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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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HM1 (AW) USN (RET) 
Posts: 1088
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| 29 Jun 2008 8:05 AM |
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I will make the funeral home portion only. I am coming from North Daytona, any one wishing to link up with me please call me on my cell- (731) 313-1678. Tennessee rides with respect to stand for those who stood for us. Vacation or not, duty calls.
To the family and friends of our brother Tom, it is a sad day when no man stands for what is right. Tom, by involving himself in PGR stood ready to stand when called. In what I can only describe to outrsiders as a situation similar to the minute men of old, Patriot Guard Riders answer the call and come not to do battle, but to honor people worthy of such effort.
While saddened to have to do this for Tom, I am grateful for the heart of such men as he. It will be an honor to stand the funeral flag line and walk along it to ensure (in good ole Navy Doc tradition) that MY riders are drinking the fluids.
All riders: Bring what water you can, I will have ice and some water available as well as a few wet cloths dipped in the ice water. Ride safe, and keep this family colse in your hearts. We honor one of our own, we shall continue to press forward despite the great loss of a friend and PGR asset/leader. I am honored and priveledged to be here this week to stand with you. Dixie region- "No borders" Just hearts and throttles.
DOC Lee |
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Dennis "DOC" Lee
Hospital Corpsman First Class
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist
United States Navy Retired
Ride Captain- All over west TN and sometimes straying into other states as well.
I ride for all those who have gone on to their last port call.
Riding with me: LT TERRY FUSSNER (she was a friend first, navy officer 2nd)
Carlos Hixon (former Doc- killed by a stupid drunk driver - we lost a talented musician who made folks smile)
SmokeyMountainSporty- ( I talk to him when I feel twiggy on the road, gone, but still so very much here with us). |
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Geezer Glide 2001
Posts: 1873
Conroe,Texas
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| 29 Jun 2008 2:06 PM |
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Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of J.Thomas (Tom) Rowell,Thanks for being one of our greatest heroes. God Bless. And God Bless, The fellow soldiers that stands for us everyday.Thank you for your dedicated service and sacrifice to defend this great nation of ours.
We salute you , My Friend
Final Inspection
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now,soldier.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime.
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord.
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now,soldier
you’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets;
you’ve done your time in Hell."
Paul E. Babb Sr.
Riding loud and proud......But standing tall and silent...........for the American Hero.
Paul E. Babb Sr. ( Ret. LEO )
MCSO-3110
S.E.Tx. P.G.R. Rider
Conroe, Texas
Riding in memory of
Sgt.Jack H. Holder Jr.
MCSO-3102
DIUSMC Parris Island, Buford SC.
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Red-C
Posts: 146
Kennedy Space Center,Merritt Island Fl
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| 29 Jun 2008 2:44 PM |
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DIRECTION'S TO ROCKLIDGE for TOM, on 02 Jul 08.
From the north,I 95 south, to ex 201.(Cocoa 520 ) turn left on520, go 3 1/2 mii to US 1, turn right, 1 mi, FH on left.///// From the south, I95 north to ex 201,turn right (520 east) , 3 1/2 mi to US1, turn right, go 1 mi,F H on left///// Orlando, take 528 east, (beachline) to 95,south, ex 201,left, to US1,turn right 1 mi, FH on left...
OR,520 from orlando, strate to US1(Cocoa) turn right, go 1 mi,, FH on left.....
Be Safe, Stay Dry,God Bless,,,
Randy |
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Mr Randy,,, AKA Red-c
Army, 68-70
Nam Vet-68-69
Fallen Soldier Memorial Guardian
Navy Dad X 2
" Always Forgive, Never Forget "
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graybeard1955
Posts: 2
Florida
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| 29 Jun 2008 4:21 PM |
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I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."
"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and there are other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!" And that is dying.
- Henry van Dyke (1852 – 1933) American author, educator, and clergyman
Tom, Godspeed to that other shore where those who have gone before stand and shout with good tidings "Here he comes!" To your family and friends my deepest condolences.
Smooth sailing sailor and Rest in Peace |
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Bill "Graybeard" Hamilton
Ret USA SFC/E7
91C4X |
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Uffda
Posts: 11023
Wonder Lake, IL
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| 29 Jun 2008 8:54 PM |
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Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of J Thomas (Tom) Rowell, Navy, Viet Nam Veteran. May God help you though this difficult time and sorrow. He is
one of America's Heroes that will never be forgotten.
Rest Safely and Securely in God's Loving Arms, Thomas.
Going home, going home,
I'm just going home.
Quiet-like, slip away-
I'll be going home.
It's not far, just close by;
Jesus is the Door;
Work all done, laid aside,
Fear and grief no more.
Friends are there, waiting now.
He is waiting, too.
See His smile! See His hand!
He will lead me through.
Morning
Star lights the way;
Restless dream all done;
Shadows gone, break of day,
Life has just begun.
Every tear wiped away,
Pain and sickness gone;
Wide awake there with Him!
Peace goes on and on!
Going home, going home,
I'll be going home.
See the Light! See the Sun!
I'm just going home.
http://lnwbooks.com/data/mp3/15.mp3 |
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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. |
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Ultra Star
Posts: 96
Fergus Falls, MN.
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| 29 Jun 2008 10:57 PM |
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| My most sincere condolences go out to the Family and Friends of a GREAT AMERICAN, Tom Rowell. I met Tom in Washington, DC. in March 2007, for Gathering Of Eagles 1. He rode his Gold Wing up from Florida in the snow, to help defend some of our greatest National Treasures from the
'moonbats' that threatened to deface them. Since then Tom and I have been e-mailing stuff back and forth, and sharing stories. Quite a guy!
I was definitely shocked and saddened, to hear the news. Myself, and many others that became friends that weekend in March '07', will greatly miss Tom. I only wish I would have been closer, and knew him a little better. He was truly an American Hero.
I will be there, holding my Flag proudly, in Spirit, with all of you in Florida for this Great American. I truely wish I could be there in person.
Rest in peace now Tom, your watch is complete, and God is preparing a place for you. We WILL keep the watch now.
Ride with the wind Brother Tom!
Dave |
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Freedom isn't free, but it's worth fighting for.
NDNG 76/91. HHC 141 164 comb eng
Alexandria sector RC
Fergus Falls, MN VA HOTH Rep.
MNPG
Do not get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9
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woodydjw
Posts: 63
Detroit Lakes Minnesota
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| 30 Jun 2008 12:17 AM |
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| My sincerest condolences to the family of J. Thomas Rowell. The Patriot Guard Riders stand in Honor of those who have served our Country by always remembering that, without the Tom's of the United States military, there would be no USA. Tom Honored all of us with his Military Service but as important, he stood for those serving today as well as in the past. A hero who challenged others to be Patriotic by standing the line with us at Gathering of Eagles, March 17, 2007 and by his leadership in the Patriot Guard Riders. Tom is another soul who has touched me ever so softly but with a touch that has awaken my heart and spirit long suffered since returning from Vietnam. I am proud today to stand in spirit as Tom takes his final journey to stand with all of our Heroes in the protective hands of his Lord. May your final Mission be a joyous Gathering of Eagles. Blessed are the Peace Makers. |
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David J. Woodward, Vietnam Veteran 1968-69
ARC Detroit Lakes Sector
WIA State Representative
Minnesota Patriot Guard
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fueler
Posts: 854
St. Louis, Mo
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| 30 Jun 2008 4:21 PM |
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To the famil of Mr,Brother Tom Rowel,
I wish to offer my condolences. May God be with you during this time.
Tom,
Thank You for your service to this Great Country. And your service with the Patriot Guard. Your are a True American Hero and you will not be forgotten. Rest now my brother your mission is thur. Go now and join all the Hero's that now waite for you.
May God be with the family and freinds during this time.
I will be standing in Sprit for you. |
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US Army 1970-1972
Senior Ride Captian
St. Louis, Mo. |
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Daze
Posts: 536
North Jacksonville Florida, Senior Ride Captain
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| 30 Jun 2008 6:31 PM |
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My sincere condolances to Tom's family and friends. May he rest in peace and always ride in sunny skys. Save us a parking place Tom. You are another in a long list of American HERO's.
John "Daze" Vincent
PGR Ride Captain, Jacksonville, Fl.
One flag or five hundred, the PGR will be there.
Never Again!! This IS what we do!
U.S. Navy, 1964-1970
Viet-Nam 1965-1967
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catbrooks
Posts: 1760
Lake Mary, FL
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| 01 Jul 2008 6:21 AM |
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My family and I send our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this American Hero. May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have of your dear Tom will remain in your hearts forever, and comfort in knowing you are in the hearts and prayers of a grateful nation.
Tom, I am honored and humbled by your dedicated service to our country, and your commitment to honoring your Military brothers and sisters. I am proud to say I stood beside you on a few missions, and was touched by your caring heart that shined so brightly through your beautiful smile. Thank you and may you rest in peace... |
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Cat
"To live in the hearts of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
In loving memory of Sgt John D Rode
KIA 02/14/07 Baquaba Iraq |
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johntrib
Posts: 111
San Bernardino, CA
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| 01 Jul 2008 9:16 AM |
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My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tom Rowell. Thank you for your service and your support of those who served. Ride long and ride free! Your spirit will not be forgotten.
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JT
American Legion Riders - 777
American Legion - 262
GWRRA - CA-1M
Riding in memory of
Vance Tribbett, Lt Cmdr, USN, WWII
Ron Zwolinski, Lt Col, USAF, VN
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SteveC1951
Posts: 377
Blue Grass Iowa
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| 01 Jul 2008 10:11 AM |
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| To the family and friends, my sympathy and condolences in your time of mourning. To J Thomas (Tom) Rowell, my grattitude and thanks to you for your service in defense of our Nation and the freedoms we enjoy. You are a true American Hero. Rest In Peace, You will not be forgotten. |
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Steve Cole
SFC, US Army, 1970 - 1992, Retired
Member H.O.G., ABATE
Proud Member PGR |
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Twowheeler
Posts: 351
Florida PGR Mentor Largo, FL
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| 01 Jul 2008 12:36 PM |
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My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tom Rowell. Thank you, Tom, for your service to our nation in the Navy, and as a Patriot Guard Rider.
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USN 1959-1963 |
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I.V.I.
Posts: 2
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| 01 Jul 2008 7:30 PM |
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| Hello,
My name is bob lambert and i am one of Toms Friends of 26 years.
We rode all over Fl. before my Heart Attack in 2001 then i gave up my bike and tom road alone till this year.
My wife allowed me to buy a Bike and tom turned me own to one which i bought,and we started rideing again.Tom and i just went to breakfest just several weekends ago to a place he found,and now i will make this place one of my weekend stops.
Our friendship grew as our kids did beings we lived on this same street for these 26 years,and what a Honor it was to have had him as not only a Friend but a Rideing Buddy.Those who knew him knows he road in any kind of weather and put on more miles in a week then most have in months,and as far as help he was There if needed.
So Tom my Dear friend I will miss you,and all the fun we had rideing and growing together,and as you ride that big road now,I ask that you save a spot for those who come after you,and just may be when we meet again you will have some more new places to Show me and we will Ride again side by side.So I have this last picture taken in jupiter fl.just several months that I will keep in my heart,Tom you and your Blue Bullit,me and my Silver shell.
Friends forever and you will be truly missed,
Bob lambert |
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Wayne18
Posts: 653
Interlachen, Fl. Asst. State Captain
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| 01 Jul 2008 8:00 PM |
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My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tom Rowell, may God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Words fail me when I need them most, We heard about Tom while at a Rally in Kentucky. So very sad.......Tom and I did several missions together, Tom was the first one to send an email, when I became a Ride Captain. He wanted to give me my first red cap. He said "Old Cop' gave it to him, and he wanted to pass it to me. Thanks Tom, I'll miss seeing you and the "Blue Wing"
Regretfully, Prior commitments cannot be changed, and I must stand down for this mission. I know Tom understands. |
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Wayne Howell
USMC 57-64 66-68
ALR Post 293
Florida Retreads
North Central
Area Rep |
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Moe L
Posts: 78
Homosassa Springs, FL
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| 01 Jul 2008 10:31 PM |
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My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the Rowell family for their loss.
“Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference in the world, MARINES don’t have that problem.” –President Ronald Reagan, 1985— |
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Moe L |
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HM1 (AW) USN (RET)
Posts: 1088
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| 02 Jul 2008 12:46 PM |
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| I.V.I glad to meet you today. Tom was PGR and that alone was all I needed to know. Thanks for filling in the gaps though, and confirmingt what I knew in my heart. Proud to be there today. |
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Dennis "DOC" Lee
Hospital Corpsman First Class
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist
United States Navy Retired
Ride Captain- All over west TN and sometimes straying into other states as well.
I ride for all those who have gone on to their last port call.
Riding with me: LT TERRY FUSSNER (she was a friend first, navy officer 2nd)
Carlos Hixon (former Doc- killed by a stupid drunk driver - we lost a talented musician who made folks smile)
SmokeyMountainSporty- ( I talk to him when I feel twiggy on the road, gone, but still so very much here with us). |
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I.V.I.
Posts: 2
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| 03 Jul 2008 5:12 AM |
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Thank you all,
To all of you who showed Tom a Great Honor,it was my pleasure to have had this chance to ride with so many who were his Friend's and you sure showed the greatness,of the Patroit Guards tom talked so much about.
I know that I may never see some of you again,but i will carry what you showed My friend Tom with me forever.
So to you all I Salute you and all you do.
And if I can help you when you need,please let me know How and when.
Your friend know as Skidder Bob-I.V.I.
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rincon1
Posts: 15
Melbourne, Fl
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| 03 Jul 2008 6:38 AM |
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I sit here this morning July 3, 2008 at work in Melbourne, Fl. reading the paper and what do I find?
That we lost a good Man.
I had the honor to share a meal with Tom about 3 years ago after a PGR ride to Miami, hell it was cold that morning and I just meet Tom that day. He was one of a kind! I was conplaning about how cold my hands were and out of the blue here is someone riding this big blue Honda, gives me a pair of Nice gloves. They were sweet! Still to this day I tell people about it. We stopped afterward and ate at this bar-ba-Q place and had lunch. On the way back home, I had a E-pass and we both rode side by side thru the tolls so he did not have to pay for the tolls!
It has been a while for me to go on PGR rides, but one of the last few I have been to, I called Tom and we met in Cocoa to ride together.
He was a good person, I am sorry for your loss. I wish I had know about the ride I would have loved to ride with him again and on his last ride.
I am sure he now has a Big Blue Honda in the sky, and
Please Tom tell my Dad (Capt. James M. Watson USAF 6-8-1959, and my Sweeties only child Cpl Theodore Andrew Bowiling USMC 11-11-2004) Hello!
God bless Tom's family, and God Bless the USA!
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Skywalker56
Posts: 46
Melbourne, FL
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| 03 Jul 2008 7:36 AM |
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It was an honor standing for our brother Tom yesterday. I met Mr. Lambert and many of the family members and I was proud to see so many PGR on a work day. Mission accomplished, ladies and gentlemen. Tom, we'll miss you but we know you are in a better place.
Peace,
Cara Wilson
Melbourne, FL
p.s. Check out the photos in the on-line Photo Gallery in Florida Today. |
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Swampfox
Posts: 456
Titusville, FL
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| 03 Jul 2008 8:38 AM |
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| I.V.I., it was an honor to meet you and much of Tom's family yesterday. On one small point, it is we in the PGR who are thankful and who have been honored by being allowed to participate and to show our respect. I only knew Tom through the PGR, but I can truly say that my life has been enriched because of that association. I look forward to seeing you again, and riding with you, soon -- hopefully under happier circumstances. |
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"It's the Soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It's the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It's the Soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us freedom to demonstrate.
It's the Soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
And it's the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves the flag,
Whose coffin is draped in the flag,
That allows the protester to burn the flag"
- Father D. E. O'Brien (fmr USMC) |
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CarlS
Posts: 3397
Senior Ride Captain
Altamonte Springs, FL
Florida State Captain (retired)
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| 03 Jul 2008 2:33 PM |
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| It was a privilege and an honor to attend Tom's services as a PGR member and as a friend. Tom, you impacted a lot of people. My life is far richer through your friendship. I miss you, brother. |
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CarlS
US Army
1966-2000
CarlS@patriotguard.org
386-793-0030
Gold Star & Blue Star Dad
Riding in loving memory of CW2 Justin S Swofford |
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CarlS
Posts: 3397
Senior Ride Captain
Altamonte Springs, FL
Florida State Captain (retired)
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| 03 Jul 2008 2:54 PM |
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Duplicate post
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CarlS
US Army
1966-2000
CarlS@patriotguard.org
386-793-0030
Gold Star & Blue Star Dad
Riding in loving memory of CW2 Justin S Swofford |
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CarlS
Posts: 3397
Senior Ride Captain
Altamonte Springs, FL
Florida State Captain (retired)
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| 03 Jul 2008 2:54 PM |
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Mission Ride Report:
When I first received the bad news about Tom Rowell, PGR Ride Captain , passing. My mind started racing for the times. I had the honor to be with Tom to honor many other heroes who lost their lives in keeping America free. Now this mission was not only to honor a Vietnam Veteran, but also to honor a PGR
Brother, a family member.
When I arrived at the Wylie Baxley Funeral Home in Rockledge, FL at 7:10 AM,7/2/08, for this mission, the parking lot was empty. Getting myself focused on what was going to take place: staging,
bike line-up, cage parking, briefing area and flag line setting, the memories of Tom kept popping in and out of my mind.Ten minutes later Red-C (Randy) rolled into the parking lot with his
support vehicle . Thank you Randy for all you did, I know you were very close to Tom. Great job on your cage vehicle. Also great job on getting to the Phase 2 of this mission in Bradenton.
Five more minutes go by and another vehicle pulls into the parking lot. WOW it's OLD-COP (Everett Butler). once a very active member and Ride Captain of the PGR, now retired . Thank you Everett for coming to honor Tom
The bikes and cages started rolling. There were 20 bikes and 5 cages . Started the mission briefing at 8:30 AM. Had asked for new members joining in with us today of which there were 3. Also joining in on the briefing were 4 of Tom friends and co-workers. One PGR Ride Captain from TN, Doc on vacation, joined in on this mission Thank you Doc (Dennis) for your help.
We formed the flag line at the front door-way entrance for family and friends to coming to honor and pay respects to Tom. The PGR was invited to join in on the services by Tom's wife ,Suzanne. Thank you, Suzanne, for that honor. The flag line outside
broke at 9:55 AM so members joining in the services could make their way into the
chapel.
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At 10:55 AM, the flag line was once again set-up, this time at the side exit-way where the hearse was awaiting to transport Tom to his final resting place in Bradenton, Fl.
Arriving at Bradenton, the Ride Captain, Harleymom) Beverly Wolfkill, had the flag line setup at the Braden River Cemetery. Thank you, Harleymom>, for getting Phase 2 of this mission
together. And I thank Billboy for for his assistance.
Once Tom was laid to rest and the PGR line broke, Tom's family and friends thank the PGR for being there. Yes, Tom, it was an HONOR, thank you, Brother, for all you did for our heroes and their families and for the PGR.
Thank you, Suzanne, for giving us the privilege of
honoring Tom.
Thanks to all for being at Rockledge at Bradenton and those who were there in spirit.
A special thanks to the Rockledge PD for the escort to I- 95.; Well done.
Mission Ride Captain Lucky51 |
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CarlS
US Army
1966-2000
CarlS@patriotguard.org
386-793-0030
Gold Star & Blue Star Dad
Riding in loving memory of CW2 Justin S Swofford |
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HM1 (AW) USN (RET)
Posts: 1088
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| 03 Jul 2008 3:54 PM |
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| No thanks needed. It is an honor to be a ride captain and it is a duty no matter location. |
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Dennis "DOC" Lee
Hospital Corpsman First Class
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist
United States Navy Retired
Ride Captain- All over west TN and sometimes straying into other states as well.
I ride for all those who have gone on to their last port call.
Riding with me: LT TERRY FUSSNER (she was a friend first, navy officer 2nd)
Carlos Hixon (former Doc- killed by a stupid drunk driver - we lost a talented musician who made folks smile)
SmokeyMountainSporty- ( I talk to him when I feel twiggy on the road, gone, but still so very much here with us). |
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