Maddog_Morgan 
Posts: 173
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| 19 Oct 2006 8:22 AM |
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Update:
To those in the Nashville and surrounding areas, we are meeting at Bikini Beach 1297 Antioch Pike, Nasvhille, TN 37211 at 1900 hrs (7:00 pm). We will pull out at 1925 hrs (7:25 pm) to head to Shelbyville.
The only thing that could change would be if I am able to get a better time that they will be coming through Nashville, we will then hook up and escort them in, if we can determine a tine frame. Otherwise we will go with the above meeting place at Bikini Beach.
Dreamcatcher
(615) 974-3046 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The preliminary data is, that the buses should be rolling into Shelbyville, Tennessee around 10 pm on Tuesday, November 21st. It's recommend that everyone stage at the Shelbyville Wal-mart (always friendly to our group) and ride out at 8:30 to the county line to await the buses. The Shelbyville Police Department is on the job and promising Escort, The Fire Department wants to join in, so the more the merrier. At the County line, everyone waits for the buses. The LEO vehicles will lead the escort and block traffic., The Fire Units will be behind the LEO's but in front of the PGR. The PGR will surround the buses until the city limits are reached. Then a line of flag bearing bikes form a line to bring them home. Captain Adams (Shelbyville Police) has said they are being taken to an arena and that the local paper is informing everyone to bring out their yellow ribbons and flags. I hope we can get a good turn out to welcome these Hero's home. If all is going well at my home front, I plan on being there. If there is anyone else in the Nashville area that would like to meet and ride with me, let me know and we find an area to meet. It's about 45 min. from my area to the tentative staging area.
Dreamcatcher ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heroes coming HOME! I just received an E-mail from Sgt. Radcliff in Iraq. He informs me that the unit will be leaving Iraq on 13 November and arriving at Camp Atterbury IN around 16 November. Taking into effect the normal 3 days of debriefing, it means they'll be packed on busses and sent home 21 or 22 November. The whole town is preparing for their welcome. I know it will be cold, but let's welcome them home in style just like the 913. I've already been in contact with Captain Adams of the Shelbyville Police Dept and Sheriff Boyce (Bedford County) They are already familiar with our mission and support us. This mission is in the preliminary stages: I don't know if we're going to escort them from Indiana, the Tennessee/Kentucky Border, or just from the Bedford County Line. One of the first things we'll need is a Ride Captain who's Closer. I'm almost 225 miles away in Memphis.. I think someone who's closer can do a better job.
Another contact is the chair of the Family Readiness: Ms. Valerie McConnel at (931) 684-3482. I've told Sgt Radcliff to make sure everyone keeps their head down and stay careful.. we want all of them back next month. Your PGR Brother Maddog |
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billjohn
Posts: 20
near Chattanooga, TN
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| 19 Oct 2006 1:41 PM |
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| Maddog -
This looks like a super mission - the happy kind! I'm a one-mission FNG in a cage or I'd volunteer to head this up (dreamcatcher, are you out there?)
Their route is likely to be I-65 into Nashville, then I-24 to Murfreesboro, then US 231 into Shelbyville. If it is, then maybe meeting them at I-24 - US 231 might be good - it's about 25 miles, give or take, from I-24 to Shelbyville - most if not all 4-lane, and pretty straight. That would also involve the LE folks in Rutherford County (Murfreesboro.)
There's a lot going on in November, but these guys and gals deserve the best we have. Let's get it done - BIG! |
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Bill Johnson
Nam Grunt
Have Flag, Will Travel |
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dreamcatcher
Posts: 2436
TN State Captain Antioch, TN
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| 19 Oct 2006 1:44 PM |
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| I'm here, but can't take off on the 20th.......Unless they come through late enough in the day. |
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Annette Robeck
aka Dreamcatcher
Proud Mom of an Army National Guard Daughter
Proud Wife of an USAF Veteran
PGR member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008
"Optimistically pessimistic about life"
PGR Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008
"It's all good"
A.L.R. Post #88, Donelson, TN
dreamcatcher@patriotguard.org
LET THEM KNOW WE CARE AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER...............NEVER FORGET |
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sandersj26
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
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| 19 Oct 2006 4:39 PM |
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| As we always do!, We will pull together on this and bring our Hero's Home Proud. I will contact the local R/C to find out their availability to lead this welcome home! |
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Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
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dreamcatcher
Posts: 2436
TN State Captain Antioch, TN
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| 19 Oct 2006 6:50 PM |
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Change of plans, was looking at the wrong calendar!! Should be available to help, let me know what y'all need me to do!
Dreamcatcher |
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Annette Robeck
aka Dreamcatcher
Proud Mom of an Army National Guard Daughter
Proud Wife of an USAF Veteran
PGR member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008
"Optimistically pessimistic about life"
PGR Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008
"It's all good"
A.L.R. Post #88, Donelson, TN
dreamcatcher@patriotguard.org
LET THEM KNOW WE CARE AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER...............NEVER FORGET |
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billjohn
Posts: 20
near Chattanooga, TN
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| 19 Oct 2006 10:24 PM |
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| dreamcatcher - SUPER that you can make this one! I'll be there in my silver Sierra cage - with my newly-arrived "PGR Support Vehicle" sign, even! I've read the threads about what's supposed to be in there, but since I haven't tried to play "support" before, how 'bout you folks letting me know what you'd really like to see in my cage re snacks - tools - first aid etc., and I'll try to comply. |
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Bill Johnson
Nam Grunt
Have Flag, Will Travel |
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XjarHead
Posts: 2
Columbia, TN
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| 20 Oct 2006 3:21 AM |
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Thanks all !!! it will be great to meet ya when we finally get back to Shelbyville! about 30 more days................
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si vis pacem, para bellum |
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Maddog_Morgan
Posts: 173
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| 20 Oct 2006 8:53 AM |
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Talked with the Sheriff of Bedford County. He's familar with our mission now and on board. He says that We Will Not Need a Parade Permit. He's going to talk with the State and Shelbyville Police, and he's sure that if we keep our speed under 35 miles per hour from the county line to Shelbyville (while escorting the buses), we may not even need to wear our helmets. He's going to cut a few patrol cars for escort duties and we may even have some Motorcycle Units in the group.
We talked about a similar "Welcome Home" ride like I did for the 913 last Monday. We wait at the county line for the buses (keeping in communication with them via cellphone). When they reach the border, the police cruisers come out in front, then any fire units, then us. The buses move to the center of the road and we surround them.. front, back, and both sides with flag bearing cycles.. We proceed at around 35 miles per hour to Shelbyville (During the way, local people will begin to line the streets and overpasses with welcome home signs.. the local papers and radio stations will put the word out!).
When we hit the city limits.. the speed slows down to 25 or less. While keeping the buses surrounded, five or more bikes bearing 3x5 flags and "Patriot Guard" banners will form into a line directly in front of the buses and bring them home to the armory.. (just follow the cruisers). And the whole town should come out to welcome them home with signs and flags.
I know there will be some sort of ceremony and parties planned. But after the 115 has reached the armory, we're pretty much released to doing whatever we want.. Stay or go home.
Dreamcatcher, or whoever takes this ride. I can't be the ride captian on this one, but I can lay the groundwork. Let me know if this is Okay. |
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dreamcatcher
Posts: 2436
TN State Captain Antioch, TN
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| 20 Oct 2006 11:43 AM |
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No matter who's running this one, you've done an awesome job with the leg work. Jeff hasn't said who the RC will be, but I'm sure we will know something soon.
THANKS!!
Dreamcatcher |
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Annette Robeck
aka Dreamcatcher
Proud Mom of an Army National Guard Daughter
Proud Wife of an USAF Veteran
PGR member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008
"Optimistically pessimistic about life"
PGR Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008
"It's all good"
A.L.R. Post #88, Donelson, TN
dreamcatcher@patriotguard.org
LET THEM KNOW WE CARE AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER...............NEVER FORGET |
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billjohn
Posts: 20
near Chattanooga, TN
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| 20 Oct 2006 11:58 AM |
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| I love it when a plan comes together. This is gonna be great! |
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Bill Johnson
Nam Grunt
Have Flag, Will Travel |
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sandersj26
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
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| 20 Oct 2006 3:08 PM |
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What I think would be neat is if we had partial escorts along the way. I am guessing the route will be I-65 to I-24 then on sr.231.
If would could cover the whole route at the TN line and hand off the escort along the way everyone would have a chance to be a part of the welcome home.
Putting this out for ideas and suggestions. Thanks for your time. |
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Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
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dreamcatcher
Posts: 2436
TN State Captain Antioch, TN
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| 22 Oct 2006 5:54 PM |
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Posted By sandersj26 on 20 Oct 2006 3:08 PM
What I think would be neat is if we had partial escorts along the way. I am guessing the route will be I-65 to I-24 then on sr.231.
If would could cover the whole route at the TN line and hand off the escort along the way everyone would have a chance to be a part of the welcome home.
Putting this out for ideas and suggestions. Thanks for your time. That would be cool too!! That way if some riders couldn't do the last leg, but might be available before we hit hwy. 231 they would be able to help with the escort.
What do the rest of ya think?? Do we have a contact on the exact route they will follow? Do we know what bus company is driving them home? When will we have the estimated times?
Sorry, so many new questions!!
Dreamcatcher |
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Annette Robeck
aka Dreamcatcher
Proud Mom of an Army National Guard Daughter
Proud Wife of an USAF Veteran
PGR member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008
"Optimistically pessimistic about life"
PGR Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008
"It's all good"
A.L.R. Post #88, Donelson, TN
dreamcatcher@patriotguard.org
LET THEM KNOW WE CARE AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER...............NEVER FORGET |
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HGPreacherman
Posts: 558
West Branch, MI
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| 27 Oct 2006 11:38 PM |
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Welcome home Battery B 1-115 FA
You have served our country well. You are our hero's. Thank you! Thank You! Thank you! Thank you to each spouse, child and family member who supported our hero as they served. May God's favor and blessing be yours everyday because of your sacrifice and faithfulness. America is the home of the free becuase of the brave like you!!!!
Patriot riders
I was a part of a welcoming home ceremony in Saginaw, MI. There is no way to tell you how much the troops appreciated our support. It changed my life to see how it impacted their life. Many of them said that to see the flag flying ahead of them helped them realize their service was not in vain.
You do not want to miss this mission. God bless you guys on this ride. I wish I could be there. Father, let the roads be filled with bikes and flags of honor. Amen!!!
Ride safe! |
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There is no telling what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.
Sam Cottle
MI State Captain
www.pgrmichigan.org
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sandersj26
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
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| 28 Oct 2006 9:47 AM |
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| Lets make arrangements while we still have plenty of time. Are there any members along the supposed route that want and can meet the military convoy at the state line and bring our Soldiers home? |
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Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
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dougswafford
Posts: 513
N. Alabama Ride Captain, Hazel Green, Alabama
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| 01 Nov 2006 9:57 AM |
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| Please post more details as I am trying to make this mission. Any hard dates yet and locations? Please keep me posted so I can help welcome these heroes home! |
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Doug "Springer D" Swafford
North Alabama Ride Captain
"Freedom isn't free, it was paid for by a Vet."
"We survive together or not at all."
Riding in memory and honor of Tommy "Tomkatz" Poss, we miss you Brother. |
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HM1 (AW) USN (RET)
Posts: 1087
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| 04 Nov 2006 7:34 AM |
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19 or 20 November? Checking schedule now. I am off 14 and 15 Nov and 23,24 N0V. So unless they are delayed , I won't make it. Shelbyville is a great community. The PD there is super friendly. I used to work for a company that serviced their first aid supply boxes. Annette and all, the amount of work done already is awesome. The ride captain may just need to show up!
MR Johnson, Water is always welcome. I suggest at least 100 bottles. If it doesn't get used, you have it for the next mission you run on. I still have 100 bottles from a mission I did in Jackson MO. Now the trick is to find a supplier local. Shelbyville has a WALMART, Kroger or such. I would simply walk in, identify yourself to the manager as PGR and what we're doing. Ask them if they would any way possible donate 100 bottles of water. I promise you, they will gladly show community support.
I went on one mission where they brought it out to us in their parking lot (WALMART did) in coolers and loaded it in my truck. I got to keep one of the four coolers for future use with PGR.
Another thing, a good roadside trauma kit is good to have. However be advised that liason with local EMS is more important. In Jackson MO, I treated one heat casualty and an older local woman for syncopy (fainting) secondary to low blood sugar. Local EMS was aware, and they appreciated the assist.
So a little talk, a jug of water and a cookie were my tools that day.
You sound like you're a "GO TO" guy. I was the same way, still am. Always wanting to take on more of a role in the planning.
I sure hope this one works well for everyone. I wish I was going to be there. I am missing a few missions due to work. I just can't take time off. Another officer would have to stay overtime if I did. If anything happend to that officer, i would feel so much guilt. Had an incident last night, my partner was assaulted. she's ok and says she'll be in tonight. Now how can I take off from work with that example laid out in front of me?
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Dennis "DOC" Lee
Hospital Corpsman First Class
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist
United States Navy Retired
Ride Captain- All over west TN and sometimes straying into other states as well.
I ride for all those who have gone on to their last port call.
Riding with me: LT TERRY FUSSNER (she was a friend first, navy officer 2nd)
Carlos Hixon (former Doc- killed by a stupid drunk driver - we lost a talented musician who made folks smile)
SmokeyMountainSporty- ( I talk to him when I feel twiggy on the road, gone, but still so very much here with us). |
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stewdad53
Posts: 2
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| 05 Nov 2006 6:48 PM |
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I am an old Vietnam vet in Louisiana that just heard about the PG and signed up. My friend and I will be in Huntsville on the 18th on a 10 day road trip and can make it up for this on the 19th or will it be the 20th? Can you post the times and locations when you get them, it would be an honor to escort our boys home. God knows they deserve it.
Stewart from Louisiana. |
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sandersj26
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
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| 07 Nov 2006 4:32 PM |
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Can the members who reside in Shelbyville chime in on this. It would be great to have some inside help getting this in place for the welcome home which is about upon us.
It would be great to hear from Manchester and Tullahoma and Winchester members and all the other locals too. |
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Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
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escortbike
Posts: 62
Dyersburg, Tn.
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| 12 Nov 2006 5:59 PM |
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KennyB lives closeby to Shelbyville...............in Columbia.
How 'bout it Uncle Kenny? What have you heard as of late?
I'd like to do that Hwy 50 again and ride right past your house.
Heck, maybe we can ride together on this one if it's on the 22nd.
If I find a great deal for you on a 1200 Sportster in Dyersburg this week,
I can always put it on a small trailer and tow it to you with my bike!
Bill |
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We honor those who have served, those who are serving, and those who will serve in the future. |
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dougswafford
Posts: 513
N. Alabama Ride Captain, Hazel Green, Alabama
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| 13 Nov 2006 6:42 AM |
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| Any hard dates/times/locations etc......yet? Lot of people asking to be kept informed about this. |
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Doug "Springer D" Swafford
North Alabama Ride Captain
"Freedom isn't free, it was paid for by a Vet."
"We survive together or not at all."
Riding in memory and honor of Tommy "Tomkatz" Poss, we miss you Brother. |
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sandersj26
Posts: 752
Kingsport, TN
Past TN PGR State Captain
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| 15 Nov 2006 1:52 PM |
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Update as of 11/15/06
I have spoken to Ms. McConnell today. I was given a stateside POC because the troops no longer have Internet access.
This is what I have right now. The troops are scheduled to leave on 17 Nov. 06 and should gain time and return to In Camp Atterbury on the 17 Nov. 06. They are scheduled to start debriefing the 18 Nov. 06 which may last four days. 18-21.
I am also being told they are expected to spend two days in Symrna for debriefing. But the process my be expedited due to the Holidays. I will post more as I learn more. |
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Jeff "J" Sanders
Past TN PGR State Captain (2549)
Blue Knights TN VI
SCRC #273
USA NG '94-'97
USAF '82-'92
"You only live once"
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billjohn
Posts: 20
near Chattanooga, TN
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| 15 Nov 2006 2:04 PM |
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| Thanks for the update, Jeff. Hope they get done with processing quickly, as I have to spend most of the 21st at VA Hosp Nashville, then head off to a family thing right after that. I sure do hope I can be there to help welcome these guys!!! Please keep the updates coming as soon as they become available. |
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Bill Johnson
Nam Grunt
Have Flag, Will Travel |
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dreamcatcher
Posts: 2436
TN State Captain Antioch, TN
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| 15 Nov 2006 8:39 PM |
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I am available to assist if needed. I plan on making this mission.
Dreamcatcher |
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Annette Robeck
aka Dreamcatcher
Proud Mom of an Army National Guard Daughter
Proud Wife of an USAF Veteran
PGR member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008
"Optimistically pessimistic about life"
PGR Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008
"It's all good"
A.L.R. Post #88, Donelson, TN
dreamcatcher@patriotguard.org
LET THEM KNOW WE CARE AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER...............NEVER FORGET |
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Daryl
Posts: 726
Phoenix, AZ
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| 16 Nov 2006 11:03 AM |
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To Our Brother-at-Arms: WELCOME HOME! It is always a joyous occasion when one of our own finally comes home. I just want to say thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you have made for our country! Thank you for being a part of our country’s heritage.
Vaya con Dios!
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US Army, Retired
Carpe Diem! |
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damonandlee
Posts: 77
Avon, Indiana
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| 16 Nov 2006 6:37 PM |
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HI TENN PGR I WILL BE AT THE GREET AT THE INDIANAPOLIS AIRPORT TOMORROW NIGHT TO GREET THESE FINE AND OUTSTANDING YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN YOU ALL SOUND LIKE YOU KNOW HOW TO GIVE A WARM WELCOME HOME GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU MANY THANKS TO THE TENN STATE POLICE THE SHERIFF AND ANY OTHER POLICE AGENCIES THAT HELP ON THE WAY AND TO THE TROOPS WELCOME HOME
DAMON
INDIANA PGR |
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