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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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kroddy 
Posts: 0
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| 03 Jun 2007 9:57 AM |
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| KROD home safe. Thanks to the Ardon family for allowing us to stand for their Hero. Whew..what an emotional day! But thats' what we proudly do for our brothers and sisters. |
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Chy
Posts: 2
Dahlonega, Ga.
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| 03 Jun 2007 11:18 AM |
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I have many words and thoughts but I'm afraid it'll take some time to sort them out.
What you do here is very.. necessary..
Let me say only thank you all for allowing me to be a part this
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old jumper
Posts: 297
Newnan, GA
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| 03 Jun 2007 2:59 PM |
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| It was indeed an honor to stand for this young hero, As with everyone else tears flowed as his beautiful wife thanked us for coming, What an honor to be a small part of this organization. |
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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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pitts_joe
Posts: 52
Smyrna Ga
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| 04 Jun 2007 7:48 AM |
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Thank you Ardron Family for letting me stand in HONOR of your loved one , thank you. Thanks to all who checked up on me a few times, I did made it home safe. I think I still had a few tears. WOW, what a emotional day.
God Bless and be with the Ardron Family |
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Boulevard Rider
Nahum 1:7 |
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RedThreat600RR
Posts: 1713
Ride Captain Savannah, GA 11/11/06-Present
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| 05 Jun 2007 3:07 PM |
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How do I put it into words?
I must first thank so many people. The Canton Police Department. Chief, your Department was awesome. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Department...again, absolutely awesome. All of the other Law Enforcement and Fire personnel in Cherokee County, you were nothing less than inspirational. Sosebee Funeral Home and Macedonia Memorial Park, thank you for all you did for this family. To the good people of Cherokee County...thank you for your beautiful display of patriotism, respect for this fallen hero and support for his family. You renew my faith in our nation. To our riders...you never cease to amaze me. I am proud to be one of you, one of the faces of America. The way you continue to give of yourselves inspires me. To those who accompanied SGT Ardron home from that foreign land...thank you for your dilligence. Thank you for bringing him home to us. Stay strong...we appreciate you.
Thank you, Chip, AC, GaTpGun and Scott for all you did to make this mission happen.
Most of all, thank you to SGT Ardron's family for allowing our tightly-knit group of loosely woven individuals to come pay our respects in our own way to Daniel. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made and will continue to make. We are forever indebted to you.
When you hear of a fallen hero from your hometown, it's different. SGT Ardron and I probably could have talked for hours about places familiar to us both. I never met Daniel, but I know something about him now. I know enough to feel that I missed one of life's treasures by not knowing him. Being assigned as RC for this mission was truly a gift.
After a restless night in Powder Springs, I woke and went about getting ready for the day's mission. I debated whether I needed gas or not and decided to stop. The gas stop wound up taking way longer than it should have and I grumbled a bit to myself. As it turns out, it was a blessing. Because of that delay, I met up with the Newnan group and tucked in right behind Slack. It is comforting to be almost 20 miles from the staging area and already have enough bikes to do the mission. One less thing to worry about, for sure!
Arriving at the staging location, I was flooded with emotions...very happy that so many people were already there at this early hour and sad that we had a reason to gather. Thanks to all our first-mission riders and many thanks to our mentors. Outstanding job! As is always the case, briefing time came all too soon. With the briefing behind us, it was about time to roll out when a most unexpected surprise happened. Our hero's wife, Jessica had come to the staging area to thank us for being there. She was afraid she wouldn't get a chance later in the day and it was important to her to let us know how much she appreciated our presence. What an amazing lady! I am at a loss for words to describe what that gesture meant to me. Thank YOU, Jessie.
The ride to the funeral home was perfect...relaxing even. I miss riding through this part of the state. Once at the funeral home, we went about setting up the flag line. Again, it turned out to be a Ride Captain's dream. The front doors would be used and there was even a line painted on the parking lot in a perfect spot for the line. Our State Captain and his Bride had brought 90 flags and we used almost every one of them. We could see townspeople gathering a ways up the street. Some of the ones closest to us even joined our flag line.
I need to add another thank-you here. This one goes to the PGR pitcrew who changed the tire on the family limo just in time for the procession. Awesome, guys! Thanks!!!
The flag line was beautiful to see, but when about 125 PGR gathered in close together, all holding flags, when the chapel service was over, that was something completely different. It felt comforting...protective.
The ride from the funeral home to the memorial park was breathtaking. People...people of all ages and backgrounds...came out to show respect for SGT Ardron and support for his family.
Boy Scouts holding flags and saluting.
Veterans from all branches of service and different wars saluting.
Many, many people had parked their cars and were standing beside them.
The Woodstock Fire Department at attention on the roadside.
People who I'm sure didn't know Daniel moved to tears as he passed.
Thousands of people who came to say "thank you" to an American hero. Many brought their children to teach them something about the price of our everyday freedoms.
Once at the cemetery, the flagline was established for the final time. The Honor Guard was perfect. With the muffled sounds of children playing on a ballfield somewhere close-by, everything seemed to stand still as the sharp crack of rifle fire filled the air with the three-volley salute. Surely it must have caused those who were going about their Saturday at the ballpark to pause for a moment. Perhaps they also heard Taps being played afterward. Perhaps a prayer was said or a father told a son the meaning of the gunshots and the mournful strains from the trumpet.
Brigadier General Collins presented the flags, on behalf of a grateful nation, to SGT Ardron's wife, mother and father. I also noticed that he gave Jessica his coin. AC and I stepped under the tent to present the PGR plaque to Jessica. I found it difficult to read the plaque and had to pause for a moment. This is not an easy task. But it is one I am honored to be able to do. The flags that flew from my bike were folded and presented to SGT Ardron's parents. They had never been flown except in honor of their son...I asked that they continue to fly those flags in his honor.
I have one more thank-you. I want to thank Jessica and Desiree for being there to support each other. I am so sorry that a cruel sequence of events has brought you together in this way, but I am glad you have hearts to reach out to and for each other. You see, Desiree's husband, SSG Shannon Weaver was taken from us in the same incident that took SGT Ardron. Thank you both for going above and beyond for each other, ladies.
I really don't know how to close this report. I wish there were some magic words that would comfort those who have had their lives shattered. If there are, I don't know them. Please just know that you...by name...are in my prayers and I will never, ever forget. |
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When you come to the edge of
All the light you know
And are about to step off
Into the darkness of the unknown
Faith is knowing one of two things
will happen:
There will be something solid
to stand on
Or you will be taught how to fly.
In Memory of LtCol Chris Smisson. Aviator and Friend.
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Elaine L.
Posts: 828
Lawrenceville, GA "Wonder Woman" aka "Mrs. Nano"
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| 05 Jun 2007 3:25 PM |
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You began with "How do I put it into words?"
Your words have touched my heart and deep into my soul. I felt as if I had been there with you, and I can't tell you how much I regret not being able to go. I know, unfortunately, this will not be the last mission, although I wish it was.
Thank you, and God Bless |
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"Life's a Gift.....Unwrap It!"
Elaine ("WW") and Michael (Nano) Louviere
Nano - Georgia State Captain
Elaine (aka: "Mrs Nano")
Lawrenceville, GA.
770-596-2635 - Elaine's Cell
404-909-9328 - Michael's Cell
GEORGIA PGR…PART OF IT….PROUD OF IT!
______________________________________________________________________________
IN LOVING MEMORY: DALE “DRAGONWING” DUVALL
7/02/1950 ~ 12/31/2008
IN LOVING MEMORY: "POP" ~ H.K. EDWARDS
10/08/1921 ~ 01/08/2009
We look forward to the time when
the Power of Love
will replace
the Love of Power.
Then will our world
know the Blessings of Peace.
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NoWorries
Posts: 1424
Kennesaw, Georgia
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| 05 Jun 2007 3:44 PM |
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RT, great job on the ride-report. As if it weren't emotional enough to experience it on my own, but to be able to read it from your perspective and others...it reminds me that Sgt. Ardron was loved in so many different ways by so many different people.
Our membership never ceases to amaze me. More than half of our riders on Saturday were riding with the PGR for the first time, thank you to all who braved the weather to show the family of Sgt. Ardron that we care.
Jessie, many of us are just down the road, if you ever need anything, we are only a telephone call away. Take care of your beautiful son, and know that we love you and your husband; we will never forget. |
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† NoWorries
Canyon Shearer
Mentor Team Member
Red White and Blue Book Coordinator
noworries88@gmail.com
928-606-6906Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise;
when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.
-Micah 7:8 |
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RazorATL
Posts: 7
Alpharetta, GA
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| 05 Jun 2007 3:57 PM |
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RedThreat600RR....you and your PGR leadership team did an outstanding job Saturday managing a huge group and the word "outstanding" also best describes the eloquent words you have chosen here in your mission summary report. I look forward to sharing it with my wife as a better explanation of the day's proceedings than I could provide as I was pretty numb with emotion following the mission. Thanks for sharing the info about Desiree's presence there to help comfort Jessie as that was news to most of us I'm sure. Jessie showing up at the staging area beforehand was personally moving beyond belief and I suspect it rarely if ever happens. Wish you would never have to write another one of these reports Bill. Thanks again.
God bless the Ardron and Weaver families!
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Don Hayes |
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Phoenix69
Posts: 66
Woodstock, GA
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| 05 Jun 2007 4:21 PM |
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Red, your report was perfect. I too found it hard to begin my own thoughts on this ride, but once I started to write, they just flowed out. Words from the heart can never be mistaken and your words are directly from your heart. Thank you for the ride report.
Once again, I pray the Ardron family can find healing in the times to come. We are here if you need us. |
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May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. ~Seneca
Proud friend of NomadGSF "Fish" currently serving in Iraq
PGR Member since 8/21/06 #16144 |
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wintergreencourt
Posts: 1581
Marietta GA
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| 05 Jun 2007 6:01 PM |
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Red, my wife asked me when I got home Saturday afternoon "how did it go". Being my first PGR mission, I really didn't know how or where to start, so I just said "it was an amazing experience, and one I'll never forget", and let it go at that. But after reading your report, I immediately forwarded it to her and told her "read this. This is why I want to be a part of the PGR". Your words and the emotions you were able to verbalize were perfect in explaining my feelings. I am so greatful to know Americans who share my love for this country, and my heartfelt gratitude for those who serve, fight and sacrifice all they have for our freedom and security. I never wore the uniform, but my father did and my son does, and I will never allow a day to go by where I don't offer a prayer of thanks for them, and those men and women like them who make the choice to serve and sacrifice. I hold them in the highest esteem, and I will always hold their families in a place of honor in my mind and heart for giving them to all of us.
Thanks for your awesome words, and for all that the PGR leadership does to make this effort work so smoothly.
I'm forever sad for the reason, but I look forward to riding with my PGR family again to honor those who deserve it the most.
Bobby |
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R.G. "Bobby" Byrne
GA Ride Captain
770-364-4393
Blue Star Parents of
Lcpl. Justin Schultz
3/14 Mike Battery, USMC
"N.W.M.C."
Riding in memory of my father,
Lt. Cmdr. Charles A. Byrne, USN
1911-1990
"...and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me."
dona nobis pacem ... Give us Peace
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Carrie Ann
Posts: 430
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| 01 Jun 2008 10:03 PM |
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If anyone sees this . . . and has the funeral program . . . can someone please tell me when his birthday is? I have been unsuccessful at locating this information.
Carrie Ann
cab3869@yahoo.com |
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Carrie Ann Byrne (aka Shutterbug)
Mentor
Remembrance Captain
Momma of LCPL. Justin A. Schultz, USMC
(770) 630-1200
Marietta, GA
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JayDub
Posts: 1717
Ride Captain Norcross, Georgia
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| 04 Jun 2008 12:49 AM |
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Posted By Carrie Ann on 01 Jun 2008 10:03 PM
If anyone sees this . . . and has the funeral program . . . can someone please tell me when his birthday is? I have been unsuccessful at locating this information.
Carrie Ann
cab3869@yahoo.com
Carrie,
Sgt Brian Daniel Ardron was born in Marietta, Ga. on February 20th, 1975
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Jeff 'JayDub' Goodiel
Assistant State Captain
Metro Atlanta Region
Georgia State Ride Captain
404-444-4770
Georgia PGR..... Part of it.......Proud of it!!
****Your right to desecrate our nations flag is protected by law....may that knowledge give you great comfort while you are healing**** |
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