190601-A-RB538 (18 of 32)
Louis Levi Oakes, the last of the Mohawk Code Talkers of WWII, passed away last week, May 28th, in Snye, Quebec, of natural causes, he was 94 years old.
Today, the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade had the esteemed privilege to help provide a fitting military funeral for this famous Army veteran.
6th Squadron, 6th Calvary Regiment provided a team of nine Soldiers to act as pallbearers and to render the rifle volley that accompanies a traditional military funeral.
Present during the funeral was the commander of the 3rd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, Lt. Col. John P. Miller III.
"It was an absolute honor to be a part of the nation's final farewell to Mr. Oakes," said Miller. "His contribution to the success of our allied forces during World War II is immeasurable. He saved lives and secured a safer world for all of us. Our thanks seem small in comparison to his sacrifice, but we can never stop expressing our gratitude for his important work. Today, the 10th Mountain Division was privileged to honor Mr. Oakes with a fly-over executed by 3-10 General Support Aviation Battalion. As the funeral service concluded, three Black Hawks and two Chinooks climbed over the tree line on the edge of the cemetery. The image was awe-inspiring. In combat, helicopters bring Soldiers home, home from battle, home to where they belong. Today we helped bring Mr. Oakes home."
U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Keegan Costello.
190601-A-RB538 (18 of 32)
Louis Levi Oakes, the last of the Mohawk Code Talkers of WWII, passed away last week, May 28th, in Snye, Quebec, of natural causes, he was 94 years old.
Today, the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade had the esteemed privilege to help provide a fitting military funeral for this famous Army veteran.
6th Squadron, 6th Calvary Regiment provided a team of nine Soldiers to act as pallbearers and to render the rifle volley that accompanies a traditional military funeral.
Present during the funeral was the commander of the 3rd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, Lt. Col. John P. Miller III.
"It was an absolute honor to be a part of the nation's final farewell to Mr. Oakes," said Miller. "His contribution to the success of our allied forces during World War II is immeasurable. He saved lives and secured a safer world for all of us. Our thanks seem small in comparison to his sacrifice, but we can never stop expressing our gratitude for his important work. Today, the 10th Mountain Division was privileged to honor Mr. Oakes with a fly-over executed by 3-10 General Support Aviation Battalion. As the funeral service concluded, three Black Hawks and two Chinooks climbed over the tree line on the edge of the cemetery. The image was awe-inspiring. In combat, helicopters bring Soldiers home, home from battle, home to where they belong. Today we helped bring Mr. Oakes home."
U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Keegan Costello.