Uffda 
Posts: 8827
Wonder Lake, IL
Forum Moderator
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| 23 Apr 2008 9:27 AM |
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The PGR has been invited by one of our own to welcome home his son who is returning after completing his 5-year hitch in the Army. Let’s show our gratitude to this brave young man and our support of his PGR member father. Jim and Fitz will be driving in together to meet us at the staging point – so we should have good updates as to their progress.
***** MISSION DETAIL *****
Date:
Mon – May 12, 2008
Staging Location:
Woodstock Harley Davidson
2050 S. Eastwood Dr (IL-47, just south of US-14)
Woodstock, IL
Staging time:
6:00 PM (1800)
Briefing:
6:30 PM (1830)
Flag Line:
Dependant on the final progress update as they leave Huntley on their way in.
We will be escorting our Hero from Woodstock HD to Wonder Lake, IL for a reception at a family home. Fitz has invited the PGR to stay for the reception and enjoy food and refreshments.
Be sure all equipment is tested and secure for highway speeds.
RC Team:
Gary ‘bogie’ Bogolin 847-812-7473 bogiediver@hotmail.com
Oscar ‘Chip’ Blomgren 847-287-3017 Ocb3@aol.com
Brenda ‘MomHOG’ Meyers 630-742-2321 wd9egk@comcast.net
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Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom. |
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bogiediver
Posts: 378
Woodstock, IL
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| 23 Apr 2008 9:32 AM |
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Welcome home soldier - I look forward to meeting you and shaking your hand in person.
I am honored to be part of the team escorting you home.
Respectfully,
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-bogie
PGR -
N IL Ride Captain
McHenry County, IL Road Pirates
American by Birth, Biker by Choice, Patriot Forever |
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Uffda
Posts: 8827
Wonder Lake, IL
Forum Moderator
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| 23 Apr 2008 11:09 AM |
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Welcome Home - Spc. William J. (Jim) Fitzgerald III! On behalf of a
grateful Nation, "Thank You" for defending our freedoms. It will be an
honor to be a part of your escort home.
God Bless |
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Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom. |
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custer7thcav
Posts: 4962
Moraine, Ohio
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| 23 Apr 2008 1:15 PM |
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| Welcome home, Spc. William J. Fitzgerald, III!!!! Thank you, Jim, for your service and dedication!! God bless you!! |
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custer7thcav
In honor and memory of
Sgt. Bill L. Mullins, 1/7 Cav, Vietnam '65-'66
and
Frank Cicirelli, USN, WWII |
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mailman
Posts: 11042
West Branch, MI - Michigan Ride Captain Zephyrhills, FL - Florida Ride Captain
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| 23 Apr 2008 3:24 PM |
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| Welcome Home Specialist Fitzgerald. Thank You "Jim" for your service to our Nation. God Bless You!! |
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"Eyes on the olive branch, but arrows at the ready."
Jim
"mailman"
US Army 1970 - 1972 |
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Jasper54
Posts: 5047
Columbus, Ohio
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| 24 Apr 2008 4:22 AM |
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| Welcome home US Army Spc. William J. Fitzgerald III. Thank you for your service to our nation. God Bless you. |
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Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2 KJV
GySgt. Roger Casto, US Marine Corps, Retired 1972-1992;
Iran/Iraq War Veteran 1988
Veteran of Foriegn Wars, Life Member
Double Blue Star Dad
United Christian Faith Ministries Chaplain
Christian Motorcycle Association, Life Member
Riding in honor of:
Sgt. Millard Archy, US Army, WWI, Purple Heart - Exposed to mustard gas.
Sgt. Alva Pete Osborn, US Army, WWII, KIA - France.
Seaman Bob Schneider, US Navy, WWII, Purple Heart.
T/Sgt. Russell Casto, USAF Congo Revolution, Viet Nam.
Sgt. Ron Casto, USMC C.A.P. Viet Nam 1966.
My son, SPC Sean Casto, TennANG. Iraqi Veteran
My daughter, Spc. Angela West, US Army
SrA Micah Burgess, US Air Force, Afghanistan Veteran
In Honor and Memory of Ten HMLA-267, MAG-39 Marines who Answered the call and made the ULTIMATE SACRAFICE while ensuring the safety and security of our nation:
Lt. Col. Knott
Capt. Dillon
Capt. Dolvin
Capt. Hurley
Capt. Cronin
Sgt. Kilkus
Sgt. Keller
Cpl. Romei
Cpl. Monahan
LCpl. Adams
And ALL of our Military Men and Women from ALL Wars who have answered that call and have paid the ULTIMATE PRICE in the battle to defend our nation. |
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sdoise
Posts: 2823
Kinder, La.
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| 24 Apr 2008 8:11 AM |
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| Welcome home. Thank you for your service to preserve our way of life. |
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Schelly
Ride Captain for Lake Charles, La. and surrounding area
American Legion Post 318, Elton, La.
DEFINITION OF A VETERAN
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life."
Author Unknown |
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Forecaddiegolf
Posts: 38
Wonder Lake, Illinois
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| 24 Apr 2008 6:53 PM |
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Welcome Home Son-we all are so glad you are done with your tour in Iraq, and your tour of active duty. We all can't wait for your return, and look forward to your being around for the Summer.
We Love You and are so VERY PROUD of you and what you've done for our Country and all of our Freedoms.
Mom & Dad |
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"Fitz"
Riding For
My Dad-WWII-1926-1991
My Son-OIF-2004-2005-Army MP
Dick Bowe-Viet Nam-1968-1970-Army
Sgt. Steve Bowe-OIF-2003-2004-Ill. NG
Keith Nurmberg-OIF-2007-KIA-RIP
Veterans All
Duty, Honor, Country
"If you won't stand behind our Troops and Honor them, please feel free to stand infront of them." |
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Slowhand
Posts: 3656
Northeastern, Maryland Senior Chaplain & Ride Captain
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| 25 Apr 2008 4:48 PM |
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| Welcome home , and I wish to thank you for the freedom my family and I enjoy due to the sacrifices you and your family endured for my country and myself. God Bless each and everyone of you. |
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Russ "Slowhand"
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hondabill
Posts: 34
N - ILL
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| 25 Apr 2008 4:56 PM |
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| WELCOME HOME S.P.C JIM THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE TO ARE COUNTRY ILL SEE YOU THEN GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY / IRISH |
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OOpsie
Posts: 44
Wonder Lake Illinois
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| 26 Apr 2008 6:08 AM |
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Welcome home Jim. to watch you grow from a small child into the man you are today. Thank you ! you have earn the title of American Hero. Thank you.. there will be no hand shake from me. it will be a BIG HUG.you have Made Wonder Lake Proud you have made your Parent and family proud. not to mention the pride you have in yourself. for all the years you called me Ms C. let me say to you now. Thank you Sir. Thank you are no longer Jimmy Fitzgerald
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SSG Keith Matthew Maupin, 24, Batavia, OH
April 9, 2004 |
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MarineHeritageRider
Posts: 5
glendale heights,il.
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| 27 Apr 2008 12:17 PM |
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| Welcome Home Soldier. I will be honored to take place in your homecoming.Looking forward to shaking your hand. |
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mpleasant
Posts: 472
Lake County, IL
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| 27 Apr 2008 4:39 PM |
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| Welcome home, Spc. Fitzgerald, and thank you for your dedicated service to the United States of America ! I hope to be among those welcoming and thanking you in person. |
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stever@alrpost911
Posts: 2
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| 02 May 2008 7:21 AM |
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| Welcome Home Spc. Fitzgerald III, Thank you for your service. Without people like you we wouldn't know freedom. Hopefully we'll be thanking you personally. From USMC Mom & Dad Riley |
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vukf
Posts: 363
Asst Sr Ride Capt Illinois BSS
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| 02 May 2008 10:44 AM |
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| wecome home and thank you for your service. |
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We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother; (William Shakespeare Henry V);
And to paraphrase......he who stands with me this day shall be my brother
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ranger rick
Posts: 193
Des Plaines, Illinois.
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| 02 May 2008 8:40 PM |
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| Welcome Home - Spc. William J. "Jim" Fitzgerald III, Thank You for defending the American way of life. |
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Richard J. Gandy------ PGR#66935.......
Support Our Troops ~~~Remember Our Veterans.
In Memory of Dad,WWII /Korea/Purple Heart. USMC. 2/1927-----------10/2005 |
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KevHead
Posts: 327
Geneva, Illinois
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| 02 May 2008 9:03 PM |
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Welcome home Spc. William J. "Jim" Fitzgerald III.
Thank you for serving this great country and for protecting our family.
May God give you a safe journey home. |
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Kevin "KevHead" & Kim
Geneva IL
May God Bless and Protect all who serve this great country.
Riding in Honor of:
My Dad Gerald J. Keenon U.S. Navy, WWII.
My Brother's Charles and Paul Keenon U.S. Navy, Vietnam War.
My Brother in Law Ronald Carlson U.S. Navy.
My Nephew Adam Keenon, Charles Keenon's son, whose is currently serving in the U.S. Navy.
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Pictures and Video of Missions we have been on:
http://community.webshots.com/user/KevHeadPGR?vhost=community
A Prayer for Our Soldiers' Families
Heavenly Father, we pray for the safe return home of our soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. We ask that you give our military commanders and political leaders wisdom and courage to fulfill their daunting responsibility. Lord, we implore you to please remember the families of these brave men and women. Bless the wives, parents, children and siblings of our fighting forces and give them solace and comfort. If it be your will, bring their loved ones home swiftly, sound in mind and body.
We pray these things in the name of the Son, the Father and the Holy Ghost,
Amen |
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ryjoe
Posts: 9
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| 04 May 2008 9:53 PM |
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Welcome home Spc. William J. "Jim" Fitzgerald III. Thank you for serving this great country and for protecting our family and country from any more 9-11's. There are those of us Vets and Civies who truly honor your service. May God give you a safe journey home and a good future for you and your families. Thanks to your family for their sacrifice.
We do ride and honor those who stood for us so that we can always stand for you. I regret being from Pennsy, I won't be able to make this ride. USN. |
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Hogtony
Posts: 89
Mokena, Illinois
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| 05 May 2008 9:45 PM |
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| Welcome home Spc. Fitzgerald, and thank you for defending the freedoms that we hold so dear to our hearts. Your service and sacrifice is not forgotten and deeply appreciated. May you enjoy a safe trip home and enjoy your reunion with your family and friends. Should we not be there in person to escort you home, our thoughts and prayers will be there. God bless you. |
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Tony and Kelly
"Peace Through Strength"
President Ronald Regan
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jet90
Posts: 56
joliet
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| 08 May 2008 4:17 PM |
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| welcome home! thank you for you service.a job well done! |
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Go Army
Posts: 231
Rolling Meadows, Ill.
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| 09 May 2008 7:43 PM |
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WELCOME HOME JIM.
THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. |
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Bob Smith
Sgt. Army 63-69
VietNam Vet
"The moon gives you light,
And the bugles and the drums give you music;
And my heart, O my soldiers, my veterans,
My heart gives you love."
Walt Whitman-Drum Taps
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Lil Andy
Posts: 41
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| 10 May 2008 6:27 PM |
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Welcome Home, THANK YOU, for your service, You have made us all proud!!!!
Lil Andy |
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Tatonka69
Posts: 131
Green Oaks, Illinois (Chicago area)
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| 12 May 2008 10:54 AM |
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Welcome home Jim! On behalf of my entire family, I humbly thank you for defending our freedom and our way of life. I've ridden many missions with your father and if you are anything like him (which I expect you are!) you are a fine young man. It will be an honor to greet you tonight and escort you back home! Thank you for your service to our great country and good luck to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Oscar C. Blomgren, III
RC-IL PGR
Black Sheep Squadron |
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Ride Captain N. Illinois |
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bogiediver
Posts: 378
Woodstock, IL
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| 13 May 2008 8:25 AM |
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Mission Report
First, I like to thank those that helped out-
-Fitz, for putting the timing together
-Woodstock Harley-Davidson & Claude for allowing us the use of their parking lot for staging
-McHeny County Sheriff's Department for the Deputies assisting in the escort
-Wonder Lake Fire Dept for joining in (with special thanks for a nice recovery after I failed to call them timely)
-Chip for his kind words about Jim
-the other RCs who pitched in to help as always
-all who came to show their support for Jim and his family.
A cool, clear evening to welcome home a soldier after his serving five years for this great country and it's people - perfect setting. Nearly 50 motorcycles & a dozen cars, our support vehicle's 50 flags quickly ran out. A Sheriff's Deputy in lead, fire trucks joining in - a safe escort was had by all. Hand shakes and hugs for our returning soldier. Terrific evening.
Pretty sure I wouldn't want to be in Fitz's shoes for a while - kept reassuring Jim that his Mom had nothing big planned for his coming home - repeatedly telling him that on the drive in from MO. Then, as he turned their truck into the Woodstock HD parking lot again telling Jim, Mom didn't plan a thing - that he (Fitz) had done it all.
I had the privledge of seeing Jim's reaction thru the truck window as they made that turn - wide eyes, hand on his forehead, mouth open - mission accomplished PGR!
We wish Jim all the best in his desire to continue his service as he applies to the McHenry County Sheriff's Department and the Crystal Lake Police Department to become a full time law enforcement officer. (Just hopes he remembers us...)
To steal a line from a Sunday TV show...
Welcome Home, Jim - Welcome Home!
Respectfully,
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-bogie
PGR -
N IL Ride Captain
McHenry County, IL Road Pirates
American by Birth, Biker by Choice, Patriot Forever |
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KevHead
Posts: 327
Geneva, Illinois
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| 13 May 2008 4:43 PM |
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Again I would like to say welcome home Jim.
It was a great mission. Lots of riders and a whole bunch of cagers.
I have posted pictures and a couple of videos. Just click the link below to view.
Thanks to all that came out yesterday. |
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Kevin "KevHead" & Kim
Geneva IL
May God Bless and Protect all who serve this great country.
Riding in Honor of:
My Dad Gerald J. Keenon U.S. Navy, WWII.
My Brother's Charles and Paul Keenon U.S. Navy, Vietnam War.
My Brother in Law Ronald Carlson U.S. Navy.
My Nephew Adam Keenon, Charles Keenon's son, whose is currently serving in the U.S. Navy.
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Pictures and Video of Missions we have been on:
http://community.webshots.com/user/KevHeadPGR?vhost=community
A Prayer for Our Soldiers' Families
Heavenly Father, we pray for the safe return home of our soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. We ask that you give our military commanders and political leaders wisdom and courage to fulfill their daunting responsibility. Lord, we implore you to please remember the families of these brave men and women. Bless the wives, parents, children and siblings of our fighting forces and give them solace and comfort. If it be your will, bring their loved ones home swiftly, sound in mind and body.
We pray these things in the name of the Son, the Father and the Holy Ghost,
Amen |
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