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Subject: Welcome Home - 218 BDE ARNG, Union/W Columbia/Beaufort, SC, 02, 03 MAY 08

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Uffda User is Offline
Posts: 9217
Wonder Lake, IL
Forum Moderator




01 May 2008 2:24 PM Alert 
Updated 2 May 08 0502 edt S Sturgis

Welcome Home 218th SCARNG West Columbia 02 May
 
Staging will be at the W. Columbia SCARNG Armory at 1500 (3:00 PM)
3528 Platt Springs Rd.
W. Columbia
 
We will be parking on the grass so bring kickstand plates just in case.
I'll be carrying flags and water.
 
Be sure and check this thread as it is subjuect to change at any time.

Ride Safe!
 


_____________________________________________________________________________

Update 1930 cst 01 May 08 by Big rock




*************************************UPDATE *****************************************

SC Patriots: Another wave of Carolina’s finest are coming home from the War. Please join us to give them a rousing welcome to preserve our way of life.

Three cities, two days, be a part of the memories of a wonderful homecoming, and let everyone in South Carolina Hear the Rumble!!

Beaufort, SC
02MAY08


Staging Information:

Beaufort Staging @ 1600,
Flag Line in Place 1630
Troop ETA 1700
National Guard Armory
1 Cavalry Lane
Beaufort, SC 29906

http://tinyurl.com/56cd93


Charleston Staging 1330 – 1345, KSU 1400
The Plex
2390 W Aviation Ave
North Charleston, SC 29406

http://tinyurl.com/59tloo

As always, Semper Gumby...

RCIC Lee "PieMan" Anderson 843-412-0191

************************

Union, SC
02MAY08

Staging Information:

Location:  The former Young Chevrolet (now closed)
                 25567 SC Hwy 121
                 Whitmire SC 29178


Map:          http://tinyurl.com/6ye36z

Time:        1500 hours (3:00 pm)

Escort:     22 miles at 55 mph


If you are uncomfortable at all with an escort of this distance and speed or if you would just prefer to be a part of the welcome in Union proper, please go instead to:


Location:    SCARNG Armory - Union
                   165 Industrial Park Rd
                   Union SC 29379

Map:           http://tinyurl.com/3qulr5

Time:          No Later Than 1600 hours (4:00 pm)

Come prepared to make noise.  Tell the good people of Union and the soldiers of the 218th BDE.         LISTEN FOR THE RUMBLE !!

RCIC Randy Stevens 864-923-3190

******************************************************************************

West Cola, SC
02MAY08

Staging Information

West Columbia SCARNG Armory 3528 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC, 29170

Staging time will be at 1430 (2:30PM). We will stage in the parking lot at the West Columbia Armory at 3528 Platt Springs Road. Due to limited parking we will park the bikes on the grass in front og the Armory (bring your kickstand plated just in case). Prepare for a long delay so bring water and something to snack on. Just like last time this info is subject to chance, so check this thread often.

RCIC Tom Bellomy 803-338-0574

************************************

West Cola, SC
03MAY08

Staging Information

West Columbia SCARNG Armory 3528 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC, 29170

Staging time will be at 1430 (2:30PM). We will stage in the parking lot at the West Columbia Armory at 3528 Platt Springs Road. Due to limited parking we will park the bikes on the grass in front og the Armory (bring your kickstand plated just in case). Prepare for a long delay so bring water and something to snack on. Just like last time this info is subject to chance, so check this thread often.

RCIC Tom Bellomy 803-338-0574

Yours In Service

Ron White

South Carolina State Captain

Patriot Guard Riders


****************************************************************************

More of South Carolina’s finest will come home to their loved ones after months in Combat this Weekend.

Troops of the South Carolina Army National Guard 218th Brigade are in route to their home stations as we speak.

Please join us in Welcoming these Carolina Patriots back from their Tour of Duty in the Global War on Terrorism.

Troops will arrive FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 2,3 May08 to the following South Carolina Cities;

Times are sketchy as always, and subject to change, so please check the website frequently.

STAND BY FOR STAGING AREAS AND TIMES

 

Friday 2May08

Locations:

Union SCARNG Armory 165 Industrial Park Rd, Union, SC 29379

RCIC Randy Stevens 864-923-3190

 

Beaufort SCARNG Armory, TBA

RCIC Lee Anderson 843-412-0191

 

West Columbia SCARNG Armory, 3528 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC, 29170

RCIC Tom Bellomy 803-338-0574

Saturday 3May08

Location:

West Columbia SCARNG Armory, 3528 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC, 29170

RCIC Tom Bellomy 803-338-0574

 

 

Ron White

South Carolina State Captain

Patriot Guard Ridersr




Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom.
LSA0901 User is Offline
Posts: 1270
Cage Captain - The LowCountry of South Carolina




01 May 2008 2:28 PM Alert 

UPDATE
=======
218th BDE Welcome Home
Beaufort, SC
02MAY08


As always, Semper Gumby...

Beaufort Staging @ 1600,
Flag Line in Place 1630
Troop ETA 1700
National Guard Armory
1 Cavalry Lane
Beaufort, SC 29906
http://tinyurl.com/56cd93


Charleston Staging 1330 – 1345, KSU 1400
The Plex
2390 W Aviation Ave
North Charleston, SC 29406
http://tinyurl.com/59tloo


Lee "PieMan" Anderson, RCIC
843-412-0191


W.W.D.D.? "It's All Good!" No Borders...
In Memory & Honor of Retired GA Sr. R/C Mike "Deltoid" Bland
=====
Lee Anderson - The PieMan™ - Charter CLAM
myspace.com/pgr_blondstranger
PieMan@PatriotGuard.org
843-412-0191 Mobile
USAF 1986-1990 B-1B (DAS) GFAFB, ND
Jasper54 User is Offline
Posts: 5349
Columbus, Ohio




01 May 2008 3:52 PM Alert 
Welcome home 218 BDE ARNG. God Bless you.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2 KJV

GySgt. Roger Casto, US Marine Corps, Retired 1972-1992;
Iran/Iraq War Veteran 1988
Veteran of Foriegn Wars, Life Member
Double Blue Star Dad
United Christian Faith Ministries Chaplain
Christian Motorcycle Association, Life Member

Riding in honor of:
Sgt. Millard Archy, US Army, WWI, Purple Heart - Exposed to mustard gas.
Sgt. Alva Pete Osborn, US Army, WWII, KIA - France.
Seaman Bob Schneider, US Navy, WWII, Purple Heart.
T/Sgt. Russell Casto, USAF Congo Revolution, Viet Nam.
Sgt. Ron Casto, USMC C.A.P. Viet Nam 1966.
My son, SPC Sean Casto, TennANG. Iraqi Veteran
My daughter, Spc. Angela West, US Army
SrA Micah Burgess, US Air Force, Afghanistan Veteran

In Honor and Memory of Ten HMLA-267, MAG-39 Marines who Answered the call and made the ULTIMATE SACRAFICE while ensuring the safety and security of our nation:
Lt. Col. Knott
Capt. Dillon
Capt. Dolvin
Capt. Hurley
Capt. Cronin
Sgt. Kilkus
Sgt. Keller
Cpl. Romei
Cpl. Monahan
LCpl. Adams
And ALL of our Military Men and Women from ALL Wars who have answered that call and have paid the ULTIMATE PRICE in the battle to defend our nation.
Steam User is Offline
Posts: 2786
Whitmire SC - the land that time forgot




01 May 2008 4:03 PM Alert 
WELCOME HOME - 2 MAY 2008 - UNION SC


Soldiers of the 218th Brigade, SCARNG are returning home to Union SC on Friday 2 May 2008.  Patriot Guard Riders will be with them.

Staging Information


Location:  The former Young Chevrolet (now closed)
                 25567 SC Hwy 121
                 Whitmire SC 29178

Map:          http://tinyurl.com/6ye36z


Time:        1500 hours (3:00 pm)

Escort:     22 miles at 55 mph


If you are uncomfortable at all with an escort of this distance and speed or if you would just prefer to be a part of the welcome in Union proper, please go instead to:


Location:    SCARNG Armory - Union
                   165 Industrial Park Rd
                   Union SC 29379

Map:           http://tinyurl.com/3qulr5


Time:          No Later Than 1600 hours (4:00 pm)

Come prepared to make noise.  Tell the good people of Union and the soldiers of the 218th tp          LISTEN FOR THE RUMBLE !!

Steam
Randy Stevens
VP - Membership, Patriot Guard Riders

Listen for the Rumble
sdoise User is Offline
Posts: 3039
Kinder, La.




01 May 2008 4:10 PM Alert 
Welcome home to the 218 BDE of the ARNG. Thank you for your service to preserve our way of life.

Schelly
Ride Captain for Lake Charles, La. and surrounding area
American Legion Post 318, Elton, La.

DEFINITION OF A VETERAN
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life."
Author Unknown
mailman User is Offline
Posts: 11403
West Branch, MI - Michigan Ride Captain Zephyrhills, FL - Florida Ride Captain




01 May 2008 5:17 PM Alert 
Welcome Home 218 BDE ARNG, Union/W Columbia/Beaufort, SC. Thank you all for your service to our Nation. God Bless You!!

"Eyes on the olive branch, but arrows at the ready."

Jim
"mailman"
US Army 1970 - 1972
Big rock User is Offline
Posts: 1886

IL. Ride Captain, Forum Moderator





01 May 2008 6:59 PM Alert 
Bump for Mission Update

Honor, Respect, Honesty they are not words to throw around. They are words to live by.

"WE WILL NEVER FORGET"


***************************************
"This beautiful day is simply too good to waste."
Quote Greg Bowman - 9 Sept 07
***************************************
"On It"
In Memory of Ed "OldIron" Barrett - 15 Oct 07
***************************************
"Black Sheep Squadron"
custer7thcav User is Offline
Posts: 5213
Moraine, Ohio




02 May 2008 12:51 AM Alert 
Welcome home, 218 BDE ARNG Union/W. Columbia/Beaufort, SC!!! Thank you for your service and dedication!! God bless you!!

custer7thcav
In honor and memory of
Sgt. Bill L. Mullins, 1/7 Cav, Vietnam '65-'66
and
Frank Cicirelli, USN, WWII
Susan Sturgis User is Offline
Posts: 4056
Bear, DE
In Memory of Ed "Old Iron" Barrett

FORUM MODERATOR





02 May 2008 3:30 AM Alert 
UPDATE: West Columbia staging info.

BootLady
#34204
TOU Enforcement Agent


"In God We Still Trust" Diamond Rio - Diamond Rio's Greatest Hits II

"You may die with nothing, but if you have brought a rainbow into somebody else's life, your mission is complete."
exterminator User is Offline
Posts: 946
Greenville SC




02 May 2008 5:20 AM Alert 
Fountain Inn Ride Report:

We had 22 bikes escort the bus from exit 22 to the armory. We watched fountain inn greet these heros and enjoyed the shower from the fire dept.

It was a long wait with the delays but well worth it. We were thanked by many of the returning soilders for being there, one of them also thanked us for being at Shawn Hill's funeral. He said he checked it out online and was proud we stood up to the ugs.

He told us how we touched not only the hill family but many of the troops in his unit that day. Thank you to everyone for being there, it made the welcome home special for these soilders.

WELCOME HOME!

Keith Ruegsegger

MY NECK IS RED, MY HAIR WHITE, AND MY COLLAR IS BLUE!

Riding in memory of Mike [deltoid] Bland!
Steam User is Offline
Posts: 2786
Whitmire SC - the land that time forgot




02 May 2008 5:32 AM Alert 
Received information this morning that indicates Union troops may be arriving a bit later than expected.

I will maintain the 1500 staging and I will be there at that time but if you are pushed for time and cannot be there before 1600 (4:00 pm) please come on anyway. 

It appears now that we will not roll before 1630.

Steam
Randy Stevens
VP - Membership, Patriot Guard Riders

Listen for the Rumble
Steam User is Offline
Posts: 2786
Whitmire SC - the land that time forgot




03 May 2008 5:50 AM Alert 
Ride Report - Union SC Welcome Home - 02 MAY 08


Have you ever heard the saying "Hurry up and wait"??

That's what we did on Friday in Whitmire SC.  We were there awaiting elements of the 218th Enhanced Brigade of the South Carolina Army National Guard returning home to the Union SC armory.  Whitmire is a small town about 20 miles from Union and we thought we'd give them a nice ride in.

After initially being told that the troops were scheduled to be in Union at 1630 the time started moving back.  We began staging in Whitmire at 1500 hours.  I was pleasantly surprised to see Whitmire Fire Department (Michael Thomas) and Whitmire Police Department (Shane Prather) committed to the welcome home 100%.

When the troops finally came into view at 1830 hours they were greeted by 10 Patriot Guard Riders, a fire truck, a Whitmire police cruiser, and a Union County Sheriff's car.  And thus commenced a paraded through the small town of Whitmire.  Now keep in mind, we still have a bit over 20 miles to go before we get to the destination but already we see people on the sides of the road............waving flags and blowing kisses. 

Up US 176 the convoy went.  The Union County car with lights flashing, 10 motorcycles, and two big busses filled with happy soldiers.  Cars pulled off to the side and blew their horns as we passed.  As we neared the town of Union we passed a parking lot.  A little old lady with beautiful silver hair stood on the side of the road.  She was waving and grinning and she was crying.  I wondered who on the bus was crying with her.

At the Union National Guard Armory there was quite a sight.  I've never seen better community support for a welcoming.  The parking area was completely filled and cars were parked on both shoulders of the road for at least 1/8 mile before we could get to the armory.

Inside, the roar was deafening as men and women, soldiers all, marched in and their families could see them for the first time.  After a beautiful and brief welcoming ceremony the troops were dismissed and the hugging began.  We didn't tarry long but we did get to watch little girls squeezing their Daddies just as hard as they possibly could.

Mission Successful.  Riders Inspired.  Troops Honored.

Steam
Randy Stevens
VP - Membership, Patriot Guard Riders

Listen for the Rumble
LSA0901 User is Offline
Posts: 1270
Cage Captain - The LowCountry of South Carolina




04 May 2008 7:05 AM Alert 

Ride Report for Beaufort, 02MAY08

To echo Steam's statement, the LowCountry experienced its own version of "Hurry Up & Wait."

I was mildly concerned on Friday when I arrived at the Charleston Staging area (The Plex) to find only one rider.  However, this was short lived as we were joined by three others only a few minutes later.  Introductions were made all around and we had one new rider with us. 

When we arrived at the Beaufort Readiness Center, we found a few more folks waiting for us.

A Point of Contact informed me the busses had departd Fort Bragg an hour and a half after the scheduled time.

The group of riders went to find something to eat, and I stayed behined to brief any new arrivals and take some pictures of the Armory and the decorations.

We had a few more arrivals, and by the time we briefed the second time, we had 11 bikes, 1 cage, 12 Flag Bearers and 1 Photographer.

About 15 minutes before their scheduled arrival, a Flag Line was formed on the driveway into the Armory.  The families were excited and ready to see their loved ones arrive!

Soon, the busses came down US 21, lead by a Beaufort County Sheriff's Deputy.  Lots of clapping and cheering could be heard as the busses pulled to the rear of the building for the soldiers to dismount.

We moved the Flag Line inside to flank the entrance where they would be marching in to the building.

As the door rolled up, the clapping and cheers got louder as they proudly marched into the drill area.

A short ceremony was held, including the shortest speech I've ever heard a politician give... I'd be surprised if it lasted more than 10 seconds!

The soldiers were welcomed and thanked... and finally dismissed!  The pamdemonium of hugs and loved ones hurrying to each other was very heartwarming.

Mission Accomplished.

My thanks to everyone who came from Charleston, Beaufort, Parris Island, and Bluffton to support this Welcome Home.

Respectfully Sumitted,
Lee "PieMan" Anderson

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W.W.D.D.? "It's All Good!" No Borders...
In Memory & Honor of Retired GA Sr. R/C Mike "Deltoid" Bland
=====
Lee Anderson - The PieMan™ - Charter CLAM
myspace.com/pgr_blondstranger
PieMan@PatriotGuard.org
843-412-0191 Mobile
USAF 1986-1990 B-1B (DAS) GFAFB, ND
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