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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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booker55 
Posts: 44
Scribner, NE
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| 08 May 2006 10:19 PM |
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AT 7:30 ON FRIDAY NIGHT I WAS EXPLAINING TO ME WIFE WHY I COULDN'T RIDE TO ALDEN, IA. BY 8:30 I WAS PACKING TO GO. AT 3:00 I WAS IN THE WIND. WHEN ASKED WHAT WE DO, THE REPLY IS TYPICALLY, I STAND AND HOLD A FLAG. WHAT I FIND ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING IS THAT SUCH A SIMPLE ACT CAN EVOKE SUCH A MYRIAD OF EMOTIONS RANGING FROM ELATION TO REVULSION, FROM SYMPATHY TO PITY, BUT AFTER EVERY MISSION THE PREDOMINANT EMOTION IS PRIDE! I AM PROUD OF THE FACT THAT I AM WELCOMED INTO A SMALL TOWN, WELCOMED BY A FAMILY THAT UNDERSTANDABLY IS EMOTIONALLY SHREDDED, AND WELCOMED BY A GROUP OF RIDERS, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. THERE IS NO NEED TO ATTEMPT TO EXPLAIN WHY WE RIDE. A RIDER FROM CEDAR RAPIDS HAD JUST EXPLAINED TO HIS WIFE THAT IT IS JUST SOMETHING I HAVE TO DO, EXACTLY THE SAME PHRASE I SPOKE TO MY WIFE THE NIGHT BEFORE. THAT'S ALL THE EXPLAINATION NEEDED. RIDE SAFE. OUR JOB ISN'T DONE YET. |
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Nam Vet-'70-'71
Patriot Guard Rider-03/'06
Proud American-Till I die
Been granted a second chance--This time well do it right |
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Monica
Posts: 854
"EOF"
Northfield, MN
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| 09 May 2006 12:19 PM |
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I can only echo the sentiments already expressed; this was my first
mission. My thoughts and prayers are with the Wall family. Mark Wall's
service to this country will never be forgotten by me.
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<______ For D, K, K ______>
"This ain't rocket surgery." |
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Cpl
Posts: 2
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| 09 May 2006 9:37 PM |
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I just found the PGRs. This is my first real mission since The Que Son Valley 1969.
I was told there would be protesters there and I needed to keep my temper. I did. But protesters? Huh? What protesters? I didn't see any protesters. If they were there then they must have been drowned out and overshadowed by the sea of Red White and Blue held up by brothers and sisters who came from far and wide to honor the life of a fallen American Hero and pay respects to his family. I remember seeing Mark's friends and family gathering to say good-by. I rememebr many active duty serviceman coming to pay their respects as well as the outstanding Military Escort. I rememebr the sadness and pride and comradeship and respect but I don't remember any protesters. They simply did not exist.
I want to offer my deepest sympaphy to the friends and family of Staff Sgt Mark Wall. Thank you for the invitation and honor to attend. I hope us being there helped you in some way. Mark's service and sacrifice did not go unnoticed by the good people of this country. His name is added to the long list of American Heroes who have always and will always do what needs to be done so our country can have the freedom and safety it does today.
I feel others in messages above have done such an excellent job of thanking all those who made this mission possible and a success that I really could not add any more except my thank you also. But I did want to also thank my buddy Greg (now a member) who got up so early to go with me and a thank you to Kathie for letting us share holding your flag. (We will bring our own flag next time and sadly I'm sure there will be a next time). Good luck to your son Kathie, he will be in my prayers.
I feel there are not many opportunities in life to be able to do as much good as we did on this day and I want to thank the PGR for bringing us all together.
King "Dick" Cole
USMC 68 69
Semper Fi
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sturgisharleyboy
Posts: 25
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| 09 May 2006 9:42 PM |
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Just a quick note to tell the Iowa PGR what a great job they did in organizing the mission in Alden. I came down from Minneapolis to show support. Great mission! I was proud to be there!
Kevin
RC Minneapolis - West |
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Nailer101
Posts: 442
NW IL Senior Ride Captain/NE IA Ride Captain
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| 11 May 2006 4:57 AM |
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Once again, I was reminded of how good it can be when the good guys win. We were fortunate enough to be invited by the family of SSgt Wall, and the good people of Alden, IA, to attend the funeral of their fallen son and friend. From them, we were asked to keep the bad guys away from this solemn event. For us, coming together to show respect for those who have fallen while protecting our way of life, was indeed an honor.
We arrived just as the funeral had begun (my fault, as I had overloaded my electrical circuit and ran my battery dead), and found that there were about 200 bikes filling the parking lot and surrounding streets. Those who came to honor this young man had lined the street in front of the church and set up a wall of American Flags, designed to keep the bad guys at bay and their obnoxious chanting unheard by the grieving family. This apparently had the desired effect, as the protestors had retired the area just prior to our arrival.
There were bikers and cagers, veterans and non-vets from 6 different states, representing several clubs and organizations, all coming together for one common purpose under one banner, The American Flag. SSgt Wall's National Guard unit was on hand to perform the Military Rites, as well as the Commanding General of the Iowa Guard.
Having attended hundreds of funerals for servicemen and veterans since the late 60's, and knowing their sacrifices made selflessly with the respect I feel for those who gave so graciously, I am caused to be reminded that there is still goodness in man.
Being the cold-hearted SOB that I am it never ceases to amaze me that every time a soldier is laid to rest, from the very beginning of the ceremony to the sounding of TAPS and presentation of the Flag to the family, there can be found an abnormal dampness on my cheeks. Always a piece of me is left behind to stand watch over my fallen brothers.
The next time you see a serviceman or woman, or run into a veteran, be sure to thank them. Anyone who has offered to give all for us, should be given all from us.
Semper Fi
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Nailer
Cell Number: (563) 676-7145 Office Number: (563) 326-1792
SSgt USMC 69-75
1st Recon Bn, Sniper Platoon 0321/8541/8654
Member CP^-^ "Diplomatic Regulator"
American Legion Post 26
ALR Post 27
STARVETS member
Marine Moms Honorary Member
Navy Families Honorary Member
Quad Cities Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Foundation member
IA/IL Master Hunter Education Instructor
GOE Eastern Iowa Coordinator and Diplomatic Specialist
All Era Veteran's Healing Fields Committee Chairman
All Vets Memorial Association Member
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BenJC
Posts: 4
Alden/Iowa Falls IA
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| 11 May 2006 11:48 AM |
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From the Mayor of Alden IA:
Dear Patriot Guard Riders,
It is in sadden times that you gather in numbers to ease the troubled and sad hearts of those who have lost loved ones. You show great pride in our country.
As Mayor of the city of Alden IA, I would like to thank all of you for your support on May 5, 2006 during the funeral service for Staff Sgt. Mark Wall. I speak for our community in saying that you have great respect and honor for these United States.
May God Bless each and every one of you and may God Bless America.
Sincerely,
Jeff Fiscus
Mayor, city of Alden Iowa
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Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.
Lois McMaster Bujold |
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BenJC
Posts: 4
Alden/Iowa Falls IA
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| 05 Jun 2006 6:54 AM |
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Because of the support and protection the Patriot Guard Riders provided the town and family during the funeral of Sgt Mark Wall, the Mayor of Alden Iowa Jeff Fiscus has asked me to invite any and all Patriot Guard Riders to participate in the 2006 Alden Egg Days Parade held Saturday June 18th 2006. The parade will start at 11:00 AM and all participants should be in the ILC (ILC Resources) parking lot at 10:30 AM.
The Egg Day celebration starts Friday night at 5:30- 9:30 PM with a classic & vintage car show with motorcycles more than welcome. There will be an entrant’s fee of $8.00 for vehicles in the show. Two bands will be performing Friday night Driftwood from 7- 8:15 PM and Razzmatazz from 9 – midnight and a beer garden from 7 – to midnight.
Lots of things going on Friday night through Sunday.
For a complete listing of the Alden 2006 Egg Day celebration paste this link: http://www.iafalls.com/vizguide/alden2.asp?ID=140
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Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.
Lois McMaster Bujold |
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690MedCo
Posts: 4588
Huntington Beach, CA
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| 14 Oct 2007 10:37 PM |
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Thank you for your dedicated service and sacrifice to defend this great country of ours!! Our thoughts & prayers are with you, your family and friends of this fallen hero to help them through these painful times. You will never be forgotten! Rest in peace.
Glen & Linda |
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SP4 U.S. Army 1976-1979
Medical Specialist
690th Medical Co (amb)
34th Medical Btn
Ft Benning, GA
U.S. Army Reserve (IRR)1979-1982
Patriot Guard Rider
Leave No Veteran Behind!
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9
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