Members of the PGR pulled off a double mission today, and both were good will missions.  The mission was on a very short notice, and I was very thankful for all that showed up early this morning.
On 09/21/06 State ride captain Catfish met with the PR staff of the 187th Fighter Wing and advised them we would like to honor the troops on their homecoming.  Catfish was escorted around and introduced to be Base Commander Colonel Smiley, and most of his staff.  Major Paul Briggs was our contact as well as Sgt. Norma Dove, that was upset because she did not have a nickname like Catfish, Snap and the Penguin, so we will now refer to her as Turtle.  The main staff of the 187th was very excited for the PGR to attend this ceromony.  The Colonel asked us to escort the buses from the airport to their hanger.
The 908th had 6 soldiers leaving Dannely Field at 0730 hours, myself along with Rigger 1 who is also a member of this Unit made arrangements for the PGR to meet them also and bid them farewell.  The mission actually started the night before as Rigger 1 and myself dines and socialized with these troops and their families, and let me tell you the families were so greatful of the mission of the PGR.
We met at the Chevron Gas Station on Highway 80 at 0700, although an early mission bikes were already in the parking lot, and of course the onlookers gave us the salute and the sounds of their horns as they passed by.  The original mission for the 187th was to be at 0800, but being a creative one, I vowed that we make both of these missions, and the group agreed.
At 0730 hours we KSU and rolled into Dannelly Field Airport, and after a brief wait for the 908th our galiant heroes arrived.  These soldiers were very young, and were very excited that the PGR was their to show their support for them.  We shook hands, gave hugs and actually helped them unload their gear.  This was the start of a most wonderful day, as we knew we had 200 heroes waiting to touch American soil.
At 0750 hours we again KSU and made our way to the ANG just a mile down the road, as we arrived we were met by members of the 187th who had roped off a special place for us to park.  We walked and mingled and made many knew friends, then stood at attention as that great DC 10 filled with our fighting men and women filled the sky.
At this time we mounted our rides, but this time we had passenger, Sgt. Turtle, Sgt. Sparkman and a daughter of one the soldiers climbed onto our Iron Horses for the greatest honor of all, to escort our troops to the hanger.
The two yellow buses pulled onto the base, and with Snap and his American flag proudly flying in the wind, along with State Captain Catfish, and the rest of the crew led the buses to meet their loved ones.  Sheila (SAS) was my ride partner for the day and we road as tail gunner.  As we made our final turn we gave the troops and the crowd the loudest sound of thunder they ever heard, and delivered them their loved ones. 
At this time the buses again left and again we took the escort, except this time the Colonel requested that we take them actually out into the flight line instead of leaving them outside.  Myself, Snap, Catfish, SAS and rigger along, with passenger Sweet Tea went back to the airport to escort the next load the entire way.  Myself having past Law Enforcement experience along with Rigger 1 stopped traffic so the buses had clear sailing to the unloading area.  The entire group again escorted the buses and made a wide loop with engine roarings and to a deafening cheer onto the flightline.
At this time we went and started thanking each and everyone of the troops and their family for the sacrifices they had made for their country, the unselfishness that only an American soldier can have.  We had soldiers thanking us for what we did, and of course the voice of the PGR rang loud, with a simple no, thank you soldier.  The entire staff was so elited in the show of Patriotism by this PGR group, and treated all of us as one of the family. 
As you can see this PGR group pulled off the daily double and both were feel good missions.  I overheard Catfish talking to a mother and she asked why we did this, and he simply replied ' NEVER AGAIN", a so true statement.
I would like to thank Colonel Smiley, Major Briggs, Sgt, Turtle and Sgt. Becky Sparkman for their help in making this mission so smooth for us.  I would especially like to thank all the PGR members who rode this beautiful day, and aided this ride Captain in making a difficult double mission smooth as glass.  Snap yourself and Catfish are models of Patriotism and stand for what the PGR was originally intended to do, show pride in America and for our troops.  Thanks Sheila ( SAS ) for your continued support in our missions and for the many miles you traveled in the early morning hours to attend this mission, and for the honor of sharing my ride.  I would like commend everyone for A JOB WELL DONE, and claim this mission completed. 
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.