MISSION COMPLETE - Ranger 2LT Johnnie K Craver

There were 4 parts of this mission.  The DFW escort portion was led by ER and David and has already been reported.

The second part was the PGR support of the visitation on Sunday evening, October 22^nd.  It was also reported in this thread earlier.

The third part was the Memorial service at SlaceName>tonebridge UlaceName>laceName>nited MlaceName>laceName>ethodist ClaceName>laceType>hurchlaceType> in McKinney.  Staging went very well.  We were watched over by 2 Detectives from the McKinney Police Department, Narcotics and Vice Squad. It was quite interesting to have a black sedan pull into our staging area, 2 big dudes with earrings and not much hair walk up and say “Which one of you is Top?”  I mustered up some courage and allowed as how I was Top. They showed me their badges, to my great relief.  The assured me that they were not “watching” us, but that they were there to support us if needed.  I “pinned” them with our PGR Lapel Pins and they reciprocated with an interesting coin. David led 5 big flag bikes to the Funeral Home for family and hearse escort duty.  We departed the staging area at 9 AM for the short ride to the church.  36 bikes, 4 cages, and approximately 50 PGR members and guests rode with us. Sam (SgtMajor) set our flag line and called all commands for both PGR and the Army Honor Guard.  That is the first time that I have seen the voice commands given by a PGR member for the Honor Guard. Sam did a fantastic job!  I did a couple of press interviews and met with the McKinney Police Chief, Fire Chief, and City Attorney.  They were very appreciative of the PGR and completely supportive of our mission.  I also met with a DPS Intelligence Sergeant, whom assured me that the PGR “checked out good” and that she had no concerns with us being there.  I am certainly glad that we checked out. I was worried. We had a couple of “walk ups” who wanted to stand with us.  One gentleman told me, with tears streaming down his face, how much he appreciated us.  I invited him to stand with us, but he demurred.  About 5 minutes later, he approached me and asked for a flag and a position on our line. That was the first time my glasses leaked…dang it!  Additionally, the parents of one of our Georgia Ride Captains stood on line with us.  They told me that they were standing with us for their son. Another walk-up was the contract hearse driver from our Bells mission; this time he brought his 2 young sons…I could not help but present them with Lapel Pins and Mission Accomplished Pins.  Our departure from the church was a challenge, but we pressed on without incident.

The last part of this mission was the Procession and Interment.  We had Big Flag bikes leading the hearse, 2 “door guards”, and a Missing Man formation following the hearse.  I led the rest of the PGR escort, just behind the last family vehicle.  It was about 50 miles to the Craver Family ranch, northeast of Leonard, Texas.  Along the route, most vehicles were respectful, but there are always a few….’Nuff said.  When we turned onto the Farm to Market road leading to the ranch, 3 school buses were on the shoulder of the road and many schoolchildren lined the roadside, standing with hands over hearts in silent respect. Leonard, Texas is a great town!  The last 2 miles of County Road was dirt and large gravel and was quite the challenge to negotiate.  The gate leading to the cow pasture parking lot was new rock and quite steep…I am sure that I am not the only one riding a 900 pound dirt bike that had fun with that gate.  We quickly parked and set up our Flag Line.  The graveside service was incredibly moving.  16 Rangers led a recitation of the Ranger Creed.  My danged glasses started leaking again so I had some trouble seeing.  Sam again called all of the commands at graveside, and was magnificent.  David and I presented Mrs. Craver with a Lapel Pin, and 3 specially prepared poems for her and her 2 oldest children.  These poems were written and framed by Starz, whom could not make the service.  Thank you, Bill!  We presented Ranger Craver’s Mother and Father with Lapel Pins and offered our condolences.  The presiding officer for this funeral was the Commander, US Army Operational Test Command, Brigadier General Christopher Tucker.  He was accompanied by his Command Sergeant Major, whose name I did not get. I presented both of them with a Lapel Pin, along with the CAO, Capt Stanley Lay.  The Command Sergeant Major later presented me with his Unit coin.  I did not expect that and accepted it on behalf of all of the PGR.  We had a short debriefing after the service, David thanked us for our support and told us that the General had wanted to talk to us but had to leave.  I then told our riders about the CSM’s coin and as I was finishing, someone tapped me on the shoulder.  I turned and was surprised to see General Tucker, whom handed me his Challenge coin and said “Keep this one with the CSM’s coin”  I was stunned.  In my 22+ years of service, I had never been “coined”.  It is a major honor in the military, and I humbly accepted on your behalf.  General Tucker then thanked the PGR for what we do, and stated that our volunteer efforts were amazing to him.  He also stated that his Soldiers knew about the PGR and are grateful for our efforts.  I gave him my snappiest “old retired Master Sergeant” salute, and thanked him for his service.  This concluded our mission in support of Ranger 2LT Johnnie K. Craver, his wife Natalie, their 3 fine children, his Mother and Father, and the rest of his family and friends.

At the risk of leaving someone out, I would like to thank David, ER, Wafflemaker, CIWS, and Sam for their support of this mission.  The biggest reason that our Ride Captains are successful is the support they receive from our State Captains, Contact Coordinators, and other Ride Captains.  No matter what the Lead Ride Captain needs done, you step up and do it.  Also, all of you who approached me with suggestions don’t stop doing that.  It is hectic during the missions, but I will always listen to suggestions and implement those that I can.  Our professionalism is noticed, appreciated, and envied!

Respectfully submitted,

Top

North Texas Ride Captain
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Work schedule precluded me from serving on this full mission. I was only able to stand during the visitation at the FH. While taking a break a young couple approached 3 of us sitting by the monuments on display. They came to say thank you for what you do. They made a passing mention of the protest group and I replied that I have 4 words for them: "Not on my watch".  Another brother replied about what we do is nothing compared to he who gave full measure. To the family: Please know we will never forget. To my brothers: I have tears each time I read these forums. Tears prove you care. Tears prove you have feeling. Do not take that away from yourselves as it is what makes us human. I am so proud to be a member of this great organization.