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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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JohnnyW 
Posts: 380
Fort Campbell, KY Tuckasee Ride Captain
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| 15 Jun 2006 4:33 PM |
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Well, after some thought about what to write regarding last night's ceremony, here is what I have come up with.
Staging: We staged at the Oak Grove American Legion between 5:30 and 7pm to get ready to ride onto Fort Campbell for the 101st Airborne's Eagle Remembrance Ceremony. At last count before we left, we had 8 bikes and 3 cars for a total of about 12 people. This is the biggest turnout that we have had for this monthly ceremony to date, so I was very pleased at the turnout. The weather couldn't have been better except for maybe a little breeze that we wish was there at times.
While staging, 2 of our fellow members rode up and soon after let us know that they would not be able to stay. The members informed me and the rest of the group that the husband's sister-in-law had just been involved in a bad crash where she lives. I told them to go take care of business and let us know what the sister-in-law's status was when they got a chance. I found out after arriving home that she did not endure any serious injuries, but only had some neck and back pain. I was greatly relieved that she was ok. After that, a Major from the 101st (who also is a Patriot Guard Rider) rode up to put out some information while we had everyone together. On behalf of Major General Thomas Turner, the 101st Airborne Division, and Fort Campbell, the Major presented a certificate of appreciation signed by the Commanding General to Don Woodrick, the KY state captain, for his support and service to Fort Campbell, its soldiers, and the surrounding community. We all realize that this is an awesome gift for Don and the Patriot Guard. The Major also helped to coordinate us getting onto the post with no problems whatsoever, so if you read this, thank you.
Mission: After the two members left to check on the sister-in-law, we were down to 8 bikes and 3 cars, which is still a higher showing than previous months. We rode onto Fort Campbell with no delays at the gate or anywhere else thanks to the Major. We found enough parking just accross the street from the Division HQ where the ceremony was being held. We made our way to the ceremony site well before the start and eventually found seats for the whole group.
Ceremony: The ceremony was much like any other that I have been to. It is a very moving and beautiful ceremony where they honor the families of our fallen heros and the memory of those who perished during the month of May. The ceremony began with Retreat and the firing of the cannon. After remarks by the division's rear detachment commander and a scripture reading by one of the chaplains, they then held the candle lighting portion for those fallen Screaming Eagles. This month, the following 101st soldiers were honored during the ceremony:
SSG Santiago Halsel, C Co. 2-502d INF, 2nd Brigade Combat Team
SGT Steve Sakoda, B Troop, 1-75th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team
SPC Sergio Mercedes Saez, D Co. 2-502d INF, 2nd Brigade Combat Team
PFC Joseph Duenas, D Co. 1-327th INF, 1st Brigade Combat Team
PFC Travis Zimmerman, B Co. 2-502d INF, 2nd Brigade Combat Team
Although we mourn the loss of these 5 soldiers who gave their lives and everything else in serving our country, they will never be forgotten. I am also very happy that there were not more fallen heros from the 101st to be remembered last night, 5 is much lower than some of the previous missions where we have gone to this ceremony.
I would like to thank Fort Campbell and the 101st for having us there. Also, I would like to thank every PGR member that was able to make it last night. Without you all, the mission would not have been the success that it was.
If anyone else has something to add to this, please do so, as I probably can't get all of it put out without forgetting at least one thing. Thanks again. |
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Goin off to play GI Joe in the big ole sandbox for about 15 months |
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CleverLori
Posts: 969
Seattle, WA
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| 15 Jun 2006 10:53 PM |
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| Thank you SSG Halsel, SGT Sakoda, SPC Saez, PFC Duenas, and PFC Zimmerman. Thank you for your service to our country. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten. |
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sierge
Posts: 0
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| 16 Jun 2006 12:42 AM |
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John I think you covered it quite well. It is a ceremony that after seeing you just can't put it into words that would do justice to it. I hope that there won't be a need next month for a Ceremony but if there is I'll be there.
Please thank the Major and any powers that be for allowing us to honor these hero's and their families.
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dtswood
Posts: 0
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| 16 Jun 2006 5:48 AM |
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| It is an honor to attend the Eagle Remebrance Ceremony. It is a solemn reminder of the reality of the price of our freedom, and a chance to stand amongst the men and women who give so much to preserve it. You cannot leave there without a deeper appreciation for the soldiers and their familes and a renewed committment to doing all you can to support them. God Bless each and every one. |
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blueky722
Posts: 157
Franklin,Ky
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| 17 Jun 2006 11:06 PM |
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I would like to thank all the soldiers and there familys for there sacrifices. I know how hard it is to loose someone you love to this war. I hope one day there will not be a need for the PGR. But till that day comes, I will ride to honor any hero that I can.
Johnny you are right it was a very touching ceremony and I will be at everyone I can.
Don congragulations again, and Thank you for all you do.
And to all the other PGR members, Thank you to. You are all a wonderfull group of people. And I am honored to call you all my friends. |
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Proud sister of MA3 Josh Durham and
SSg Christopher Schornak(kia 2-26-06) |
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rstamom
Posts: 662
Colleyville TX
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| 19 Jun 2006 9:29 PM |
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| I would like to thank my fellow PGR members for attending the Eagle Remembrance Ceremony. I know the families and their fellow soldiers appreicate it. I keep praying there won't be any more sad ceremonies and we can all gather with clapping and cheering when our Eagles return home. |
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"The battle is not to the strong alone;
it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave."
-- Patrick Henry
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