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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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drpepper 
Posts: 3089
Texas Gulf Coast
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| 29 Mar 2008 5:43 PM |
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Welcome home 1stSgt. Robert Ochsner.. thank you for your service, great to have you home....
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It is the Military who salutes YOUR flag, who serves beneath YOUR flag, whose coffin is draped by YOUR flag, and who by their service allows the protester to burn YOUR flag.
Riding in memory of my home town friends who didn't return from Vietnam:
Pete Clark, Dennis Fisher (next door neighbor), & Tommy "Saba" Clark
377 Combat Support Group, 21st MedEvac, Vietnam 1969-1971
Riding a HD Fatboy....
Support your local
Viet Nam Vets MC / Legacy Vets MC
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brokencowboy27
Posts: 30
elgin,illinois
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| 29 Mar 2008 10:29 PM |
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| welcome home and thank you for your servie and all that you have done hope to b there if not we will be the wind at your back and the spirits that help guide your thank you |
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god spped to those riding the clouds and thanks for your sacrafices...cowboy and kiddo |
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good hands
Posts: 99
Naperville
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| 31 Mar 2008 11:23 AM |
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Welcome home 1st Sgt Robert L Oshsner. Thanks for your years of dedicated service. Your family has done so much for our country.
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Doug Askren
US Army 1970-1972
Viet Nam Veteran |
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Gail
Posts: 84
Pleasant Prairie, Wi
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| 01 Apr 2008 5:56 AM |
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| Welcome Home 1st Sgt Ochsner!!! THANK YOU for your service, dedication and sacrifice. God Bless you. |
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elisejk
Posts: 1545
Hampstead, MD
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| 03 Apr 2008 5:32 AM |
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Welcome Home!!
Thank you for your service to our country.
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National Support Staff
“Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.”
General George S. Patton
MySpace |
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Wescoot2
Posts: 2850
Park Ridge, Illinois
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| 03 Apr 2008 5:42 AM |
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What a beautiful day for a Welcome Home..........see you all later this morning.
The scoots are getting ready.............to scoot................
Pappy |
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X-Y-Z (you figure it out - Get out your Captain Video Decoder Ring )
Home 847-698-7383
Cell 847-217-1862
If your gonna be One.....Be a BIG RED ONE
**Truth - You Can't Handle the TRUTH** |
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Tatonka69
Posts: 138
Green Oaks, Illinois (Chicago area)
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| 03 Apr 2008 12:19 PM |
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Dear 1st Sgt. Rob Ochsner,
Thank you for your service to our great country! Your family has given so much protecting our freedoms and our way of life, we are all honored to ride with you today as you return home for some well deserved leave. I have had the pleasure of knowing your mom and dad for several years and all Americans should be grateful that the Ochsners have served so unselfishly! God bless you.
Oscar C. Blomgren, III
RC- IL PGR
Black Sheep Squadron |
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Ride Captain N. Illinois |
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Tatonka69
Posts: 138
Green Oaks, Illinois (Chicago area)
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| 03 Apr 2008 2:14 PM |
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Final report for US Army 1st Sgt. Robert Ochsner Welcome Home to Beach Park, Il.
This was a very special mission for several reasons. First Sgt. Rob Ochsner comes from a military family, having both of his parents and his younger brother James who have served honorably in the US Army. Tragically, his brother James was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. His mission was the first Patriot Guard mission in the state of Illinois. Bob and Sandy are Gold Star parents (and PGR members) who continue to serve by helping many other families deal with the tragedy of losing loved ones in battle. Today’s mission was a great opportunity to be able to welcome Rob back to this family which has paid such an enormous price protecting our freedom.
Rob was met at O’Hare airport by a small contingent of PGR members which included his lifelong friend Drew Berendts, a PGR member all the way from Seattle, Washington. They had not seen each other for 20+ years! Ed, Scoot, Capt. Morgan and Drew led the way as Rob thought he was just heading home to a “quiet” homecoming. Instead, the small procession pulled off the toll road and headed into the parking lot at Lakeshore Harley-Davidson in Libertyville. There, Rob was surprised by a group of at least 20-25 PGR members and friends and a “sea” of Red, White and Blue! With wonderful LEO support, the procession escorted Rob back home. It should be noted that everyone on bikes rode with their rear footpegs down in honor of Rob’s brother Jim who rode with each one of us in spirit. When Rob arrived home, the Wisconsin PGR folks had decorated the entire front yard with more American flags! It was truly a sight to behold! The Ochsner family then graciously invited all in attendance into their home for coffee and donuts.
Thanks go out to Ed and Scoot, Capt. Morgan and Brenda Meyers for planning and supporting this mission. Thanks go to Lakeshore Harley-Davidson for allowing us to stage in their parking lot. The LEO support was arranged entirely by Mark Pleasant who did a marvelous job lining everybody up! The Lake County Sheriffs Department provided a rolling escort along the entire length of the route. The mission was also supported by Police Departments from Lake Bluff, North Chicago, Park City, Gurnee and Waukegan. Simple “Thank yous” are not enough for these fine men and women! We all owe them a lot for providing the measure of safety that we enjoyed today. Thanks to the group of good Americans on the corner at Grove and Delaney in Gurnee for their patriotic display of support for Rob! Many thanks also to our PGR friends from Wisconsin, Kevin and Denise for decorating the Ochsner’s front yard with all the American flags and also for providing the mission stickers they gave to all who participated. We always appreciate your support!
The biggest “Thank You” goes to 1st Sgt. Rob Ochsner for his service to our great country. The debt we owe you can never be repaid.
Respectfully submitted,
Oscar C. Blomgren, III
RC- IL PGR
Black Sheep Squadron
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Ride Captain N. Illinois |
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iScoot2
Posts: 1941
handlebar to handlebar with my ole man
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| 03 Apr 2008 2:38 PM |
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WOW what a day !!
1st Sgt. Robert L. Ochsner, your twenty three years of service and dedication to our country is greatly appreciated.
** A special heartfelt thanks to all of our members in attendance today. Together we accomplish great things and make lasting memories. It's all possible because of you.
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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Dietsche12762
Posts: 645
SE Wisc Region ~ Walker MI ~~ Support Vehicle
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| 03 Apr 2008 2:55 PM |
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Thanks to 1st Sgt Robert Ochesner's military service and the debt that our country owes to him, his family and all our military soldiers ~~ WE can enjoy "no border" freedoms.
God Bless you 1st Sgt Ochesner. |
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Be Safe Out There
SE WI Region - Patriot Guard ~
Very Proud niece of Paul Kocourek, US Army ~ Vietnam Veteran '68 - '71
In Honor KJ Loecher, USAF '78 - '87, 3rd Tac Fighter Wing, Phantom Phixer
In Memory GW Pollard, USMC SSgt/Combat Artist Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian & Okinawa
In Memory of my Grandfather Edwin Dietsche, US Army ~ WWI, cook for General Pershing
In Memory of my Uncle James Ehler, MSgt USAF Korea/Vietnam
In Memory of Carl Stein, US Army ~ WWII '42-'44 "Hell on Wheels" 2nd Armored Division
www.warriorswatch.org
www.iraqwarheroes.org
~ What Borders ~ used with permission from The Crow
"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."
"It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you often get it."
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Capt. Morgan
Posts: 630
Midlothian, Illinois. / Portage. Indiana... Ill. & Ind. R/C.
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| 03 Apr 2008 4:57 PM |
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Well to repeat myself, today was a very special day. The first time I met the Ochsner family was a time of sadness for them. They had just lost their son James. The mission for him was the first for northern Illinois.
I had just joined the PGR a few weeks before after learning about them. I had heard about people protesting at soldier’s funerals and thought to myself, “This is not right.” So when I heard about the PGR, it was a no-brainer. I became the 842nd National member and the 35th from the state of Illinois.
Let me tell you, we were a rag-tag group back then. Had no idea what we were going to do except make sure this family could mourn in peace.
Although the protesters did show up, our services were not needed so we attended the service for James. Bob, the father made it a point to come to where we were sitting and thanked all of us.
Today meeting them was a time of joy as Robert who is a 25 year vet came home to see his family. We met him right at the door as he left the airport, where he got his first 2 surprises, 1st our being there, and the 2nd seeing Andrew a childhood friend who he has not seen in 25 years. (This was a big surprise as he didn’t recognize him at first, but then when he did; it was a great site to see.)
His next surprise was to see all the people waiting to welcome him at Lake Shore Harley, and then to his final surprise from the PGR seeing his parents home lined with U.S. Flags.
Robert and his family were presented with a few remembrances, at the airport I gave him a PGR pin, a “Mission Accomplished” pin and an Illinois State Flag pin that I received from the Lt. Governor. Then at home he received a PGR flag, a plaque from the Mayor, and the family received a plaque signed by all along with an Armed Forces Memorial Tribute Flag.
So after a wonderful day, I’d just like to say again:
Welcome Home Robert!
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Ill. & Ind Ride Captain 
Riding in Memory of my father MSgt. Hugh G. Morgan U.S. Army W.W. II Vet 1917-1981
Riding in Honor of SGT 1st Class James S. Ochsner 1st northern IL. PGR Mission KIA 11/15/2005
Riding in Honor of Sgt. Kraig Foyteck U.S. Army KIA Iraq 10/30/2006
We Shall Never Forget.
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iScoot2
Posts: 1941
handlebar to handlebar with my ole man
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| 03 Apr 2008 6:20 PM |
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Here's a video clip from Channel 7 - ABC News:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/media?id=6060347
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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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Dietsche12762
Posts: 645
SE Wisc Region ~ Walker MI ~~ Support Vehicle
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| 03 Apr 2008 6:46 PM |
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~ An amazing video... kudos to Channel 7.... This is certainly the next best thing to being there.
My cheeks are wet with pride.
God Bless the Ochsner Family. |
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Be Safe Out There
SE WI Region - Patriot Guard ~
Very Proud niece of Paul Kocourek, US Army ~ Vietnam Veteran '68 - '71
In Honor KJ Loecher, USAF '78 - '87, 3rd Tac Fighter Wing, Phantom Phixer
In Memory GW Pollard, USMC SSgt/Combat Artist Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian & Okinawa
In Memory of my Grandfather Edwin Dietsche, US Army ~ WWI, cook for General Pershing
In Memory of my Uncle James Ehler, MSgt USAF Korea/Vietnam
In Memory of Carl Stein, US Army ~ WWII '42-'44 "Hell on Wheels" 2nd Armored Division
www.warriorswatch.org
www.iraqwarheroes.org
~ What Borders ~ used with permission from The Crow
"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."
"It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you often get it."
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Kontractor
Posts: 255
Milwaukee RC
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| 03 Apr 2008 8:34 PM |
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The day started damp and gloomy. Due to a bad case of Last-minute-itis I was running late, so didn't take the time to stop for gas. Traffic from the north west corner of Milwaukee just wouldn't cooperate, and the frustration began to creep in. Once in Illinois, it became painfully obvious that I'd missed my exit, the sign must have been down because of road construction, and I was now on the tollway heading into Chicago, and running on fumes. I knew from a previous mission south of the border that just because you can get off the freeway at a certain road, doesn't mean you can get back on. My personal cloud grew darker. I managed to get turned around and found a gas station, where I pumped in more than my truck is supposed to hold.
Now, I'm telling you all of this because when I'd pulled into that gas station, I'd already decided I was too late, I'd never find it anyways, and I'd just be wasting more time. But while waiting for my tank to fill I'd paced behind my truck and caught a glimpse of a big magnet on my tailgate. Standing for Those Who Stood for Us. My chest tightened and my heart felt as heavy as a stone. How Dare I! How dare I think that these few insignificant obstacles could keep me from completing my mission. How dare I think that this was anywhere even remotely close to being about me! Had any of the thousands of men and women The Patriot Guard Riders had Honored ever said, "This is too hard, I'm going home"? I should think not! Win, lose or draw, this was my mission and I was going to see it through. I knew I had to be southwest of my destination, and if I zig-zag'd north and east I'd have to cross a road that was listed on my mapquest printout. Not only did I find it, I was in time to get the big flagpole up, and get ready. Thankfully Denise (who I was supposed to meet) had already gotten one bag of flags staked and up.
And then we heard sirens, and the distinct rumble of Milwaukee Iron. What a beautiful sight to see about 2 dozen bikes, most with flags, leading the Sargent home. The local media and Mayor were on hand to add to the festivities. I managed to sneak in and on behalf of the Wisconsin PGR, present the 1st Sargent with a copy of the "American Heroes" book, and most of the remaining Bobby LeMarche mission decals. Bobby had been one of "his" men. I asked that the decals be handed out to those that he felt deserved them. Robert assured me he would and informed me Bobby was now walking pretty good. Outstanding!
Taking a step back to take in the entire scene, I was once again humbled at this group of people and all they do. I want to extend my thanks to the Ochsner family for their continued sacrifice and service to this great nation, and for inviting us to share in this moment. There is no need to thank us, it is we who should be thanking you. To Oscar, Scoot, Capt. Morgan, the Pleasants and all the other IL. members, you guys really know how to throw a party. To Denise Dietsche for taking the time to stake out flags before going to work, you've saved me once again. And to Robert L. Ochsner, we thank you for continuing to defend our freedom and the right to assemble without fear of reprisal. We can never repay the debt owed to you and those like you, living and dead, who carried on and fought the good fight, even if their day started out less than perfect.
Kontractor |
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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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bsdbluz
Posts: 114
Seattle, WA
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| 04 Apr 2008 12:47 AM |
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What an honor and privilege it was to be involved in this event today in welcoming Robb home. I would like to send a VERY special thanks to Scoot, Ed, Captain Morgan and everyone else who was involved in this ride. This ride was a bit of a homecoming for me as I never had a chance to tell Jim goodbye. Being able to ride with three of the members who were at Jim's funeral but being able to do so in a special event as today was something that I will remember for long time. I have to admit that I wiped away more then a few tears while driving with the northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin PGR members.
Robb, it was truly a special thing to see you today after all these years. Welcome home, my friend! It is a honor and privilege to know you! :)
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Drew "BSDBluz" Berendts
PGR WA Northwest District Captain
PGR National Web Administrator
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Riding in honor of SFC James S. Ochsner and Terry A. Berendts |
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iScoot2
Posts: 1941
handlebar to handlebar with my ole man
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mpleasant
Posts: 516
Lake County, IL
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| 04 Apr 2008 5:59 PM |
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This mission was a spiritual journey with some very special people, the Patriot Guard Riders and the Ochsner family, to welcome home one to whom we owe so much...Sgt. Robert Ochsner.
It's been over 24 hours since we executed this mission and I still can't find the written words to adequately describe all of the thoughts and feelings associated with it. I just hope that saying 'thank you' to everyone will somehow be enough.
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iScoot2
Posts: 1941
handlebar to handlebar with my ole man
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| 06 Apr 2008 7:47 AM |
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Here's a link to Don's site:
http://pgr.pxxq.com/BeachPark.htm
Don is one of our dedicated members who's also very talented and generously shares his gifts with us.
Towards the bottom of his write up you'll find two links to photo albums of the mission.
Respects,
Scoot
PS.... Don's also my personal electric glove rescuer. Thanks Don !
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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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