This mission had a special significance to me since I’ve known Curtis over two years now, and have been on over 20 rides with him.  Curtis is a great person, very warm and caring and always willing to help.  Curtis was a member of the Houston SCRC and also the Houston Star Riders.

It was tough to do, but it was my honor to be the Ride Captain on this mission to honor and respect Curtis Miller. This is a mission that will remain with me always.

The staging are was designated at Memorial City Mall in Houston at 9:00. I arrived to the staging area at 9:00, by then we already had a handful of bikes there, over next few minutes more bikes arrive until we had a nice group.

We rode to the Service with the Flag bikes in front on Gessner Ave.  Along the way we met with the Star Riders and SCRC’s headed for the service. It was great to ride with them to go honor one their own, who is one of our own.

Upon Arrival Donna (many thanks, Donna) brought additional flags for the PGR on tall masts.  The entrance to the church was not big, and we had 12 tall flags which was perfect to create a hall of honor.

We stood tall and silent as the guest entered the church, many riders from both clubs as well as other friends and family of Curtis.  The church filled to standing room only, many people, riders and guests, and Curtis’ brother thanked us for being there before the service started.

Prior to the end of the service we moved to the side entrance of the Church where Curtis would be brought out. We lined the area with tall flags and stood in respect. Curtis was brought outside, we came to attention, and his flag draped casket was carried out.

The public exited afterwards, as they passed through many smiled at us, many whispered thanks, others took photographs.  Once the hearse was closed I dismissed the formation.  Curtis’ family came over to us, thanked us and asked  to join the reception.

Many of the SCRC and Star Riders to include both FO’s thanked us for being there.  I was very proud of the PGR today, and I am very thankful to all that came out to pay respects to Curtis; this meant a lot to me, and I can’t thank you enough.

Allan Miller, Curtis’ brother wrote a thank you note on the SCRC forum that included the PGR, and asked if someone could pass that to us.  The SCRC FO sent it to me via email, below is the message:

“To all that attended the funeral and to those that could not make it, I would like to express our deepest thanks from the family. Your support after the accident has made what is truly a tragic situation more comforting for us all. If someone would contact the Patriot Guard Riders that attended and let them know their presence there was a show of support that we will never forget.

Miller Family”

It was our honor to be there to pay respects.

Mario “Kaoz” Bunster

TX Ride Captain