Many Offer Support for This Owner and Funeral Horse
Lorraine Melgosa of Manzanola owns Wellington Carriage Company. She and her horses have provided horse-drawn hearse services for more than 700 funerals during that last 17 years.
Lorraine hasn’t done this alone, however. She gives full credit to her brother for the original idea. She says she would never have started this on her own. It was his vision that she just carried forward.
It’s been a complete family affair involving most of her sisters and brothers. Even the framed poem that is handed to each family she provides services for was written by one of her sisters.
Her children sacrificed over the years as well. When they were small, she often left them with her mother while she went to a funeral. She missed a few ball games and birthday parties over the years.
Financially, it was difficult. Money was spent feeding and shoeing the horses and putting fuel in the truck. Friends from her community also pitched in to make this all possible.
A dear friend, Pat Gomez, loaned her the money to buy her first truck after she took the business over from her brother. Pat believes in what she is doing and he and his wife remain one of her greatest supporters.
The Patriot Guard Rider’s also assist. They show up early to help Lorraine prepare and they help her load the hearse after the service. Another important supporter is John Harris. John is a P.G.R. member and father of a fallen soldier whose funeral was attended by Lorraine and Lady. John helps Lorraine by speaking to the family and presenting the framed poem on behalf of Lorraine.
Lorraine looks forward to the day the wars will end and she can retire. Until then, she and Duke will continue to provide their services at military funerals.
Lorraine and Duke recently participated in “A Soldier’s Hike For Heroes,” a 7,000 mile hike across America by Iraq War Veteran Troy Yocum and his dog, Emmie. Lorraine and Duke walked with Troy and Emmie for several days as the hike passed through Pueblo. Along the walk, the community brought buckets of pennies to donate to “Soldier’s Angels,” a charity that provides comfort and aid to members of the military.
Duke has his own Facebook page and has many followers, keeping everyone up to date on his activities and his military friends. Lorraine has a blog on the Internet, “Be An American Worth Dying For.” Her blog encourages us all to do extraordinary things in our ordinary lives to make our servicemen/women proud.
Lorraine and Duke were also featured in this year’s Army video, “Faces of Strength.” Lorraine demonstrates her passion and strength in all she does.
Lorraine (and DUKE) can be contacted in the following ways:
email: wellingtoncoach@yahoo.com
phone: 719-469-9876
www.facebook.com Search for Duke the Funeral Horse
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