One original Hatfield

I met Roger about 2 years ago when I joined the Lion's Club in Cadiz Ky.  He was a disabled veteran with a heart breaking story.  He was also a charter member of our Lion's Club and famous for never missing a meeting and never being late.  Talking to him for a few minutes was something that I always looked forward to every two weeks.  Roger was one of the guys who jumped out of planes.  His first jump landed him so hard it just about killed him and he retired as a 100% disabled vet.  He never complained about anything.  The waitress always knew what he was going to order; the sliced beef with gravy and a side of mashed potatoes.  Roger went to almost every event and worked harder than the rest of us although he had to walk with a cane.  He loved everyone.  He would always lead our salute to the flag before the meeting.  He missed 2 meetings before we could find out why.  He continued coming to our meetings, accompanied by his sister but he didn't seem to be getting better; still he had a big smile and although he never thought about what he was saying, it just came out, he was still such a gentleman that talking to him for just a few minutes would lift your spirit.  Finally one sad day we got the news he had passed.  The memorial was being held in his church.  All our Lion Club members put on our gold vests and filled up the entire left side of that church.  Most of us were in tears, men and women, as the minister shared a few words about what he knew about Roger Hatfield.  The right side of the church overflowed into the entrance and the aisle.  He didn't get to go fight for our country but he did keep our flag flying high every day he lived and we will miss him.  He was only 80 when he passed.  God took one of his angels back that day.

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