I never knew Matt, yet I have cried like a baby about his loss in private moments, and I don't quite know why. But it was an honor to share this time with your family, and to try to help all to understand the importance of each of these young heros. Their sacrifice is not in vain, and is not lightly accepted. They do what they did because of their commitment to this country even when many do not feel that commitment as strongly. These young men and women are stepping up to form America's next greatest Generation.

But, members of the Guard, you are mightily awesome too. For so many, in their loss and disappointment have said, never again will we forget our brothers and sisters who go and fight and give their all, or allow them to be disrespected. You who go to see them off with their families, so they know folks really do care for them and believe in them. And those who celebrate their safe return as happens so often. Guard members who come from all walks of life and situation to suffer in the sun, and rain and heat and cold just to make sure loved ones and families know this country at its soul appreciates everything they have given especially when what is given is the most precious thing a parent or a family member has.

As usual, I am just in awe of everyone who came from near and far to be here for Matt. I am in awe of Bob Woods our State Captain for making all of this possible and the other Ohio and Kentucky and Indiana Ride Captains who stepped up to the plate and hit this one out of the Ball Park. As well as Rolling Thunder and Task Force Omega and all of the other groups who pitched in and worked with us as a team to make this happen. Weeks of planning went into this mission and you could tell it. Thanks to Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan and so many others who seemed to stream in to fill our ranks each time they were thinning. It was an honor to meet each and every one of you even though we probably couldn't remember each other a week from today. The Yellow Ribbon Support Center volunteers and Blue Star Mothers who hovered over all who were working and all who were visiting bringing comfort, food and a smile to the tired and weary. And the various Law Enforcement Officers who helped in any way they could, were kind and inspiring and professional each moment. And, I also want to say to the Members of the 724th, you guys rock. Matt couldn't have had more devoted friends and comrades.

God bless everyone who came to help and every one who came to pay their respects to Matt. Nothing can make me prouder of Americans then moments like these. And God bless Keith and Carolyn Maupin and their family in this time of grief that they may continue to touch folks as they have in the past and not give into bitterness which is not their way. And may God Bless Matt and keep him close for his life truly mattered.

To all of those who say this was too much, understand, as best I can tell from the other members of the Patriot Guard and especially for me, we all would have preferred not to have done this at all. I don't know anyone who doesn't like welcome home missions better.

God bless you all,
LET US ALWAYS REMEMBER AND CHERISH THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM BECAUSE FREEDOM'S PRICE IS DEAR INDEED.

David Powell
Ohio District 7, Ride Captain
Southwest Ohio

Posted for

Bob Woods

Ohio State Captain

After Action Report

SSG Keith Matthew Maupin

On 30 March 2008, I was given the Honor of being part of TEAM MAUPIN. This team was made up of the Maupin Family, Yellow Ribbon Support Center personnel, the United States Army, the Union Township Police Department, the Cincinnati Police Department, and the Patriot Guard Riders.

Keith and Carolyn wanted to make sure the community that supported them the past four years had a chance to say “Welcome Home” and “Good-bye” to Matt. The planning began, and after several days of planning and meetings it was apparent that

SSG Keith Matthew Maupin’s Home Coming was going to be larger than anyone ever imagined.

At this point the Team had three weeks to plan one of the Tri-States biggest events ever for a fallen Warrior. One of the first concerns was finding places big enough to hold the thousands that would come.

Union Township Civic Center was chosen for the Visitation. The folks that run the Civic Center did a great job in making things work. The lines going into the Visitation area were long but everyone was orderly and respectful of each other. The lines moved smoothly. The area Matt was in became a very special place. It truly was awesome. The Moore Funeral Home out did them selves.

The Blue Star Mothers of America Chapter 3 did a fantastic job of feeding the thousands of people that needed food and drink for 20 hours nonstop. Ladies what a wonderful job you did. Thank You.

The Union Township Police were “OUTSTANDING.” You served your community very well and it was my honor and privilege to work with you. The Patriot Guard Riders were treated with the utmost respect.  

The City of Cincinnati, OH was equally “OUTSTANDING.” They welcomed SSG Keith Matthew Maupin and the thousands of people with open arms so we could honor our native son’s return home.

The Cincinnati Police Department in conjunction with the Sheriff’s department and other local agencies were stellar in their movement of traffic and people.

To the Ownership of the Great American Ball Park, What a Class Act you are. Your staff made Matt’s service remarkable.

Gate of Heaven Cemetery is a fitting place for Matt’s final resting place; he is there with other comrades as well. The Butler County Sheriff’s Caisson Unit did an excellent job as well.

I would like to say to the United States Army; Thank you for bringing Matt Home.

I know you all worked tirelessly on making his homecoming happen.

I cannot thank all of the PGR members enough for your help. The State Captain’s and Ride Captain’s for other states when asked, stepped-up and helped make this mission of Honor, Respect, and Dignity just that. The only thing I can say is “THANK YOU”.

To all of the other motorcycle organizations and clubs that were there, thank you for your support and helping out as well.

I want to thank the Community of Union Township and the City of Cincinnati for their hospitality.    

In closing, Keith and Carolyn thank you for allowing the Patriot Guard Riders to be a part of Honoring your Son for his Ultimate Sacrifice to his Country. It truly was an Honor to be a part of Matt’s Home Coming.

Bob Woods

Ohio State Captain