As he does for all our Veterans, Retired Air Force Colonel Hal Smarkola shared a few words and a final salute with Army Vet Benny – and how sweet to see Benny holding Hal’s specially folded American flag to his heart.

Hal always posts these moments on his Facebook page. Here’s what he wrote about Benny:

“…One of the most beautiful meetings ever with an American fighting soldier beginning his transition…

“This is Benny, an Army Veteran, he had a wonderful family with him, at least six or seven members including his wife, along with Edwin and Patsy, the founders of ABODE…

“I got to pay my respects to the family and tell them how lucky they were to have this amazing American fighting soldier making it possible for them to sit here in freedom… Why? Because he answered his country’s call to DEFEND our freedoms… He stepped up, answered the call…

“Benny was awake, we communicated and he gave me an amazing salute… I told him that I didn’t even know him, but I loved him so much and his family was so proud of him and they were all here for him… He looked out over them and gave the biggest smile…today was very special…

“I presented him with our small flag, a US flag, the kind he wore on his uniform and fought for… something then happened that’s never happened before – he took the flag and put it on his heart and closed his eyes and said a few words…I held his hand… And yes, I was teary-eyed.

“God bless him and God bless this great country!”

Benny died in our Blue Room under the care of Trinity Hospice.