This morning started with a beautiful sunrise as I was preparing to go Honor a great man.
Billy Gene Hodge Vietnam Veteran US Army 9th Infantry Division. in Siloam Springs Arkansas.
I frist met Bill in late 1998 or early 1999, I was with a group that wwas trying to get a visit of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, "The Moving Wall" to Siloam. I was attendimg a chamber of commerce breakfast to spread the word and ask for help from various organizations around the area. Bill was there to promote the Sager Creek Arts Center. After all the speakers had done their thing and we had had breakfast, Bill approached me and Said " Hi my name is Bill Hodge and I want to help you." Bill and I became great friends. He was the person I came to lean on and go to for advice during the things leading up to and during the Wall visit.
While preparing for the Wall visit we had formed a Vietnam Vetrans of America chapter in Siloam.After the wall, the chapter slowly fell apart and ultimatly folded. But Bill was there until the end. After that I did not see Bill a lot. Mainly around town and of course at Walmart. lol. In 2008 we decided that I should have a party for my 60th Birthday, Bill and his Wonderful wife Susan. were among the guest. Had a great visit with them, and of course exchanged the we need to get together some time, but our lifestyles were totaly different and sometime never came.
Tuesday I got word that Bill had been killed in a motorcycle accident. I called Susan, and she had requested the Patriot Guard Riders to stand for Bill. Tuesday afternoon I with Our Ride Captian Terry, and Xray and Radio, ventured to Susans home to discuss details. There I met Bill's wonderful daughter Lori Lynn, her husband Ron, their daughters Alexis and Shelby, and Shelby's fiancee Tim. They were wonderful people, and I am proud to have met them.
Wed. evening I went to visitation, and it was hard, I was talking with Shelby, and we both were reluctant to go into the chapel. When Lori and her family started to vist the chapel, Shelby looked at me and said "Would you like to go with us?" It was hard to go near the coffin, but I wnt to be there for his familuy. I let God tell me what to do and say, and we all got throught it. I jus pray I was of help to them in their time of need.
Today we Stood the Mission for Bill, I was a pall-breaer, but we had a beautiful flag line , I stood and talked about Bill and how he had influnced my life. How he had attempted to keep me calm when things got rough. and How I loved Him and How I loved them for accepting me into their time of sorrow and need. It was a true honor to Tell the world I loved Bill he was my friend, He was my Brother!!!
I have cried many time over the last few days, and I am proud of that fact, I have Lost a great friend, a Brother and I am hurting. But God will guide me through this, He will guide Susan, Lori, Shelby, and Alexis also.
Please Lord watch over Bill's family and help them in this time of sorrow. Help me to take the thing I loved about Bill and the things he taught me and use this to be a better person. Help me to live life to the fullest, and Share it with others. Hep me to take care of my family the way Bill took care of his. Amen
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