Mauian aided
in Reagan burialJesse Ware says his experience
last week was "a real honor"
MAKAWAO, Maui >> A Maui man was part of the honor guard that participated in the burial ceremonies for former President Ronald Reagan in Simi Valley, Calif.
Coast Guard Seaman Jesse Ware, of Makawao, said it was "a real honor to be able to do this" for the former president.
Ware was part of the honor guard that stood next to the flag-draped casket while the former president lay in state at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Monday and Wednesday. He also was part of the military tribute at the library after Reagan's body was returned from Washington for burial late Friday afternoon.
Terri Haina said she was proud to see her 19-year-old son on television, standing stoically next to the casket. At one point, former First Lady Nancy Reagan stood next to him, Haina said.
Ware appeared to be in "probably the best shape of his life," his mother said.
Ware joined representatives from each of the military branches assigned to serve as honor guards for a range of formal functions, including funerals. He said the teams standing guard by the Reagan casket rotated every half hour, but he said at some ceremonies he has had to stand in place for three hours.
The duty requires a lot of practice time and uniform maintenance, said ware, who described the training as "pretty intense."
Haina said she talked to her son after his honor guard stints on Monday and Wednesday.
"He said it's the biggest assignment he'll probably ever do in his life, really an awesome feeling," she said. "He said he saw a lot of famous people."
Ware attended King Kekaulike High School and graduated from the Hawaii National Guard Teen Challenge Academy in Kapolei on Oahu. He joined the Coast Guard after graduation.
He has been stationed in Alexandria, Va., outside Washington, but was flown to California for duty at the Reagan library. Haina said her son has been part of honor guards at White House parties, and has had duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Ware said he plans to remain in the Coast Guard when his two-year assignment ends, performing better-known duties such as seach-and-rescue and law enforcement.