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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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Polhamus 
Posts: 1
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| 28 Aug 2006 3:31 PM |
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Thought you would want to know:
I was one of the humbled Americans that flew by C-130 to pay respects to Adam. We arrived early and drove by bus to the church. Onalaska is a small town, something you would see in a Norman Rockwell painting. We noticed immediately that Adam Servais' name was on alot of advertisement boards, scrolling electrical signs and anything else that would be used for the public to see. We then began looking at other aspects of the small town, every American flag we seen was at half staff. Arriving at the church at 9am, we had time to pay our respects to Adam, looking at pictures of his boy hood, high school, family andmilitary chapters. His casket was draped with the American flag,
surrounded by beautiful flowers from all over the town and nation, to include the Patriots.
We all sat together for the service, up front, taking up about six pews. The Priest started the mass by looking at us and announcing to the congregation: "We have heroes in the Lord's House!" With that the congregation stood up and gave us a standing ovation. Not a muscle moved from us, but the tears could not be stopped. A very touching mass was given ,with eulogies from some of his close friends, a very emotional, fitting tribute to Adam.
We left the church and started walking the .25 mile to the cemetery. Nothing could of prepared us for what we seen when we turned the corner and started walking down Main Street. Lining both sides of Main Street, for the length of the entire walk, were citizens holding large American flags. Standing silently, saluting or hands on hearts. The local paper stated that there were a 1000 people there for Adam, I think they only counted the flags. We seen old vets
with their VA hats on, saluting while holding a cane with tears rolling down their cheeks. We seen little kids looking straight ahead, saluting like they had practiced it all week long. We seen you, True Patriots. Not one word was spoken. It was the longest walk I ever experienced.
During the grave side service, the Scott AFB Honor Guard did a great job with the 21 gun salute, flag folding and the last taps. Imagine those 5 X 8 American Flags surrounding us during the ceremony, like a blanket, it was very comforting.
We found out later that the Patriot Guard was responsible for this blanket.
Thank you from the bottom of our Hearts for showing Adam such a wonderful out pouring of Pride and Love.
We will never forget that sad day. Please continue to support our fallen through this "blanket".
Joe Polhamus, MSgt,Ret
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ghaase
Posts: 53
Hubertus Wisconsin
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| 28 Aug 2006 4:03 PM |
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This is one of the most touching messages that I have ever read on our web site. This MSGT from Florida has captured every aspect of this mission as far as I am concerned. If this isn’t why we do what we do than I don’t know what is. We were there for Adam, his family, the town, and for sure the military personnel that were there.
His reference to “blanket” was right on. I made a copy of this message and I am going to show it to some of my friends that ask, “why do you do this if it is so sad”.
I am proud of Adam, his family, the town of Onalaska, and Joe Polhamus MSGT from Florida.
George (Proud to be a Patriot Guard Rider)
USAF 55 - 59 |
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USAF Medic 55 - 59 |
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mttcrlsn
Posts: 2
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| 28 Aug 2006 5:07 PM |
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There are no words that can describe the great feelings we left the cemetery on Sunday. My dad ( a Vietnam Vet) was the one calling the command for the VFW color guard that day and he told me that was the biggest funeral he had been to in a long time. It was also one of the most moving one to see everyone that lined the streets in support and the sea of flags. The police chief also said that was the best funeral he had the honor of working that he could recall for some time.
PS. If any other mission calls come for the area, I will be there (even if my "motorcycle" is a 98 Dodge Dakota). |
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psfutures
Posts: 1
La Crosse Wisconsin
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| 28 Aug 2006 5:18 PM |
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It is an honor and privilege to be part of a mission to give what words too often fail to convey for a fallen warrior. It is humbling. Hearts and prayers go out to Airman Servais' family and friends and entire community which was impacted by this man.
Trish |
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23 STS (guest)
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| 28 Aug 2006 6:20 PM |
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To the men and women of the Patriot Gaurd and the US -
Thank you for what you do in memory of our fallen comrades, to welcome us home from deployments, to support us and our families when we are deployed. This is why we don't mind doing the job we are doing because we love you and we love our country. Thank you for taking care of Adam - we miss him dearly.
Hooyah Patriots!
The Men and Women of the 23 STS |
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one thank you (guest)
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| 28 Aug 2006 9:53 PM |
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I would like to thank all who stood at
the side of Main St. in my hometown on Saturday. I will never forget
the tears of joy when I saw that many people show up to honor my dear
friend. You lifted my heart when it could not have sank any lower.
I have no words gracious enough to let all the Patriot Guard Riders
know how I feel. Forever the sound of a flag waving in the wind will
be changed.
Thank you so much,
Drew
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Stash (guest)
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| 29 Aug 2006 9:43 AM |
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Rest In Peace Airman. Your sacrafice will not be in vain.
Stan Rygh U.S.N. Special Warfare 1971-1975 |
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flhx2006
Posts: 1
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| 29 Aug 2006 3:26 PM |
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| Thanks to Dave ( HotRod Dave, just ask him about that ) for helping with a successful mission. Thanks to all the others I do not know. Condolences to the family and friends. |
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Blodzinski Family (guest)
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| 29 Aug 2006 4:15 PM |
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My husband and I have had the honor of working with Adam the last couple years. I was not prepared for the experience everyone had going to Wisconsin this weekend. The main line I have heard is that "it was the most patriotic thing they have ever seen". The pictures have been spread to hundreds of people in the Special Tactics community this week. Patriotic Guard is considered part of the 23 STS family and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support to Adam, the military and the United States.
TSgt Ann Blodzinski
23 STS/Operations |
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reddog
Posts: 8
Burnsville, MN
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| 29 Aug 2006 8:22 PM |
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First I would like to say, this was my first mission, and by far one of the most moving moments in my life. The respect that was shown not only for Adam but to everyone! I will never forget the look on the faces of the family and friends as they walked from the church to the cemetary. I would like to thank the state and road captains from both MN, and WI, you guys did great job.
Thank you all!
Larry |
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"Please Don't stand and Weep
Those men I had to save
Not because of Courage
or because I'm Brave
Not because of Orders
or because it was my Dream
I did it for my Brothers
I did it for the Team
So Please Don't weep for me
for all I had to give
I did it for a reason
"So That Others May Live" |
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hlange
Posts: 908
NCR Captain, Bangor WI
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| 01 Sep 2006 9:32 PM |
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Late note:
It was brought to my attention that we did not post anything about a collection that was taken up at the mission. A couple of members took up a collection during the mission and the money was taken to the Harley dealer who went straight to the bank and had a cashier's check written out for a little over $1100. to "The Adam Servais Memorial" and then gave the check to the funeral home to give it to the family. Although not a normal part of the mission it seems many were moved to give but none were required to. It was not given to the family as cash nor was it given to a family member, but to be used for something to memorialize Adam. I do want to say that it was not something that I came up with and I would not as RC ask people to give money, but once it was brought up that some wanted to we did the utmost to ensure that the money would go where the members ment it to. |
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Henry A. Lange BTC(SW)(USN)(Ret)
"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
"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:
"I served in the United States Navy""
-John F. Kennedy (JFK) |
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hlange
Posts: 908
NCR Captain, Bangor WI
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| 01 Sep 2006 9:55 PM |
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----- Original Message -----
From: "susan servais"
To: ;
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 8:11 AM
Subject: Adam Servais Funeral
Dear Patriot Guard Riders,
Pete and I do not know how to put into words how totally moving and powerful your tribute to our son was. We spoke personally on the phone with Henry Lange, the ride captain in our area, and expressed our gratitude for your suppport of Adam and the military. We do realize that people drove miles to participate that day. The active military at Adam's funeral said NEVER had they witnessed something so respectful and dignified. Comment was made that"it renewed their faith in the American public". Not only for the military there, it created such powerful emotion for all of us, at the sacrafice that men and women make for our freedom and others. Thank You for supporting us and others at this most difficult time in our lives. Please feel free to share with as many riders as you can how much it was all appreciated!!!!!!
Sincerely, Sue Servais
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Henry A. Lange BTC(SW)(USN)(Ret)
"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
"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:
"I served in the United States Navy""
-John F. Kennedy (JFK) |
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hlange
Posts: 908
NCR Captain, Bangor WI
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| 02 Sep 2006 10:51 PM |
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I recieved two letters for this mission. I typed them out here for members to read.
"Dear Mister Lange,
On 26 Aug I had the privilege to observe the Patriot Guards as we paid final respects to an exceptional Air Commando and Combat Controller. His name was Adam Servais - an exceptional and courageous young man who represented the very best of America.
The ceremony was moving and elegant as the military team presented final honors to our fallen team mate. I was unprepared, however, for the dignified and moving presence of the Patriot Guard. For the three blocks from the church to the cemetery your people stood shoulder to shoulder in respectful silence, each holding our flag some with silent salutes as former veterans - others with their hands on their heart in honor of Adam. The military members who were there for the funeral were strengthened by your presence as they continue to serve. Thank you for your visible, caring, and honorable outreach to our fallen.
Very Sincerely
Donald C. Wurster, Maj. Gen., USAF"
Vice Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
"Mr. Lange,
It's hard to even express our gratitude to you and the Patriot Guard for your support & participation in Adam's funeral. It was so moving - many, many comments!! What a fitting tribute to Adam& the active military.
Pete & Sue"
(Adam's Parents)
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Henry A. Lange BTC(SW)(USN)(Ret)
"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
"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:
"I served in the United States Navy""
-John F. Kennedy (JFK) |
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servy9
Posts: 1
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| 18 Sep 2006 7:22 PM |
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Hi,
My name is Jason Servais, Adam's first cousin. In honor of Adam, I decided to make shirts. The shirts are pretty awesome. I am unable to add a picture in this text box or else I would post a picture of the shirts.
My goal is to get 70 people committed to purchasing the shirts. I have about 30 right now with family and friends and the number grows, day by day. The price for a shirt is $15 dollars, this includes shipping as well.
If you are interested in a shirt or interested in seeing the design of the shirt, email me at servais35@yahoo.com
Adam was a true hero, and will be missed by the Servais family and everybody who showed respect to him in the community. Thank You Patriot Guard Riders! |
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