It began with a single phone call on a quiet Tuesday afternoon. A funeral director’s voice trembled as she spoke: a 71-year-old Vietnam veteran named Richard “Doc” Patterson was about to be cremated by the state — alone.
No family. No friends. No flag ceremony. His own children refused to attend.
Doc had served thirty-two years as a combat medic, saving lives under fire — but now, he was set to leave this world forgotten. The director made dozens of calls for help until she reached us — the Iron Brotherhood Motorcycle Club.
When she said, “He has no one,” I didn’t think twice.
“He’s a veteran,” I told her. “He’s one of ours. We’ll be there.”
That night, I sent a message to every biker group I knew:
“Vietnam vet. Abandoned by family. Funeral this Friday. Let’s make sure he’s not forgotten.”
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