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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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| Author |
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Rodeos_Ralph 
Posts: 3
Lacon, Illinois
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| 09 Sep 2008 9:10 PM |
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| This is my very first post on this thread. I am Greg's oldest Daughter, Stacy. First and foremost, I need to thank each and every single PGR member who keeps my Dad's memory alive and for all of you to keep doing what you've been doing so very well!! You make so many people proud! It is such a blessing to know that there are still things being done to honor the things he stood for and his memory. I'd like to make a request though. The last year has been extremely difficult for my Mom. I believe that the hat, knowing where it has been and what it has stood for in the last year, will help her to get thru some of the tougher times she faces ahead. You wouldn't believe what kind of hope and cheerfullness the Patriot Guard still brings to her, when she is in a time of need. Sometimes it's the small things that help. If it is not too much trouble, I'd be more then happy to help out in anyway to coordinate something so that she can be the one presented with the had in memory of Dad. We went to the "Site" today for the first time, and I'll tell you, it was harder to watch her walk thru the motions today then it was at the funeral. Any little thing to pick her up, even for a moment, would be incredible. If you so choose that the hat be presented to my grandparents, then that is quite alright. I just thought that since it is something that has been flown in his honor, it should be his wife that is presented with it when it has been retired. I hope this is not too much to ask. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make this happen. Thank you very much, again, for all that you do and all you have done. |
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"I am headed out to ride all day. I do not know where I am going but I will not be back to even monitor email until later this evening. This beautiful day is simply too good to waste." ~Greg Bowman ~ Forever in the Wind~
"Illegitimis non Carborundum" ~Don't let the bastards get you down~ |
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Kontractor
Posts: 353
Milwaukee RC
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| 09 Sep 2008 11:17 PM |
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Widow and siblings will be at Dad's place in Polo that afternoon. Works
out great. Now hopefully I can figure out where to stop and meet up
between here and there.
Here's the route.
http://tinyurl.com/4sg9tr
Stacy, If I leave my place about 11:00, that puts me there around 1:30
or 2:00. So probably closer to 2:30 with a stop or two. Yes, Dad, I'll
need an exact address. Now to get the word out to gather up a few more
members.
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Because It's The Right Thing To Do.
Nothing Worthwhile is ever Easy. And Nothing Easy is Ever Worthwhile.
"Hammer the Americans hard enough and you forge the best weapon in the world"
Captain Simeon Ecuyer...in a letter written to Colonel Bouquet during the siege of Fort Pitt, 1783
"American Soldiers in battle don't fight for what some president says on T.V., they don't fight for mom, apple pie, or the American flag... They fight for one another." Lt General Hal Moore
For all his bluster, it is the sad problem of man that he cannot choose his triumph,
He can only choose how he will stand when the call of destiny comes,
Hoping that he’ll have the courage to answer.
What Have I Done this Day to Honor the Names of My Fathers? |
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Kontractor
Posts: 353
Milwaukee RC
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| 10 Sep 2008 2:38 PM |
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Ok, folks, here we go. Final Itinerary.
The route link is below. I will depart the Park & Ride just west of I-45 on Watertown Plank Rd. at 11:15 AM on Sunday Sept. 14th. I will proceed south west towards Rockford. As usual I'll have a cooler of water, etc..
There is a gas station (Road Ranger) just south of US-20 when you exit onto IL-2 (at the light were IL-2 goes slightly right and Beltline Rd goes straight) We will meet there for fuel, etc., at @ 1PM and depart at 1:15PM for the final 40 or so miles to the Bowman residence. Biker chick will carry the hat for this portion of the journey with Bogie taking the lead.
Once we reach the Bowman home, I will dispense a bag of flags for holding. I will set up the big flag pole, the hat will be attached for a final time and raised into position. I will lead the pledge, read my PGR prayer, and say a few words. The pole will be lowered so the hat can be removed, and presented to Greg's widow.
There is alot going on at the Bowman house that day, as Dad Bowman's e-mail below explains. A guesstimate of how many riders would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Again.
Kevin the Kontractor
******************************************************************************
Kontractor,
I have not yet sent you the information of what all is happening at our home on Sunday, so here it is:
September 14 is my wife's mother's 99th birthday. (This is Stacy's great grandmother.) MomBowman and I are planning a recognition for her at our church, following the worship hour, at what we call "Fellowship Time". By the time we get the church Fellowship Hall and kitchen cleaned up and get home, it will probably be 11:30 or so.
At 1:00, we are entertaining 26 family members for a share-a-dish meal honoring the birthday. And then we are holding an Open House from 3:00 until 5:00 for family and the community.
This is all taking place at our home at 1642 North Freeport Road, Polo, IL 61064, which, by the way, is 1.5 miles south of IL Route 64. Your GPS unit, or MapQuest, should give you directions right to us. If not, please let me know.
You are most welcome to eat with us at 1:00. Joann and her family should be here by then.
If you do get some idea about how many people representing your mission will be coming, we would like to know, so we can be adequately prepared. However, this is not essential.
The exchange of "The Cap" will be at your and Joann's family discretion. However, perhaps it should be accomplished before 3:00, when the Open House begins.
Thanks for thinking of us. We look forward to seeing you again, and we are glad to provide a place for your mission to be accomplished.
DadBowman
http://tinyurl.com/5ac5dk
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Because It's The Right Thing To Do.
Nothing Worthwhile is ever Easy. And Nothing Easy is Ever Worthwhile.
"Hammer the Americans hard enough and you forge the best weapon in the world"
Captain Simeon Ecuyer...in a letter written to Colonel Bouquet during the siege of Fort Pitt, 1783
"American Soldiers in battle don't fight for what some president says on T.V., they don't fight for mom, apple pie, or the American flag... They fight for one another." Lt General Hal Moore
For all his bluster, it is the sad problem of man that he cannot choose his triumph,
He can only choose how he will stand when the call of destiny comes,
Hoping that he’ll have the courage to answer.
What Have I Done this Day to Honor the Names of My Fathers? |
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hotbikes
Posts: 12
Illinois
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| 10 Sep 2008 6:09 PM |
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I truly regret that a prior commitment will keep me from making this mission. If it was later in the day I would be there.
Greg is on my mind every time I ride.
Respects
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Mike Mower
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Assn
IL State Rep
IL Chapter Commander |
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Backroad
Posts: 220
Aurora, IL
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| 10 Sep 2008 7:18 PM |
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Kevin -
I've got something else going on Sunday, but I can probably meet you at the Bowmans in Polo about 2:00p. I should be able to stay for the "ceremony" and will then try to get out of the Bowman's hair so they can get on with their other plans. Thanks for coordinating this.
al |
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"God grants liberty only to those who love it and are always ready to defend it." Daniel Webster |
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Kontractor
Posts: 353
Milwaukee RC
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| 10 Sep 2008 10:46 PM |
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Itinerary Update:
I've been asked to add a stop in the Beloit area. It will be at the Pilot Travel Center - 3001 Milwaukee Rd, Beloit, WI. That's just west of where I-43 intersects I 39/90. Should be there sometime between 12:15 and 12:30. |
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Because It's The Right Thing To Do.
Nothing Worthwhile is ever Easy. And Nothing Easy is Ever Worthwhile.
"Hammer the Americans hard enough and you forge the best weapon in the world"
Captain Simeon Ecuyer...in a letter written to Colonel Bouquet during the siege of Fort Pitt, 1783
"American Soldiers in battle don't fight for what some president says on T.V., they don't fight for mom, apple pie, or the American flag... They fight for one another." Lt General Hal Moore
For all his bluster, it is the sad problem of man that he cannot choose his triumph,
He can only choose how he will stand when the call of destiny comes,
Hoping that he’ll have the courage to answer.
What Have I Done this Day to Honor the Names of My Fathers? |
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Rodeos_Ralph
Posts: 3
Lacon, Illinois
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| 12 Sep 2008 10:32 AM |
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| To all the PGR riders who are coming Sunday and who will only be availible in thoughts and prayers, on be half of my family and myself, we would like to say a huge THANK YOU! It's been a very rough year for all of us. Knowing how much Dad, (Greg) has touched all of you in one way or another, means a lot to us. Knowing that you still think of him or he has some kind of impact on all of you, is a true testiment as to the kind of man he was and the kind of person I can only hope to be one day. It is such a wonderful gesture that you are willing to look out for my Mom and stop by whenever you are in the area! I know that is greatly appreciated as well!! We always have an open door for the PGR!
We are all looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Sunday the 14th. I know for a fact that Mom and Dad Bowman, Grandma and Grandpa to me, have a deep love for the PGR riders as well. They have always looked forward to the gatherings that take place! Please don't worry about feeling intrusive on Sunday, by any means. The PGR has become a part of our family, and therefore family is always welcome, no questions asked. We look forward to the ceremony and being able to chat with all of you in attendance! Thank you for letting us be a part of this ceremony. |
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"I am headed out to ride all day. I do not know where I am going but I will not be back to even monitor email until later this evening. This beautiful day is simply too good to waste." ~Greg Bowman ~ Forever in the Wind~
"Illegitimis non Carborundum" ~Don't let the bastards get you down~ |
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iScoot2
Posts: 2068
handlebar to handlebar with my ole man
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| 12 Sep 2008 11:49 AM |
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Stacy,
I got a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart when I read your last post.
The apple hasn't fallen far.
Respects,
Scoot
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Patriotism is more than a sentiment; it is a conviction based upon a comprehension of the duties of a citizen and a determination loyally to perform such duties.
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Kontractor
Posts: 353
Milwaukee RC
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| 12 Sep 2008 4:46 PM |
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Rumor Control
I've been hearing some rumblings and want to nip them in the bud. I've chosen to not bring up every single detail and who was where, when as those details serve no purpose. The following is a paraphrased version of an e-mail I sent to Stacy Bowman several days ago. For the greater good, I sincerely hope this will be to final word on this.
Stacy,
Sounds like presenting the hat to your mother would do more good that way. I certainly don't have a problem with this, and am copying this to 'Dad' to get his thoughts as well. I still haven't heard from or had any of the northern IL. RC's step up to lead this, so guess I'll handle this myself. I only thought of Mom and Dad Bowman because I've met them. I've been down to their place. I haven't met you or your mother, and wasn't able to make your Father's funeral as I ended up RC'ing the Keith Nurnburg Honor Mission that same day. Several of us expressed our frustration at not being able to pay our respects to your Father, when one member placed a memorial Decal on a RC hat and hung it from a flag pole, so Greg was 'there with us' that day. When I took the flags down I didn't know what to do with the hat, so I stored it with the rest of the PGR gear. Came across it when raising flags at the next mission, and it just felt like flying it from the big pole, clipped with the PGR flag was the right thing to do. |
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Because It's The Right Thing To Do.
Nothing Worthwhile is ever Easy. And Nothing Easy is Ever Worthwhile.
"Hammer the Americans hard enough and you forge the best weapon in the world"
Captain Simeon Ecuyer...in a letter written to Colonel Bouquet during the siege of Fort Pitt, 1783
"American Soldiers in battle don't fight for what some president says on T.V., they don't fight for mom, apple pie, or the American flag... They fight for one another." Lt General Hal Moore
For all his bluster, it is the sad problem of man that he cannot choose his triumph,
He can only choose how he will stand when the call of destiny comes,
Hoping that he’ll have the courage to answer.
What Have I Done this Day to Honor the Names of My Fathers? |
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Kontractor
Posts: 353
Milwaukee RC
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| 12 Sep 2008 6:28 PM |
Alert
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| We are currently contemplating a rain date. Depends on the availability of the Bowman clan. |
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Because It's The Right Thing To Do.
Nothing Worthwhile is ever Easy. And Nothing Easy is Ever Worthwhile.
"Hammer the Americans hard enough and you forge the best weapon in the world"
Captain Simeon Ecuyer...in a letter written to Colonel Bouquet during the siege of Fort Pitt, 1783
"American Soldiers in battle don't fight for what some president says on T.V., they don't fight for mom, apple pie, or the American flag... They fight for one another." Lt General Hal Moore
For all his bluster, it is the sad problem of man that he cannot choose his triumph,
He can only choose how he will stand when the call of destiny comes,
Hoping that he’ll have the courage to answer.
What Have I Done this Day to Honor the Names of My Fathers? |
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mold maker
Posts: 225
Marion, In
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| 13 Sep 2008 9:03 AM |
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| PLease lets us know asap if ur going to reschedule this event. The Indiana folks need to know asap. thanks and God Bless the Bowmans. mold maker |
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Kontractor
Posts: 353
Milwaukee RC
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| 13 Sep 2008 11:27 AM |
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Due to safety and weather concerns the escort for Sunday, Sept 14th has been cancelled.
We are tentatively looking at rescheduling it for Sunday, Sept 21... if that date works out it will be a little later in the day.
Stay tuned and stay dry. |
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Because It's The Right Thing To Do.
Nothing Worthwhile is ever Easy. And Nothing Easy is Ever Worthwhile.
"Hammer the Americans hard enough and you forge the best weapon in the world"
Captain Simeon Ecuyer...in a letter written to Colonel Bouquet during the siege of Fort Pitt, 1783
"American Soldiers in battle don't fight for what some president says on T.V., they don't fight for mom, apple pie, or the American flag... They fight for one another." Lt General Hal Moore
For all his bluster, it is the sad problem of man that he cannot choose his triumph,
He can only choose how he will stand when the call of destiny comes,
Hoping that he’ll have the courage to answer.
What Have I Done this Day to Honor the Names of My Fathers? |
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DNR
Posts: 658
DNNR Proud Scooter Sissy from Noblesville, IN. In transit to LA - #15606
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| 13 Sep 2008 9:58 PM |
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Indiana standing down.
Hope we can make next Sunday.
Respect,
DNR |
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Proud Father of a US Marine
Proud Brother of a US Navy Corpsman
For those that have fallen, I will stand. I will not forget.
Riding in memory of:
Jerry Croell * January 6, 1948 - January 2, 2007 * Indiana PGR Member/USAF Veteran
Tim Neeley * October 15, 2006 * Indiana PGR Member
Stevie Ray * 2009 * Indiana PGR Member
The Indiana Patriot Guard Blog |
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bogiediver
Posts: 389
Woodstock, IL
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| 17 Sep 2008 3:38 PM |
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Standing by for details re: Sep 21
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-bogie
American by Birth, Biker by Choice, Patriot Forever |
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Kontractor
Posts: 353
Milwaukee RC
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| 17 Sep 2008 6:37 PM |
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ESCORT UPDATE;
We’re going to try this again on Sunday Sept. 28th.
Stage Milwaukee 0945 Hrs.
Stage Beloit 1100 Hrs.
Stage Rockford 1145 Hrs.
I will be at the Watertown Plank Rd. Park & Ride lot (approx. 10001 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226. On the South West corner where I-45 crosses over Watertown Plank Rd.) at 9:45 AM on Sunday the 28th. As usual I'll have a cooler of water, etc..
We will depart at 10 AM. and proceed south west towards Beloit. Approx. 67 miles.
First stop will be the Pilot Travel Center, 3001 Milwaukee Rd, Beloit, WI. That's just west of where I-43 intersects I 39/90. We should arrive about 11 AM. Gas, coffee, restrooms, and hugs for those who meet us there. We’ll then depart at 11:15 for our next stop, 30 miles away.
Second stop will be The Road Ranger gas station at 4980 S. Main St. Rockford, IL 61102
This is just south of US-20 when you exit onto IL-2 (at the light were IL-2 goes slightly right and Beltline Rd goes straight) We will meet there for fuel, etc., at @ 11:45 AM and depart at 12:00 Noon for the final 35 or so miles to the Bowman residence, with Bogie taking the lead.
Our final scheduled stop will be at 1642 North Freeport Road, Polo, IL 61064, Home of Mom and Dad Bowman. Once we reach the Bowman home, I will dispense a bag of 25 flags to be staked out. I’ll ask everyone there to pick a spot totally at random, no straight lines.
I will set up the big flag pole, the hat will be attached for a final time and raised into position. Once the area is awash in Red, White and Blue, we can eat. When lunch is finished, I will lead the pledge, read my PGR prayer, and say a few words. The pole will then be lowered so the hat can be removed, and presented to Mom and Dad Bowman.
A guesstimate of how many riders would be greatly appreciated. You can post here how many will be in your group, or e-mail me directly at KevKon38@aol.com.
Thanks Again.
Kevin the Kontractor
******************************************************************************
A Letter From Dad Bowman.
Kevin, Mom and I will be glad to host the Cap mission at our home on the 28th. Unfortunately, Joann cannot be here, but she has told Stacy (who in turn told me) that she would be happy for Mom and me to receive the Cap because she has Greg's own cap in her home, and we were entitled to have this Cap. There is a possibility that Stacy and her 4-month-old son (Daniel Gregory Hill) will be able to be here for the ceremony. (She has a noon-time conflict.)
As to a timetable, let's try this:
12:30 - Lunch for everyone - either in our home, or in the garage, depending on how many Riders show up. Mom Bowman will be cooking for y'all!!! And she is really excited about it!
Right after that, we can hold the ceremony, and all of you who will have come from a distance can still have a daylight ride home. How does that sound?
Interesting enough, we have learned that several Indiana PGR (some of the group that carried an Indiana honor US flag to Joann the afternoon of Greg's funeral) were planning to attend when we were still hoping for the 14th. I hope that they may be able to be here on the 28th.
Mike and his family will not be able to be here, but will be in Wisconsin celebrating their daughter's birthday. But we have their blessing for the show to go on.
My deepest respect to you and all the Wisconsin PGR, and all of the Indiana and Illinois PGR, as we plan, once again, for this event.
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/10-c75Xcy8C9tfVPOB5 |
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Because It's The Right Thing To Do.
Nothing Worthwhile is ever Easy. And Nothing Easy is Ever Worthwhile.
"Hammer the Americans hard enough and you forge the best weapon in the world"
Captain Simeon Ecuyer...in a letter written to Colonel Bouquet during the siege of Fort Pitt, 1783
"American Soldiers in battle don't fight for what some president says on T.V., they don't fight for mom, apple pie, or the American flag... They fight for one another." Lt General Hal Moore
For all his bluster, it is the sad problem of man that he cannot choose his triumph,
He can only choose how he will stand when the call of destiny comes,
Hoping that he’ll have the courage to answer.
What Have I Done this Day to Honor the Names of My Fathers? |
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mold maker
Posts: 225
Marion, In
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| 29 Sep 2008 10:55 AM |
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| It was a great honor to return to Mom/ Dad Bowmans for the return of Gregs' PGR cap. As expected, it was very emotional but a nessesary process we all went through with them. I would like to thank all the Wisconsin Brothers/sisters for making the trip along with the illinois folks.It was great seeing/meeting all of my PGR brothers/sisters. Mom Bowman suggested that we make this a yearly thing. I think she is right. WE ALL SHOULD TRY AND MAKE IT NEXT YEAR . Thanks to mom for all ur tireless work preparing -as always, the best darn food we could ever eat. Loved the chili and all the fixins. To all of my PGR brothers/sisters, if u havn't had the chance to meet and spend time with mom/dad Bowman, u should. God has never created a more loving,giving and caring family than the Bowmans. May God Bless U Wilbur and Evelyn( my pet name for her is gorgous,dad Bowman agrees-hehehe. I made it home safe as well as Ray Hog. Thank you again for a wonderful sunday and the time spent with this VERY EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY and I'm PROUD TO CALL THEM MY FRIENDS, WITH ALL MY LOVE AND GODS BLESSING, Don DeBruler-: aka Mold maker |
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Lawman747
Posts: 161
Streamwood
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| 05 Sep 2009 1:13 AM |
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Its almost been two Years, Just doesn't seem right.
Hope your doing well, we all miss you.
Dobbs |
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PGR #23,323
In Memory of:
Ray Konopka Streamwood Fire Department Lost 2002
Sgt. Gary Gordon Streamwood Police Department Lost 2004
Harley G. Schatz Streamwood Emergency Service and Disaster Agency Lost 2005
Ryan Cummings KIA June 2006
Maun F. Hardy
Greg Bowman (A Brother in Arms PGR)
Jon Dreymann (A Brother in Arms PGR and WWR)
and Every single Hero that protects our way of life.
Thank you. |
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mold maker
Posts: 225
Marion, In
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| 05 Sep 2009 5:27 AM |
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| Dobbs, are the Bowmans going to have a memroial again this year for Greg??? If so, any details yet. The Bowmans are very dear to my heart as I know they are for all the PGR members that know them. Please let me know asap so plans can be made from the Indiana gang-Member of the FLYIN 5. Love to the Bowmans, from the heart,Don 'mold Maker" DeBruler---ddd46952@yahoo.com |
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Rodeos_Ralph
Posts: 3
Lacon, Illinois
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| 07 Sep 2009 1:20 PM |
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| Hello to the PGR!! Boy have we miss you guys!! I wanted to pass along information for any interested party about a Memorial/gathering for my Dad, Greg. If you have any questions, please feel free to get ahold of Mom/Dad Bowman, since they are holding the main event or Joann for the afternoon part. Here is the info for anyone interested:
We have finally been able to tie down the plan for Greg's Memorial Day. I will try to put all the odds and ends together, and perhaps you can put it out as a complete message to all of PGR.
We have been getting inquiries from WI and IN PGR members asking if, and when.
The BIG DAY will be Sunday, September 20.
Lunch will be served at 11:30 am at Mom and Dad Bowman's, 1642 N. Freeport Road, Polo, IL 61064.
There will be a ride to "Greg's Curve" (or perhaps you call it "The Tree"), after lunch. It is about a 45 minute ride each way.
There will also be a ride to Princeton, 22899 US Hwy 6, Princeton, IL 61356, for a visit with Joann and Family. By the way, Greg and Joann now have a Grandson - just over a year old.
A late afternoon snack will be provided at Joann's home, before your ride home.
The early lunch hour should make it possible for you to do both rides if you so desire.
We hope to have fantastic weather, perhaps a beautiful day simply too good to waste! Safe travels for all on wheels! We hope to see you there!
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"I am headed out to ride all day. I do not know where I am going but I will not be back to even monitor email until later this evening. This beautiful day is simply too good to waste." ~Greg Bowman ~ Forever in the Wind~
"Illegitimis non Carborundum" ~Don't let the bastards get you down~ |
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mold maker
Posts: 225
Marion, In
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| 07 Sep 2009 1:54 PM |
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| Hi to all from Marion, In. I wouldn't miss spending time with mom/dad Bowman for the world.Not to mention the great lunch they always serve. I have carried Grey with me on every mission since his untimely death. Grey you have been a busy guy riding with me. Your memorial sticker is displayed proudly on my bike windshield.As always, it will be my honor to make the trip for the Bowman family and it will also be good to see JoAnn. Dad Bowman, thanks for the info on the motel in Polo, but as always, I and who ever comes along will be making a rocket shot to and from.I pray that God will grant you all peace and comfort, and in some small way, all of us AGING,CRUSTY,HELL BOUND RUFFIANS will provide you that extra comfort and support. Mom(gorgous)Bowman, will you be making those heavnly chocolate treats you always send home with us?Thats what I ate on the way home last time-all 5 + hours.Can barely stand the wait to see you all. You are loved and missed,see ya on the 20th, Don"mold maker"DeBruler, A proud member of the "Flyin 5" |
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