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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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ranger75 
Posts: 0
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| 02 Nov 2006 6:32 PM |
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It never ceases to amaze me. Just about the time I come down with a bad case of terminal uniqueness, it goes up in smoke. I thought I was the only one having trouble with this mission, mentally and emotionally I mean. It started yesterday morning. Well actually it started a couple of days ago, but I became aware of it yesterday. Two days ago I was grumpy. Well, that's nothing new, but on a scale of 1 to 10, most days I'm a 5. Day before yesterday I was an easy 8. Yesterday that stone that is usually there by the end of the internment, was a pebble when I woke up. It got worse all day. It was about 50 lbs. by dinner. Today was better. If it hadn't been, I would have caged it, or stood down. But it was better. No sooner do I get to the staging area, then another member tells me he's having trouble with this mission. Gee, imagine that.
Point is this folks. I doubt that there were only two people there today that were having a hard time. It's been a rough month. Not only that, we've added a lot of new people this month, and each of us brings with us our own special baggage. And that's before what it is we do at missions.
Be kind to yourselves my brothers and sisters. Don't be ashamed to sit one or two out. We are not made of stone. But some of us do bury our feelings way down there. Was a time that was all you could do with them for many of us. But feelings buried, are a dangerous thing. Especially if you spend a lot of time on two wheels, and even if you don't. So...be safe. Look inside yourselves, and be okay with what ever you find there. PGR people are the finest people in the world I believe. Many of us just because we are who we are, take on more then we should sometimes.
We are growing. Today I counted 90 people in the flag line at one time, and there were probably a few in the can. Not to mention the Nam Vet's guys that showed up at the cemetery. My point is, that we don't have to be at every mission. Hell there were two missions in Florida today, and we still had the numbers we had. So, do the missions that you can. If work, family, or just your own emotional well being tells you not this one, listen to that. The sad truth is that this thing isn't even close to being over. I wish it wasn't true, but there will be lots more honor missions to run. Take care of yourselves people. Don't burn out, don't rap yourself around a tree. |
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seanpost
Posts: 915
Deltona, FL
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| 02 Nov 2006 6:39 PM |
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| Thanks Ranger. Just reading your post seems to help. Until we meet again, keep the faith, Sean. |
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"PATRIOTISM IN MOTION" - PGR member Ancient1 |
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rhuth
Posts: 15
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| 02 Nov 2006 6:43 PM |
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| Yes I agree with what was so eloquently said here, Today was tough, But all of you are incredible and we thank you. |
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CarlS
Posts: 2570
Florida State Captain Altamonte Springs, FL
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| 02 Nov 2006 7:29 PM |
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Well said, Ranger. It was a tough mission. Unless one is
made of stone, one cannot help but be affected by a young man's death,
a pregnant wife and a little daughter left behind as well as greiving
parents who have just lost a son. That is darn tough to deal with
with. The day such a mission does not affect me, the day Taps does not
affect me is the day I need to quit because I would have to be dead
inside.
And, as you said, there was a time when I would bury feelings; but I have learned better.
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CarlS
US Army
1966-2000
CarlS@patriotguard.org
386-793-0030
Gold Star & Blue Star Dad
Riding in loving memory of CW2 Justin S Swofford |
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talk2e
Posts: 938
Deltona, FL
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| 03 Nov 2006 5:04 AM |
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| At the mission brief I said that if you think you're strong just wait till you see this family or a mother with tear swollen eyes reaching out her hand then hugs you, you're not strong then. If this doesn't effect you in some way shape or form then a visit to the head doc may be in order. Carl and I have talked at length about Taps and what it means. I too feel that the day I hear Taps and it doesn't effect me will be the day I will leave the PGR in my wake. The PGR to me and to alot of others is a family. If someone needs a little boost reach out to your brothers and sisters. We'll be there. At each mission we attend in FL we take the time to find a place to sit, eat and talk amongst ourselves. This helps believe it or not. If you have the time after a mission then join us for some food and comraderie and let's talk. Keep the faith my friends... |
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MSgt USMC (Ret) 1981-2007
Honorable Kentucky Colonel
"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Dylan Thomas
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OLD-Cop
Posts: 0
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| 03 Nov 2006 5:10 AM |
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| Thanks all for comments. I don't want others to look in my eyes for thay may see the things I have seen and it is not good. Therefore I try to be funny and try to say funny stuff. Brothers and Sisters, if you saw that interview with the daughter you may see what I now see and what I now hear. "That Little Girl, That Little Girl, That Little Girl." Oh how brave at such a young age. |
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sig22
Posts: 2854
New Port Richey, Fl. Senior Ride Captain FL State Captain-Retired
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| 03 Nov 2006 5:19 AM |
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You're absolutely right talk2e and OLD-Cop. There were some folks yesterday that didn't think they wanted to go to eat after the mission. I kind of talked them into it. As they were leaving the VFW, they made comment that it WAS a good idea, and that they will try to do it after every mission.
Alot of times we think that we're OK....but we're NOT. I hate to think that someone rides off alone, lost in their thoughts, and it hits them a few miles down the road just what they have just taken part in. It's just as traumatizing for alot of us PGR members.
Please, if you have the time after a mission, get back together with the group. There will most always be a meeting place announced at mission briefing for after the mission, unless we have unusual circumstances. I highly recommend that everyone please go to the "debriefing". |
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Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there…
RIDING IN HONOR AND LOVING MEMORY OF:
PGR FL Ride Captain (Ret) Tom "Flaman2u" Rowell - 24 Jun 2008
PGR TN member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008
"Optimistically pessimistic about life"
PGR GA Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008
"It's all good"
PGR FL Senior Ride Captain Jack "Jacklok" Loken - 20 Oct 2007
"Take care, ride safe"
Always in our thoughts....Forever in our hearts.... |
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flaman2u
Posts: 368
Merritt Island, Fl Florida Ride Capt.
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old jumper
Posts: 277
Newnan, GA
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| 03 Nov 2006 5:48 AM |
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| No Bill, I'm sure that you and Carl were not the only ones to go on an emotional roller coaster yesterday. As I have said a thousand times, If you have not been there no one can explain the feelings that one goes thru you. As for taps..Well, I can be driving alone and play it in my mind. and my eyes get a little misty..Just something about than sound. As always your threads say very elegantly what I'm sure many of us feel, but are unable to write. Thanks |
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-Ralph Walker
82nd Airborne 1959-1961
Fla. Ride Captain/Retired
It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done. - Charles Dickens
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lwallace
Posts: 0
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| 03 Nov 2006 6:20 AM |
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| Well said everyone, the first mission I went on was very hard on me emotionally. When standing in the flag line I had another member lean over and tell me that it was okay to cry and to not hold it in. After that I looked down the line and there was not a dry eye in the house. After the service a group of us met up and talked for a few hours. If I had not done that then the 3 hour ride home would have been tough. |
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pulpwood
Posts: 318
Jacksonville, FL
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| 03 Nov 2006 6:46 AM |
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It was an honor to stand with the new members (and some not so new ones) on this mission. My heart goes out to the little daughter and her family.
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Pulpwood
Jerry Randall
Jacksonville, FL
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misdirection
Posts: 823
Florida Senior Ride/Cage Captain
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| 03 Nov 2006 6:49 AM |
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| Well said Ranger. I echo your sentiments. |
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Michelle "misdirection" Lutrzykowski
Florida Senior Ride/Cage Captain
Cell: 727-403-2839
*** If you don't stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them. |
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ranger75
Posts: 0
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| 03 Nov 2006 8:14 AM |
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Posted By old jumper on 03 Nov 2006 5:48 AM
No Bill, I'm sure that you and Carl were not the only ones to go on an emotional roller coaster yesterday. As I have said a thousand times, If you have not been there no one can explain the feelings that one goes thru you. As for taps..Well, I can be driving alone and play it in my mind. and my eyes get a little misty..Just something about than sound. As always your threads say very elegantly what I'm sure many of us feel, but are unable to write. Thanks
That's my point Ralph. It wasn't Carl that I talked to, it was another member. Like I said, it's hard on all of us. And we all have our baggage. While I'm on the subject, I want to take the opportunity to thank Carl S for going with our State Captain to present the plaque to the family. You sir, are a man of courage. I'm proud to call you a brother. |
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talk2e
Posts: 938
Deltona, FL
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| 03 Nov 2006 9:27 AM |
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Posted By ranger75 on 03 Nov 2006 8:14 AM Posted By old jumper on 03 Nov 2006 5:48 AM
No Bill, I'm sure that you and Carl were not the only ones to go on an emotional roller coaster yesterday. As I have said a thousand times, If you have not been there no one can explain the feelings that one goes thru you. As for taps..Well, I can be driving alone and play it in my mind. and my eyes get a little misty..Just something about than sound. As always your threads say very elegantly what I'm sure many of us feel, but are unable to write. Thanks That's my point Ralph. It wasn't Carl that I talked to, it was another member. Like I said, it's hard on all of us. And we all have our baggage. While I'm on the subject, I want to take the opportunity to thank Carl S for going with our State Captain to present the plaque to the family. You sir, are a man of courage. I'm proud to call you a brother.
I echo that sentament Carl. That (in my opinion) was a huge step out of the box for you. I applaud you fortitude and ability to be able to make the presentation. Kudos!!! |
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MSgt USMC (Ret) 1981-2007
Honorable Kentucky Colonel
"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Dylan Thomas
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CarlS
Posts: 2570
Florida State Captain Altamonte Springs, FL
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| 03 Nov 2006 5:57 PM |
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Ranger75 and Talk2e, I humbly thank you. I have to tell you that
I certainly did not see myself as having courage or fortitude. In
fact, I felt anything but. But I sincerely thank Bobbie and John
for that opportunity and I pray I represented my borthers and sisters
of PGR well.
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CarlS
US Army
1966-2000
CarlS@patriotguard.org
386-793-0030
Gold Star & Blue Star Dad
Riding in loving memory of CW2 Justin S Swofford |
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sig22
Posts: 2854
New Port Richey, Fl. Senior Ride Captain FL State Captain-Retired
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| 03 Nov 2006 6:07 PM |
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Posted By CarlS on 03 Nov 2006 5:57 PM
Ranger75 and Talk2e, I humbly thank you. I have to tell you that I certainly did not see myself as having courage or fortitude. In fact, I felt anything but. But I sincerely thank Bobbie and John for that opportunity and I pray I represented my borthers and sisters of PGR well.
Carl, you did a a fine job of representing all of the Patriot Guard Riders. I feel the need to share why everyone so far has mentioned Carl.
For those that are unaware, he's a Gold Star Dad. Both Carl and Mae Lyne, his wife, have been on missions and have both said that it has been a very healing experience for them.
Thank you Carl for presenting Mrs. Rogers with that mission pin. That was a huge step for you to take, and you did it well.
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Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there…
RIDING IN HONOR AND LOVING MEMORY OF:
PGR FL Ride Captain (Ret) Tom "Flaman2u" Rowell - 24 Jun 2008
PGR TN member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008
"Optimistically pessimistic about life"
PGR GA Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008
"It's all good"
PGR FL Senior Ride Captain Jack "Jacklok" Loken - 20 Oct 2007
"Take care, ride safe"
Always in our thoughts....Forever in our hearts.... |
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ghsorrows
Posts: 986
Reynolds, GA (50 miles east of Columbus, GA)
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| 05 Nov 2006 5:20 PM |
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| If yall will allow a member for GA to comment about missions. Some people think PGR expects all members to attend all missions. That is not true. It is not possible to attend all missions for several reasons. Most of us work for a living and can not just tell the boss we're taking off for a mission. As you learned from this mission they can be very emotional. We in GA try to take the time after a mission to share a meal together. It helps us decompress. That is also why we go to the PGR web site and joke with each other. We need to laugh and have fun between missions. If we did not do that the missions would be even more difficult. It also gives us a chance to get to know each other better. I have made some very good friends since joining PGR, some from Florida. Yes, we cry, we think about the fallen and their families. No one said this would be easy. We do make a difference. REMEMBER THE MSSION, THE FALLEN HERO AND THE FAMILY. |
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PROUD PATRIOT
REMEMBER THE MISSION
SUPPORT OUR MILITARY
Georgia Blonde
478-396-5009 cell
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talk2e
Posts: 938
Deltona, FL
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| 05 Nov 2006 5:44 PM |
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| Georgia, we do not believe in borders. The folks here in FL have posted in other states and regions. Feel free to enjoy the hospitality and comraderie her in FL. I have not made a mission north due to work complications. I, like most of us, keep an eye on other areas in hopes I can support my brothers and sisters abroad. I think I can speak for the PGR of FL when I say thanx to our brothers and sisters abroad. There have been times where we've assisted each other on a number of occassions. It's what makes us a family. In my earlier post I too mentioned that we do our best to sit, break bread and enjoy each others company after a mission. We all agree that there needs to be a time for us to gather and talk through what we just went through, it's important. I agree with you 100% concerning the "Fun Time" we have in the forums. Gives us another avenue to learn more about our PGR family and another avenue to talk about our feelings and what we're all going through. Thanx for the thoughts Georgia and I hope we meet somewhere in the future. |
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MSgt USMC (Ret) 1981-2007
Honorable Kentucky Colonel
"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Dylan Thomas
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Lucky1951
Posts: 556
EUSTIS , FLORIDA
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| 05 Nov 2006 9:37 PM |
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| After leaving the VFW hall , I did get to ride back home , part way with Carl , not knowing Carl , but as a PRG brother . After reading these post , Carl it was an honor . It was a great day of honor . Thank You all , Brothers and Sisters of PGR . |
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Ride Captain / Proud to be an AMERICAN . Proud to had Served .Proud to show Respect for those who Serve . USAF 71 - 75 APSq 438th , USAFR 76 - 80 APSq 914th |
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