I did not know this young man, but the reason I am writing is because of my hometown support for his family. Heidtman was killed in Iraq May 28 when the helicopter he was co-piloting was shot down north of Bagdhad.

His funeral was at St. Patrick's Catherdal in Norwich, CT (hometown). The whole town took part, by closing streets for the processional. This is the part from my hometown paper the New London Day, that makes me proud.

Norwich — A rifle salute, a flyover by two Connecticut National Guard Blackhawk helicopters and a flag-bearing tribute by dozens of supporters marked a solemn gravesite ceremony for 1st Lt. Keith N. Heidtman, who was laid to rest this afternoon at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
More than 200 motorcycle riders from several veterans' groups and local motorcycle clubs paid tribute by forming two lines of flag bearers flanking the road as the hearse and limousines carrying family members arrived.

After a brief ceremony by Connecticut National Guard Chaplain Lt. Col. Kevin P. Cavanaugh, a National Guard rifle team fired a salute and trumpeter Chief Warrant Officer Mark Cummings played Taps at a distant point from the gravesite.

Two Connecticut National Guard Blackhawk helicopters flew over the cemetery and bagpiper Robert Scent of Gales Ferry played Amazing Grace to conclude the ceremony.
Family and close friends remained in the shady area that surrounded the grave a while longer, hugging one another and shedding tears.

The procession arrived at St. Joseph's Cemetery at about 12:45 this afternoon after a funeral mass this morning at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The Patriot Guard Riders were joined by members of the New London County Motorcycle Club, the Connecticut Rolling Flags, the American Legion Riders, the Star Veteran Riders and other clubs.
John Coffindaffer, the president of the Sikorsky Veterans Association, made the trip from Oxford.
“We're just here to offer our support for the lieutenant and his family,” said Coffindaffer, a retired Air Force helicopter pilot.

The Patriot Guard Riders are in attendance to counter the expected protests of the Westboro Baptist Church. Members of the church travel the nation and protest at military funerals for soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan claiming their deaths have been orchestrated by God as revenge for the country's tolerance of gays and lesbians.

But the church members have not made an appearance.


***** The Patriot Guard Riders are protecting the families against the Westboro Baptist Church an I thank them everyday for being out there. GO PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS..

My heart goes out to Lt. Keith Heidtman' s family and only wish your family the best in this terrible tragedy.