Project Special Escort Mission Phoenix

This is a Special Mission to escort the Phoenix Project coach from DFW airport to the Lantana Lodge in Pilot Point, Texas

Ride Captain:  John (Top) Kammerer – Cell Phone # 972-877-3640

Staging Information:  We will stage at 2 PM, at the American Airlines Cargo Terminal.  We will link up with the coach at approximately 2:30 PM. 

Escort Routing:  We will take TX-121 north to I-35E to TX-455 to US-377 and then to the Lodge.  I will confirm routing and communicate that to you during my Mission Briefing 

Arrival Activities:  When we arrive at the Lodge, we will dismount and welcome these Warriors and their Spouses. 

NOTE:  This is very short notice, but an extremely worthwhile, mission.  This is the first of many, and I will have much better notice in the future.  Phoenix Project is a 7 day retreat for returning Combat Veterans and their Spouses. Expenses, including airfare, are covered by the Military, Veteran and Family Assistance Foundation and the US Wounded Soldiers Foundation.  There are many activities designed to help these Warriors reconnect with their Spouses and reintegrated into society.  Additional information is located at these links: http://www.mvfa.org/ and www.uswoundedsoldiers.com

Mission Report – Phoenix Project Escort – 11/11/2006

21 Bikes, 3 Cages, and approximately 35 Patriot Guard Riders and friends staged at the American Airlines Cargo terminal at DFW Airport.  Dutch volunteered to lead the Road Guard effort, and I am grateful for that support.  In my Ride Briefing, I stressed ride safety and the dangerous nature of an escort mission from DFW to anywhere! 

Once we linked up with the bus, I briefly introduced us to the Warriors and their Spouses and coordinated our escort with the driver.  We departed, big flag bikes leading the bus, the rest of the PGR escort behind the bus, cages trailing.  Dutch and Starz rode drag and provided Road Guard support from that position. 

Once we got out of the Metroplex, we traveled north to Sanger, and turned eastward towards US-377 and Pilot Point.  The scenic ride took us across the Lake Ray Roberts Dam, and was beautiful.  At our turn onto 377, we were might by the Pilot Point Police and Fire Department, who provide escort services to the Lantana Lodge.  About 30 more bikes, from a Memorial Ride for Ranger Craver, joined our procession to the Lodge. It was an awesome sight…

When we arrived at the Lodge, we proceeded through a reception lined formed by the Warriors and their Spouses…my danged glasses started leaking again…wish I could figure out what causes that…..

We were invited to the local American Legion Post for supper. The conclusion of their Memorial Run was a BBQ supper. The Run and supper donations are being used to send comfort packages to our Warriors overseas…a worth cause indeed.

The Military, Veteran and Family Assistance Foundation Executive Director, Mike Walker, expressed his gratitude for our escort.  He stated that the Warriors and Spouses on that bus were overwhelmed by our support. They had no idea that our mission was taking place until they saw us at the airport. With State Captain concurrence, I would like to lead the ongoing mission support for this extremely worthwhile Foundation and their Phoenix Project.

In closing, what a week! I had the great honor of 2 “happy” PGR missions.  It has replenished my spirit and greatly heightened my admiration for all that the PGR does.  I know it is not about us, but you are the greatest!  Thank you for a great mission.

Ride safe,

Top

North Texas Ride Captain