Fallen Soldier Arrives Home

The remains of Sgt. Noah M. Korte, 29, came home to Lake Elsinore today.

The sergeant was He was assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade out of Fort Hood, according to a Department of Defense statement.

His remains were flown to Ontario Airport by Angel Flight this morning and transported by hearse to Options Funeral & Cremation Service in Lake Elsinore with a motorcade escort of 115 Patriot Guard Riders, California Highway Patrol, Cal Fire crews, officers from the Ontario and Lake Elsinore police departments, and Lake Elsinore city officials.

Several dozen people waving American flags turned out near the intersection of Collier and Central avenues to pay last respects to Sgt. Korte as his motorcade made its way through the city at approximately 1 p.m. today.

Lake Elsinore resident Wendy Lesovski was one of those who came out Monday. She held back tears as she explained why it was a “no brainer” to take off work to pay her respects.

“Those little babies who are without a dad …,” Lesovski said, wiping tears.

Sgt. Korte left behind a wife and two small children.

“My huge condolences to the family,” she continued.

Wildomar Community Services Director Paula Willette also came out Monday. She too broke down when she talked about why she made the trek to Lake Elsinore.

“I knew Noah,” she said, explaining that her children went to school with him. “He’s a hero in my eyes. It’s hard to even think about his sacrifice.”

For Willette, a mother of eight, the sergeant’s death was personal. She has a 21-year-old son who is currently serving.

“I am an Army mom,” she explained.

Her son is currently stateside and she counts herself lucky.

“As a mother, I am blessed.”

Several city leaders and officials were on hand Monday, including Lake Elsinore Mayor Brian Tisdale, who served 22 years with the Marine Corps.

Tisdale said he has seen many of these tributes over his career, and they are never easy.

“We appreciate the family’s sacrifice,” he said solemnly.

Tisdale said Lake Elsinore is available to serve the family in its time of need.

“The city is here for the family,” he said.

Lake Elsinore City Councilwoman Melissa Melendez is a Navy veteran. She was on hand at Ontario Airport this morning and drove with the motorcade to Lake Elsinore.  She worked with Willette to coordinate getting out the message to the community about the sergeant’s arrival home.

In an email early Monday morning she said, “Thank you in advance for your patriotism and support for Sgt Korte's family as he comes home.”

Jeff Greene, chief of staff for Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore), came out to pay his respects and said the impact of today, noting that the Assemblyman adjourned today’s session in memory of the sergeant.

Most of this morning’s Patriot Guard Riders were members of the American Legion Riders, Chapter 200. All volunteer their time and gas for the motorcades they participate in.

Ray Gould is retired from the Marine Corps. He saw combat during his military career and explained that as an American Legion Rider and Patriot Guard Rider, he participants in three to four Southern California processions a week. Not all are KIAs -- killed in action -- but all are veterans who have passed on.

Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders George Campos led the motorcade Monday. As a veteran, he said Monday’s procession was particularly important to the riders.

“It’s a big deal for us when they come back from combat this way,” he said.

Sgt. Korte’s funeral is scheduled Wednesday. He will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery.