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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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phedup 
Posts: 0
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| 27 Sep 2006 11:21 PM |
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We had 14 bikes, and 5 4-wheelers and about 20 people for the visitation this evening. After our intimate group of 7 had dinner, we were able to get in a refreshing ride in the rain, and provided escort for Sgt 1st Class Fuma to the funeral home.
The Flags looked awesome. Most excellent work and many thanks to the Flag crew.
Everyone ride/drive safely in the morning.
Thank you all, for all you do. |
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Redog
Posts: 9
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| 28 Sep 2006 5:41 AM |
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| The visitation was outstanding, we looked great! God bless Staff Sgt. Fuga and his family. |
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kimhebes
Posts: 1
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| 28 Sep 2006 9:42 AM |
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I learned of your group from a very nice woman in my office whose husband is a member and think what you do is an amazing tribute to the soldiers and there families who have given so much and asked so little. My husband is a CW3 in the US Army and is returning to Iraq for the 3rd time in Jan. Please keep him in your prayers for a safe return home. I hope to be able to join you all on a mission very soon because I think it will be an amazing experience and would love to show my appreciation. Although I dont ride I would be willing to do anything else I could possibly do.
kimhebes |
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Kai
Posts: 504
Manhattan, KS
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| 28 Sep 2006 4:43 PM |
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| kimhebes, welcome to the PGR family. The only requirement to be with the PGR is what you have already stated. To show respect and honor to each of our heroes. I will certainly say a prayer for your husband and his safe return. Please let him know that we , an awakened Amercica, are Eternally greatful for what he does. Thank you CW3 & Mrs Hebes. Kai |
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Retired Army 71-92,
Vietnam Era Combat Medic
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Kai
Posts: 504
Manhattan, KS
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| 28 Sep 2006 4:48 PM |
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| phedup & firedude, Outstanding job you guys did on the mission today. It went as well as it did with all the changes occuring. Outstanding Job!!!! PGR members, thank you for being there and what yoiu do. Kai |
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Retired Army 71-92,
Vietnam Era Combat Medic
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Kai
Posts: 504
Manhattan, KS
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| 28 Sep 2006 4:50 PM |
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| SFC Mike Fuga. Thank you!!! |
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Retired Army 71-92,
Vietnam Era Combat Medic
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tp_cracker
Posts: 3
Missouri
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| 28 Sep 2006 6:48 PM |
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Sorry I couldn't make my first PG ride in my own backyard, but just started a new job and not much vacation time yet. Anyway, here is an article I found in Independence Examiner today. I'll post the write up on the funeral tomorrow. Those that attended the memorial service did an awsome job.
'Patriotism' was Fuga's life goal
While choking back tears during a memorial service for fallen soldier Sgt. 1st Class Michael Fuga, Missouri National Guard Adjunct General King Sidwell recounted the single word the soldier wrote on his military enlistment form.
Cpl. Fuga escorted his brother's casket on its journey from New Jersey to Independence. He called the action an honor and said his brother's life was an inspiration but added, "at the same time it's sad to lose a family member. It has brought our family closer together."
Outside the school's gym was a line of flags, some held in place by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of military veterans and motorcycle enthusiasts.
Captain Eric Rossiter said any time a soldier dies in combat, it takes an emotional toll. The memorials often caused mixed feeling.
"You run the entire emotional gamut," he said. "You're proud of their patriotism but you realize why you're here."
A funeral Mass for Fuga was scheduled for this morning, followed by burial at Mount Washington Forever Cemetery in Independence. |
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2007 KLR650 |
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BtBoop
Posts: 12
Independence, MO
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| 29 Sep 2006 6:10 AM |
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I attended my first mission yesterday and I had such a range of emotions. As my husband couldn't get off work, I came by myself, and you all made me feel very comfortable and welcome. Everyone did a great job and did it with such dignity. I am so proud to be a part of the Patriot Guard Riders. Betty
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pbrobbins
Posts: 359
Platte City, MO.
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| 29 Sep 2006 7:16 AM |
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I was very honored to attend this mission for this great soldier.
I will never forget this hero.
Eric did an outstanding job organizing this mission.
Well done, brother.
Kai helped with some of the coordination and did a nice job as he always has done.
Frydude also was a big help with the organization of things that day.
I want to thank all of my PGR brothers and sisters (and the soldier's angels) for being there in support of this great soldier. It is always an honor and a privilege to stand with all of you.
Here is an article by KSHB-TV in Kansas City about this fallen hero:
http://www.kshb.com/kshb/nw_local_news/article/0,1925,KSHB_9424_5029607,00.html
Here is another story by Channel 9 TV with a video attached:
http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/news/9957481/detail.html
To the Forum moderator:
Please post these TV news stories on the "PGR Media Sightings" page.
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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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Johnyboy
Posts: 8
Independence, MO
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| 29 Sep 2006 8:26 AM |
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Thank you to Phedup and Kai for doing such a wonderful job yesterday with the orginazation of everything. It was an honor to be there to show respect for Mr. Fuga and his family.
As soon as we have our pictures uploaded to our computer we will post them.
Johnyboy and Mary |
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LRRains
Posts: 39
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| 29 Sep 2006 10:38 AM |
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Phedup, Kai and all the members that I had had the privilege of being on my first and second missions, saying hello.
Phedup and Kai, you guys did a fantastic job. I felt priviliged to be on the mission with you.
Please read the mail that I sent out today on the Topeka, Monday and Tuesday of this week, Mission. A lot of it applies to you and the members that were at Sgt. Fuga's mission.
I will say this, on this thread, the Patriot Guard Members, as well as the Family and Friends of the Fallen Brother and Sisters, have reignited the feelings of, PRIDE, HONOR, DIGNITY, ACCEPTION and other feelings that I had fall to very small embers. They are once again,FULLY IGNITED. THANK YOU ALL.
To Fuga Family, I can't say all the words that I have in my heart, to describe how your allowing me to participate in a very Honorable and Sad time in your lives. Sgt. Fuga will always be a brother to us, and Not Forgotten.
To the Soldier's Angel's, Thanks is such a small word to say to all of you for the special people that you are, THANK YOU.
May the Road Angle's watch over ALL of you, "Tailgunner" |
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cjpcman2
Posts: 71
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| 29 Sep 2006 11:18 AM |
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The following are my thoughts on the mission for First Sergeant Michael Fuga:
I say it after every mission that these missions are very emotional, and tears always fall. Each mission has its moments that make the mission unique and memorable, never to be forgotten.
Those that know me know that I have lived in Topeka for over the last 15 years. The Westboro Church members (the "UG" - "Uninvited Guests") have been protesting ever since I moved to Topeka. It has only been the last few years that the organization has drawn national attention, but those around Topeka have seen their protests for well over a decade.
The scene with the "UG" at the funeral for First Sergeant Michael Fuga was kind of a mess. The location of the "UG" was directly near a parking lot entrance, and then extended around the parking area. This mission was the closest I can recall in which the family was "required" to drive directly into and then walk past the protesters. Since the "UG" was on the perimeter of the parking lot where much of the family parked, when they exited the vehicles many walked within a matter of feet from the "UG".
The scene got kind of ugly.
Because the perimeter of the parking lot was long and wide (roughly 50 yards by 50 yards) they had room to roam around to get their verbal assaults heard. One may not look, but you can't shut off your hearing.
Eric "Phedup" (our Ride Captain) had PGR surround the "UG" in an L shape, shielding the family from viewing the "UG" on their way into the parking area and shielding them from viewing them as they exited the vehicles. Hogs were then rolled in to rev the engines so that singing and yelling could not be heard by the family.
The "UG" then split up into and expanded their territory, making it difficult to block the views and sounds of the "UG". The "UG" are very good at trying to get at the emotions of people, and I must completely admit, it got to me. For a bit, I left the cover area in tears as a result of what was going on and mostly for the things that were said.
I believe Missouri's statue says that the "UG" must stay 300 feet from the funeral. In many states, the "funeral" is defined by the facility, parking, cemetery, and even the procession.
A funeral is not like a normal public activity. Those that attend do not have the option to simply pick up their picnic basket and go to a different park in order to avoid the protest. In the case of a funeral, there is no other place to go for the event. They are essentially a hostage to the situation.
I am currently under oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. I will fight to the death the right of anyone to say just about everything they want, but not when or where of their own choosing.
America is at war. They say that America is evil, immoral, and therefore God is punishing us. Is "They" the "UG", the terrorists, or Saddam? Is this not siding with the enemy, giving them "aid and comfort"? There are numerous ways to "defend" our country, and yesterday, PGR defended our country, as well as the family and friends of First Sergeant Michael Fuga, not by bullets, fists, or even words, but rather with loud hogs, turned backs and obstructing flags.
If the Supreme Court were to uphold legislation banning such protests, the reason for public safety (potential riots) alone would be justification. Let the city grant them protests at different times and places. Not at this time, not at this place. You don't shut down Main Street during rush hour so people get their "free speech" rights for the time and location of the protester's choosing!
The bottom line was that this got ugly. Something horrible could have happened.
Enough said about the "UG".
As stated in previous posts, Phedup and Kai did a wonderful job. At the end of the service, most of the military in uniform thanked PGR for their presence and their work. When one military person was thanked, they gave a "hoo-ah" to the PGR for "taking the lead, and protecting the rear" for the family.
To the family and friends of First Sergeant Michael Fuga: You are all good people. Your strong faith in God showed throughout. My PGR brothers and sisters were proud to be there for you, providing you aid and comfort through these difficult times. We were all humbled and honored to be there for First Sergeant Michael Fuga. Thank you for allowing us to be there to pay our respects for this hero.
Hats off to the LEO (Local Law Enforcement) for providing the escort of this very long procession to the cemetery.
The fly over with the two Blackhawk helicopters was quite humbling. I imagined what went through the thoughts of the pilots as they flew over the procession heading toward the cemetery, and then how they felt as the flew over the graveside service seeing those thousands of people there, all the military in full dress Class A uniform, and then the crowd surrounded by PGR with all the flags. The 21 gun salute was done and Taps had just played, so by the time of the fly over, tears were already falling.
But the one thing that got to me then, and still does, was the words of the wife (I could not see this, but I think it was the wife). She was crying in her emotional grief. Nobody at that service moved. Not a word was said. Everyone stood silent, listening to this woman's pain for her loss. Anyone that was not moved by her emotions must have nerves of steel.
God (not used in vain), that was a tough moment, and still is even today.
At the end, a gentleman spoke in native language. For those that do not know, I later asked First Sergeant Michael Fuga's Uncle what the man was saying. He said that he was thanking everyone for being there, and extended an invitation to all present to come with the family later. The uncle said that the family has a strong faith in God, and that they know that Michael is with God now. I presented the uncle with a PGR patch.
May God bless First Sergeant Michael Fuga, his family and friends.
-Curtis (aka: "In the rear, protecting the gear, drinking the beer")
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mazman
Posts: 65
Independence, Missouri
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| 29 Sep 2006 12:07 PM |
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If anyone has any photos to share from the visitation on Wednesday or the services on Thursday please let me know. It was a pleasure riding with all of you both days and I promise to bring my rain gear next time we all go out for dinner, I hope we can ride again under happier circumstances real soon. From my view at the front of the pack the missing man formation of motorcycles looked very nice. It was a nice touch. I hope everyone made it home safely.
God Bless,
Mazman |
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KCAngel
Posts: 25
Greenwood, MO (Kansas City area)
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| 29 Sep 2006 12:21 PM |
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As a Soldiers' Angel it is an honor to be able to participate with all of you in honoring and paying our respects to our fallen heroes. SFC Fuga's funeral was, as many have mentioned, an extremely emotional one and it still weighs heavily on my heart today. I have 3 adopted soldiers who are at the same camp SFC Fuga was at, so in some small way they were with me in spirit as his family laid him to rest.
After my 2nd mission I joined the PGR and although I don't ride I'm here to support you in any way I can...water, coffee, donuts, helping with the flags....... A sincere THANK YOU for your support.
Darice
aka Water Gal
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Memory of PFC Malcolm (Doug) Whiting III
Golf Co. 2/7 1st Marine Div.
KIA 7-10-69 Vietnam
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pbrobbins
Posts: 359
Platte City, MO.
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| 29 Sep 2006 12:28 PM |
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Posted By KCAngel on 29 Sep 2006 12:21 PM
As a Soldiers' Angel it is an honor to be able to participate with all of you in honoring and paying our respects to our fallen heroes. SFC Fuga's funeral was, as many have mentioned, an extremely emotional one and it still weighs heavily on my heart today. I have 3 adopted soldiers who are at the same camp SFC Fuga was at, so in some small way they were with me in spirit as his family laid him to rest.
After my 2nd mission I joined the PGR and although I don't ride I'm here to support you in any way I can...water, coffee, donuts, helping with the flags....... A sincere THANK YOU for your support.
Darice
aka Water Gal
KCAngel, you and your sisters ARE truely God's angels.
I see you and your sisters helping out at all of the missions.
Your help and support are GREATLY appreciated.
We definitely need you and thank you for what you do for us and showing you support for our fallen heroes.
Well Done!
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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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Poppawolf
Posts: 64
Oak Grove, MO
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| 29 Sep 2006 7:27 PM |
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Thank you to all that allow me to ride with you and Honor these Heroes. Everyone did an outstanding job, from those that organized the day to those that assisted with the flowers and their placement. It was an emotionaly draining day.
Thank you all again.
Darren
I have posted the link from the Examiner below to their article an photos of Sfc. Fuga's services.
http://www.examiner.net/stories/092906/new_092906002.shtml |
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sv4sheri
Posts: 207
Columbia, MO
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| 30 Sep 2006 10:01 AM |
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It was an honor to ride for SFC Fuga and his family. The outpouring of support from the samoan community leads me to believe the family is in good hands.
Thank you for everyone who organized & participated in this mission. Thank you to the soldier's angels - I hope to see you all again.
-svSheri |
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-sv4sheri
Columbia |
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KCAngel
Posts: 25
Greenwood, MO (Kansas City area)
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| 01 Oct 2006 8:12 AM |
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As I mentioned in my earlier post, I have some adopted soldiers currently fighting in Afghanistan. One of them was on the firing detail delivering the 21 gun salute at his memorial service there. I had told him about SFC Fuga's funeral and I just received an email from him asking me to tell you all that "the the soldiers at Camp Phoenix think you are doing a GREAT job and want to THANK YOU ALL for what you do for our fallen comrades".
Please know that the PGR's acts of honor and respect are being heard about throughout the military deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They can not believe that total strangers would take the time away from their jobs and other responsibilities to honor soldiers they have never met, and to do it with such dignity. They view you as their heroes!!
Job well done!
Darice
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Memory of PFC Malcolm (Doug) Whiting III
Golf Co. 2/7 1st Marine Div.
KIA 7-10-69 Vietnam
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BtBoop
Posts: 12
Independence, MO
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| 04 Oct 2006 8:23 AM |
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I know there were lots of photos taken on this mission and I'd love to see some of them. There was a woman in a tan colored long skirt, brown hair and thin who took many, many pictures. Does anyone know who she was or how I might contact her to see some of the photos she took?
I took a few photos and anyone interested in seeing them, just let me know and I'll email them to you.
Betty |
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Poppawolf
Posts: 64
Oak Grove, MO
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| 04 Oct 2006 5:46 PM |
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Betty, I am not positive, but I believe she was with the Examiner in Independence. You can get on thier website and check for sure. I hope this helps.
DB |
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