Burying a son, a nephew and a special friend

One hundred Patriot Guard once again stood vigilantly around the hearse in front of PRHS flying the Stars and Stripes yesterday afternoon. Inside about four hundred people filed past the casket of Air Force Staff Sgt. Troy A. Schultz to pay their respects. Then the cover was closed, the Stars and Stripes were draped over his bier and Troy was wheeled into the gymnasium. He was followed by the Schultz and Grossman families, led by Jimmy and Pearl, with Pearl holding on to Ashley, just arrived from Korea, the girlfriend they had never met. Finally, the last family member wheeled in and given a seat just in front of Troy in the center aisle was Uncle Alan. Ashley coming to Troy's funeral was a story in itself, but not one we knew much about. What we did know about was Uncle Alan. Alan has suffered from ALS since 1997. We had wondered if Alan would make it to his nephew's funeral. In his special wheelchair, hooked up to a ventilator, Alan looked like Superman.

All those who had given so much of their time searching for Troy were thanked.

Aunt Evie read from Ecclesiastes. Laura Hagen sang Ten Thousand Angels. It was simple. It was dignified.

Air Force Lt. Colonel Tamara Averett-Brauer presented Jimmy and Pearl with a medal and told about Troy's commitment to his job as an Air Force medic with the 51st Medical Operations Squadron at Osan Air Base in Korea. One of Troy's colleagues presented them with a flag which had flown on Thursday over Hill 180, site of one of the most famous battles of the Korean War.

Troy's favorite country western song was played, "The Keeper of the Stars" by Tracy Byrd.

"It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew
Now I just can't believe you're in my life
Heaven's smilin' down on me
As I look at you tonight

I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars
Soft moonlight on your face oh how you shine
It takes my breath away
Just to look into your eyes
I know I don't deserve a treasure like you
There really are no words
To show my gratitude

It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew
Now I just can't believe you're in my life
Heaven's smilin' down on me
As I look at you tonight"

By this time, if they hadn't been, many women were crying. Then Troy was wheeled out, Uncle Alan close behind. The only movement one could see from Uncle Alan were his eyelashes blinking, trying to wipe the tears from his eyes. He knows, better than any of us, how fragile life can be. Ashley is flying back to Korea tonight with indelible memories of the town and the families who made Troy what he was. We hope that helps her through her grief. Remember us Ashley. Remember Uncle Alan.

Fergus Falls Daily Journal report