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Updated on 15 Jan 07 at 1215 MST by Charger
UPDATE - MISSION REPORT FOR SUNDAY 14 JAN 07
Before I go on I would like to say thanks to Chris Brocksmith & Jeff
Lockhart for having faith in me do do this mission. Jeff your guidence on
the steps to do this mission was invaluable.
When I arrived Sunday Jeff and Doug (Flag Support) were there along with 3
Patriot Guard Riders . After a brief discussion with Jeff on logistics for
flag placement I went in and met with Rebecca from the funeral home. She had
given us a room to warm up in, Hot Chocolate,water, and Coffee. They even
had a table "Reserved for Patriot Guard Riders" with our refreshments on it.
Next I met with the CACO officer Capt.Witsberger who also was obliging to
my needs.Then I was brought up to meet the parents....When they saw the
armband they were so grateful that we were there,and I stated to them if we
could be of any service to please let me know.... it was very emotional.
I must give a hats off to my HOG Chapter, Wild Fire who stepped up to
help,there were 10 people 6 of these people who were never at a mission
before. They spent many hours braving the cold, the wind, and later that
evening the rain. So to Dave Myer,Bill E, Robt L, Steve M, Dennis, Danny &
Maryann G, John & Kathy P, & Coleen who was with me to the end you folks
are wonderful Americans. Whatever Mother Nature threw at the group they
stood strong.
A special thanks goes out to that big Marine who was our Flag man, I am
truly honored to stand with you..
As the evening came to a close I went inside to say goodbye and Mr.& Mrs.
Swanson both gave me a big hug and went outside and thanked all the PGR
people for being there. All the cold, freezing fingers and toes, aching
knees and backs....who cares it was all worth it after that.
Big Joe thanks for staying in touch with me and taking Mondays part of the
mission.
Once I get the Plaque, I willl deliver it along with the flags to the
Swanson's residence.
Wolfman
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Update: 12 JAN 07 @ 1844 CST by IL SC for Big Joe.
Monday 1-15…Staging at the Back Parking Lot of the funeral Home 8:30 to 8:45
Mission briefing 8:45
Flag line funeral home 9:00 to 10:00.
From the funeral home we will proceed to the church for a mass at 11:30 Flag line prior
to the mass at the church.
Flag line after the mass.
Wolf man will be getting with the family concerning the escort from the funeral home to
the church.
If we can ride I will probably have two bikes escort the hearse and the family to the
church pending the family’s approval.
Call if you have any questions.
I hope to see all who can make it come out to honor this American Hero.
Big Joe
815-482-3375
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Updated - 12 Jan 07 1835 ET - PGRLabLuvr
I have spoken with the Funeral director and she said the washroom facilities will be
available along with a room for us to warm up in and there will be Coffee for us.
Staging will be in the back parking lot of the funeral home at 14:30hrs.
Becky also said there is additional parking (if needed) in the office building next store.
Will post further updates as needed.
CELL # 630-476-1110 Wolfman
Andrew "Wolfman" Regal
Patriot Guard Rider Illinois Road Captain Wild Fire H.O.G. Road Captain Villa Park
Illinois Accident Scene Management Advanced Bystander Assistance Program
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The Patriot Guard Riders will ride to Lincolnwood, IL to honor Staff Sgt. Christopher P.
Swanson, 28. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment and
was enroute to his new duty station after visiting his parents in Lincolnwood, when he
was in an automobile accident in Wyoming on Saturday, 6 JAN 07.
Sgt. Swanson grew up and attended school in Lincolnwood, and was a graduate of
Niles West High School. As a high school student he served on the theater crew, and
ran cross-country, his mother said. He also played guitar in a band and was a Boy Scout.
"His father had been an army paratrooper, and my father was an Army tank officer," she
said. Sgt. Swanson took his parents' advice and obtained his history degree before
volunteering. He graduated with a bachelor of arts in history from the University of Illinois,
Urbana-Champaign, before joining the army in May of 2001.
Sgt. Swanson received the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement
Medal, both with oak clusters; the Good conduct Medal, the National Defense Service
Medal; the Global War on Terror Expeditionary and Service medals; Iraq and Afghanistan
Campaign medals; the Army Infantryman and Parachutist badges; and the Ranger Tab.
Visitation will be Sunday, 14 JAN 07 from 3 pm – 9 pm at:
[b] Smith Corcoran Funeral[/b]
[b] [/b] 6150 N Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60646
Services will be held on Monday, 15 JAN 07 from 10 am – 12:30 pm:
[b] Queen of All Saints Religious [/b]
[b] [/b] 6230 N Lemont Ave
Chicago, IL 60646
The church is within blocks of the funeral home.
A flag line for the visitation and funeral services has been requested by the family.
He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Andrew Regalmuto – Road Captain [u]pgrwolfman@hotmail.com[/u] |