Secret Service agents honored to stand watch at services for Barbara Bush

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Inside the sanctuary at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, thousands came to pay their respects to former first lady Barbara Bush.

At most, they spent several minutes honoring the former first lady.

But there was one select group of people, aside from the Bush family, who came and stayed.

Standing on either side of Barbara Bush's casket were members of the United States Secret Service. They are part of her personal detail, a satellite of the former president's team.

They are honored to stand watch.

"Agents on her detail, they're the ones posted around her house all of the time," said Thom Bolsch, a former Secret Service agent. "They're the ones who bring her shopping. They're the ones who bring her to events. They are family to her."

Bolsch was part of the Bush team.

"She was one of the most gracious people we've ever protected. She went out of her way to make us feel like part of the Bush family," he said. "It was just a wonderful relationship we had."

It is, in part, that sentiment that had thousands visit St Martin's on Friday, including HUD Secretary Ben Carson, Senator John Cornyn, and Governor Greg Abbott. Three former presidents will attend her funeral on Saturday.

But in the hearse with Mrs. Bush, along the path from Houston to College Station and her final burial place, will be two Secret Service agents who were part of her team.

Never leaving her side until the last possible moment.