wyldhog 
Posts: 2282
Northeast, La.
 |
| 03 Nov 2006 9:23 AM |
 Alert
|
Updated 09 Nov 06 1636 ET
We are not stopping at Jefferson Barracks. Will run straight through to Cape. We may need to negotiate some bike fueling strategy with the bus driver.
**************************************************************************************************************
All riders starting the escort at Fort Leonard Wood
The staging area with be at the St Robert Auto Mall - formerly the old Dodge, Chyrsler, Plymouth Dealership on the Nort side of Missouri Avenue. The lot (paved) and building are empty with a wide driveway entering Missouri Avenue. It is located between Century 21 and Arby's on the North side and directly across the street from Auto Financial.
The buses are scheduled to leave the Fort at 0800, please arrive at the staging area gassed up and ready to ride between 0700-0730 (they may leave a little early). We will be riding as far as Eureka approximately 105 miles and handing the buses off to the next group of riders.
Leave the big flags home, guess-timated speed will be approximately 70 MPH or whatever the buses can do.
Thanks for riding.
Randy
_________________________________________________________________________________
I've just gotten word that the 52 soldiers will return home to Cape Girardeau on Friday November 10th. Departure time from Ft. Leonard Wood is still tentative but they are shooting for early AM with an early afternoon arrival Cape Girardeau. One soldier will be following the bus(es) in his personal vehicle and we will have cell phone contact with him. We should plan for the SE Missouri group to pick them up from the Central Missouri group mid morning. Joe, I'll track you down and settle up on the transfer point. We've had a couple guys doing recon for us. I'm hoping to have exact times by Wednesday. Captain Ratcliff is checking on the various jurisdictions for as much LEO escort as he can. I'm excited about the interest this escort is beginning to generate. Hopefully this new date will allow more to participate. Captain Ratcliff is getting me an Engineers flag. The 110th motto is 'Get It Done'. Fits right in with our get 'r done enthusiasm for this mission. I'll post this through mods and on the thread.
____________________________________________________________________
The Patriot Guard has been asked by the Cape Girardeau based National Guard unit to escort 60-70 soldiers of the 110th Engineers from Ft. Leonard Wood home to their Armory in Cape Girardeau. They are tentatively scheduled to arrive in Ft. Leonard Wood from Kuwait on Sunday 11/5 which would have them heading home to Cape Girardeau on Thursday 11/9. I will be working with Joe in Central Missouri about the feasibility of a PGR group leading them out of Ft. Leonard Wood to the St. Louis area and our SE Missouri Riders picking them up from there and bringing them back home. I've already receive a couple emails from interested riders. If you can ride either leg and/or have good staging and hand off ideas, please share them with us. It is wonderful what we do for the families of our heroes KIA. What an honor it will be to bless this generation of returning soldiers with far better memories of their return than had been experience in another day and time. We will have updated details after they arrive in Missouri and we put our mission together. Stand by.
Randy Dunn (RD)
SE Missouri Ride Captain |
|
==============================
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 |
|
|
PDDGM
Posts: 1323
Member #3599--US Navy 68-72--Sen Mo Ride Capt--Dixon, MO
|
| 03 Nov 2006 11:09 AM |
Alert
|
I will do what ever it takes to make this mission happen, we are committed to making these soldiers homecoming more than they expect..I would think a direct route to I-55 down through Steelville would be quicker. But heck I just like the curves....Standing By in Mid Mo..
Joe Smith
Cent Mo Ride Capt |
|
|
|
|
armywifeofjohn
Posts: 1
|
| 03 Nov 2006 4:54 PM |
Alert
|
i am glad that you all will be escorting the 110th home from ft leonardwood..it is difficult for me because my husband spc john wood whose escort from the kci airport to iola and the visitation the 18th and the funeral the 19th of oct..he should/would have been one of them..to the 110th i'm glad you "got r done" and will soon be home to your families..to the patriot guard i say thank you for all you did for me and for what you are doing for the others both the funerals and the welcome homes..
proud army wife of spc john wood |
|
|
|
|
Randy48
Posts: 0
|
| 03 Nov 2006 5:29 PM |
Alert
|
| The 9th will be the last day of the contract I am currently working, if things change and they leave the 10th or later, I'll be riding. Any help needed with coordination at the Ft Wood end I'm happy to help. |
|
|
|
|
f.rhinehart
Posts: 73
Phillipsburg, Missouri
|
| 03 Nov 2006 8:50 PM |
Alert
|
I live 45 miles SW of Fort Leonard Wood and would be honored to escort the heroes and patriots of the 110 Engineers to St. Louis. Standing by in Phillipsburg, MO. Just give me the details and I'll be there. If you need any assistance, let me know.
Frank Rhinehart, USAF Vet. and Senior Foreign Sevice Officer (Ret.)
U.S. Embassy Vietnam 1965-67, Laos 1968-72, Kuwait 1985-87
|
|
|
|
|
MKM
Posts: 10
Henley,Mo.
|
| 05 Nov 2006 3:48 PM |
Alert
|
Welcome home 110.
I agree with Joe. I run that road from Jefferson City to Farmington often.
I am also standing by.
Mike Montgomery |
|
|
|
|
MissezTicklz
Posts: 123
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
|
| 06 Nov 2006 9:36 AM |
Alert
|
Work may keep me from this mission, but I'm standing by awaiting details. I'll be riding from the Fort if I get to go.
Welcome home troops... we missed you! |
|
Anya Ferrin
Member #49969
USAF Veteran
DOD Civilian
9/11, I will NOT forget! |
|
|
bmwgene
Posts: 29
|
| 06 Nov 2006 10:33 AM |
Alert
|
I am looking forward to being in the company of homeward bound soldiers.
To many times I have ridden into the wind making my eyes water.
Now would be a good time to see miles of smiles and the wind pushing them home. |
|
|
|
|
RandyPGR
Posts: 12
Hazelwood, MO
|
| 06 Nov 2006 3:36 PM |
Alert
|
I did my first event with PGR on Saturday for the welcome home of the 5th Engineers from Fort Leonard Wood. I rode from downtown St. Louis to the Allenton exit. Wow! How cool to be a part of the welcome home for so many returning soldiers. I was truly moved. Welcome home 5th!
I am trying to get off work for the Thurs Welcome Home escort for the 110th Engineers. I am thinking about riding to FLW to be a part of their departure on the base and riding back to St. Louis. Is anyone else considering this going to the base from St. Louis?
Looking forward to more details.
Randy Baumgarth
Hazelwood, Mo
02Wingrider |
|
Randy Baumgarth
Hazelwood, MO
|
|
|
Asphelt
Posts: 17
Fenton (St. Louis), MO
|
| 06 Nov 2006 4:18 PM |
Alert
|
I will not be able to make the ride if this really happens on Thursday, but I'll watch this forum for updates.
I have a recommendation for the changing of the escort riders near St. Louis. I would recommend Exit 266 on Interstate 44. This exit is about 2 miles East of Eureka and before the congestion of St. Louis traffic. Route 66 State Park is at this exit so there is a lot of room for staging and pre-ride meetings. When the convoy is heading Eastbound, the riders wanting to exit can exit first and the joining riders could join up. There is ~ a half mile visibility from the overpass, so we could see the convoy coming and get KSU and ready to join.
Perhaps there will be some St. Louis rides there that could give the SE Missouri riders a heads up about the I44/I270 interchange, which should be the only difficult spot.
If this is of interest, let me know. I may be able to have a cage there with refreshments if you want.
Ron |
|
|
|
|
RD
Posts: 175
Cape Girardeau, MO
|
| 06 Nov 2006 4:27 PM |
Alert
|
| UPDATE - DATE CHANGE - I've just gotten word that the 52 soldiers will return home to Cape Girardeau on Friday November 10th. Departure time from Ft. Leonard Wood is still tentative but they are shooting for early AM with an early afternoon arrival Cape Girardeau. One soldier will be following the bus(es) in his personal vehicle and we will have cell phone contact with him. We should plan for the SE Missouri group to pick them up from the Central Missouri group mid morning. Joe, I'll track you down and settle up on the transfer point. We've had a couple guys doing recon for us. I'm hoping to have exact times by Wednesday. Captain Ratcliff is checking on the various jurisdictions for as much LEO escort as he can. I'm excited about the interest this escort is beginning to generate. Hopefully this new date will allow more to participate. Captain Ratcliff is getting me an Engineers flag. The 110th motto is 'Get It Done'. Fits right in with our get 'r done enthusiasm for this mission. I'll post this through mods and on the thread. |
|
|
|
|
f.rhinehart
Posts: 73
Phillipsburg, Missouri
|
| 06 Nov 2006 7:51 PM |
Alert
|
Friday Nov. 10th is fine with me. When departure time and gathering and departure location is known let me know and I'll be there. Latest weather report for Friday is sunny with temps. in the 70s. I've got a 3X5 U.S. flag and a 3x5 PGR flag, which I'd like to fly if speed is held down. If we go over 50 mph those two flags won't take it and will be ripped to shreds. More than 50 mph and I'll have use a smaller and older flag.
Standing by in Phillipsburg, MO, to honor these returning heroes.
Frank Rhinehart
|
|
|
|
|
Randy48
Posts: 0
|
| 07 Nov 2006 4:07 AM |
Alert
|
From the look of things, Missouri is going to be one happy state this weekend! The 414th MP's from Joplin going home, the 110th going back to Kansas City, Lexington, and Cape Girardeau. I'll be ready to ride after 1700 on the 9th out of Fort Wood with a big flag 'a flyin, just point me in the direction I need to go.
Welcome home heroes! |
|
|
|
|
RD
Posts: 175
Cape Girardeau, MO
|
| 07 Nov 2006 5:45 AM |
Alert
|
PLAN COMING TOGETHER
Asphelt has scouted out a great handoff point - I'll let him tell it (from the post below)
I have a recommendation for the changing of the escort riders near St. Louis. I would recommend Exit 266 on Interstate 44. This exit is about 2 miles East of Eureka and before the congestion of St. Louis traffic. Route 66 State Park is at this exit so there is a lot of room for staging and pre-ride meetings. When the convoy is heading Eastbound, the riders wanting to exit can exit first and the joining riders could join up. There is ~ a half mile visibility from the overpass, so we could see the convoy coming and get KSU and ready to join.
Perhaps there will be some St. Louis rides there that could give the SE Missouri riders a heads
up about the I44/I270 interchange, which should be the only difficult spot.
Sto' "B" on the map:
TIMING: Even though we don't have departure times yet, we know what they are shooting at. Early AM departure from Ft. Leonard Wood. Any of you guys know what that means - 7:00 - 8:00? Joe, if you would be so kind, have the lead escort gather early. Remind the lead escort riders what they need to have to get on base.
It's 103 miles to Eureka - a little less than two hours. The handoff escort needs to be in place ready to pick the guys up by 9:30. That means we leave the Cape area by 7:00, we're 115 miles out.
We should be able to screw all this down Wednesday - but I'm betting we're not far off.
Asphelt - we'll take you up on the cage with water. Do you know if there is a convenient store anywhere close??
|
|
|
|
|
cagerbob
Posts: 3961
Parma, Ohio
Forum Moderator
|
| 07 Nov 2006 5:58 AM |
Alert
|
bumped for date change to Nov 10th
Welcome Home 110th 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
|
|
|
RD
Posts: 175
Cape Girardeau, MO
|
| 07 Nov 2006 5:58 AM |
Alert
|
Randy48 - you can never have too many Randy's on a mission.  Why don't you work with Joe to get us out of the blocks. I'll ask Captain Ratcliff if there is a FLW contact. I'll concentrate on getting the handoff set up.
The last KIA we brought home, I was stuck on the bumper of a Missouri State Trooper doing 85 mph. We tore up some flags big time. Better count on the smaller ones.
A thought just stuck in my head (and that doesn't happen very often). I can't tell you how many beers I owe the St. Louis area PGR for all they've done for us out of Lambert. If the Lord Almighty will let the dust settle some, we need to get together somewhere there and hoist a few.
Meanwhile, see you at Exit 266 in Eureka! |
|
|
|
|
Smackwater
Posts: 520
Missouri State Captain
|
| 07 Nov 2006 6:05 AM |
Alert
|
RD
Exit 266 is the one I just emailed you about. It's by far the best and yes there is all facilities there. One more bit of information, for who ever is contacting LEO, the interchange from 44 to 270 is a tricky one and I'm not sure but I think it may be under the jurisdiction of the city of Fenton. |
|
|
|
|
MissezTicklz
Posts: 123
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
|
| 07 Nov 2006 6:45 AM |
Alert
|
I'm supposed to work overtime on Friday but I don't wanna... I'm going to try to get out of it.
f.rinehart, If I can get out of it, I'll be riding in from Lebanon... we can meet up if you like and ride to the Fort together. The BP Station at I-44 and 5 works well.
Joe, keep me posted on the meeting place on or off post Friday morning.
Call me if you need to: 573/291-8921 |
|
Anya Ferrin
Member #49969
USAF Veteran
DOD Civilian
9/11, I will NOT forget! |
|
|
PDDGM
Posts: 1323
Member #3599--US Navy 68-72--Sen Mo Ride Capt--Dixon, MO
|
| 07 Nov 2006 8:19 AM |
Alert
|
As soon as we get a definite time of departure on Fri. I will pick a staging area, most probably off post. It will make it easier for riders to meet, without the hassle of getting on post. Right now I am thinking the car wash on Missouri Blvd, easy in easy out....Keep me infomed. I won't be riding with big flag flying. Gave my last mission flag to the 5th on Sunday.
Joe Smith
Cent Mo Ride Capt |
|
|
|
|
Asphelt
Posts: 17
Fenton (St. Louis), MO
|
| 07 Nov 2006 3:17 PM |
Alert
|
Here's a quick update on the arrangements for the St. Louis Area Staging/hand-off arrangements.
0. Staging area will be at Interstate 44, Exit 266 (Also kinown as Lewis Road). When you exit, head North for about 200 yards to the parking area.
1. I went to the Route 66 State Park today and talked to Ms. Carolyn Crawford. She said they would be pleased if we used their parking area as a staging area. Biker groups do it all the time. She was especially pleased about the PGR mission!
2. Refreshments will be available from the staging time until after the FLW group makes the hand off. FLW group, stop by and take a break before you head back westbound!
3. Convenience stores (Phillips 66 and Shell) are located at Interstate 44, Exit 272 (East of the staging area for those coming from SEMO).
4. A Convenience store (Quick Trip) is located at Interstate 44, Exit 264 (2 miles West of the staging area).
For SEMO riders, I recommend you exit Interstate 55 at Exit 191 and use Highway 141 Northbound to reach Interstate 44. Hwy 141 is a 4 or 6 lane divided highway (50 MPH) with several stop lights along the route. This route is about 5 miles shorter and a lot less traffic than Interstate 270. I270 can get a long backup at this time of the morning between I55 and I44. The convenience stores mentioned in (3 above) are at the intersection of Hwy 141 and I44.
I've got detailed maps (.jpg) but can't figure out how to get them inserted here.
Randy, let me know if you want me to contact LEO. It's probably better to come from the Army. The entire route from Exit 266 to Southbound I55 should be under the jurisdiction of St. Louis County Police. (Fenton leases St. Louis County Police).
Let me know if you need more assistance.
Ron |
|
|
|
|
MissezTicklz
Posts: 123
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
|
| 08 Nov 2006 9:52 AM |
Alert
|
Joe... the car wash there on the right side of MO AVE coming off post, right? Right there across from St. Robert glass.... I don't really know St. Robert that well. |
|
Anya Ferrin
Member #49969
USAF Veteran
DOD Civilian
9/11, I will NOT forget! |
|
|
PDDGM
Posts: 1323
Member #3599--US Navy 68-72--Sen Mo Ride Capt--Dixon, MO
|
| 08 Nov 2006 10:58 AM |
Alert
|
Due to another engagement(see special dedication post under Missouri)I will not be making this mission. I have turned the R/C job over the Randy48. He will set the staging area, I know you all will do these American Heroes an escort they will remember. Thanks to all that turn out..
Joe Smith
Cent Mo Ride Capt |
|
|
|
|
RD
Posts: 175
Cape Girardeau, MO
|
| 08 Nov 2006 12:48 PM |
Alert
|
SCHEDULING UPDATE: OK, here's the word. The buses are
scheduled to leave Ft. Leonard Wood at 8:00 AM. That runs them by
the Eureka exit at approx 9:30. Which means we leave Fruitland no
later than 7:30. We're thinking about running MM Highway to W to
Eureka.
Cpt. Ratcliff advises that they are going to make a quick stop at
Jefferson Barracks to drop off a couple soldiers. Anyone riding
further or concerned about gas should be able to top off near there.
Puts us in Cape around noon or there abouts.
I'm hearing chances of rain. Be prepared.
|
|
|
|
|
RandyPGR
Posts: 12
Hazelwood, MO
|
| 08 Nov 2006 2:56 PM |
Alert
|
Any St. Louis folks considering the Eureka to Cape part of the mission? I'm thinking of joining the SEMO group at exit #266 and riding all the way in to Cape. Anyone else?
SEMO group, what time do you expect to arrive at exit #266?
Randy Baumgarth |
|
Randy Baumgarth
Hazelwood, MO
|
|
|
RD
Posts: 175
Cape Girardeau, MO
|
| 08 Nov 2006 5:16 PM |
Alert
|
We're heading out of north Cape at 7:30 and should arrive at #266 around 9:00.
|
|
|
|
|