WWII Veteran Found Inside of A Suitcase Honored in The Midlands

ABC Team

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- Last month,  an 89 year old world war two veteran’s body was found stuffed in a suitcase on a farm in Arkansas.  Tuesday afternoon, he received a proper farewell in South Carolina.

Patriot Guard Riders traveled from Little Rock, Arkansas to escort the remains of Robert Daniel Brooks to Fort Jackson National Cemetery to honor him  in front of his family.  His son, a U.S. Marine veteran, said the ceremony was moving.

“It’s really touched me that they would do such a thing. Ride so far all at their own expense, it just means a lot to me and I can’t even thank them enough,” said Jay Brooks.

One rider who rode all the way from Arkansas says he made the trip because he would do anything for a fellow veteran.

“We’re not blood kin but we’re military kin. Whether he was in the Air Force, Army, Military, Navy, you name it. he’s still kin,” said Mike Aeilts.

South Carolina Patriot Riders say they hope the ceremony restores peace for the Brooks family.
“Our hope is that we provide some closure to the family and we show the family that through his service in the United States Army Air Forces in the 1940s, that the American people represented by the Patriot Guard Riders honor him for his service,” said S.C. Guard Captain L.Z. Harrison Jr.
Investigators said Brooks died of natural causes in February but two caregivers allegedly drove his body from New York State to Arkansas in attempt to use his social security. The suspects and two accomplices are under arrest for abuse of a corpse.
Brooks’ burial is not final yet but his son is hoping to have him interred in Irmo where his grandson is buried.
Categories: Local News, News, Richland

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