This mission started some time ago for me.  As this was my first official mission as a Ride Captain I was a bit nervous.  I kept telling myself “Oh Lord, please don’t let me mess this up”.  Slowpoke and Sig will tell you that I was very concerned I would either embarrass the family or this fine organization.  With the support of the PGR Family and some external efforts of others we took good care of this family and friends today.

Today was like any other day in the state of Florida.  The sun was shining and good people were coming together.  This day was unlike any other as we lay to rest another Hero.  PFC Nicholas Rogers was released from this life to pursue yet another.  It was my honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to honor this fine American Hero.

0430 came early today.  I wanted to be at the staging area well in advance of any riders.  I was a bit worried that the weather would hold out.  Thank the weather Gods for a beautiful fall day.  The riders started arriving around 0700 and I began to worry that only a few would be able to come.  My worries were calmed when 60 motorcycles and cages lined up for the short drive to the Church.  I can’t began to tell you how proud I was of each and every one of you that came to support this family and honor our Hero.  Before we mounted our bikes we were privileged to have Mr. Peter Behnke (the family spokesman) come down and talk with us just for a minute.  It did my heart good to know that he was awestruck at how many people came out today.  I tell you this; your effort today did not and will not go unnoticed.  Shortly there after our Hero and his chariot passed by with the unmistakable roar of the LE escort as if to say thank you for your support.

0825 our escort to the Church arrived almost on cue.  We mounted our horseless steeds and headed towards the Church.  I wish I could have seen the procession of vehicles going up the short drive to the Church it must have been awesome!  We placed our flag line in a place that we could ensure the family would see it as they entered the Church grounds.

About 0900 our Hero’s family arrived.  It is tough to watch the family of a fallen Hero pass by.  We felt their pain.  We felt their uncertainty.  I felt like I let the family and the PGR Family down when I had to depart to handle some unforeseen issues at my office.  I asked slowpoke if he would complete the ride report, as I was not able to attend the cemetery services.  I would like to take a minute and thank those of you who were able to attend today’s service.  It is refreshing to see old friends and meet new ones.  It was pleasure to be with you all today.  A personal thank you to Mr Peter Behnke who was able to make my job very easy.  To the family and friends of our Hero I say thank you for allowing us to honor your son, husband, and friend today.  It was our honor to be here.  To the members of the various motorcycle clubs (my memory escapes me as to the various clubs that were in attendance and I apologize) that were able to attend, thank you for standing with us today.  It never ceases to amaze me how many different clubs will come out and stand beside each other to honor our fallen Hero’s.

Respectfully Submitted,
Talk2e
Florida Ride Capt

slowpoke here.....

Tim (Talk2e) asked me to complete the ride report because work obligations forced him to leave something that he had poured his heart and soul into, the Honor Mission for Spc. Rogers. As I write this I know that Tim has entered the terminal leave portion of his career with the Marine Corps after over twenty five years of dedicated service.

There are trigger points that break me on every mission and then there are the unexpected (although sometimes expected) things that seem to come from nowhere. I felt the lump in my throat that I always feel when we were riding in formation to the church. It's a lump of pride. I'm proud to be an American. I'm proud to be a member of the Patriot Guard Riders. I'm proud to do the next right thing. And, most of all, I am PROUD of the young men and women who are willing so sacrifice so much to make sure that we will always enjoy the freedom that I sometimes take for granted. Shortly after we had the flag lines set at the church, the family arrived. This is always a tough moment but this day it broke me. Seeing Spc. Rogers' three year old daughter and knowing that her life was forever changed and knowing that her unborn sister would never be held in her daddy's arms was more than I could take without having to wipe away tears. Seeing the grief painted on the faces of Nick's dad, his pregnant wife, and the rest of the family pounded home the cost of freedom.

The service started and it was time for some rest and fellowship. I walked across the street with the intention of walking along the street where the bikes and cages were parked to make sure that we hadn't blocked any driveways. I mentioned to a ride captain that for some reason this mission was particularly hard on me emotionally. We talked for a minute and I realized that I was not alone...

We confirmed with law enforcement where and how the PGR would fall into the procession when the time came. We waited and eventually the notice came that the service would be ending shortly. The flag lines were formed and the doors of the church opened. The honor guard brought Spc. Rogers' flag draped coffin from the church and he was loaded into the hearse for his last ride through the town he had grown up in. Fire trucks led the procession. The hearse, limousines, and immediate family cars followed. The PGR fell in behind the family and we rolled out onto Deltona Blvd. to begin the journey to Nick's final resting place. As we turned the corner we saw the cars of the rest of the guests packed into the main parking area of the church waiting to fall in behind us. I had been told that the church would hold about a thousand people and I would estimate that it had been full judging by the parking lot. As we did a slow, respectful roll through Deltona into Orange City we saw that things that always bring tears of pride to my eyes, motorists who show enough respect to stop there cars and get out to hold their hands over there hearts always get to me. Children with signs or flags are another trigger and yes, there were plenty of each in Deltona. Then there was the couple waiting at the cemetery entrance. God bless you whoever you were and please, if you ever do that again let me know in advance so that I am prepared. The couple was (I'm speculating) a sixtyish male veteran and a female that was very significant to him. They were each holding one of the upper corners of a rather large American flag. She had tears streaming down her face. He had a cane leaning against his leg, was snapped to perfect attention offering a crisp hand salute. I could see that he was holding back the tears from just having watched an American hero and comrade in arms pass on his way to his final rest.

The flag line was formed, the guests stood watch as Spc. Rogers was carried to the gravesite by the honor guard followed by his immediate family and closest friends. The religious portion of the grave side services were completed. The State Captain of the PGR presented our plaque to Nick's father. CarlS, one of our members pinned his first Mission Accomplished pin on Mr. Rogers. These gentlemen share a common bond in that both have lost a son in the war on terror. The commendations were read and medals presented by the Army. The sound of three volleys from seven rifles pierced the air. A lone bugler sounded taps and the heavens were alerted that an American Hero was coming home to rest. The tears flowed freely...

I want to thank all who came to honor Spc. Rogers and all who were there in spirit.
I want to send a special thank you to Nick's family for inviting us to honor their Hero and to Peter Behnke, their spokesmen, for all of his help.

Spc. Nicholas K. Rogers, your service and your sacrifice shall never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace sir. Your mission is accomplished.
Job well done.