High school seniors carry the casket of Air Force veteran with no family

Every veteran deserves a dignified farewell, yet some pass away without family or friends to honor them. When 94-year-old retired US Air Force veteran Ralph Lambert died in Louisiana, he faced this sad fate. Lambert served his country for over two decades, but with no one to attend his funeral, the situation seemed bleak.

However, high school baseball coach Jordan Marks intervened. He enlisted six seniors from Menard High School’s baseball team to carry Lambert’s casket, ensuring he received the respect he deserved. For Marks, it was more than honoring a vet; it was about teaching his students life lessons beyond the game.

On the day of the funeral, the seniors—Ashton Veade, Cameron Kinder, Jacob Giordano, Jackson Ford, Ashton Brodnax, and Hunter Foster—carried Lambert’s flag-draped casket. Though they didn’t know him, they felt honored to pay their respects.

Reflecting on the experience, the students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor Lambert. Cameron Kinder acknowledged the privilege of having family and friends, recognizing that not everyone does.

Sadly, stories like Lambert’s are not uncommon. Some veterans die alone, denied the military honors they deserve. Organizations like the Missing in American Project strive to ensure unclaimed vets receive proper funerals.

Thanks to the kindness of these six seniors, Lambert didn’t face his final journey alone. Their gesture serves as a reminder that no veteran should be forgotten, and their sacrifices should always be honored.