the ceremony. He said the IMMHG was founded nearly five years ago and it was an honor to be able to provide the final tribute to his brother. He only wishes that more veterans would become part of honor guards, VFWs and other veterans groups. He said the honor guard ensures that "no veteran is forgotten."

The children's choir from Center McMechen Elementary, under the direction of Marlena Sells, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and sang patriotic songs. Each student received a flag pin and a copy of the pledge.

Other members of the IMMHG who participated in the ceremony included Commander Walt Sherman, Vietnam veteran; training officer James Roberts, Beirut, Lebanon veteran; and information officer Jerry Sparks, Vietnam veteran.

For details about the IMMHG or to donate to its mission, visit www.immhg.org.