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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