Chief_Investigator 
Posts: 880
IN Asst State Capt
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| 28 May 2006 11:03 AM |
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INDIANAPOLIS 500 FESTIVAL PARADE RIDE REPORT:
I want to start off by saying how humbled we are to have been invited to the Indianapolis 500 Parade. Although ESPN2’s coverage of the Patriot Guard Rider’s participation was for all practical purposes non-existent (except for Governor Daniel’s armband and a windshield banner or two), our presence resulted in an over-resounding success for our organization. The local CBS affiliate in Indianapolis, WISH TV 8, did provide a little more coverage for their viewers, and at least explained who we were and why we had been chosen by Mitch to provide his escort. Without a doubt, all 35,000+ members wanted to see the Patriot Guard receive a little more exposure than we were granted by both stations, but we can’t hang our hats on this issue alone. Much more was accomplished yesterday than mere media exposure. I hope I don’t leave anything or anyone out, but if I do, would some of the other members present please post and add your comments. I’m still somewhat in a state of shock.
If you ask any of our twelve members they will tell you that Governor Mitch Daniels is the real deal. Thank you Governor Mitch Daniels! He is one of the Patriot Guard Riders biggest supporters in Indiana, right along with U.S. Congressman Steve Buyer. I, along with many of our contingent at the parade, stood next to Governor Daniels as he conducted MANY interviews for local and national newspaper, TV, and Radio stations prior to the start of the parade. In EVERY single interview, he IMMEDIATELY took the limelight away from him and gave it to who he said “deserved all the recognition”… to us. Every member riding escort to the Governor will also tell you that throughout the 2 mile parade stretch in front of over 300,000 people in attendance, EVERY TIME our bikes were stopped (and you can just imagine how many times that was!), Governor Mitch Daniels put his bike in neutral, turned around, and pointed back to us EACH TIME telling the crowd that WE were the ones who deserved all their applause and recognition. There were about a dozen points along the parade where radio station personalities or parade officials provided commentary to the crowd describing each “parade entry” as it approached their location. As the commentator at each location announced the Patriot Guard, we drew much applause. Then as the commentator explained who we were and what we did, TENS OF THOUSANDS more stood up (I'm assuming the ones who had NEVER heard of us) and gave us standing ovations, salutes, and applause. The salutes and cheers were too many to comprehend. People from 90 years old down to kids that couldn't be more than two years old. The crowd was simply overwhelming. And this crowd is not only local, as you know. Many thousands from all over the U.S. attend the parade and race each year in Indianapolis. It is Indianapolis’ finest tradition, and one the city takes great pride in over the Memorial Day weekend. Which reminds me… part of each commentators script to the crowd also included the suggestion from the Patriot Guard Riders to “join them (PGR) in remembering and honoring our fallen heroes over this Memorial Day weekend”.
I am viewing one of the local TV stations right now as I am preparing this post (WTHR 13 – NBC affiliate), and Governor Daniels is being interviewed live during the pre-race festivities. You know what? The first thing he mentioned was the Patriot Guard and how we were the most important feature in the parade! He said how our organization honors and pays tribute to our fallen soldiers and how honored he was for our acceptance of his invitation. Again, he said the ONLY reason he rode his motorcycle in the parade was so he could ride with us and give us the recognition we deserved! An email just received from Brad B. stated he heard the Governor plugging the Patriot Guard this morning on the famous Bob and Tom Show. Bob and Tom is syndicated worldwide. Special note: While we were at his residence staging before the parade, Governor Daniels did not want to be out in front of the pack. He wanted to be in the mix. Only when we got to the parade staging did the 500 Festival committee give us our final riding formation which put him out in front. They did this only because they wanted to include the Governor and the Patriot Guard Riders in one of the 30-45 second commercial spots they planned on taping for use in next year’s 500 Parade advertisements.
A special thanks particularly goes to Governor Daniels’ personal security detachment, Duane and Rich, as these gentlemen treated us as family. Of course there were many other policemen and security attaches behind the scenes that went unnoticed. We thank you as well. Danielle, Jill, Carol, and Mitch’s personal videographer assigned to this special mission were with us every step of the way. Great people! The Governor’s staff will be forwarding all photographs to us. And they took MANY. We also need to thank the members of the 500 Festival Committee for allowing our participation in the first place. Not only did they say “yes”, but initially had only agreed to a total number of six Patriot Guard Riders in the parade. Governor Daniels then requested twelve. They agreed, but asked that he not come back with a higher request as they were already exceeding their parade limits and regulations. Thank you also General Umbarger, your wonderful wife, and the National Guard Armory for the warm reception we received from all and the use of your facility. We also thank the thousands of people in attendance who had heard of us already, and the tens of thousands who saw and heard of us for the first time. Your warm and heartfelt appreciation to our cause was very evident. The chills our bodies received by your display of appreciation was the only reason our members didn’t suffer from heat exhaustion half-way though the parade. Thank you to the other 11 riders who participated. We all made it through the parade successfully, and without incident or bike trouble.
Steve Reeves from the Steel Horse television show… what can I say. You are one top notch individual. You always have been! I’ve worked and ridden with you many times on several events throughout the past years. The Steel Horse show intends on doing most of their 30 minute broadcast on our organization and participation in the 500 parade. Steve and his cameraman spent close to two hours with EVERY one of our members riding in the parade doing interviews and television spot commercials. We will have local members taping this broadcast next Sunday evening and will then share this link with everyone. But again, what was most important was being there and having over 300,000 people see us up close and in person. The best advertisement has always been word of mouth. The parade announcers, along with Governor Daniels and the spectators… you just had to be there… and we wish you could have been. We rode pegs down… so did the Governor. You know he had never had the opportunity to hear the term "pegs down". He told me he was honored and humbled to do so.
It was extremely difficult for our members to try and maintain dry eyes all along the parade route, and as hot as it was, it wasn’t due to the sweat dripping in our eyes. The personal recognition and applause the Patriot Guard received from the 300,000+ people in attendance was simply unbelievable, and trying to describe the days’ events to everyone is still too hard to put into words. We thought of ALL of you that couldn't personally be with us. We wished that we could have filled the whole two mile stretch with Patriot Guard members flying their flags and displaying armbands and windshield banners to everyone. Governor Daniels suggested maybe making this an annual event. If he does, I think maybe someone else could take the reign and organize our participation in this event in future years. I am still dwelling on the fact that not everyone could participate and some people had to be turned down or were possibly overlooked somehow. As honored as I and the other 11 were to be there representing all of you yesterday, it is exremely difficult to shake the fact that thousands of you couldn't personally ride with us. It was such an honor, yet heartbreaking that many couldn't physically be with us.
Thanks to SpeedwayBill and his wife for inviting everyone over to his house afterwards for a cookout and a meet and greet with Jeff, Jason, and Hugh. SpeedwayBill arranged for an escort of over two dozen riders around the Speedway area. We rode past thousands of people all around the track area who noticed us as the Patriot Guard, and as we paraded around the streets thousands again cheered, applauded, and saluted us.
Jeff, Jason, and Hugh… A very special thank you is extended to you from all members of the Patriot Guard Riders in Indiana, as well as throughout the nation, for the sacrifices you made for traveling such great distances to be here with us. You made this day even more important than it already was for the Patriot Guard Riders. You showed the nation who we are and what being a Patriot Guard member is all about. We weren’t there for any special recognition for ourselves. Even though Governor Daniels did his best to pass the respect and and glory from himself to us, we were there at this parade for the same reason we are at any of our missions… to ride in honor of our fallen heroes and for those who are serving now, will serve in the future, or have served in the Armed Forces in the past. It was a great honor for me and everyone to have had the opportunity to meet you and ride with the three of you in this event. Looking forward to seeing and serving with all of you again.
“Chief”
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Ron Coleman "Chief"
U.S. Army Security Agency '73-'78
Member Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC - IN Chapter XIII
"If You Don't Stand Behind Our Troops, Please, Feel Free To Stand In Front Of Them!"
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indyharley
Posts: 3492
Indiana
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| 28 May 2006 11:03 AM |
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| The Governor did a great job leading us in the Parade and no clutches were burnt but I for one did burn a thigh. Long story and for another time. |
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Richard 'IndyHarley' Wilbur
Veteran ('65-'69)
SC IN PGR ('05)
Retired LEO and Blue Knight MC Member
For quick Mission information in IN see - http://indianapatriotguard.org/missions.htm |
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indyharley
Posts: 3492
Indiana
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| 28 May 2006 11:13 AM |
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| Chief - as usual well said and thanks for the thought you put into your post. We would also like to extend a big thanks to Tim Cahill, a PGR member, who made it possible for the National Officers to attend the 500 race on Sunday. Every one have a great day and say a Thanks for and to all our Veterans that make our life possible - I am off to go to work. |
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Richard 'IndyHarley' Wilbur
Veteran ('65-'69)
SC IN PGR ('05)
Retired LEO and Blue Knight MC Member
For quick Mission information in IN see - http://indianapatriotguard.org/missions.htm |
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Chief_Investigator
Posts: 880
IN Asst State Capt
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| 28 May 2006 11:35 AM |
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Thanks Richard. Yes, Tim gave our three National guys a gift they will remember for a lifetime. Also, I forgot to mention "Sargntmoon" and his wife for opening up their home to Jeff, Jason, and Hugh this weekend. I'm sure Randy entertained our National guests quite memorably!
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Ron Coleman "Chief"
U.S. Army Security Agency '73-'78
Member Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC - IN Chapter XIII
"If You Don't Stand Behind Our Troops, Please, Feel Free To Stand In Front Of Them!"
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CleverLori
Posts: 967
Seattle, WA
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| 28 May 2006 2:35 PM |
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AWESOME Ride report, Chief! You made me feel like I was a part of it all.
I'm so proud of all of you who represented all of us. Our heroes deserve to have the entire nation standing for them, and this got a lot of people to do just that.
(And thanx to Nat'l for moving this to a more prominent position!) |
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dk2onion
Posts: 0
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| 28 May 2006 3:38 PM |
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Great report Chief and as I have told you face to face, "Thank YOU for all YOU do" I am honored to call you my brother!! Your dedication to the PGR is outstanding!!
Jeff, Jason and Hugh, It was my pleasure gentlemen. I am proud of you guys and what you have accomplished and where this organization is going...
Thank you for what you do.....
Onion
US Navy Veteran
Patriot Guard Rider, Indiana
Abate of Indiana, Region 6, Brown co
American Legion Member Post 24 |
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nurse
Posts: 2288
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| 28 May 2006 4:15 PM |
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| Great pix and report.Looks like there will be alot that comes out of this event.I would like to say "THANKS" to all that were involved, in the front of cameras, and the ones behind the scenes. I'm sure it took days to prepare, as most our missions do. I'd like to take the time to also say I'm very proud to be a member, and so very thankful for all the military on this Memorial weekend. It's because of our devoted men/women that we celebrate. I think of all that can't celebrate, and remember them in our thoughts and prayers. Have a safe weekend. |
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82nd_Airborne_Dad
Posts: 4222
Laramie, Wyoming
" God's Country "Retired National
Web Site Admin
Wyoming Senior
Ride Captain
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| 28 May 2006 4:53 PM |
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An awesome report, it fills in many questions I was wondering about.
Bravo Zulu!! |
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"The American Paratrooper exists to give the enemy soldier the best chance to die for his country." ~~ General George Patton.
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cagerbob
Posts: 3788
Parma, Ohio
Forum Moderator
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| 28 May 2006 11:26 PM |
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| Outstanding report! I was afraid that nobody knew who we are or why we were there. I'm relieved to find out that only ESPN2 was in the dark. Thank you gentlemen for representing us in fine fashion. It sounds like "Mission Accomplished" to me! |
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Bob Ellis
USN 80-86
In Memory of Ed "OldIron" Barrett
"Remember that no matter how many missions you have been on, all that matters to the family is the one you are on today." ~ Roert
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mum2shadow
Posts: 257
Cage Captain- Sumner, Maine
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| 29 May 2006 8:27 AM |
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Great Report, You guys did us proud, all I got to see was the bit on ESPN but I knew the folks in Indiana would treat you right, gotta love them Hoosiers. Keep up the good work
God Bless Our Troops |
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OUR DEBT TO THE HEROIC MEN AND VALIANT WOMEN IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY CAN NEVER BE REPAID, THEY HAVE EARNED OUR UNDYING GRATITUDE. AMERICA WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICES.
PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN |
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Chief_Investigator
Posts: 880
IN Asst State Capt
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| 29 May 2006 5:29 PM |
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| I know there has to be more pictures out there of the Patriot Guard in the Indy 500 Festival Parade, but here are some I just received from my good friend Dave P. |
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Ron Coleman "Chief"
U.S. Army Security Agency '73-'78
Member Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC - IN Chapter XIII
"If You Don't Stand Behind Our Troops, Please, Feel Free To Stand In Front Of Them!"
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Chief_Investigator
Posts: 880
IN Asst State Capt
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| 29 May 2006 5:39 PM |
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| And here is the Indiana World War Memorial that is located very prominently along the parade route. |
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Ron Coleman "Chief"
U.S. Army Security Agency '73-'78
Member Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC - IN Chapter XIII
"If You Don't Stand Behind Our Troops, Please, Feel Free To Stand In Front Of Them!"
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Schmidtrock
Posts: 2531
Huntsville, AL
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| 29 May 2006 7:08 PM |
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| There is a folder up in the national gallery as well |
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Schmidtrock
American Legion Rider Post #8
Riding with Respect
"Look back, but don't stare."
Riding IN HONOR OF Mike "Deltoid" Bland..."It's all good"
<--------------------------> RIP Deltoid I miss you
John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis..."Optimistically pessimistic about life"
<--------------------------> |
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Solo
Posts: 1081
Albuquerque N.M.
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| 29 May 2006 8:06 PM |
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Ya'll done good! |
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indyharley
Posts: 3492
Indiana
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chorusgurrl
Posts: 668
Western New York
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| 29 May 2006 9:44 PM |
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I'm very proud that you were there. Thanks for the report and the pics. 
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~Laurie~
"Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best." - Henry Van Dyck |
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woodmaster
Posts: 356
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| 29 May 2006 9:52 PM |
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GREAT JOB Guys you make me proud to be an honerary Hoosier and a PGR rider doing the right thing. I was with ya, you just didnt know it. I think you done a wonderful job choosing the 12 riders as well, I dont know how it could have been any better.
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PEACE
Larry Root
MIAP Coordinator |
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ironorderdoc
Posts: 12
Lanesville, Indiana
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| 30 May 2006 6:12 AM |
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| You guys and the Parade detail have made me so much more PROUD to be an AMERICAN as well as a PGR Member and participant. As I sit here, about to walk out the door, to meet Onion and Tuffcreek and Brothers from KY and INDY, for David Rue's Processional up I-65 to his resting place, I have tears in my eyes reading these posts about the Parade, etc. Today is my 59th birthday and May 30th is the original Memorial Day. Growing up I was told that the Memorial Day Parades were for ME, Stephen aka Doc. I now know different. God Bless you all and thanks for representing all of us last weekend. |
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"may His face shine upon you and bring you peace!..." |
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dirtbike
Posts: 1430
elkhart - michiana
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| 30 May 2006 7:08 AM |
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| WOW, great pix. Im proud to be PGR. Just one thing though. The Govenor does look like I do, with a helmet on. Like he's about to be shot out of a circus cannon!!! IF he reads this, I hope he has the sense of humor that you say he has!!! Hey, can they execute ya on the State level for treason??? GULP!!! respect, dirtbike |
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But.... These ARE my church clothes??? The only suit I own, is a rainsuit!!!
Riding in memory ... PFC Mike Synod 2n bn 5th Marines Panel 39w 005 |
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jgreiner
Posts: 2095
West Lafayette, IN
Ride Captain
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| 31 May 2006 9:07 AM |
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Great picts, and a great job by EVERYONE involved in the parade!!! If I had been thinking, we would have rigged up a VIDEOCAM to record the procession from the HANDLEBARS of one of the TAIL bikes. Am disappointed I didn't think of that sooner...but as were most of us, we were simply STUNNED by the announcement. And I was STUNNED once again at the staging area for the Crown Hill mission, when I learned that the PGR had been invited to DC to have breakfast with the Prez.
I think it is going to take a few weeks to recover from this past weekend, eh? ;)
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Jeff Greiner
Indiana Rolling Thunder
Chapter 4
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phedup
Posts: 0
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| 31 May 2006 10:31 AM |
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| Bravo Zulu Indiana!! Thanks for the write-up Chief. |
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Chief_Investigator
Posts: 880
IN Asst State Capt
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| 31 May 2006 5:52 PM |
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Here is one more picture of Governor Daniels being interviewed prior to the start of the parade by Steve Reeves from the SteelHorse television show.
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Ron Coleman "Chief"
U.S. Army Security Agency '73-'78
Member Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC - IN Chapter XIII
"If You Don't Stand Behind Our Troops, Please, Feel Free To Stand In Front Of Them!"
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Susan Sturgis
Posts: 3976
Bear, DE
In Memory of Ed "Old Iron" Barrett
FORUM MODERATOR
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| 31 May 2006 6:31 PM |
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Chief, Wow, I was sitting here sooooo disappointed after watching the PGR's "spotlight" in the Indy 500 parade! I saw it on ESPN2 and they mentioned the Governor and nothing about PGR.
You say YOU had chills from your experience, well, I got goose bumps reading your report. You've all done us proud!
To know that we got great recognition locally for this is just the greatest. |
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BootLady
#34204
TOU Enforcement Agent
"In God We Still Trust" Diamond Rio - Diamond Rio's Greatest Hits II
"You may die with nothing, but if you have brought a rainbow into somebody else's life, your mission is complete." |
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VA RIDER
Posts: 338
Greenwood, IND
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| 02 Jun 2006 7:14 AM |
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Check out this link for the Steel Horse show. They will be doing a bit about the PGR and Mitch Daniels in the parade this Sunday. http://www.steel-horse.com/ |
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Jim Bastin "VA RIDER"
INDIANA HOTH Coordinator
Cold War Army Veteran |
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