Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Rides, Rallies, & Events Patriot Guard Riders

Attending a mission in your area? Tell us about it... Also submit it to the Events Section and I'll be sure to get it posted.


Patriot Guard Riders mission

Riding my first mission tomorrow.
it is already known there will be protesters
at this young man's funeral.

since the bill banning protesters at funerals was signed, by governor Jodi Rell, two days ago; members of the Westboro Baptist Church did not have a presence at this funeral.

there were, however; 140 Patriot Guard Riders on motorcycles and a good number of PGR in cars/trucks/vans.

it was an incredible experience. i have not gotten all of my thoughts and all of the images sorted out yet.
certainly not enough to write about it, the way i would like to. i will say, i have never been as moved, by the sight of the US flag, as i was today.

we honored the life and service of 1st Lt. Keith Heidtman.

Lt. Heidtman, may you rest in peace

The directions to the PGR staging area were easy enough - exit here, turn there. What I wasn't prepared for was the number assembled around the next corner, on that warm muggy Friday morning in June. I could only offer under my breath that well worn chunk of cliche - "Wow."

Well over 120 riders and assorted support vehicles were there in the staging area, all with one primary purpose - to let the family and friends of Lt. Heidtman know they were not alone in mourning the loss of their son, and that people from hundreds of miles away felt it worth their time to spend the day in appreciation of the sacrifice a young American was ready, willing, and able to offer in service to his country. Just when I'm ready to dismiss a large segment of a generation as Nintendo hobbled cable TV addicts, a Lt. Heidtman comes along and erases those cynical visions.

The day was not about politics, ego, or cable TV. It was about Duty, Honor, and Country - and an appreciation to those who live and die by that creed. The PGR group and many others had the sheer numbers to offer a shoulder to shoulder flag line that stretched for 200 feet or more on both sides of the street, and also at the street's end. Some in attendance had homemade signs reading slogans such as "Thank you Lt. Heidtman, You are a hero." The variety in demographic there to honor the Lt. & family was extensive. When the family and friends of Lt. Heidtman arrived in procession at the church, their first sight was hundreds of people holding the signs and large American flags, as if to let them know, "Land here, and you'll land in our arms -- We are here to surround and protect you with our support, and to help you carry him home." I was standing on the side walk where the Lt.'s Mother & Father's funeral car parked. It occurred to me as they stepped from the car that they were both my age, and their son was the age of my own daughters, spared perhaps only by the lack of a draft. No sense trying to hold back the tears now. Can't be done.

The next move was to assemble at the cemetery prior to the funeral procession's arrival to offer the same: a presence of people and flags in Honor of the Lt. and family. As the family and mourners arrived, again they were surrounded on either side of the pavement with a line of flags at least 200 feet long on both sides of the driveway. A number of mourners took the time to say to those with flags in hand "Thank you" or "You don't know how much this means to us" as they passed. Even the most fit among us appeared a might warm in the 92 degrees in the shade heat, a minor discomfort paled deeply in comparison to the pain etched on the faces of those who knew him well. As the family assembled at the grave, the PGR slowly and quietly formed a large circle around the group of mourners, again with flags raised high.

The service was not insulted by those who would seek through either their gross ignorance or for their lack of sense, the ill-gotten opportunity to express their protest of war at the expense of those in mourning. To protest a war is a gesture I can respect, and is often offered at first in line by those who have known the grim horror of war from a front row position, yet to slap the face of a family in mourning by offering that protest at a funeral or memorial service is a gesture I cannot accept, and will peaceably offer my wide self with US flag in hand to supplant the presence of those who would so dishonor a Soldier and Family.



If you have the chance to participate in service to the PGR or similar group, by all means, take the time to do so. The effort and gesture seems to be deeply appreciated by those in need at perhaps the worst time of their lives - the loss of a loved one.

This was my first PGR mission. God willing, it will not be my last.

Martin,

What a thoughtful and sullen post, the eloquence of your words shows the sorrow you felt and your compassion for the family and a fallen hero.

Thank you, and all that attended for their service and giving of your time.

I never heard of the PGR until I saw the emblems on Rob’s and Lee’s bikes and they explained what it was all about.

After I read Chy’s post I went to the web site last night and joined, I hope my attendance will never be required, but stand ready to offer whatever assistance I can to the families and friends of those who make the ultimate sacrifice.

Your Friend,

John

Why? Support the PGR, respect is all they ask for.

How does one get involved with the Patriot Riding? I hope people don't think I naive, just have never participated in any event like that.
Ron

follow the link at the top of the page and just sign up. Thats all there is to it. Once you are registered the PGr will send you heads up emails on missions and locations and staging times in your state.

go to www.patriotguard.org sign up...find your local forum and go! that easy

Thanks for the info. I live on the border of NY and CT, so hopefully I'll have more opportunities.

Ron

It is unlikely you will EVER do a more Moving OR Meaningful thing on your motorcycle... EVER!!

I saw a great bumper sticker. "Debate the war, support the troops" Pretty much sums it up. Notice the word "debate" in there. Doesn't say oppose... it says debate. I wish more people could be that level headed to understand A: what a debate is VS opposition, and B: to know the appropriate time for either.

Pfc Andre Craig, Jr. Age 24. Mission Confirmed
please continue to check the PGR website, linked above, under the CT forum thread for more info and updates.

thank you.

doing a recon ride, this afternoon, to find a staging area for Friday's mission in New Haven.
please check back tonight for updated information.

Pfc Andre Craig, Jr. will be honored on Friday
at Immanuel Baptist Church in New Haven. He is to be interred
at The State Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown, Ct. not Arlington as originally reported.

For those of you who wonder if it matters to the families, I just received a letter forwarded by Bob Stone (Cpt. CT PGR) from the parents of Lt. Heidtman expressing their thanks and mentioning not only what it meant to them, but to friends of Lt. Heidtman who were there prior to returning to Iraq. It does make a difference, even if all you can do is support them in mind and spirit.

From the CT PGR State Captain:

Final Staging:

Friday July 6th

Parking lot at the “Information Booth” at Long Wharf in New Haven, same one we used for 1Lt. Heidtman’s mission in the New Haven area.

KSU is 930am



Northbound I-95:

Exit 46 turn left at the bottom of the exit and we will be a few hundred yards up on the right.

Southbound I-95:

Exit 46 turn right at the bottom of the exit, take a right at the first light (crossing under I-95) another immediate right onto Long Wharf and we will be a few hundred yards down on the left

We are just to the south of… “The long wharf” on the sound…go figure…


Mission Information:

* 0915hrs New Haven Police Department will have an escort at our final stage, 2-4 MC police will take us to the church.
* 0920hrs mission brief, a reading and moment of silence for Spec. Andre Craig (he was promoted posthumously)
* 0930hrs KSU
* 0945-1000hrs form the flag line at the church.
* 1000hrs the family arrives, (our soldier arrives at 0830hrs; the family and I agreed not to stage the PGR that long).
* 1100-1130 State Police escort arrives, we have requested 1 vehicle and MC escorts to take the first wave to Middletown.



Notes:

* I rode to New Haven today and met with PGR Shari at the staging point, rode the route to the church and then met with the NHPD to arrange escort.
* The bulk of the PGR will leave the church for Middletown around 1130.
* State Police escort route will likely be I-91 to Rt9 to exit 12 in Middletown for those interested.
* Weather from Intellicast reports Friday, a few thunderstorms possible; highs in the low 80s.

This is now a confirmed mission.
PO1 Jason Dale Lewis,30, Brookfield CT
Saturday July 14

1000-1100 Private Family Funeral Service

1100- Open Funeral Service ICO: SO1 Jason D. Lewis
First Assembly of God Church
133 Junction Road
Brookfield, CT 06604

Burial w/ Honors to follow at:

Center Cemetery (Formerly New Milford Cemetery)
6 Popular Street
New Milford, CT 06776

The family only has one request and that is "no contact".

Final Staging:



Saturday July 14th 1000hrs

First Assembly of God Church

133 Junction Road
Brookfield, CT 06804



The initial address listed the zip code as “06604” so if
you “cut & pasted” for directions it probably did not work. The correct zip code is 06804.


Directions:

Eastbound I-84:

Follow I-84 east to Exit 7 (Route 7 north) stay on Rt. 7 to the end.
Left at the light onto Rt. 202, take the second left (about 1 mile down the road) onto Junction Rd.
Take an immediate right into the parking lot of the church. Stay to the left in the parking lot…you won’t miss the PGR banners that will be up…or the bikes!

Westbound I-84:

Follow I-84 west to Exit 7 (Route 7 north) stay on Rt. 7 to the end.
Left at the light onto Rt. 202, take the second left (about 1 mile down the road) onto Junction Rd.
Take an immediate right into the parking lot of the church. Stay to the left in the parking lot…you won’t miss the PGR banners that will be up…or the bikes!


Mission Information:

* 1010hrs mission brief, a reading and moment of silence for PO1 Jason Dale Lewis, 30, Brookfield, CT.
* 1020hrs KSU (we are not going anywhere except across the parking lot but consider that KSU)
* 1030hrs form the flag line
* 1130hrs depart for cemetery


Notes(these are from the CT PGR State Captain)

* I just came back from the church and cemetery, the church parking lot is huge and we will stage there
* The cemetery is a straight shot up Rt. 7 to Rt. 202 but very commercial and many intersections.
* Rt. 133 to Rt. 67 to Rt. 202 is the route I will suggest to LEO, it is a VERY nice ride
* I will work with NMPD and Brookfield PD tomorrow to coordinate our route as well as notify Roxbury PD as we will be going right through that sleepy but beautiful little town.
* The cemetery is about 15-20 miles up the road…took me 25 minutes to make the trip at 6pm so traffic should be lighter for us in the morning and that’s why we involve LEO…safety and expedience!
* Please bring your flags!!
* Weather: sunny in the morning with isolated thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 81F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%.

-A few people have emailed me about “The family only has one request and that is "no contact". They are overcome with grief and simply cannot handle it now…we will respect that.

please be certain to check the CT forum at the PGR website for further updates PGR Connecticut Forum

staging info posted in my initial post regarding this mission.
please refer to it for directions and times.

The National Guard has requested the Patriot Guard join them in welcoming home 500 soldiers returning from Afghanistan and I have committed us to being there, I hope you can make it!!

We will stage right at the Armory for 1030hrs. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to participate in a real “feel good” mission.



When - Sunday, August 5, 2007

Time - 11:00 a.m.

Location - Hartford Armory, Hartford, CT



Background - 500 Soldiers from the 102nd Infantry Battalion of New Haven returned from Afghanistan.



We would like the Patriot Guard to be part of the event by providing an honor cordon for the entrance of the Official Party and also have the Patriot Guard near the dais for the entire ceremony. The Patriot Guard will also be recognized in the script.



The Official Party will consist of the Governor, Lt. Governor, Sec. of State, Comptroller, Atty. Gen., MG Martin and other military dignitaries.



I will keep you post on upcoming events as well.



Hartford Armory




From 91 South
- Take Capitol Area Exit 29
- Follow expressway to the rotary.
- Travel around the rotary, take second right on Elm Street
- Go to the end there is a light (Park will be on your right)
- Left at the light onto Trinity Street, stay in the right lane
- Veer right onto Capitol Avenue
- The Armory is one block west on the right.

From 91 North
- Take Capitol Area Left exit 29A
- same directions as 91 South.

From 84 East
- Take the Capitol Avenue Exit 48B.
- Take a right onto Capitol Avenue.
- The Armory is one block west on the right.

From 84 West
- Take Asylum Street Exit 48
- Right at the light at the end of the ramp (Asylum Street
- Veer left at the "Y" in the road
- Take left at the Light (Broad Street)
- The Armory is two blocks south on the left.

From Route 9 North
- Follow Route 9 North to I 84 East

From Route 2 West
- Follow Route 2 West to I 84 West

I just joined.

My first knowledge of the PG was from an article in the White County News, our local newspaper, when they rode for a fallen hero here in Cleveland, Ga.

Being an Air Force Vet I felt compelled to get more info. Thanks for the link Chy, Paw.

riding in honour of these men and women
is one of the most gratifying and humbling
experiences i have ever known.

We have seen fewer casualties in Az in recent months ...Thanks be to God for that.

We have been riding way to often in NC.

Jason Lantieri

Killingworth (WTNH) _ A 25-year old soldier from Killingworth is the latest Connecticut casualty of the Iraq War.

Jason Lantieri was killed early this morning in Baghdad, Iraq. The Department of Defense has not yet released the details of his deaths, but News Channel 8 has learned that he was on active duty and in the Army Airborne Division.

Lantieri graduated from Haddam-Killingworth High School in 2000. Killingworth Today reports he graduated from Western New England College in 2004.

First Selectman Martin Klein says the news of Lantieri's death will be difficult for the small community to accept.

"For a small town like Killingworth it's a very traumatic thing for us to lose someone," said Klein.

Lantieri is the 39th person with ties to Connecticut to die in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jason…the Patriot Guard stands ready to honor this hero.

i will keep you informed.

PGR of Arizona attended a memorial service here in Tucson for a 29 year old Marine who died after a hard struggle with Leukemia in the last year and a half. He was a two tour Iraq veteran who worked hard and actually asked to be deployed for the second time.


Staff Sgt Joshua Holden 29, Marine/ANG Tucson, Arizona 12, Oct 2007 Short Notice

Staff Sgt. Joshua Holden died two days ago in Tucson. He served until his death in the Arizona National Guard and was deployed with the security forces of the 1-180th Field Artillery unit, based in Mesa. He returned to the US after being diagnosed with leukemia. This was his second deployment, his first with the Marines. Holden returned to Tucson with his unit in June 2003 and began taking classes at Pima Community College. He later got into ballroom dancing and became good enough to be an instructor. He joined the Arizona National Guard in 2004 hoping to return again to Iraq.

In reading the newspaper article on this incredible American I was struck by his exuberance for life, and all the challenges that came with it. His family says he never quit fighting.

It was our priviledge to attend his services and honor this extraordianary young man.

PGR members please encourage anyone you know, who is able, to attend the mission for Sgt. Lantieri.

***Confirmed Mission*** SGT Jason Lantieri, 25, Killingworth, CT



Thursday October 18th

FINAL STAGING INFORMATION



1300hrs (1:00pm) Stage in the commuter parking lot located off of exit 9 on Route 9.



1315hrs (1:15pm) Mission briefing

1330hrs (1:30pm) Depart for service located at

95 Little City Rd. Higganum, CT 06441

google map



1345hrs (1:45pm) Stage flag line

At @ 1500hrs (3:00pm) Depart for cemetery in advance of the funeral procession


I91 FROM THE NORTH

Take I91 south to Route 9 south to exit 9 at the bottom of the ramp take a right and go about ¼ mile down the road to parking lot on the right



I91 FROM THE SOUTH

Take I91 north to Route 9 south to exit 9 at the bottom of the ramp take a right and go about ¼ mile down the road to parking lot on the right

I95 FROM NORTH OR SOUTH

Take exit 69 onto Route 9 north to exit 9 at the bottom of the ramp take a left and go about ¼ mile down the road to parking lot on the right



I84 FROM EAST OR WEST

Take exit 27 onto I691 follow to end it turns into Route 66, follow to Route 9 south to exit 9 at the bottom of the ramp take a right and go about ¼ mile down the road to parking lot on the right

Weather forecast

Partly cloudy with a possible stray thunderstorm. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the low 60s.

I'll be there. I may have also enlisted a few "non Triumph" riders to join also.

Any willing to roll in the rain are welcome to join me for a PGR run to Belchertown, MA tomorrow.

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/668553/view/topic/Default.aspx

The Patriot Guard will be joining a number of other groups and organizations to bring the Moving Wall into Cheshire.

The information below is from Joe Kowalski…



Tuesday 30 October 2007



As a personnel favor to me, Kowalski, I am asking as many people as possible to escort "The Wall" to my home town of Cheshire. We need 612 bikes for the 612 names on "The Wall" from Connecticut. This is on behalf of Mr. Ralph Zingarella, my old social studies teacher at Cheshire High.


Meet at 10 am at the Grand Hotel 3580 E. Main Street, Waterbury (next to COSCO). You can take Exit 25 off of Route 84 East or West. The ride leaves at 11 am sharp! There will be a full day of activities. For more information, call (860) 966-6778 or email me at [Email]JoeK@Trantololaw.com.[/Email]



``````````````````````````````````````````````````

The Patriot Guard will be staging 930am at the Barnes & Noble off of I84 in Waterbury tomorrow, departing at 945am for the short trip to the final stage. Hope to see you there!!



Barnes & Noble http://tinyurl.com/3c5ku3

235 Union St

Waterbury, CT 06706

(203) 759-7125

Some of America's best are leaving Tucson very early in the morning Sunday 6 January. If those Marines can go to the sandbox to keep me safe I CAN and will get up at odark thirty on a Sunday Morning to give them a proper sendoff.

This communique is from the Az State Captain Patriot Guard Riders...
Marines Send Off Tucson Arizona Jan 6, 2008



We've got Marines heading out on Sunday and we need to let them know Arizona

is never the same when OUR Ladies and Gents are gone! They'll be back in

about a year and we wanna let them know we will be waiting...til they all

come home!

This must be an especially mean group cuz they are risen and shining

together at 0300, that's 3AM for us who like to sleep!



STAGING:0300

DAV

3455 S Wilmot(There's an all night gas station and quick mart just south of

the DAV parking lot of ya need it)

Tucson





These guys will be leaving in three different waves so we can plan on

spending the morning with the Marines! What a wonderful way to spend the

day!

Of course, EVERY deployment gets the same threats and intimidation...bring

MY flag back just like we sent it, just like I expect every one of MY

Marines to come back..intact, no holes and no stains!! I already told em how

messy it is when I have to track down a Marine and kick his ...well you get

the idea! I hear Marines hate being beat up by lil ole redheaded ladies.

But, I gotta do what I gotta do!



Let's get out there and show these guys they are OUR GUYS and we thank God

every day for them and all that they give for us! Let's show Arizona and

American loves them and will wait for them!!!



Please monitor the forum thread for updates or changes:

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/742910/view/topic/Default.aspx



Patriot Guard Riders Stand Tall, Stand Proud OUR Heroes are headed out!!!



Louann Thomas

Arizona State Captain

Patriot Guard Riders

The Westboro Bastardized "Church" is protesting Camp Lejeune, NC, at noon Saturday. Don't know if anything is organized, but I just wanted to give a heads up.

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/01/marine_westboro_protest_080116/

early wake up call this morning.
stood in honor of a soldier who died from
complications, due to injuries sustained
in Iraq.

no matter how many times i hear it
Taps always makes me shudder.

indeed..

Hello Chy,

I'm located in Connecticut and just received this email from the Patriot Guard. I'm planning on riding this mission. The Westboro Baptist Church has already sent a letter out encouraging protesters. Please let me know if I should post this anywhere else on the BonnevilleAmerica forums.

Eric



***Confirmed Honor Mission*** Cpl. Christian S. Cotner, 20, Waterbury, CT‏
From: Bob Stone (bob@careerresources.org)
Sent: Thu 6/05/08 10:13 AM
To: Airwolf2 (Airwolf2@charter.net)
Cc: Moderators (Mods@patriotguard.org)

The Patriot Guard will stand a flag line at the Riverside cemetery for the interment services at 10am on Saturday June 07.

We will stage at the Colonial Plaza in Waterbury for 0900hrs

Final mission brief at 0915hrs

KSU (kick stands up) at 0930hrs



Working with the Waterbury Police on LEO escort now.



Weather…

Details for Saturday, June 07
Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 90s and lows in the mid 60s.



It’s going to be hot people, be sure to bring lots of water.

Jo, please let me know the status on the flags.

Bobby, thank you for the staging information.







Staging for Cpl. Christian Cotner Funeral



Staging will be at Colonial Plaza, Thomaston Ave., Waterbury, CT. there is Duncan Donuts, McDonalds, Burger King, and Gas stations.



Directions;



From Hartford and Mass:

Rt 84 West to Exit 21, Meadow St., Waterbury. At light at bottom of ramp take a Right. At 3rd Light take a Left onto West Main St., and next light take a Right onto Thomaston Ave., Colonial Plaza will be on Left approx ¼ mile.



From Danbury and Points West:

Rt. 84 East to Exit 21, Meadow St., Waterbury. At bottom of ramp take a right. At 5th light take a Left onto West Main St. and next light a Right onto Thomaston Ave., Colonial Plaza will be on Left approx ¼ mile.



From Bridgeport and Points South West:

Rt. 8 North to Exit 32, Riverside Ave. At traffic light go straight thru to next light, West Main St. At West Main St. go right to next light and take a left onto Thomaston Ave., Colonial Plaza will be on Left approx ¼ mile.



From Torrington and Points North:

Rt. 8 South to Exit 34, Watertown Ave. At light take a Left under the highway and another left at second light onto Thomaston Ave., Colonial Plaza will be on Left approx ¼ mile.



From Rhode Island:

Rt. 95 South to Rt. 9 North to Rt. 72 West to Rt. 84 West. Then follow directions from Hartford OR:

RT. 44 West to Rt. 384 West to Rt. 84 West and follow directions from Hartford.

Hello again,
There have been some time changes to this Saturday's mission. I've copied the latest email I received from the Patriot Guard below.
Eric


From the Patriot Guard:

I apologize for the numerous changes but the Waterbury PD has asked us to once again move our staging time up. They will be blocking the road off and diverting traffic so they want to get us in there a little early. So…being the flexible bunch we are…



FINAL (I hope) STAGING TIMES



0815hrs Colonial Plaza

0830hrs Final mission brief

0845hrs KSU



Regards,



Bob “Airwolf” Stone

Patriot Guard Riders

Connecticut State Captain

Airwolf2@charter.net

203.650.0861

Cpl Christian S. Cotner, 20, Waterbury, CT

the email left out the date. the link above goes directly to the mission info at the PGR Forum.

it is this saturday, June 7.

Good job.. posted the necessary info in the proper place.

Az PGR stood in honor of Officer Eric Hite Tucson LEO killed in the line of duty on Sunday June 1st. This is the largest funeral I have ever attended. Law enforcement people from every point in the state of Az were in evidence today. The funeral procession led by a large contingent of motor cops took nearly forty minutes to pass.

There were many local Tucsonans in evidence along the route waving flags and standing silently as the motorcade passed from the church to the cemetary.

Hot weather but always an honor to stand and recognize an American hero.

Heres to the memory of Officer Eric Hite 21 year AF veteran and four years with the TPD.

Rest In Peace.

For those of you who happen to venture up to Laconia for bike week please stop in and visit the PGR's booth . I went up Wednesday to set it all up and we've scheduled members to man the booth through out the balance of the week . If you have any questions as to what we're about this is where you'll get your answers . I'll be back up there Saturday afternoon .

Hey Guys and Gals
Anybody going to the Gathering of the Guard in Danville Virginia weekend after next. Im gonna be there on my 05 America and helping out with registration and other things.
Later Tim

Will be travelling up the Blue Ridge enroute to Watkins Glen that weekend. Not a very disciplined schedule but may be able to swing by Danville.
SteveB

From CT PGR State Captain:

CONFIRMED ***Honor Mission*** Lt. Thomas J. Brown, Shelton, CT THURSDAY, OCT 2nd

Lt. Thomas J. Brown, who grew up in Shelton, died Tuesday, Sept. 23rd in Salman Pak, Iraq.

We thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice for our country and our way of life. Rest in peace Lt. Brown.

Thursday October 2nd 11 AM at St. Jude Church 707 Monroe Turnpike Monroe.



Staging times and area to follow shortly.

Final Staging

Thursday, October 2nd

Shopping Plaza (across from McDonalds)

390 Monroe Turnpike, Route 111, Monroe, CT

1000hrs

KSU 1030hrs



Directions:

I-95 North or South to exit 27A, follow Rt. 25 North to Route 111. Make a right onto Rt 111, 2 miles up on left side, in the shopping center parking lot opposite McDonald's.


Rt. 15 (Merritt Pkwy) North or South, take exit 49 N (north) which is 25N to Route 111 right on route 111, go 2 miles up on left side, in the shopping center parking lot opposite McDonald's.


I-84 E/B & W/B to exit 11. End of exit at traffic light make a right to next traffic light and take another right onto Rt 34. Take Rt 34 to Rt 111 and make a right onto Rt 111. Take Rt 111 approximately 10 miles south to shopping center on your right, opposite McDonalds.



Weather details for Thursday, October 02
Mix of sun and clouds, highs in the mid 60s and lows in the upper 40s.



Regards,



Bob “Airwolf” Stone

Patriot Guard Riders

Connecticut State Captain

mission accomplished.
thank you CT PGR and
out of state members.

SGT William E. Hasenflu
Fort Campbell to Cadiz, KY
07 Oct 08


http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/ta...41/Default.aspx

Staging Tuesday 8:50 AM at Gate 7 Fort Campbell.
Is a large parking lot there so won’t be going on base.

Will be escorting from Fort Campbell to Cadiz KY.

Goodwin Funeral Home Inc
138 Main Street
Cadiz
Kentucky 42211
Phone: (270) 522-6676

This hero will then be processed through Goodman funeral home & taken to his residence.
SGT William E. Hasenflu will be buried at sea in the near future at Norfolk, VA.

This is the only thing PGR will be doing for this Hero till he goes to VA.


Ride Capt: Pam Wynn / pamwynn@yahoo.com

Final Itinerary
PFC Bill Thorpe, United States Army
Newbern, TN
23 Oct 08



It is with a heavy heart that I must post Tennessee has lost another American Hero, PFC Bill Thorpe of Newbern, TN passed away October 21, 2008

He is survived by his wife Marilynn, two sons, and two daughters.


Final Itinerary:


Funeral: Thursday October 23, 2008 at 1000 hrs. CST (10:00 am)
Johnson Williams Funeral Home
239 East Main Street
Newbern, TN 38059

Interment: with military Honors.
Cobbs Chapel Cemetary
Union City, TN

Staging: Staging will be at the funeral home in Newbern at 0900 hrs (9:00am). From there, the escort will be approximately 20 miles to the cemetary.

Mission thread;

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/1001855/view/topic/Default.aspx

Ride Captain: Pending

Please bring flags if you have them. Come and assist us in standing in Honor of this American Hero.

Ride/Drive Safely,



Scott Zeitner
Assistant State Captain, Tennessee
Patriot Guard Riders
www.patriotguard.org
1-901-848-2188

Send Off Escort - 168th MP Battalion - Dyersburg, TN 27 OCT 08 Monday

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/1002555/view/topic/Default.aspx

The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to escort the members of the 168th Military Police Battalion. They are being deployed as part of the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

We will be provided LEO escorts the entire route from Dyersburg to the Memphis airport.

This will be an escort mission. If you have big flags, bring them, we will try to keep THP at or below speeds that will accomodate the large flags.

STAGING AREA Dyersburg:


Meet at the Dyersburg Walmart parking lot(near the walmart gas station)
at 6:45 - 7:15 AM. KSU at 7:30 to the Armory(5 minutes away).

Depart from Armory: 8:00 AM - -
Dyersburg PD and Dyer County Sheriff's Dept will escort and hand-off to THP.


Staging area Millington: Please bring your 3 x 5 flag. We will stage at the Circle K approximately 1/4 mile north of Jakes Outpost on Highway 51. It is on the southbound side. Staging at 8:00am, KSU probably around 8:45 depending on when the riders from Dyersburg roll through. This group will melt into the procession on the roll.


Ride Captains will be Bill Van Zant for the Dyersburg area b_van_sant@yahoo.com

and Scott Zeitner, capt_whizbang@hotmail.com 901-848-2188.

I have an extra PGR flag that we will give to the unit. I am going to ask that each soldier sign that flag, and when we bring them home, we will fly it proudly for them, and then return it to the unit.



Scott Zeitner
Assistant State Captain, Tennessee
Patriot Guard Riders
www.patriotguard.org
1-901-848-2188

PGR has been invited to participate in a veteran's statue dedication on Veteran's Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. The bronze statue was funded by the widow of a WW II veteran, Gretchen Pedersen. The program will feature a speech given by a U.S. Navy Commander back from his third tour in Iraq, a rifle salute, music and taps.

Preliminary plans are for a staging at Good Samaritan Village Retirement Home on S. Hwy 5, south of the Hwy 62 bypass, at 12:30 p.m., with a briefing at 1:00 p.m. We will escort Mrs. Pederson from the Home to Kirby Tucker Cemetery via Hwy 62 to Tucker Cemetery Road just east of Hwy 126, north to the cemetery.

Mission link http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/186/postid/1012689/view/topic/Default.aspx

Jay Lanning
Mountain Home R/C

Respectfully
Gerald Gaines
AR. State. Capt.
GeraldGaines@patriotguard.org
501-230-0156

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/view/topic/forumid/11/postid/1020145/Default.aspx


The family of Spc. James M. Clay has requested the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders for funeral services and we will Stand Proudly in Honor of this Brave Hero. Spc. Clay was KIA in Iraq while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mission will be updated when Info becomes available to us.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. James M. Clay, 25, of Mountain Home, Ark., died Nov. 13 in Anbar Province, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Brigade Combat Team, Arkansas Army National Guard, Little Rock, Ark.

Respectfully
Gerald Gaines
AR. State. Capt.
GeraldGaines@patriotguard.org
501-230-0156

The Patriot Guard has been asked to stand in honor of Edward H. Wade, a U.S. Navy veteran who served his country for 20 years, including 3 tours in Vietnam.

Memorial service at Christeson Funeral Home, 519 N. Spring St., Harrison, AR.
Time: 10:00 a.m. 25 - Nov. - 08
Stage at the funeral home at 8:45 a.m.
Briefing at 9:00 a.m.
This will be a Flag Line only.(no procession)

Directions: From the South on Hwy 62/412, turn left on W. Prospect to Spring St., then turn right to the funeral home.
From the North, turn right on W. Prospect, then right on Spring St. to the funeral home.

Mission Link http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/1027013/view/topic/Default.aspx

Respectfully,
Jay Lanning
Arkansas Ride Captain


Respectfully
Gerald Gaines
AR. State. Capt.
GeraldGaines@patriotguard.org
501-230-0156

Went on my first mission with PGR on Monday . Last minute notice , thought I may be the only bike , there were 15 bikes . Was a Navy vet died at 52 , was my former son in law's dad , knew him well . Was an awesome experience . I never knew there was a group like PGR , will be honored to go on another one .

37th PGR Mission for me last Wed. They are always impressive and emotional moments-be it 2 bikes or 200.

Chy -
Just went to the website and sent a message to the Ariz capt about services this Saturday for a fallen officer. Flagstaff PD and Military veteran was killed last Saturday night (suicide), he will be greatly missed.
We will have at least some American Legion Riders, and maybe some Patriot Guard as well. Given we are in Flagstaff, and sort of off the beaten path, I hope there are no protests!!!!!
Thanks for what you do!
Becky

Hi Becky,
Thank you and people like you for your support.. it means a lot to the families and to other soldiers.

My first mission today! We escorted/supported the family of Pfc. James L. Miller in Zillah, WA. (by Yakima) Wow, what an honor and privledge to be able to ride this. Over 200 bikes, about 150 flags and it was breath taking. Will do more in the future, unfortunately. The protestors filled a parade permit, but didn't show. Kathy

We laid SFC Richard Kellogg to rest yesterday with full honors - VFW riders and PGR, and much of Flagstaff PD and other agencies present. Very sad day.
Thank you VFW (local) and PGR (2 came from Phoenix for this). Rick was a soldier, officer, friend and fellow rider. We will never have all the answers as to why he took his own life - it never makes any sense. I have learned more about him this week, and wish that he really knew how many people loved and respected him, and that life was worth living.
Hold those you love close, tell them you love them, and be there for them.
Becky

I just wanted to chime in here and say a huge thank you to all you folks that are a part of PGR and donate your time to volunteer for these missions. I am active duty military and have been overseas for the past fifteen years now. I will be joining the PGR as soon as I return to American soil and support this organization. Hopefully by the time I return, most of the missions will be welcome home ride outs to the airport...

I wanted to say something to all you PGR members on what you do means to servicemembers. During my last deployment in the sandbox, there were a few things that happened within my flight that were really stretching people thin. It can be a dangerous thing when you begin feeling isolated in that kind of environment because that is when frustration sets in. I started printing up some of the missions that PGR members would write about as well as the thank you letters from the families and share that with my flight during our weekly flight briefings. Even the troops that do not care for motorcycles looked forward to the end of the weekly briefing to listen to some of the stories that I would read out. Knowing people back home, strangers that none of us have ever met...knowing that they are pulling for us and honoring those returning home makes more of a difference than what you could realize. Thank you for doing this...God Bless.

I'm proud to say my Speedmaster and I have been on numerous Patriot Guard missions. I "signed" on after seeing this thread and after losing friends to this war. I must say its an absolute honor to welcome these brave men and women back home whether alive or not. I have been on missions where there were hundreds of bikes and I have been on some where there were 2 of us out there holding flags. Last year we laid to rest a soldier who passed away 20+ years before I was born. Very moving experience. My triumph still wont go fast enough to dry out my eyes after attending some of these missions. To all the people who have written a "blank check" to the United States of America, I THANK YOU for your service. To my fellow PGR members, I THANK YOU for what you do.

Spc. Charles J. Wren, 25, died April 16 after being hit by an improvised explosive device. Click Here for more info.

Today we rode with a fellow VFW member whose cousin was the above mentioned soldier. As Chairman of the area Unit where I'm at, we gathered up the guys and proceeded to Hondo for the Services and Burial. There we joined up with PGR groups and other odd riders. Dude had a rough time of it. Last tour received a Purple Heart. This last tour earned him a heroes welcome home, one he doesn't get to see. Awesome event, maybe a couple hundred bikes from all over the State. Whole town hauled out to line the streets. Almost unnerving. There's something about a full military funeral that one can not appreciate until they've attended one. He arrived in a motorcycle pulled casson. Very unique. Was glad to have been a part of the event, though I hope I don't have to do any more.

Just joined in Ohio. Haven't done my first ride yet, but am looking forward to the opportunity to show support and respect. Much thanks to all those that serve(d).

Went on my 3rd Mission today (3rd in 1 week) and what an HONOR! Have yet to see ANY protestors, only very greatful relatives and attendee's.
Now am standing by for the young Navy Corpsman that was KIA and is on his way home to Oregon.
Have never been one for funerals, but these are much different when rendering honors to a fallen solder.

If any of you have a chance to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders - do so. We are honoring those that have given thier life, or a least a significant portion of it, to allow US the freedoms that we enjoy, even if that is to complain about what is going on in Washington D.C. What other country are you allowed to do THAT without fear? Not too many.

Today I was honored to ride with the Patriot Guard for the following:
"We have been invited by the family to stand for and honor Hospital Corpsman Apprentice Ryley Gallinger-Long, 19. Ryley was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Ryley was on his first deployment and had been conducting a dismounted patrol when his life was taken."
If you missed the news on this young man, he had been over there for less than a month when his platoon of Marines came under fire. When giving aid to an injured Marine, he was shot in the back and was killed. Regardless of what you might think of the U.S. being over there, this young man GAVE HIS LIFE helping another solder. Many of us here have given a few years of our lives in aid of others - this young man and many others have given ALL of their Life. Enjoy your freedoms these men and women have given their lives for!

There were well over a hundred PGR Riders along with local Law Enforcement, Fire and other groups. It was very humbling escorting this Fallen Navy Corpsman through several communities where the streets were lined with people saluting our flags and giving cheers of support to their fallen son. Quite often it was hard to swallow with a helmet neck strap and a knot in the throat!

Saturday he will be laid to rest at the Willamette National Cemetary. May God be with him and rest his soul.

Nov. 26th the VFW MG I ride with (Unit 20), rode on a Service Mission along with other area Patriot Riders for PFC Jimmie Gaitan. The day was a rain filled event and almost thought of not going. However, I began to think of this (then) young man's last days and hours, I figured I could handle a little rain. His story:

PFC Jimmie Gaitan was a medic with the Clearing Company, 2nd Medical Battalion (attached to 17th Infantry Regiment), 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported Missing In Action while tending to his wounded comrades in South Korea on February 13, 1951, later to be determined that he had been captured and was being held as a Prisoner Of War. PFC Gaitan died while a prisoner on May 24, 1951 in POW Camp 1 near Changsong, North Korea. His remains were identified on September 13, 2011, and will finally be returning home to San Antonio to rest.

Mission accomplished.

Friday, 4/13/12, I was honored to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders (over 50 missions completed at this writing)for Peter Jones Knapp, Civil War Veteran, Georgianna Pierson Knapp, Portland, OR, 13/Apr/12

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Patriot Guard Riders, we have been given a very special honor. We have been invited by the great-great-grand niece to stand for Civil War Veteran, Peter Jones Knapp and his wife, Georgianna Eliza Pierson Knapp. They have waited far too long to reach their final resting place, and we are honored to be allowed to stand for them both. After each of their funeral services, they were taken to the Portland Crematorium, but for whatever reason they were never interred. This will be the original burial for them both.

Peter joined the Union Army at a young 19 years old and was thrust into battle immediately. Seven months and several battles later, he came down with typhoid. Deemed too ill to travel the 10 miles by wagon, he and others were left in an abandoned building without medical attention for three weeks. Surviving that, he was active in numerous noted battles of the Civil War. In the Battle of Iuka, war records show his regiment lost more in this one hour and twenty minute engagement than any other regiment lost in any one engagement during the war. He was taken prisoner in the battle at Missionary Ridge. After 17 months, starved and almost blind, he escaped with others. After the Civil War, he later re-enlisted and served 15 months in the Indian War. Mr. Knapp survived in a desperate time and against incredible odds to live a long, full life.

He and Georgianna married in 1870 and remained so for 53 years. They came to Kelso, WA in 1887 and he started in the mill business. He was a justice of the peace and a police judge. He was a G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) commandant for three posts in Kelso and in charge of the indigent soldier's fund for 35 years. Mr. Knapp passed away at the age of 82 on April 13, 1924 -- 88 years ago. Mrs. Knapp lived until 1930 and passed away at the age of 76.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was one of those "once in a life-time events" of which I was extremely proud to be a part of.