By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – It’s back to work this week at Arlington National Cemetery for a Central Illinois native who’s now a part of history.

U.S. Army Captain Chris Blanchard was the officer in charge of eight pallbearers who carried former President George H. W. Bush’s casket at the National Cathedral in Washington.

Blanchard, 31, attended DeLand-Weldon High School, and graduated from Monticello High School in 2005. The Alexandria, Virginia resident is company commander for the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the ‘Old Guard.’

Blanchard stood at the head of the late President’s casket, and performed the same duty earlier this year for U.S. Sen. John McCain.

The ‘Old Guard’ handles military funerals at Arlington. He said the goal is to make carrying a casket look easy.

“We’re always practicing our carries, and trying to look as professional as possible to represent our service to the nation and to the world,” said Blanchard.

Providing closure to the former president’s family was unforgettable, according to Blanchard.

“You’re standing in a cathedral full of 3,200 people, and you have the five living presidents sitting there with their vice presidents and foreign heads-of-state. You’re always going to remember that,” Blanchard said.

“Will I remember every intricate detail? Probably not, but I will never forget the walk into the National Cathedral.”

Blanchard has a sister, Jessica Johann, who lives in Normal. His grandparents, Don and Jean Reynolds, reside in Clinton.

Blanchard said he wants his twin two-year olds, Charles and Lucy, to be proud of his time in the Army and for what he said was his “small part” in helping bring closure to the Bush family.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]