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Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives
Subject: Mission Complete ~ Welcome home 5th Engineers Fort LeonardWood, MO ~Oct. 31 /Nov 2,4,5~06

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Author Messages
cagerbob User is Offline
Posts: 4503

Parma, Ohio
Forum Moderator
04 Nov 2006 3:48 PM Alert 
bumped for 05 Nov 06 staging update - see first post.


Welcome Home 5th Engineers! I wish I could be there!
Bob Ellis
USN 80-86

In Memory of Ed "OldIron" Barrett

"Remember that no matter how many missions you have been on, all that matters to the family is the one you are on today." ~ Roert
tailgunner1967 User is Offline
Posts: 2
04 Nov 2006 3:59 PM Alert 
What an honor it was to shake those young mens and womans hands today. Well done Patriot Guard!!
signalman6869 User is Offline
Posts: 65
mt. vernon,ill 62864
04 Nov 2006 5:13 PM Alert 
I want to THANK everyone who showed up @ Mid America Airport this morning Nov 4 (SAT) That was a VERY GOOD TURN OUT. You all looked good standing in the flag line and I am sure the soldiers truly enjoyed the turnout and coming around the corner and walking into a sea of RED, WHITE,and BLUE that they spent 1 yr FIGHTING for so we can enjoy our FREEDOM! A VERY BIG THANK YOU from FRANK (Franksam@copper.net) and RANDY (signalman6869).Hope to see you all again tomorrow Nov 5 (SUN) Hope you all made it home SAFE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. Randy (signalman6869) Vietnam Vet Oct 68/69
randy smith
signalman6869 User is Offline
Posts: 65
mt. vernon,ill 62864
04 Nov 2006 5:23 PM Alert 
it all did not print) "white and blue that they spent 1 yr defending so we can enjoy our freedom! A VERY BIG THANK YOU from FRANK (franksam@copper.net) and RANDY (signalman6869) Hope everyone made it back home safe. Hope to see ALL OF YOU again tomorrow Nov 5 (SUN) The flight SUN is arriving @ 8:30am, so staging time will be 8am @ the same location @ Mid America Airport GOD BLESS YOU ALL for being with the PGR. RANDY (signalman6869) Vietnam Vet Oct 68/68.
randy smith
Randy48 User is Offline
Posts: 0
04 Nov 2006 6:12 PM Alert 
The thanks and graditude that flowed from the soldiers and family members of the 5th was overwelming. PGR Riders that met them at Mid America, the soldiers couldn't believe the number of riders and bikes that were there. I wish you could have been at Fort Wood when they got off the buses, one of the comments went something like "That's what an escort is suppose to be like!"

Another job well done PGR! It would be nice to get a few more riders out of the Fort Wood area tomorrow for this last escort ride for the 5th! How about FORR, ya'll up for it?
Praynsoul User is Offline
Posts: 38
St. Charles, MO
04 Nov 2006 7:41 PM Alert 
Well, I was blessed by the ride today.  I joined in the St. Louis to Allentown route.  Not the fridig cold nor the rain and sleet, not even the defective chaps could have cooled the warmth in my heart for these troops.

After reading the posts this evening, I've decided to get up early and ride to the airport to join the flag line to get the troops on their way home, then I'll ride at least back to MO if not all the way to Allentown again. 

I'll see you all at 8am Sunday.

God bless the troops and welcome home 5th Engineers
DIANA aka: Bobblehead
RRJ Chapter 9

Helmets save lives, but only Jesus can save souls!
Praise God, it's a brand new day.
Praynsoul User is Offline
Posts: 38
St. Charles, MO
04 Nov 2006 7:56 PM Alert 
Posted By signalman6869 on 04 Nov 2006 5:23 PM
it all did not print) "white and blue that they spent 1 yr defending so we can enjoy our freedom! A VERY BIG THANK YOU from FRANK (franksam@copper.net) and RANDY (signalman6869) Hope everyone made it back home safe. Hope to see ALL OF YOU again tomorrow Nov 5 (SUN) The flight SUN is arriving @ 8:30am, so staging time will be 8am @ the same location @ Mid America Airport GOD BLESS YOU ALL for being with the PGR. RANDY (signalman6869) Vietnam Vet Oct 68/68.


Can you tell me what the "same location" is since I was not at the airport?
DIANA aka: Bobblehead
RRJ Chapter 9

Helmets save lives, but only Jesus can save souls!
Praise God, it's a brand new day.
signalman6869 User is Offline
Posts: 65
mt. vernon,ill 62864
04 Nov 2006 8:23 PM Alert 
DIANA (praynsoul) The staging area @ MID America Airport Nov 5 is @ the TERMINAL PARKING LOT in the NORTHEAST CORNER OF the lot. Exit 23 south off of I 64 Airport signs are well displayed. I will be there in my white van with my trailer. Glad you joined us today and will meet u tomorow. I rode all the way to the Six Flags exit today.Randy (signalman6869)
randy smith
wadehenderson User is Offline
Posts: 36
Myrtle Beach, SC
04 Nov 2006 9:04 PM Alert 
I was not able to get out there this morning. I really didn't think I would make that work out. I will be at Mid America in the morning and I am able to ride with you all to at least the Jefferson Exit. See you in the morning.
Wade

TSgt USAF (Ret)
2007 Ultra Classic Electra Glide Patriot Edition - Air Force
cgbrocksmith User is Offline
Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"
05 Nov 2006 2:30 AM Alert 
POST ANY RIDE REPORTS HERE.

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/forumid/18/postid/292691/view/topic/Default.aspx

 


MIAP Central US Operations Coordinator


"To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln



President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address:



"From these honored dead we take increased devotion to

that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we
here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain."



Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could
happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS!



Respect and truth, not law, counters the obnoxious!

 
padjr User is Offline
Posts: 265
St. Clair, Mo.
05 Nov 2006 8:28 AM Alert 
How many busses, what kind?  I'll be hooking up at St. Clair.  Don't want to get a bus full of old folks heading to Branson.
Jim Padgett

Winners WIN.
Losers negotiate.
Randy48 User is Offline
Posts: 0
05 Nov 2006 8:33 AM Alert 
Jim, they've all been white tour buses, should be three or four traveling together with an army van with the four-way flashers going as an escort. There may or may not be a HP cruiser as part of the escort.
padjr User is Offline
Posts: 265
St. Clair, Mo.
05 Nov 2006 8:35 AM Alert 
Thanks
Jim Padgett

Winners WIN.
Losers negotiate.
greense96 User is Offline
Posts: 160
Stew "THE HAT" Gillespie,Il Illinois Ride Captain




05 Nov 2006 8:18 PM Alert 
Great mission Was not able to be there Sun but did make Sat mission and it was a pleasure to see the joy on the faces fo the soldiers as they came in from the plane. The PGR makes me proud each time I get to ride with them. Keep up the good work. For the new people on this mission this was just your start and you will soon find out that you to care more and more each time your there to show HONOR and RESPECT to those who defend our freedom. Peace and Grace of GOD be with us all. Stew "The Hat" in Gillespie
harly69g User is Offline
Posts: 8072
Ride Captain
Owensboro, KY
09 Dec 2006 9:51 AM Alert 
PDDGM User is Offline
Posts: 433
Dixon, MO




07 Nov 2006 9:22 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
OUTSTANDING- My heart felt THANKS TO THE ILLINOIS PGR FOR THIS MISSION.


Joe Smith
Cent Mo Ride Capt
It's better to die on your feet than live on your knees...U.S Navy 1968-1972, Proud Dad of a career Navy Petty Officer. Proud husband of a NavyWave




franksam User is Offline
Posts: 18
Christopher, IL
06 Nov 2006 10:15 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Sunday, November 5, 2006 – morning welcome home and escort - 8:30 a.m.
A cool morning (40’s) and cloudy skies greeted PGR members on the way to Mid America Airport near Scott Air Force Base in Shiloh, IL. PGR was notified that the plane was arriving at 8:30a.m., instead of 9:00a.m. But many PGR members were already there waiting.

PGR members entered the airport and formed a flag line to welcome the soldiers home. There were approximately 35 PGR members and friends creating the line. The soldiers took the time to shake every hand…and PGR gave each and every returning soldier a very warm welcome. At the end of the flag line were three young children handing out small note cards with “Welcome Home” written carefully… and a stick of gum or a lifesaver taped to the note. What an awesome sight.

After all soldiers deplaned, three busses lined up for loading. Two PGR members led the procession out of the airport, and approximately 13 bikes, one ‘friend’ vehicle, and one support vehicle followed the busses. Three other PGR members joined the escort once it crossed over the Jefferson Bridge at 255 and 270. Many of the Illinois PGR members escorted all the way to the Six Flags Exit.

THEN later that day……

Sunday, November 5, 2006 – afternoon welcome home - 2:30p.m.
At the morning mission, PGR was informed of two more flights arriving on Sunday…one at approximately 2:30p.m. and another at approximately 8:45p.m. PGR quickly made plans to provide a flag line for the afternoon return, but decided to forego the escort due to safety and weather. Then other volunteers offered to return for the evening mission.

Many of the morning riders and the support vehicle returned to Mid America Airport by 1:30p.m. The weather had cooled even further, and the cloud cover was substantial. The plane arrived at 2:30p.m., and PGR provided a flag line OUTSIDE the terminal so the troops could see the flag line while on the plane. Based upon the taxi pattern of the plane, both sides of the plane were able to see the flag line.

This flight carried almost 300 troops…it took seven busses to load them all. Once again, many PGR members and friends greeted the troops inside…39 in all. Then we all gathered on the exit road and provided one last flag line for these troops.

Mission accomplished PGR.
Joshua 1:9 - "Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Isaiah 41:10 - "FEAR NOT, For I am with you;"

Psalms 27:14 - "Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart;"
Randy48 User is Offline
Posts: 155
St Robert, MO
05 Nov 2006 9:21 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
5th Engineers and attached units once again welcome home. To the chain of command of these heroes thank you for your tireless efforts of coordination to allow the Patriot Guard to be a small part of the welcome home celebration for these American Heroes. It has been an honor to have welcomed you home for all the sacrifices that you and your families have been through.

I will place a challenge to you; When you hear of your brothers and sisters coming home, join us in honoring them, you need not ride a motorcycle to join with us.

God bless America and all of our Heroes!

Joe thanks for your vote of confidence, with your guidance I can only hope to be half the Ride Captain you are!
05 Nov 2006 9:29 PM
KarenSiddall User is Offline
Posts: 45
Belleville, Illinois
05 Nov 2006 9:07 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
What a great day! What a privilege it was to shake the hands of these American heroes.
The Sunday morning escort was small, but as always, amazing to be a part of it.
The Sunday afternoon welcome home was great! There was a delayed flight for Las Vegas and the passengers of this flight clapped and cheered as our soldiers walked through the flag line. A happy day!
Proud daughter of a Korean War Veteran

May we live our lives to make them proud.

They shall not have died in vain.
Praynsoul User is Offline
Posts: 14
St. Charles, MO
05 Nov 2006 8:30 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I was so glad I took the extra effort to go and meet the men and women of the 5th Eng. at the airport today.  Yesterday, I just rode about 30 miles of the escort on the MO side.

The look in the eyes of thes men and women, some very emotional, was priceless.  I could not help but get choked up myself.

For you, the men and the women of the 5th Eng., I lost sleep, I rode in the rain and sleet and cold; my back aches and my chaps zipper broke.  I burned through a few tanks of gas.

For me, you offered your life to defend my freedom.

No comparission!  I am in awe of you.

WELCOME HOME.  I appreciate your service.
DIANA aka: Bobblehead
RRJ Chapter 9

Helmets save lives, but only Jesus can save souls!
Praise God, it's a brand new day.
PDDGM User is Offline
Posts: 433
Dixon, MO




05 Nov 2006 7:55 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
To all that met the troops that came in on the later flights. Thanks. We are glad that they all came home safely. And to the 110th, we will see you later this week on your homecoming trip to S E Missouri...Attention: keep you eyes on the 110th thread for the trip from Ft Wood to Cape Girardeau...Again, Troops welcome home, and thanks to all that made their homecoming one to remember..

Joe Smith
Cent Mo Ride Capt
It's better to die on your feet than live on your knees...U.S Navy 1968-1972, Proud Dad of a career Navy Petty Officer. Proud husband of a NavyWave




HOG Director User is Offline
Posts: 35
Waynesville, Missouri
05 Nov 2006 7:16 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Joe, on behlaf of the HOG Chapter, we were glad to participate in the welcome home ride.  All that rode today were retired Army and two of us are 5th Engineer alumni.  

                              WELCOME HOME.  THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE.
                                                         FIGHTIN FIFTH

Yoda
Do Or Do Not, There Is No Try
Yoda
Seanaaron User is Offline
Posts: 117
Altamont, IL (Senior Ride Captain)
05 Nov 2006 5:40 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I want to thank Frank and Randy (Ride Captains) for an outsstanding job, I would also like to thank all the other PGR members that showed up to support this mission, thanks to the MO PGR members for working with us on this welcome home for these heros, I recently found out from Frank that they had 2 more planes enrt, Frank, Randy and the Missouri guys quickly got a plan together without skipping a beat, great job guys, thank you so much for the awesome job you all do.
Sean Aaron
U.S. Army 3rd ID, Schweinfurt Germany 90-91
Support of Operation Desert Storm
PDDGM User is Offline
Posts: 433
Dixon, MO




05 Nov 2006 5:07 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I will try to recap the complete week in this report..We started the homecoming on Tuesday evening when the first of the returning 5th Eng. made it home to Ft Wood. Due to arrival time we decided to assemble at Nutter Field house and form a flag line, which we did. On Thurs we again assembled at Nutter Field House and formed the flag line again. We were few in numbers but big in heart and purpose of mission. On Sat, 4 riders met at the Rest Area west of Rolla and waited for the signal to ride. The call came and we proceeded on I 44 and led the busses to Ft Wood. Stood the flag line again and welcomed the returning American Heroes home. On Sunday, with increasing bad weather we moved the staging area to a truckstop a couple of miles down the road from the rest area. At approximately 12 noon we rode to the overpass and waited for the troops to drive under the bridge. We proceeded down the on ramp and caught the busses and proceeded to lead them to their final destination. Upon arrival in St Robert, Mo we were met by the local police and escorted with lights and sirens to the front gate of Ft Wood, where we were picked up by the Military Police and escorted the rest of the way to Nutter Field House. Where a happy reunion was held with their families and friends. As has become a tradition with the PGR in Missiouri, I presented the Brigade Commander with the
mission flag that was on my bike for the escort missions. I want to thank all that made this mission a complete success. I will not try to name each of you, because I will forget someone and I don't want to do that. Thanks to all the help from the folks on post and to the members of the local HOG Chapter and FORR..Randy you were outstanding and I know you will be capable of leading a mission. This was our first homecoming mission, and I hope there will be more to come. I know that the PGR will answer the call when it comes. A special thanks the Frank and Randy in Illinois and the Smackwater in St Louis..It would not have been as a big success as it was without you and all your riders.


Joe Smith
Cent Mo Ride Capt
It's better to die on your feet than live on your knees...U.S Navy 1968-1972, Proud Dad of a career Navy Petty Officer. Proud husband of a NavyWave




Pagano21 User is Offline
Posts: 4
Pontoon Beach IL.
05 Nov 2006 4:51 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Very proud to be there. I was the guy on the white chopper. I think the soliders really appreciated us being there. Your right about the cagers. A couple couldnt wait to get by us. Some people just do not care. Good job to the PGR and riders!
cgbrocksmith User is Offline
Posts: 1001
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those That Defended Us"
TOU Enforcement Unit
05 Nov 2006 3:36 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Some photos from Frank:




















"To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address:

"From these honored dead we take increased
devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of
devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in
vain."

Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS

Patriot Guard Riders of Illinois Mission Calendar:



http://my.calendars.net/pgrofillinoissta




Respect, not law, counters the obnoxious!
cgbrocksmith User is Offline
Posts: 1001
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those That Defended Us"
TOU Enforcement Unit
05 Nov 2006 3:22 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 

Welcome Home Escort Mission

5th Engineers Battalion – Fort Leonard Wood

Saturday, November 04, 2006

A cool morning (40’s) and cloudy skies greeted PGR members on the way to Mid America Airport near Scott Air Force Base in Shiloh, IL.  Several members met at the Cracker Barrell in Shiloh for pre-ride nourishment ( LOL ), but the meals were cut short when riders were notified the planes were arriving 40 minutes early.  Riders saddled up and cruised into the airport and began preparations … meeting other PGR members who went directly to the airport.  The planes touched down by 8:45 a.m.

PGR members entered the airport and formed a flag line to welcome the soldiers home.  There were approximately 30 members creating the line.  The soldiers took the time to shake every hand…and PGR gave each and every returning soldier a very warm welcome.  At the end of the flag line were three young children handing out small note cards with “Welcome Home” written carefully… and a stick of gum or a lifesaver taped to the note.  What an awesome sight.

After all soldiers deplaned, three busses lined up for loading.  Two PGR members led the procession out of the airport, and approximately 40 bikes followed the busses.  There were a total of approximately 50 PGR members and / or supporters.

The ride from Mid America Airport to St. Louis was uneventful…except for the standard cagers not paying attention to the escort and procession.  A small contingent of St. Louis PGR members picked up the escort at exit 289 on I-44.

Frank Caruso, Illinois Ride Captain

"To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address:

"From these honored dead we take increased
devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of
devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in
vain."

Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS

Patriot Guard Riders of Illinois Mission Calendar:



http://my.calendars.net/pgrofillinoissta




Respect, not law, counters the obnoxious!
05 Nov 2006 3:32 AM
cgbrocksmith User is Offline
Posts: 1001
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those That Defended Us"
TOU Enforcement Unit
05 Nov 2006 3:21 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
POST RIDE REPORTS HERE. WELCOME HOME SOLDIERS.
"To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address:

"From these honored dead we take increased
devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of
devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in
vain."

Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS

Patriot Guard Riders of Illinois Mission Calendar:



http://my.calendars.net/pgrofillinoissta




Respect, not law, counters the obnoxious!
In Memory: Terri L. Newman 11/64 - 07/05
In Memory: Caleb S. Newman 12/07

"Kentucky Rides With Respect & Honor"
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Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives > Mission Complete ~ Welcome home 5th Engineers Fort LeonardWood, MO ~Oct. 31 /Nov 2,4,5~06


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