Joseph Kane laid to rest

BELFAIR - The Iraq war came home to a small town Thursday, as Belfair said goodbye to Staff Sergeant Joey Kane.

He got married in Belfair. His children go to church there.

Thursday the congregation gathered together in grief:

Ninety-six American servicemen have died this month in Iraq. Sergeant Joey Kane died October 14 just outside Baghdad. He was on his second tour of duty, two weeks away from completing that service.

He was 35, married, the father of three.

In Belfair, those who knew him, and those who didn't, showed up to say: "Thanks and goodbye."

Among them were the Patriot Guard Riders, bikers who formed to show support for the troops. At one time they lined up along roads to keep protestors away. Now they line up to show support and respect for those who have died.

The leader, Cowboy, says he's lost count of the funerals he's attended. He explained why he shows up at funerals in Washington and in Oregon: "'Cause I'm an American and I believe in freedom and these guys are defending our right to do this."

These bikers and their friends know Staff Sgt. Kane had three kids. One of those friends brought three bears.

Joey Kane's flag-draped coffin was before the altar. His wife Michelle placed a single rose on the coffin. His father adds a second.

Then, a community paid tribute. His family remembered Joey as a big kid who grew up with the heart of a child.

His brother in law, Mike Vogel, joked that his wife really at times had to deal with four kids. "That's why we all loved him," Vogel added.

Michelle wrote a letter to her husband referring to him as "My Soldier." It was read by Captain Scott McGrath. One poignant sentence says:

"To love My Soldier, meant to plan for his final departure every day, no matter how hard it was."

Thursday his family got an American flag. That reality became their truth.

In additioin to his wife, he is survived by three children: 6-year-old Mikayla, 5-year-old Daniel, and 18-month-old Brendan.

From KOMO

Related Link:
Joseph M. Kane killed by I.E.D.