Mission Complete - Lee R. "Butch" Cook, Veteran, of Byron, IL - 02 Nov 06 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing

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Subject: Mission Complete - Lee R. "Butch" Cook, Veteran, of Byron, IL - 02 Nov 06

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cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"

30 Oct 2006 7:42 PM	Alert
Updated - 31 Oct 06 2047 Staging - Greg and I will be at staging at 9:00 for any early risers. We will stage at a side street right next to the Farrell Holland Gale funeral home in Byron. We will have the pre-ride brief at 9:45 and will have the flag line set up at 10:00 for the arrival of the family. We have flags coming with Max Howerter and Tom Godfrey so all we need is people to hold them. The funeral home is located 1 block south of Ill Rt. 72/Ill Rt. 2 on the corner of Lafayette and Merchant. From Rt. 72/Rt. 2 you turn south at the Burger King on Lafayette and go 1 block to the funeral home. Our staging area is on Lafayette past Merchant which is a dead end street. The funeral director has given us use of his rest room and the Burger King is only a short block away for coffee and warm up. The Byron Fire Department has also opened their doors to any and all of us if the weather is nasty. We can use their facilities and coffee pot as needed, but they are several blocks from the funeral home. This will be only if the weather turns bad and we will let you know if that happens. I hope that we can show this small town that the Vietnam era soldiers are also important with our honor detail. The funeral home will be an "up close and personal" place for the flag bearers. Everyone will be passing by us as they enter for this service. If you have any questions you can email me at mikebowman@cin.net anytime and I will do my best to answer them. Mike Bowman NW Ill Road Captain < < < < < < < > > > > > > > The Patriot Guard Riders will ride to Byron, IL on 2 NOV 06 to pay our respect to an American hero of Illinois: Lee R. 'Butch' Cook Jr. LEE R. 'BUTCH' COOK JR., 58 BYRON - Lee R. "Butch" Cook Jr., 58, died Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006, at Swedish American Hospital, Rockford. He was born July 22, 1948, in Sterling, to Lee R. and Diana (Mazini) Cook. He previously worked 12 years for Sivil-Conmat in Freeport as a heavy-equipment operator. Butch served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam from June 29, 1970, to Jan. 21, 1972, where he was a Purple Heart recipient, and earned many other honors. He was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled Veterans, D troop 3/5 and C troop 3/17th, volunteered for the Rockford VA outpost station. Butch was formerly active as a lieutenant for the Byron Fire Department, where he served as an EMT, underwater rescue and paramedic for 15 years. Survived by his wife, Lisa; son, Jared, 15, of Byron; brother, Michael (Tempy) Cook of Louisville, Ky.; sister, Theresa (David) Papenfuss of Byron; stepbrothers, Robert (Diana) Goss of Deltona, Fla., and Thomas (Karen) Goss of Rock Falls; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Diana Mazini Cook and his parents, Lee and Laura (Harrington) Cook. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., with the Rev. Randy Snider, pastor of First Baptist Church of Byron, officiating. Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home 506 West Merchant Street Byron, IL 61010 Burial in Byron Cemetery. A memorial fund is established in his name. To send condolences online, visit www.farrellhollandgale.com. Ride Captain: Mike Bowman/Co-Captains: Greg Bowman, Max Howerter and Tom Godfrey. Rally time: 10 am. Location: TBA

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!

howerter1

Posts: 747
Galesburg, ILL; National Administrator of Public Relations & Media

30 Oct 2006 8:05 PM	Alert
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and community of Lee R. "Butch" Cook. Standing by for further details.

Max US Army Retired E8, VietNam 66-67 "We should not mourn that such men died, but we should thank God that such men lived" General George Patton

FirstSGTom User is Offline

Posts: 77
Gilson, Il 61436

31 Oct 2006 5:05 AM	Alert
Rest in peace BUTCH COOK your mission is completed. Thank you for your service to this GREAT NATION. May GOD comfort your FAMILY , Friends and the Byron area. I will be there to help honor this fellow CAV Trooper, Will see you later in Fiddlers Green. Scouts Out. In memory of the 62 MEN of K trp 11th ACR *AND FLIGHTS OF ANGELS SING THEE TO THY REST* Shakespeare Tom 1SG USArmy [Retired] RVN 11th CAV 68-69 & 70

ivetret

Posts: 1874
Shermer, IL

31 Oct 2006 5:14 AM	Alert
My condolences to the family.

“Lest I keep my complacent way I must remember somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer was I worth dying for?” [Eleanor Roosevelt] @}-,-`-

Truck8

Posts: 41
Lake Zurich--Illinois

31 Oct 2006 6:29 AM	Alert
MAY GOD BLESS LEE 'BUTCH' COOK AND HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

"GOD GRANT US THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THING WE CANNOT CHANGE, THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS WE CAN AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE" "GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FELLOW MAN" "OH, THAT YOU WOULD BLESS ME INDEED AND ENLARGE MY TERRITORY, THAT YOUR HAND WOULD BE WITH ME, AND THAT YOU WOULD KEEP ME FROM EVIL. " ( PRAYER OF JABEZ) JIM--VETERAN & FIREFIGHTER

Illinois Cowboy User is Offline

Posts: 269
Galesburg,Il Illinois Assistant State Capt. Leader of the POSSE

31 Oct 2006 7:31 AM	Alert
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Butch's. Brother, Rest in Peace, Thank you for helping to make USA a better place to live. awaiting further details.

USAF 71-75 S.A.C. TITAN TWO MISSILES combat crew member. "Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." - Adlai Stevenson -------- IF YOU CAN'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!!!! IF YOU DISPLAY THE FLAG ON A STAFF WITH OTHERS AROUND IT,PLACE THE FLAG AT THE CENTER AND HIGHEST POINT. CROSSED STAFFS-KEEP THE FLAGSTAFF HIGHER AND ON IT'S OWN RIGHT. Our Flag, U.S. Congress THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO DO THE RIGHT THING.

tjjbighap

Posts: 1

31 Oct 2006 7:31 AM	Alert
Mike sorry for your loss. I will be at the funeral Terry Johnson, FO 2nd Plt C-Trp 3/5 Cav 8-70 - 8-71

wvhusker

Posts: 5133
Ashland, KY
Sr. KY R/C

31 Oct 2006 8:12 PM	Alert
Mr. Cook, Thank you for your willingness to defend the United States of America and her freedoms and interests, especially during Viet Nam. Your untimely death brings much sorrow and sadness to the hearts and lives of your family, friends, military brothers and sisters, each and every member of the Patriot Guard Riders, and all who truly appreciate their freedom. We are proud of your service and dedication in that which you believed in and fought for. Your mission is complete. You are truly an American hero and the world in which we live is a safer place because of your commitment to freedom. We will now proudly stand for you with honor, dignity, and respect. We pray that you will now rest peacefully in the arms of God. May He provide peace, comfort, and understanding to each life you touched. WV Husker Tom & Kelly Ashland, KY

"Heaven Was Needing A Hero" (Jo Dee Messina) My personal thanks to HUDPatriotGuard for posting this on YouTube. May this touch your heart as it did mine. ~WVHusker

PGRLabLuvr User is Offline

Posts: 8708
Naples, FL

Senior Ride Captain

31 Oct 2006 9:18 PM	Alert
My deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Family and Friends of this Veteran. May you rest in peace.

Joan "PGRLabLuvr" Colosimo Florida Senior Ride Captain Proud Military Blue Star Mom USAF - TSgt Jennifer and her husband, TSgt Mark McIntosh - Kadena USAR - SGT Dominic Sutherland - WOCS Ft. Rucker Standing the Flagline... In Honor of: SP4 L. Gary Grassi - 4th Infantry Division - Kontum, South Vietnam - 05 FEB 1968 - 37/35 In Memory of: Ed "oldiron6" Barrett Jack "jacklok" Loken, Jr. Mike "deltoid79" Bland Tom "Flaman2u" Rowell Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision. ~Ayn Rand

mikebowman User is Offline

Posts: 149
Forreston, Illinois Assistant State Captain

01 Nov 2006 5:49 AM	Alert
To all, Chris has updated the staging information and times and they have been added to the first post on the thread. Please check there for the new schedule. See you there, Mike Bowman

The nation that forgets it's defenders, will itself be forgotten. - Pres. Calvin Coolidge Riding in memory of my son - Spc Timothy Bowman - Mar 82 - Nov 05 Riding with my brother always at my side - SRC Greg Bowman - Jul 54 - Sep 07 Rest in peace, we have the watch for both of you now.

wyldhog

Posts: 2282
Northeast, La.

01 Nov 2006 6:29 AM	Alert
To the family of Lee Cook. What words could possibly help during a time like this? When we know not what we should pray for as we ought, the Spirit maketh intercessions for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 So let not your heart be troubled, for your loved one has gone to the place which Jesus has prepared. Stand down soldier, your mission here is complete.

============================== When a mans heart is full of deceit it burns up, dies and a dark shadow falls over his soul. From the ashes of a once great man has risen a curse, a wrong that must be righted. We look to the skies for a vindicator, someone to strike fear into the black hearts of the same men who created him. The battle between good and evil has begun. Against an army of shadows comes the Dark Warrior, the purveyor of good, with a voice of silence and a mission of justice. - Steve "Sting" Borden

Big rock

Posts: 2002

01 Nov 2006 11:34 AM	Alert
My Heart and Prayers go to the family of our Vietnam Veteran. Lee, thank you for your service, Gods speed.

possum1

Posts: 16
Grove, Ok

01 Nov 2006 11:35 AM	Alert
My condolences to the family and friends of Lee my prayers are with you. Your were obviously a person of service and a hero. I know the community will miss you. Rest well hero.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. Frank "Possum" Lindenmeier TSgt, USAFR, (Ret)

apriliagirl User is Offline

Posts: 40

01 Nov 2006 1:09 PM	Alert
Thank You Butch for your service. All honor and glory goes to those who serve God and man. You have served both well. Welcome home. Your family and friends will be remembered together in my prayer for you.

LOWRIDE

Posts: 106

01 Nov 2006 1:10 PM	Alert
Thank you my brother for your service. Standing by in Minooka. To Butch's family and friends,I'm sorry for your lose. Dave Welsh U.S.Army 1966-71 PGR 2006-Forever

borntoride User is Offline

Posts: 200
Oak Lawn

01 Nov 2006 2:05 PM	Alert
God Bless You Lee R. Butch, Thank you for fighting for our freedom in America we would be lost with out you, God Bless your Family and Friends, you are a Hero, Rest in Peace.

bosky

Posts: 603
st. joseph, MO

01 Nov 2006 5:05 PM	Alert
my deepest condolences to the family of Lee Cook. May the Good Lord grant you peace at this difficult time.

harly69g

Posts: 8072
Ride Captain
Owensboro, KY

09 Dec 2006 9:43 AM

Alert

cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1001
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those That Defended Us"
TOU Enforcement Unit

07 Nov 2006 7:50 PM	Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert
From: TSDahlen Subject: Butch Cook Mission -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chris, I would like to personally thank you and your group for providing escort for Butch. He was an observer Crew Chief with D Troop 3/5 Cav in Vietnam. When one of my own goes to Fidler Green where all Cav men go I want him to have the best to the end. If you would like to read about Butch's unit and what he did in Vietnam you can go to this site. http://www.lighthorseaircav.com/ Thank you, Timothy S. Dahlen CW4 Av Ret.

"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!

mikebowman User is Offline

Posts: 76
Forreston, Illinois

04 Nov 2006 8:59 AM	Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert
Ride report for Lee R. "Butch" Cook Jr. of Byron, Ill. First I want to thank the Cook family for allowing the Patriot Guard Riders to help honor Butch on the day he was laid to rest. To Lisa his wife and to Jared his son, and the entire Cook family I cannot say enough how sorry I am for the loss you are experiencing right now. Butch was a wonderful man and has a legacy that will live on for many years. Those words don't bring much comfort right now but they will as you try to come to terms with your grief. Butch served his country, his community, and his family. His life should be a model for many. As I put this mission together I was concerned about how many PGR would be able to attend, both by weather and by the fact that there were 2 other missions at the same time. As Greg and I rode into Byron I was well aware that the cold would keep some from the trip, even in a cage. When we parked and Max came in we were surprised to hear that there was already a small group at the Burger King having coffee and warming up even before we got there. When all arrived we were a total of 9, 7 bikes and Max with the PGR van, and Tom with the PGR truck full of flags. We were a small group and except for 1 member on his first mission, all were experienced. That made the pre-ride brief very short and sweet and we soon were assembled at the entrance to the funeral home with flags standing straight in the breeze. A breezy day makes for advantages and disadvantages, the flag line looks much bigger than it really is and it turns a 30 degree day into zero in a hurry. Our line stood tall, proud, and motionless for over an hour as Butch's family and friends gathered to pay respects. Many thanking us and saluting as they passed, many were veterans, After the service started, we stood down and moved inside to warm up for a few minutes. Then we reassembled outside and prepared for the casket to be carried to the hearse. That was when we noticed it was really cold out, and the bones were chilled through. But our riders were strong and true and held the flag line beautifully. The escort to the cemetery had our 2 big flag bikes in front of the hearse at the family's request. A short ride across town and to reassemble our flags and form an honor line as the casket is carried to the grave site. Our small group did a wonderful job of making the best of the breeze and spacing to create a wonderful effect of American flags. Greg and I presented the flag that he flew on the escort to Lisa and Jared to use as they wish. We gave them the only condolences we could offer; support, and stepped back as all the honor guards were dismissed. As we broke things down and loaded up many people thanked us for what we did for the Cook family. We told them all that the honor was ours and we would do it for any veteran at any time. Thanks to Max for bringing the PGR van with all her pictures, graphics, and memories. I know he got cold, but his flag never wavered, even while visibly shivering. Thanks to Tom for making the long drive with the PGR truck with her pictures and a load of flags to support a fellow Cav Veteran. And thanks to those that rode in to support this mission on 2 wheels. 2 of these riders traveled over 100 miles to help out knowing that there might be a need. All of us got cold physically, but warmed in the heart knowing that we helped honor a hero as he was laid to rest. We were a small contingent, but a proud one that I would stand with on any day at any function. Thanks to each and every one of you. Thanks to brother Greg for Co-Captain and moral support as well as sharing the cold ride. Submitted by Mike Bowman NW Ill Road Captain

The nation that forgets it's defenders, will itself be forgotten. - Pres. Calvin Coolidge

Wescoot2

Posts: 1765
Park Ridge Illinois

National Santa Clause

03 Nov 2006 9:13 PM	Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert
Unfortunately I was on another mission and wasn't able to attend. Thanks to all for taking care of one of my brothers...... Respects, Ed

Go Ahead, Make My Day If your gonna be One.....Be a BIG RED ONE Diplomacy...the art of telling someone to go to hell......and they look forward to the trip

Big rock

Posts: 628

Forum Moderator Illinois Ride Captain

03 Nov 2006 10:34 AM	Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert
It was indeed an Honor to stand with each of you for our Hero from a war long past. It is not rare among vets to have them continue serving our country long after the uniform comes off, Lee was an example of that. I felt a great loss because I never met the man in person. IL had more than 1 mission on the same day, I wish I could have served at each of them. But as things turned out I was where I needed to be. Every mission we take something away with us, and we reflect on these things as we return home. I don't think I will ever forget the story the fireman told about Lee going into the burning house to make sure the lady of the house was not in it. This man is a HERO!. Mrs. Cook, thank you for allowing us the privilege of attending the service of your husband. I can't tell you what it means to us to have been able to serve on this day. To Lee's son, Your father set a standard that 90% of Americans could not follow. But I bet you can. If you would ever feel the need to talk to someone PLEASE send me an e mail. I do not live far away. I am a good listener. Lee will not be forgotten. Rocky

Rocky VROC # 16095 ABATE Kiswaukee Valley Why do we do this, you ask? Why bother to stand out in wind and rain for someone unknown? Why do we ride through torrents chilled to the bone? The answer is simple: “Because, Never Again!” Laurel B. Dinsmore May 8, 2006
03 Nov 2006 10:36 AM

GBowman

Posts: 78
Princeton, IL

03 Nov 2006 8:58 AM	Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert
Much to my surprise we had a very good showing to honor Butch Cook. It was 27 degrees when Mike and I rolled into Byron. By now I should not be surprised by anything that certain PGR members do to assist in a mission. I know that Dave Welsh rode 110 miles to be there and he had no heated clothing. That is some serious dedication to the PGR cause to show honor. I too have stood in quite a few flag lines and yesterday was a good one in spite of the cold and wind. I sure could see that bond that comes with military service. You could see it in the faces of those who walked into the funeral home. You could see it with the crisp salutes even after hours in the cold. You could see it in some tears. To Butch Cook's widow and to his son, I meant what I said as Mike handed you the flag that flew to escort his remains to his final rest. On behalf of the Patriot Guard we share your loss. Greg Bowman

howerter1

Posts: 511
Galesburg, ILL; National Administrator of Public Relations&Media

03 Nov 2006 8:30 AM	Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert
What a honor it was for me to stand with you all on this day. This was the best looking flag line I have stood in and that has been quite a few. Freezing weather, wind blowing like heck and everyone stood proud and straight. The flags all were straight up (kind of hard to hold them because of the wind) but everone did not move a muscle. This just makes me proud to be a part of the Patriot Guard Riders of Illinois. When all of the Vietnam Vets came up the sidewalk and saluted and held their salute for our flag line it made me proud to be a Vet. What a group of Vets these men were. Mike, Greg, and all others it was my honor to be a part of this group. 300 miles later I got home and still trying to warm up. Also on this day I am sure we will pick up some new members; a member of the Vietnam vets came and talked with me about us and got my card. He also told me they we did this man proud.

Max US Army Retired E8, VietNam 66-67 "We should not mourn that such men died, but we should thank God that such men lived" General George Patton

LOWRIDE

Posts: 46

02 Nov 2006 8:01 PM	Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert
What a cold ride but also heartwarming. It certainly showed that the PGR members are truely made of sterner stuff. I was proud of those who made the cold trek and would ride with them any day, any time , anywhere. I was taken aback somewhat by the heartfelt thanks from the military groups there who said it was a fine thing we do, even after they had just completed a more involved part themselves in the service. Our brotherhood is wide and deep. Dave Welsh U.S. Army 1966-71 PGR 2006-Forever

cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1001
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those That Defended Us"
TOU Enforcement Unit

02 Nov 2006 6:48 PM	Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert
POST ALL RIDE REPORTS HERE:

"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 - Lee R. "Butch" Cook, Veteran, of Byron, IL - 02 Nov 06

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