Thomas Carnes US Marines

GOLDSBORO, NC 12 May 23

Thomas Carnes served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was known as the POW-MIA walker. He walked across the country to carry the message of “never forget” those who did not come home from war. He did this until he was physically unable to do so. He placed flags along his driveway in Afton, N.C. Every day he would walk out to those flags and stop in prayer and reflection. He honored all branches of the armed forces, prisoners of war, those missing in action and those who were killed in action.

Motorists traveling along US 401 near the Afton community would have been able to see the large display of flags at the entrance to his driveway.

Today 13 PGR members escorted USMC PFC. Thomas Carnes to his final duty station at Eastern Carolina Veterans Cemetery Long Plant Rd. Goldsboro from Boyd Funeral Home in Warrenton, N.C. 26 PGR members and the Marine Honor detail stood waiting in his honor. A Total of 39 Patriots were there as his family. He passed away alone but today he was surrounded by those that kept his promise “Never to Forget those who stood and defended this nation of ours.”

He now rests in a memorial garden with his brothers and sisters...Never to be Forgotten.

I want to thank the Warren County, Nash County, Wilson County and Wayne County Sheriff’s Departments for their safe escort from Warrenton NC to Goldsboro, NC. Special thanks to ASC Jimmy Dixon for leading escort and ADC Tina Firestone for assisting. Special Thanks to USAF Chief Charles Franklin for delivering the eulogy and prayers. Special Thanks to Williard Jackson for playing Taps.

I claimed him as my next of kin and they gave me his flag. I want to thank each and every one for being there and standing in honor of USMC PFC Thomas Carnes. Never Forgotten.