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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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tiny667 
Posts: 4401
Overland Park, KS
Forum Moderator
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| 24 Aug 2006 1:16 PM |
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MISSION COMPLETE
Rest in Peace SSGT Kevin Zeigler, hero and patriot. Your work here is done.
A special thanks to Larry Bridges and Teva Corp. for providing lunch for the riders, that unexpected gift is very appreciated.
Another special thanks to the Soldiers Angels for providing the water and donuts, on a hot day like this it was really needed.
A special thanks from me to all of the KPG and PGR brothers and sisters I got to meet and serve with on this mission. I consider it an honor to of stood with you today. Ride safe.
Most of all thanks to the family of SSGT Kevin Zeigler for allowing us to honor your fallen hero today. May you all find comfort knowing that Kevin is an American hero who gave all for his countrymen, and for others so that one day they may have freedom. May God bless you all. |
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Carpe Noctem
“There's lots of reasons why we can't do this. We're here looking for answers and a way in which we can do this. You are the folks with the energy and resources to make this project a reality.”
Michael Collins
“Popularity is not leadership.”
Richard Marcinko
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Red-25thID
Posts: 30
Overland Park, KS
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| 24 Aug 2006 1:18 PM |
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Excellent job everyone. I know the family, friends, funeral director, and military present were all very appreciative. Special thanks to those who made the trek from long distances.
God Speed.
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Shane "Red" Boos
Proud KS PGR Member
Eyes Of Lightning Ruck IT! |
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cruzonover
Posts: 33
Lees Summit, MO
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| 24 Aug 2006 1:33 PM |
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To the Zeigler family, thank you for allowing me to honor this hero by participating. Rest in pease Staff Sgt. Zeigler, you will live on in our hearts and thoughts.
Also, thank you to the Teva Corp. for the lunch they provided. That was a very nice surprise.
Thanks Doc for organizing this. We all do our part for the PGR family. It is always an honor to ride with you and show our support for the soldiers and their families. Ride safe all.
I posted the pictures I took today. You can see them here. |
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Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they
protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they
perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our
Lord and Savior. Amen.
Antonio DeLaCruz |
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tiny667
Posts: 4401
Overland Park, KS
Forum Moderator
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| 24 Aug 2006 1:39 PM |
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| Moved to Recently Completed Missions. |
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Carpe Noctem
“There's lots of reasons why we can't do this. We're here looking for answers and a way in which we can do this. You are the folks with the energy and resources to make this project a reality.”
Michael Collins
“Popularity is not leadership.”
Richard Marcinko
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stretchnit
Posts: 913
Mulberry, Ks.
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| 24 Aug 2006 3:40 PM |
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Posted By cruzonover on 24 Aug 2006 1:33 PM To the Zeigler family, thank you for allowing me to honor this hero by participating. Rest in pease Staff Sgt. Zeigler, you will live on in our hearts and thoughts. Also, thank you to the Teva Corp. for the lunch they provided. That was a very nice surprise. Thanks Doc for organizing this. We all do our part for the PGR family. It is always an honor to ride with you and show our support for the soldiers and their families. Ride safe all. I posted the pictures I took today. You can see them here.
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My condolences to the Zeigler family.
This hero will not be forgotten.
Please forward my condolences to the family, and if they have any photos and info on Kevin that I can ad to his tribute page to please send them to me.. It is my mission to help people remember who this hero is.
You're also welcome to email me some of the PGR Mission photos to ad. q@IraqWarHeroes.com
I wish all the riders a safe ride and a good mission.
I thank you all for supporting our fallen heroes and their families.
Q
www.IraqWarHeroes.org & www.AfghanistanWarHeroes.org
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Q Madp
PO Box 86888
Portland OR 97286-0888
Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
www.OurWarHeroes.org
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Rick(Stretchnit)Wegner
Mulberry, Ks. |
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pbrobbins
Posts: 359
Platte City, MO.
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| 24 Aug 2006 4:45 PM |
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I want to thank the family for allowing us the privilege to be there to honor this brave hero.
He will never be forgotten.
I will never forget this soldier.
"Doc", again, did an outstanding job coordinating and organizing this mission.
I know that this great country of ours is filled with great PGR ride captains, but in my humble opinion, Kansas and Missouri seem to have some of the greatest ones,
.... and "Doc" is one of those great ones.
Super job, "Doc".
Many thanks to the Teva people who gave us the free lunch.
That was certainly unexpected.
Many thanks to the "Soldier's Angels" for providing us refreshments before the service and providing us water later during the mission. What a great and thoughtful group.
They are truely "angels" from God.
We are blessed to have them join us at these missions that we attend.
There was an excellent showing of our PGR members and our support people.
Droptank Willie (one of our support cagers) was there with a full gas can, medical kit, tool kit and extra water if we needed it. The PGR is primarily an organization comprised of mostly motorcycle riders, but we would not be complete without support cagers like Droptank Willie and other cagers who support us on these missions.
Well done, Droptank.
It was truely an honor and privilege to stand with my PGR brothers while honoring this hero of ours.
God bless Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Zeigler and his family.
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Never take freedom for granted.
Never forget who died for your freedom.
God bless the great "United States of America"
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missouriangel
Posts: 9
Lees Summit, Missouri
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| 24 Aug 2006 5:38 PM |
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On behalf of Soldiers’ Angels we Thank YOU PGR! Thank you for allowing us to support a wonderful group who performs an important service. A service which helps to preserve the dignity of a ceremony honoring the lives of our American Heroes.
You help us to uphold our mission which is to support the brave men and women who fight for our rights to be free. We support those heroes wherever they raise the flag of the United States of America.
May God help the Zeigler family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Thank you for all you do!!
Soldiers’ Angels
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Vice President - Soldiers Angels
missouriangel@mindspring.com |
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Redog
Posts: 9
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| 24 Aug 2006 6:10 PM |
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| Many thanks to Kevins family for allowing me the honor your fallen hero. It is because of Kevin and the support of his family that I am able to enjoy the freedoms that I have. Kevins and him family are truely the REAL heros. Thank you again for allowing the Patriot Guard to share this time with you. Thank you for my freedoms.......... |
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cjpcman2
Posts: 71
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| 24 Aug 2006 6:35 PM |
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I always do a write up after the mission. I hope fellow PGR members do not mind when I do this.
Like others have said, hats off to Doc for doing an outstanding job as ride captain. At the visitation, we roughly had 50 people there. At the services, I counted around 100 bikes in total (plus or minus some) plus about 10 cages, including my blue convertible. The "Soldier's Angels" were a great asset to the Patriot Guard. Thank you for being there with us.
We owe a special thank you to the owner of "Executive Hills". His name is Larry Bircham (or something like that, and I sincerely apologize if I got the name incorrect). He saw our mission, and invited all of us over for a free lunch at the Tiva facility. I can honestly say that we were all hungry and thirsty, so we were all very grateful for his generosity to PGR. It also provided a moment for us to cool down, wind down, and share our thoughts with one another. Thank you, Larry. It was very kind of you.
I was impressed with the military personnel that attended. The General even took the time to thank us, as well as many friends, family, other military personnel, and the wives and mothers of the 10th Brigade that drove up from Fort Hood, Texas. Gosh, we heard "Thank you" from so many people, it is hard to remember all of them.
There is an old expression when talking about our children that the apple doesn't fall from a tree. Several family members took the time to tell me that if I had known Kevin, I would have seen the man that they loved. But as an outsider, my impression of the family was that you illustrated how great all of you were, and for you to speak so highly of this hero, he must have been someone very special. We were there to honor a hero, and in return, we got to learn about whom he was, because we got to know who you were. At the visitation, I had the opportunity to meet the grandmother of stacey (at least I believe that was her grandmother). What a wonderful lady. I also believe it was Kevin's sister that I got to meet. She was so kind and gracious. The Zeigler family exemplifies the heartland of America. Kevin sure came from "good stock".
Every mission, there is a moment that tears fall. This one was when we lined up in the cemetery for the family to drive through the "Avenue of Flags". Watching the family drive through while standing saluting, I couldn't help but to shed a few tears.
The next tears were when we surrounded the cemetery services and watched the final tribute for this hero. Watching Stacey lay to rest her husband with her four children at her side, was something that makes even this grown man shed tears.
We all were honored to be there for Staff Sgt. Kevin Zeigler. To the Zeigler family, thank you for allowing us to be there to pay our respects.
Sincerely,
Curtis (CJPCman2 aka "In the rear, protecting the gear, drinking the beer") |
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Poppawolf
Posts: 64
Oak Grove, MO
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| 24 Aug 2006 7:03 PM |
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My wife and I would also like to add our thanks. First to the family of Sgt. Zeigler for allowing us to share a truly personal day in your lives. It is not everyone that can open themselves up to over 100 strangers. Then to the Ride Captains that orchestrated the whole event. The professionalism of these men and women amazes me on each of these missions we complete. We cannot forget the Soldiers Angels. The refreshements were greatly appreciated and I, for one, have never turned down too many doughnuts. And lastly, I want to thank each and every Patriot Guard Rider that allows me to bring my family members with me on these very important days. To see each and everyone of us set aside our lives for a few hours to honor America's true Heroes is a life lesson they will never get from anywhere but here. We would also like to thank the Teva Corp. for the very generous show of support for us today.
Darren and Kim Berry |
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cjpcman2
Posts: 71
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| 24 Aug 2006 7:25 PM |
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I mentioned earlier that there were so many kind family members of the Zeigler family, friends, military personnel, as well as their mothers and wives, that I surely could not remember all of them.
But one does stand out that I neglected to mention in my previous post. That is the nephew of Staff Sgt. Kevin Zeigler. At the visitation, he asked me to tie his tie for him (since I was wearing a tie, he knew that I would know how to tie this for him). He is a fine, respectful, and courteous young man.
After the services today, Kevin's nephew came up to me to tell me something really sad. He told me that one of the UG ("Uninvited Guests") had said something VERY innapropriate to the family of Kevin. What could one say in response to something like that? I don't remember what I said, but gosh, that was truly sad to hear. I am very sorry that the Zeigler family ever had to hear this.
But I did switch the subject matter with the nephew, and the response he gave did make me laugh. I asked him about him not wearing a tie today. He said that they were taking so many photos last night, that he kept straightening the tie, and in doing so, he was tightening it to the point that it was choking him. So, to the nephew, thank you for brightening my day. Remembering the times we laugh make our lives better. This was something humorous for me to remember about today.
-Curtis (CJPCman2) |
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"Doc"
Posts: 451
Kansas City Ride Captain
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| 24 Aug 2006 7:53 PM |
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| Mission Report completed. See mission report for Kevin Zeigler in the Mission Reports Forum. My sentiments for each and every one of you are listed there. |
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USN/USNR -- 1961 to 1967
Area Director -- Kansas American Legion Riders
Ride Captain -- PGR, Kansas City & NE Kansas Area
"SOLDIER DOWN -- KICKSTANDS UP"! |
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More photos (guest)
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| 25 Aug 2006 8:49 AM |
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I work in the building next to the cemetary where services were held for SSgt Ziegler and I took some photos that I want to share with everyone. As a member of the 190th ARW from Topeka, KS, thank you for your service and patriotism for our fallen comrades.
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/alphaking65/album/576460762309890614#page1
Enjoy the pictures, I wish I had a better view but the trees were in the way.
R. Crain |
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Gorilla35
Posts: 246
Louisburg, Ks.
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| 25 Aug 2006 1:00 PM |
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To the family and friends of Kevin I pray for your healing at this time. God will take care of all of you.
To my PGR family this was my first mission. I still don't have the words to express all of my feelings. Everybody I met were truly a great people, and I can't name everyone so I won't try. I was, and still am moved by the experience of yesterday. I try to keep my emotions in check most of the time, but I found it extremely hard to do. Shaking hands with the family was one of the hardest and at the same time most gratifying moments that I can remember. It was a honor to stand with you and I will anytime I can.
Hope everyone made it home safe. See you next time.
David |
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ralph69
Posts: 0
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| 25 Aug 2006 2:46 PM |
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Thanks to everyone who attended this mission in any function.
Just an interesting anecdote which is pretty typical of what happens on these missions.
As I was walking from the service toward my bike to head for the burial site, a lady approached me from her parked car in the bike parking area.
She said her grandfather was in WWII, her father in Korea, and her husband had been a Marine for six years and she wanted to express her thanks for what the PGR was doing and how wonderful all the people were.
What can you say except thank you and it's an honor to be allowed to do what we do ?
Obviously of American Indian descent, she then told a few of us that she was an indian storyteller (whatever that is) and offered us each a polished stone which she said had been blessed by the "Great Spirits".
Speaking only for myself, I'm getting too old to make fun of the things she said and the value of the "Great Spirits" blessing. I shall value that stone and remember the ceremony for SSgt Zeigler for a long time.
I wish we never had to do another one of these missions but I'll be at Falls City and Hiawatha next week.
May the Lord take a liking to each and every one of you.
Will |
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harly69g
Posts: 8072
Ride Captain
Owensboro, KY
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| 21 Jan 2007 4:50 PM |
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"Doc"
Posts: 253
Kansas City Ride Captain
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| 24 Aug 2006 8:44 PM |
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This turned out to be a 3 part mission.
Saturday, about 35 faithful PGR & KPG riders escorted the widow, Stacy Zeigler and the remains from KCI to Mt. Moriah Freeman Funeral Home. Members of ALR Post #370 were pallbearers. All riders entered the Funeral Home with the casket. We had a few minuets of silence, then each departed with a salute to this fallen hero, leaving the widow to be with her husband.
On Wednesday evening we provided support for the visitation. We had an excellent turnout about 40 strong. With the 100 flags planted along the drive and entryway, Patriot Guard Riders stood watch as friends and family came to offer their condolences and respect.
On Thursday, many arrived as early as 0700 hrs. to prepare for the day. A dozen volunteers helped plant the flags as we did the night before. Staging took about an hour with doughnuts supplied by the Soldiers Angels. LEO escorted us safely from the staging area for our trek to the funeral home. More than 130 bikes plus a number of cages were present. Once the services began, all 130 bikes and cages moved to the cemetery where we lined the path to the gravesite. An avenue of flags provided an entry to the final service.
Just prior to the service, the widow was presented with an engraved plaque, a service flag signed by each rider, Soldiers Angels commemorative coins for each of the hero's four children, and "honor patches" for each of the children.
The participants and volunteers were outstanding! If I miss anyone please forgive me. Thanks to all members of Kansas Patriot Guard and the Patriot Guard Riders for their joint effort inmaking this a success. Each and everyone of you played an important role. The outstanding effort of Debbie and Ronda of the Soldiers Angels in providing doughnuts and water for this mission. Thanks to SARdog for early staging and traffic help. Members of ALR Post #370, Sparks, Red, Steamer, Sid, Arrow, Wingman, Highlander, & Maverick for their hard work. Thanks to Big Jimbo for donating the 100 flags to Post #370. These will also get much use in the future. Thanks to Chaplain Bosco for the prayer and invocation. Thanks to Whirlwind for donating the honor patches for the children. Thanks to "pbrobbins" and Wheel Cop for leading riders to the staging area. Thanks to "fyrdude" and Red for working with the funeral home and locating a staging area. Thanks to Captain Wiley of the US Army for assisting in communication with the widow. Thanks to Sparks, Ronda, and Whirlwind for transporting flags. Thanks to Kai, for organizing the ride from Manhattan to Topeka, to KC for this mission. Thanks to Georgia for driving the widow from KCI. Thanks also to Big Stan for his help in staging at the KCI. Thanks also to Big Stan for the first round of drinks after the mission. AND thanks to each and everyone who left home as early as 0300 and rode hundreds of miles for this important mission. Whether you rode 10 miles or 300 miles, each of you played an important role. If I missed anyone, please forgive me. It was not intentional.
As shown above: as an individual we can do little, as a group, we can do much.
A final thanks to local businessman, Larry Bridges of Executive Hills who bought lunch at a local restaurant for all our riders. I know that we all appreciated it. Thank you Larry. |
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USN/USNR -- 1961 to 1967
Treasurer -- ALR Post #370 - Overland Park, KS
Area Director -- Kansas American Legion Riders
Ride Captain -- PGR, Kansas City & NE Kansas Area
"SOLDIER DOWN -- KICKSTANDS UP"! |
| 25 Aug 2006 12:12 AM | | |
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In Memory: Terri L. Newman 11/64 - 07/05
In Memory: Caleb S. Newman 12/07
"Kentucky Rides With Respect & Honor" |
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