This is going to be a long one...

I work for the US Army as a civilian, so this war on terrorism is very close to home for me. I have many friends who are over there somewhere, people I know and work with...and some of their children...so when I heard of the Patriot Guard, I felt literally compelled to join. It is one small way I can give back to the people who are actually there, doing what needs to be done.

I was not able to make the first mission in our area due to work meetings that I could not get out of, and I wanted to explain it to my boss so they understood that sometimes, I would be calling in to go on a mission to support and honor our soldiers. I know I work for our soldiers, but that is not the same. Hard to explain. But then again, I am sure you understand. 

When we left on Monday afternoon to go to Indianapolis,  it was ok when we left but was getting colder as it got later and I was on the bike and with no radio had a lot of time to think. Trust me, there were times I was saying to myself. "Focus on why you are doing this Deb." and then I got to thinking just WHY am I? I felt so compelled to be there. I felt like it was something I had to do, that could be my child they were laying to rest! Freedom is definitley not free. Everyday we lose a little bit of it. And I remember the saying "All gave some, and some gave ALL" And that is so very true. From when we lost our friend Timmy in Vietnam and war first hit home for me...I finally arrived around 1230 and went immediately to my motel room and slept with a 6:30 wake-up call.  The spookiest thing happened tho, and it stayed with me my whole ride there, when I left work to come home and change my clothes, I was putting on my boots. Friends of mine had given me a Biker Betty Boop (I collect her) snowglobe in stars and stripes and when you wind up the key it plays the star spangled banner...all the sudden it started playing and I got goosebumps. It had been sittin up there for months and never had that happened before.

When we went to sign up, I was reading the internary paper they had and they said they needed 24 of the PGR to leave the staging area early and to stand at the entrance on Flag detail.  I asked if they needed anymore people for that detail and they said FOR SURE! and they signed us up and I was then on Flag detail.

I was very proud to be there honoring a soldier and family that gave so much for us. I cannot tell you what an honor this was to be able to be a part of honoring this young man, Cpl Antoine McKinzie, and supporting his family and friends. Tuesday has certainly touched me in a way I will never forget.  The emotion you feel in your heart with the sorrow and the pride all at the same time is phenominal to say the least. I was so proud to be an American at that moment.  The people that stood with me were so professional and respectful. I watched the LEOs blocked off the streets, there had to be at least 65 vehicles following the family in, and then the 190 or so motorcycles that lined the circular drive and entrance, most of them bearing flags which was also a phenominal sight and sound.

I want to say also that the respect the PGR has shown for all our fallen heroes is beyond belief. I am truly proud to stand with such a fine group of loving, caring and patriotic people! God Bless all of you! Nowhere else in this world can so many complete strangers join together in such a manner. There were people from South Carolina, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Mississippi.  It is astonishing to say the least. Here I was beginning to think patriotism had died, that this country had deaf ears - to find that America still exists. As one person said:

"Rising up out of the garbage that birthed the movement,
Standing tall, riding tall, with a single voice and a single cause;
to honor America's fallen heroes."

To show what I mean, that same day, in addition to CPL Antoine McKinzie of Indianapolis, IN service, there were 2 other mission/services going on. One for Tech Sgt Walter Moss of Houston, TX and one for SSG Eric McIntosh, Trafford, PA (he was laid to rest in the Arlington National Cemetery in DC).

This goes to show, Patriotism abounds across the USA and I am so damn PROUD to be an American!

On a side note, you Hossiers ROCK!  Chief, Cowgirl, and all that were in charge of organizing this did an absolute fantastic job!  You are to be commended for sure.  I would be proud to stand with you at another time. 

If anyone has pictures they would not mind sharing I would love to have some.  My camera broke and I left in such a hurry I did not stop to buy even a throwaway one.

We met some wonderful people and rode home with woodmaster (Larry).  I got in around 1130 last night.  and Larry, your email is not working for me.  You asked me to let  you know when we got home...well we did!  

Take care all.  And THANK YOU for letting me be a part of this.