My deepest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Sgt. Marcus C. Mathes. We have lost a real American hero and heaven has gained an angel. My prayers are with you.

Sgt. Marcus C. Mathes, thank you for going where others have feared to tread. Your path is clear, walk through those Heavenly gates, your brothers and sisters are waiting for you. Godspeed....

To the family and friends of Sgt. Marcus C. Mathes, my family and I offer you our deepest and heartfelt condolences on the loss of this American Hero. We pray that God will give you comfort in knowing that Marcus gave his life defending the freedoms of people that he did not know. We as Patriotic Americans mourn this loss with you.

Sgt. Marcus C. Mathes, my family and I thank you for your selfless and dedicated service to our Nation in defense of our freedoms. You willingness to defend our freedoms and paying the ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

A TRUE AMERICAN HERO!

Sgt. Marcus C. Mathes

Sgt. Marcus Mathes,
 Thank you for your Dedication and Service. Its men like you that allow us to live in the greatest country in the world.

We will NEVER forget you

I'd like to offer my sincere condolences Marcus's family and friends. I grieve for your loss.

**MISSION RIDE REPORT**

Airport escort, visitation, church service, and procession to the national veterans cemetery for Sgt. Marcus Mathes

First, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the family of Sgt. Marcus Mathes for allowing us to participate in honoring their Hero. 

His family’s willingness to share the memories of his life, military service, and personal sacrifice has been an inspiration.  Their openness and ability to share their life and love with Marcus has been admirable---and it was---indeed---our honor to be there on Monday and Tuesday of this week to share in the celebration of his life---and in the sadness of his loss.  An American HERO has come home and there is nowhere else I would have preferred to have been the past couple of days.  To the family and friends of Marcus---May God Bless You All.

Sgt. Marcus Mathes was obviously well-known and well-liked in the local community.  The visitors on Monday evening were many and varied.  In addition to the numerous members of the family and community in attendance, we had a Bald Eagle that performed a fly-by in the clear, blue evening sky outside of Hodges Funeral Home.  The symbolism of this airborne visit was unmistakable.

On Tuesday, under another clear blue sky, Sgt. Marcus Mathes was escorted from the funeral home to the Calvary Assembly of God for a memorial service and then transported via procession for interment.  During the memorial service, outside the church, a lone Bald Eagle performed lazy circles overhead for about ten minutes as we awaited the transfer of the casket from the chapel to the hearse.

Once the transfer was completed by the military honor guard, the procession left the church and went through the downtown area.  The streets were lined with many men, women, and children showing their patriotism and respect for this brave, young soldier.  Even once we were north of town, there continued to be pockets of grateful Americans lining the route---some with flags---some with signs---some with salutes---and some with hands placed over their hearts in silent and somber respect.  I, personally, have never been prouder to be an American, a Patriot Guard Rider, and a part of this reverent observance of honor and respect for a True American Hero.

Thank you, Sgt. Marcus Mathes---a grateful nation mourns your loss.

NOTE:  My sincere thanks to all of the folks who helped us honor Sgt. Mathes.  Special thanks to Zephyrhills Police Department, Zephyrhills Fire Department, Dade City Police Department, Pasco County Sheriffs Office, the Patriot Guard Riders, and any others that assisted with honoring Sgt. Marcus Mathes.

**MISSION ACCOMPLISHED**