sandersj26 
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
 |
| 10 Jul 2006 4:37 PM |
 Alert
|
I receive the following information from Kevin's Nurse. I want to share it and react to it.
TN, Nashville lets welcome this Soldier home with our Hearts.
MR SANDERS,
I AM CPT ROBERT FLORES. A NURSE AT THE BURN UNIT OF BROOKE ARMY MEDICAL CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. JUST LETTING YOU KNOW OF ONE OF MY PATIENTS SGT KEVIN DOWNS. IF YOU GOOGLE HIS NAME YOU WILL FIND OUT MORE INFO ABOUT KEVIN. HE HAS BEEN ONE OF MY PATIENTS FOR 330 DAYS. HE WAS BLOWN OUT OF A HUMVEE AND SUFFERED BURNS OVER 53% OF HIS BODY, LOST BOTH FEET BELOW THE KNEES, AND LOST BOTH HANDS. HE IS ARRIVING IN NASHVILLE VIA SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FLT 1050 AT 1500 HOURS TUESDAY AFTERNOON FOR 30 DAYS CON. LEAVE. HE WILL RETURN TO US FOR FURTHER NEEDED TREATMENTS AFTER HIS LITTLE VACATION. SORRY ABOUT THE SHORT NOTICE BUT THIS HAS BEEN HARD TO PULL TOGETHER BUT KEVIN NEEDS TIME AWAY FROM US. I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR HIM ON SHORT NOTICE, MAYBE JUST WELCOME HIM HOME.
THANKS
CPT ROBERT FLORES
Fellow Patriot Guard Member
210-916-4153/0467 WORK
210-454-6420 MOBILE
210-858-3730 HOME
robert.l.flores@us.army.mil |
|
Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
|
|
|
sandersj26
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
|
| 10 Jul 2006 4:41 PM |
Alert
|
Ok TN, Nashville. Lets get the ball rollling here and welcome Kevin home with a Hero's Welcome.
This young man has gave of himself on ALL of our behalf,,,lets pull together and show him it was not in vain by any means.
If you can be there tomorrow, even if you have to take a vacation day, Please, please do it. |
|
Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
|
|
|
sandersj26
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
|
| 10 Jul 2006 4:58 PM |
Alert
|
I just received a phone call from Capt. Flores. I told him about our hopes to meet and escort Kevin home.
I was told there is a police escort and I assured him I hope we too can be a part of that escort. I will be trying to find on the map the town of residence for Kevin on the map to give everyone involved an idea of the location and distance of travel. to me the distance is not even a factor.
If anyone out there has friends or family with the local law enforcement,,,please contact them and make them aware we have been invited to Kevins Homecoming and want to be a part of the escort.... |
|
Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
|
|
|
TennVic
Posts: 296
Dayton, Tennessee
|
| 10 Jul 2006 5:01 PM |
Alert
|
Welcome home Sgt Downs. You have served your country beyond the call. May God grant you peace and a prospeous future. Thank you for your service.
Kickstand up in Dayton for Nashville at approximately 11:00 am Eastern time.
Hope I get there dry, but I'm sure my eyes will not be.
Later
Mike
|
|
USAF '67 - '71 "TAC"
tennvic@patriotguard.org
Ride in memory of:
J. A. "Pete" Barbree - Seaman 2nd Class, USN WWII - "Dad"
1st LT Lance Workman - KIA Jul 11, 1971, QUANG TIN, SOUTH VIETNAM. Childhood friend. |
|
|
anunn
Posts: 10
|
| 10 Jul 2006 6:11 PM |
Alert
|
| Looks like Kevin will be headed home to Kingston Springs. We took the kids to the parade on the 4th in Pegram and were amazed at the support we saw for Kevin.
From: http://scadvocate.com/kevin_downs.htm#Kevin%20Returns
Update: July 11th, 2006
From the website, "Kevin will be coming through town at 3:30 or 4:00. We would love to see those flags waving, and would appreciate any more last minute yellow ribbons! Kevin will be getting off the Kingston springs exit (I-40 Exit 188), taking a right at the three way stop in Kingston, going towards Pegram, and then taking a left at the railroad (Hwy70) in Pegram to head home! Please do not follow him, but do stand and wave this young soldier on his way home for the first time since he left for Iraq ."
|
|
|
|
|
sandersj26
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
|
| 10 Jul 2006 6:58 PM |
Alert
|
| anunn, thanks for posting the information as well as calling me. anunn has offered to help keep folks pointed in the right direction throughout the escort. Please look Adam Nunn up once you arrive at the Airport,,,Thanks Adam. |
|
Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
|
|
|
midtennhog
Posts: 79
Spring Hill, Tennessee
|
| 10 Jul 2006 7:33 PM |
Alert
|
TennVic, ANunn and I will be meeting at Nashville Airport at 1420 hrs, in the parking lot - near the family vehicle if possible..
More as it develops..
Make calls-- We need more riders. |
|
Dan Roberts
Tennessee Ride Captain
Spring Hill, TN
(615) 300-2882
PGR@IronPequod.com
|
|
|
mccallister
Posts: 1851
Alma MI
|
| 10 Jul 2006 9:20 PM |
Alert
|
I was in Nashville last Thursday through Sunday and would have loved to give this hero a greet and hug if he returned during that time. Welcome home Kevin, and hugs from over 44,000 of us.
Dave in Michigan. |
|
“The American Flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The American Flag flies from the last breath of each Soldier, Sailor, Airman & Marine who has died protecting it.”
Semper Possum!
PGR Michigan calendar of events http://www.my.calendars.net/pgrmichigan
PGR Michigan forum http://pgrmichigan.org/ |
|
|
dreamcatcher
Posts: 2270
TN State Captain Antioch, TN
|
| 10 Jul 2006 9:23 PM |
Alert
|
WELCOME HOME SGT. DOWNS!!
Dano and Tennvic, I will do everything I can to leave work (downtown Nashville) and meet ya'll at the airport. Where are you going to be parking to meet? The parking garage has several levels........
Tennvic, call me before KSU if you have time, hope to see Cate again also!
Annette (Dreamcatcher) |
|
Annette Robeck
aka Dreamcatcher
Proud Mom of an Army National Guard Daughter
Proud Wife of an USAF Veteran
PGR member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008
"Optimistically pessimistic about life"
PGR Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008
"It's all good"
A.L.R. Post #88, Donelson, TN
dreamcatcher@patriotguard.org
LET THEM KNOW WE CARE AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER...............NEVER FORGET |
|
|
midtennhog
Posts: 79
Spring Hill, Tennessee
|
| 10 Jul 2006 9:37 PM |
Alert
|
TennVic, anunn, Annette (hopefully) and I will be meeting at Nashville Airport at 1430-1500 hrs, in the parking lot - near the family vehicle if possible..
Sgt. Downs parents will be wearing red Tshirts with an eagle on it with the words; Been There, Done That.
The town of Kingston Springs will be out in droves, according to he FOX 17 newscast I just saw.
Kevin is ready to get some hometown sunshine and is rarein' to go!
The escort will be provided by the Dickson County Sheriff and assumed by the Kingston Springs Police when we get to the city limits. The Dickson PD. told me that we are most welcome and apreciated!
The latest plan is to meet in the parking lot nearest to the Southwest Airlines passenger pickup - 1430-1500.
When you arrive, contact me by cell at (615) 300-2882. We will remain outside and Meet Sgt Downs when his family brings him to the van for the ride home. Mr. Joe Downs, his father, indicates that he would like us to ride directly behind the Sheriff's escort.
Parking fees---
I'm working on getting us a pass-through. The Sheriff's car should do that for us, but prepare to just toss then some cash and go - this is a tough place to try to stay together.
Make calls-- We need more riders. |
|
Dan Roberts
Tennessee Ride Captain
Spring Hill, TN
(615) 300-2882
PGR@IronPequod.com
|
|
|
midtennhog
Posts: 79
Spring Hill, Tennessee
|
| 12 Jul 2006 7:34 AM |
Alert
|
This mission is complete.
Even with the short notice, eleven PGR riders found their way to the Nashville airport and hung fast through the two hour delay in arrival.
They spent some of that time giving welcomes to several soldiers who were arriving on other flights.
The Kingston Springs community had a great turnout for Kevins' arrival.
One more mission that proves the value of flexability!
Thanks to all who were a part of this mission.
Dano |
|
Dan Roberts
Tennessee Ride Captain
Spring Hill, TN
(615) 300-2882
PGR@IronPequod.com
|
|
|
FLORESRL
Posts: 95
Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
|
| 12 Jul 2006 7:45 AM |
Alert
|
To all fellow PGR Members,
Thank you for welcoming one of my kids home. I love you guys and am honored to be associated with you.
CPT Robert Flores
Burn Unit
Brooke Army Medical Center
Fort Sam Houston, Texas |
|
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.......Thomas Jefferson |
|
|
TennVic
Posts: 296
Dayton, Tennessee
|
| 12 Jul 2006 8:19 AM |
Alert
|
A great day and a Great Mission.
Meeting soldiers from the 101st at the airport was icing on the cake. Meeting the Miller's one of the soldiers family, was awesome.
Even with the web site down the PGR responded through other sources.
Escorting Sgt Downs, a couragous young man, was a great Honor. It was very evident that he is well Loved in his home town of Kingston Springs.
Later
Mike
|
|
USAF '67 - '71 "TAC"
tennvic@patriotguard.org
Ride in memory of:
J. A. "Pete" Barbree - Seaman 2nd Class, USN WWII - "Dad"
1st LT Lance Workman - KIA Jul 11, 1971, QUANG TIN, SOUTH VIETNAM. Childhood friend. |
|
|
sandersj26
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
|
| 12 Jul 2006 9:14 AM |
Alert
|
Awesome!!!
Thanks going out to all of those that could make it to welcome home Kevin Downs.
Big thanks to you for including the welcome home for the other soldiers as they arrived home also.
All of you are great, I thank each and everyone of you for being there. Thanks |
|
Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
|
|
|
marco
Posts: 0
|
| 12 Jul 2006 9:56 AM |
Alert
|
| WOW------WHAT A MISSION!!!! This mission has put new meaning to short notice. As I finished my morning coffee I realized I had to roll to arrive in Nashville on time. I was able to meet the Downs family as soon as I arrived at the airport. GREAT FAMILY !!! Kevin's plane was delayed for 2 hours, but it gave us time to meet other troops coming home from the "sandbox". By the time Kevin's plane arrived there were several members from his unit to welcome him home. When we arrived in Kevin's home town, you can't believe the turn out to welcome him home. I had read some where that the population of this town was 16,000, and believe me, they were all there to welcome their HERO home. This was a mission that will not be forgotten. God speed Kevin, you are in our prayers. |
|
|
|
|
dreamcatcher
Posts: 2270
TN State Captain Antioch, TN
|
| 12 Jul 2006 10:22 AM |
Alert
|
Volunteer still describes Tennessee! With short notice, website down, we all made it work, both on bikes and cages! It was wonderfull to welcome not only Sgt. Downs home, but others as well that arrived prior to his arrival.
Kingston Springs went all out, from the high school band playing as he passed by, the businesses announcing it on their signs, all the emergency equipment that fell in line with everyone after we passed, to streets full of well wishers, friends and family............. He was welcomed home the way all of our soldiers should be.
It's great to belong to a group that has it's priorities in order!
Dreamcatcher |
|
Annette Robeck
aka Dreamcatcher
Proud Mom of an Army National Guard Daughter
Proud Wife of an USAF Veteran
PGR member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008
"Optimistically pessimistic about life"
PGR Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008
"It's all good"
A.L.R. Post #88, Donelson, TN
dreamcatcher@patriotguard.org
LET THEM KNOW WE CARE AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER...............NEVER FORGET |
|
|
midtennhog
Posts: 79
Spring Hill, Tennessee
|
| 13 Jul 2006 8:43 PM |
Alert
|
For those of you who wondered at the last minute passing to the front of the escort, let me explain.
We were supposed to be directly behind the police escort, but as we pulled out, the van with Kevin pulled in fron and the blue truck followed it. Such is the way these things go.
I knew that the truck was driven by Kevin's First Sergeant and if anyone had a 'right' to stay with 'his soldier', it would be him.
As we neared Kingston Springs, the First Sgt. waved me up beside him and told me that he'd been asked (by CB radio) to get us up behind the Sheriff, per the wishes of Joe Downs, Kevins' father.
Members of PGR,, that is a huge tribute from the family and we should all remember the gesture of faith and trust that this family placed in us.
Dano
|
|
Dan Roberts
Tennessee Ride Captain
Spring Hill, TN
(615) 300-2882
PGR@IronPequod.com
|
|
|
nurse
Posts: 2407
|
| 13 Jul 2006 8:56 PM |
Alert
|
| So glad to see you're home for some R&R, Kevin. I'm sure the peace of home-life, is better than all of the medicine we can provide. The love of family, community, and country, was evident, as in this post. Welcome, home, Hero....love to you from French Lick, Indiana!!!!! |
|
|
|
|
tomkatz4
Posts: 590
Florence AL
|
| 16 Jul 2006 8:41 PM |
Alert
|
Short notice, well, thanks to the Ala HP that showed a little grace (65 in a 45). I just hope he doesn't learn the flight's arrival time was delayed two hours.
While waiting for Kevin's flight to arrive we learned of another flight that was arriving with four guys just "in country" from the sandbox. We were able to greet them and welcome them home.
A little after meeting the 1st flight, the original mission became a reality. We departed BNA with 11 bikes, 3 cages and two police escorts. When we arrived at Kevin's home town both sides of the street was lined with people, holding banners and signs that said "Welcome Home Kevin". Upon exiting I-40 we saw three firetrucks, one with a huge American Flag hanging from it's boom. The sight was so assume, words can never describe the atmosphere. It became difficult to see, there were dust particles or something in the air. Wow, this little town put on a show for their local American Hero. Kingston Springs, you rock. It was an honor to be present to witness this event. |
|
"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." - Dwight D. Eisenhower
Tommy Poss aka Tomkat
PGR BoD / ALR AL Post 11 Charter Member / USN |
|
|
TennVic
Posts: 296
Dayton, Tennessee
|
| 17 Jul 2006 7:21 AM |
Alert
|
Did anyone take pictures? I have contacted the South Cheatham Advocate newspaper to ask permission to use and posts some of their pictures for the PGR.
I visited Peagram TN this past Sunday and there is a lot of praise for the "Motorcycle people with the Patriot Riders" escorting SGT Downs home. The people of Kingston Springs and Peagram are a tight knit and patriotic family.
God bless you all.
Later
Mike
|
|
USAF '67 - '71 "TAC"
tennvic@patriotguard.org
Ride in memory of:
J. A. "Pete" Barbree - Seaman 2nd Class, USN WWII - "Dad"
1st LT Lance Workman - KIA Jul 11, 1971, QUANG TIN, SOUTH VIETNAM. Childhood friend. |
|
|
ddaddyo
Posts: 604
Fort Wayne, In ..... IN. PGR Chaplain N/E In. R/C
|
| 17 Jul 2006 2:17 PM |
Alert
|
Welcome home Kevin!!!!!!!! I learned about Him on the special missions page a while back. At my church we have been praying, and sending some encouragement thru the mail. I'm glad to hear kevin is home for some R&R.
Blessings <><
Pat |
|
<>< Jesus-Got-Er-Done ><>
Riding With Respect For
Bob Berta: 31E Row 85
Bob Davis: 22E Row 38
Both 21 years old.............. Forever |
|
|
sandersj26
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
|
| 17 Jul 2006 6:00 PM |
Alert
|
With permission from Capt. Flores I wanted to share with all of you an email he sent that contains Kevin's and his families feelings about the PGR and what all of you have done to bright one Hero's life. Thank each and everyone of you.
Hey brother,
Kevin Downs called us here at the Burn Ward at Brooke Army Medical Center. He wanted to say "Hi" but, he also wanted to let me know that he and parents were touched that the Patriot Guard took the time to show up and honor him. He sounded so "full of life and joy" to be back home. What a blessing. THANK YOU!!! It is an honor and privilege to be part of this organization.
CPT ROBERT L. FLORES
BROOKE ARMY MEDICAL CENTER
FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS |
|
Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
|
|
|
TennVic
Posts: 296
Dayton, Tennessee
|
| 17 Jul 2006 6:22 PM |
Alert
|
I asked the writer at the South Cheatham Advocate if we could use their pictures of the Welcome home for SGT Kevin Downs. Here is their response:
You absolutely have my permission to use any pictures you like. You folks
were awesome and I was so thrilled to see you there! (My husband and I
ride, so we always love seeing bikes!)
Again, thanks for all you do and for being a part of such a special and
wonderful day. If you don't have a link to our site on yours, feel free to
do that as well.
Dale
Dale W. Graham
The South Cheatham Advocate Newspaper
www.SCAdvocate.com
|
|
USAF '67 - '71 "TAC"
tennvic@patriotguard.org
Ride in memory of:
J. A. "Pete" Barbree - Seaman 2nd Class, USN WWII - "Dad"
1st LT Lance Workman - KIA Jul 11, 1971, QUANG TIN, SOUTH VIETNAM. Childhood friend. |
|
|
Flagbabe
Posts: 6
|
| 22 Jul 2006 1:57 PM |
Alert
|
Dear Nashville Patriot Guard Riders -- What an fabulous welcome home celebration for a true American Hero!!!! Rick and I had the honor of visiting with Kevin the hour prior to his departure from Brooke Army Medical Center -- he is a courageous, determined and very special young man. Thank you so much for giving him such a special day. Judging by the pictures -- and the big smile on his face!!!! -- his homecoming is something he will rememeber for the rest of his life. Each and every one of you are amazing. It makes me so proud to be a Patriot Guard Rider!!!.
xoxoxo Flag Babe |
|
|
|
|
midtennhog
Posts: 79
Spring Hill, Tennessee
|
| 23 Jul 2006 7:39 PM |
Alert
|
Flagbabe,
The blue Electraglide that carried you on the first leg of the Tennessee ride, was in the lead for Kevin to his hometown.
That bike still carries your good vibes and is spreading them as far and wide as I can take her.
Your Legacy of caring and sharing cannot be stopped.
Thanks,,
Dano |
|
Dan Roberts
Tennessee Ride Captain
Spring Hill, TN
(615) 300-2882
PGR@IronPequod.com
|
|
|