Fallen Hero Cart arrives at Spokane airport

SPOKANE - In collaboration with Spokane International Airport, Alaska Airlines employees held a ceremony on September 16 to place a new Fallen Hero Cart at the airport.

This marks the second cart delivered this year and the 15th cart created by Alaska Airlines maintenance employees to honor fallen military personnel.

The cart is designed to transport the remains of the deceased with respect and honor to and from the aircraft.

"We are honored to bring this cart to Spokane," said Brian Bowden in a press release, founder of the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program. "This program is designed to make sure every active, retired, or veteran military member and their families are honored for their service and sacrifice in a respectful and dignified manner on their final journey. Our goal is to have a cart at every airport where we operate."

This cart, unique to Spokane, features an interior plaque showcasing the Spokane skyline and the Washington State flag according to the press release.

It is decorated with patriotic colors and symbols representing various military branches.

"The Spokane-Coeur d'Alene Region is home to Fairchild Air Force Base, as well as a number of reserve and national guard facilities that are key to our national defense," said Larry Krauter, chief executive officer of Spokane International Airport. "Our community honors veterans like no other, and we sincerely value, respect, and appreciate the commitment of our service members and their families who sacrifice so much so that we can live in safety and freedom."

"I am most grateful to receive the Fallen Hero Cart on behalf of the entire airport community. It is a special resource to further honor those veterans when they return home to their final resting place," he added.