Well this was an experience that I shall not soon forget.

Being a military minded kinda guy on my first PGR mission, not to mention my first mission as a Ride Captain (might as well jump in head first I always say), I had accomplished as much planning and preparation as I could in the week prior to SSgt E. G. Davis’s last ride.  I believe that still being on active duty provided me with easier access than non-active duty members would have had.  For example, I met with LtCol Cushing and Chaplin Weigelt (Commanding Officer and Battalion Chaplain for the 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion) on Friday in order to get more details of the services.  They, in turn, put me in direct contact with the family representative from the unit, GySgt Trump.  So I called Gunny Trump and finalized a few questions I had on the services.

Friday night I was busy getting everything ready-as a 0700 Assembly time would have me leaving the barn at about 0545-so I could arrive a little early.  I tucked my head under my wing early on Friday night and had just fallen into a sound sleep when Gunny Trump called me to inform me that the Family IS requesting an escort from their Quarters to the Chapel.  Ok…Change 5 to a plan that obviously isn’t going to survive first contact, and back to bed I went.  lol

It was one of those beautiful “May Gray” mornings in Southern California as I opened my eyes and looked out the open screen door “Hmmm, that is funny, it sure is light…OH CRAP!” I had forgotten to turn my alarm clock on and it was already 0630! And I have about 30 miles and TWO base gates to get through to get to the assembly area!  In a blinding flurry of activity (Ok as blindingly quick as I can move on ½ cup of Joe) I grabbed my gear and pulled out “Babe” my 1950 Panhead chopper.  The ole girl knew today was a ride with purpose and lit off on the first kick after priming.  While she warmed up, I leathered up.  And we were gone setting car alarms off at every opportunity.  Playing cat and mouse with the MPs all the way across base, I made the assembly area at about 0705.  Not too bad, considering the train-wreck it could have been.

Lonny and his son were already waiting at the Del Taco, but it looked like I made it with some time to spare.  Now, I am a hardcore Harley guy, but I was glad to see that Lonny was on a Gold Wing.  I introduced myself and asked Lonny if he would go recon housing and the route to the Davis Family Quarters.  I figured at seven thirty in the morning his Wing wouldn’t be as offensive as my straight pipes.

While Lonny and his son did the recon, several other riders started showing up.  Of these riders a large contingent of them are still Active Duty Marines and Sailors.  At about 0730-0745 LtCol Cushing came by and thanked all of us.  Colonel it was our honor.

Oh…and as a side note, the Del Taco at 1601 Carmeio Drive in Oceanside does NOT open until 0800.  Thankfully the Mobile gas station right across the street had some coffee.  But Scooby snacks prior to the ride were limited.

Once Lonny and Son returned, I decided to let him lead the group to the Davis house and then I would take us into the Chapel.  At 0815, I gave the ride brief to the dozen or so riders we had and we were off.  I asked one of my lifetime friends, who is also still on active duty, to punch out a little early and “grease the skids” with the MPs at the gate.  This worked out very well as all the riders “looked” like they belonged and we just got the wave through. 

Lonny and Son took us into base housing and we did a short drive-by parade in front of the Family residence and executed a U-turn pulling up in front of the house.  I introduced myself to our Hero’s Mother and Father and extended our condolences.  I established that the family would like us to lead them to the chapel and we all stood by for Mrs. Davis.  Once the young lady came out, I again expressed out condolences and made sure there was nothing else we could do for them.

Queuing off of the Family, we lit off our bikes and proceeded out of the housing area running intersection blockers the entire way to the Chapel.  Turning into the Chapel parking lot, I immediately saw another contingent of bikes.  The Viet Nam Vets/Legacy Vets MC, R Chapter was also there.  We took the family to their drop off area and parked our bikes.  I talked with the VNV/LV brothers and we decided that they would escort our Hero to the funeral home as this was never requested for, nor planned for, by us.

Once the services were underway, I tracked down a member of the Marine Honor Guard and got a schedule of events.  From that, and with the aid of Uncle Bob, we used the rifle salute as our queue to form up.  We formed on one side placing the large flags at the ends.  Our Hero and family emerged from the Chapel and we all stood at attention, as he was loaded for his final ride.  Once SSgt Davis was aboard the hearse we quietly fell out and moved to the bikes.  As there were not going to be any further services for our hero, we stood by as the VNV/LV MC fired up and fell in to escort SSgt Davis.  Once SSgt Davis and his escort left we dispersed from there.

As a lesson learned on this mission, I will try to get a shell letter completed that will request a “blanket” waiver for missions aboard military installations.  I’ll send it up through the chain of command here and I hope it will help out for any future “on base” missions.

In closing I would like to extend my personal thanks to the Davis Family, LtCol Cushing, and 3^rd AAV Battalion for allowing us the opportunity to honor their Hero.  Thank you to all for showing up and a huge thanks to “Uncle Bob” for helping me through my first RC job.  I am also extending special thanks to the active duty members who showed.