Travels of Mark and Pat: Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12

It's a beautiful Sunday and as I write this, we have left Durango and on our way to Albuquerque We went to 9:00 Mass at Sacred Heart and then had breakfast at the Durango Coffee Company.

So much to say about yesterday……Ryan, #2 Matt, Tom (past commander) and Leigh Frosch, Mark and I rode together as we met the others in caravan (family, friends, military) and together (close to 100 vehicles plus police in cars and on motorcycles escorting us thru the streets of Durango - 4 miles).. It was extremely somber and sad as we drove past the thousands gathered to pay their respects to Jeff and the Kuss family.

The love, support and pride were overwhelming as they came wearing their patriotic clothing carrying tiny babies, holding their hands over their hearts, saluting, crying, waving many many American flags There were so many signs……and many blue hearts edged in yellow printed off on white paper OR the family of 5 standing on a corner and each of the 3 children held up their piece of cardboard with a blue heart edged in yellow that they had colored. Heartbreaking scenes everywhere……children wearing their Durango sports team jerseys, nursing home residents taken outside to watch, lots of dogs, shop/restaurant employees wearing their aprons, hospital scrubs, men in suits, and many many veterans) all leaving their business to pay their respects. Durango pulled out all the stops as there were blue and yellow ribbons flying everywhere and all flags at half-mast. We had a 1.5 hour wait lining up the caravan and they provided water, snacks, porta potties, and Bloody Mary's.

The procession ended at Greenmount Cemetery – beautiful final resting place for Jeff high on a hill. The services were private (family and military only.) There was a huge presence of military in their dress blues of Blue Angels, Marines and Navy. It was heartbreaking to see Christina with her darling Calvin and Sloane, Michael, Janet and Eric. Jeff’s remains were carried by Eric and handed over to the Marines.

#7 Tyler was emcee and outstanding –I was sobbing but really lost it when he said “It was such a thrill for me at each air show to introduce the pilots and so “Ladies and Gentlemen, one final time"…….”Flying #6, the Opposing Solo from Durango, Colorado….Captain Jeff Kuss”.

There were 3 eulogies (#4 Andy Talbott, a Lt/Col from Jeff’s squadron and Ex-O, Bob Flynn). Boss Ryan presented the medal of valor posthumously to Christina and then the unfurling of the flag by the Marines and the 21-gun salute followed by taps. The flag was then folded, and Boss Ryan presented it to Christina. And then one final roll call…..different than Pensacola….

#1 – Commander Bernacchi – PRESENT

#2 – Lt. Suyderhoud – PRESENT

#3 - Lt. Benson – PRESENT

#4 – Lt. Talbott – PRESENT

#5 – Lt. Chamberlain – PRESENT

#6 – Captain Kuss

#6 – Captain Jeff Kuss

#6 – Captain Jeffery Michael Kuss

The service ended with a flyover (missing man formation) by Jeff’s Marine Squadron (The Checkerboards from Beaufort, SC).

We came back to the hotel, changed clothes and Mark and I went downtown – love it….Durango is nestled in a valley with surrounding mountains and a very neat downtown full of charm and neat shops, cafes, restaurants, etc.

Summer is all about hiking and white water rafting. Winter time is very busy with ski season. We had lunch at Olde Thymers Café and sat on patio – lots of trees and umbrella tables which was good as the heavens opened up. Nice little shower and then an absolutely beautiful evening.

At 5, some of Jeff’s family, military and families gathered at Steamworks Brewing Company downtown and enjoyed great food, drinks, visiting and celebrating Jeff. The Blues and Marines wore navy t-shirts with “Kooch” in gold on back (Jeff’s call sign) and large #6 on front in gold. One sleeve had the Top Gun emblem and the other, Jeff’s squadron - #312 from Beaufort.

It was a festive end to a somber day and just what the team needed. Mark and I are so thankful we were able to be in Pensacola and Durango these past few days. Big thanks to Anne for mailing our funeral clothes. We were so impressed with Durango and their tremendous support and patriotism and the incredible presence of our military. The Kuss and Stransky (Janet) families go back 3 generations in Durango..

Durango is scheduled to host an air show in September, 2017…..what a great reunion for the Blues and families to come together and reunite with the Kuss family……bittersweet time as Jeff would’ve been #5.

Many prayers for the victims and their families in yet another senseless tragedy in Orlando early this morning.

God Bless them and God Bless America!

We arrived in Albuquerque around 3 and although it is 90 degrees, feels very pleasant – 18% humidity!!! WOW….loved the cool mornings and evenings and fresh air in Durango!

Tomorrow we fly to Denver to Atlanta and then driving to Lake James.