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Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives
Subject: SSG Chad A. Caldwell, 24, Spokane, WA, 09, 10 MAY 08

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Author Messages
semperpapa User is Offline
Posts: 1353
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
04 May 2008 5:03 PM Alert 
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of SSG Chad A. Caldwell for the grave loss suffered. May God hold you close and give you peace and serenity in these times of sorrow.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice…IT WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.
God bless you.
Frank "Semperpapa"
"Beamer Rider"
VPF of a U.S. Marine


"God spoke Liberty only to those who love it and are always ready to guard and defend it"

Daniel Webster
flopper User is Offline
Posts: 86
Southeast District Captain )( Director - American Legion Riders) West Richland, WA.




04 May 2008 6:39 PM Alert 
SSG. Chad A. Cladwell, thank you from a grateful nation for your sacrifice, you are a true American HERO and May God Bless all your family and friends in this time of sorrow.


SOLDIER
I was that which others did not want to be.
I went where others Feared to go, and did what others Failed to do.
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness… should I fail.
I have seen the Face of terror; Felt the stinging cold of Fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments love.
I have cried, Pained, and Hoped… but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best Forgotten.
At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was… a Soldier.

Soldiers Creed
I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States
And live the Army Values.



David (Flopper) Reitz
Benton County - Ride Captain
Director - American Legion Riders / Kenn – Pasco 34
LadyHarley05 User is Offline
Posts: 309
Lumberton, NC
04 May 2008 7:12 PM Alert 
SSG Chad A. Caldwell, thank you for your service to out country. May you rest in peace. You will not be forgotten. My condolences to the family and friends of SSG. Caldwell.
Proud Mom of Sgt. Shane Sykes-Iraqi Freedom
PGR Member
National HOG
Fayetteville HOG Chapter
custer7thcav User is Offline
Posts: 8878
Hillsboro, Ohio
04 May 2008 8:47 PM Alert 
My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family and friends of SSgt. Chad A. Caldwell. Thank you, sir, for your service and dedication. God bless you, and be with your family during this very difficult time. Rest in peace.
custer7thcav
In honor and memory of
Sgt. Bill L. Mullins, 1/7 Cav, Vietnam '65-'66
and
Frank Cicirelli, USN, WWII
vander177 User is Offline
Posts: 4478
Vandergrift, PA
05 May 2008 7:10 AM Alert 
My condolences and prayers to the family and friends of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Chad A. CAldwell . I thank you for your military service, leadership and ultimate sacrifice you made for this grateful nation in keeping peace worldwide. You may be gone, but, you will never be forgotten.

The price of freedom is written on the WALL!
Ralph A. DeLorme, SFC, US Army, Retired
PGR Western PA Veterans Liaison
Patriot Guard Riders (#75,342), Ride Captain, Region 10, PA
American Legion Riders, Post 820, Monroeville, PA
GWRRA member - PA Chapter U
DAV Life Member

Riding in memory of Herbert Weltz - US Army - KIA 03-25-68

Riding in memory of our grandson Randy C. DeLorme - April 1986 - December 2001

ALL GAVE SOME - SOME GAVE ALL
Harry Hartman User is Offline
Posts: 1095
Rochester, NY
05 May 2008 7:04 PM Alert 
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of SSG Chad A. Caldwell. The service and sacrifices of this True American Hero will never be forgotten. May God help his family find peace at this most difficult time.
hybridharry
PGR NY HOTH Director
PGR NY VRP Coordinator
mlmsan User is Offline
Posts: 6819
Loganville, Georgia 30052
05 May 2008 9:37 PM Alert 
My sincere condolences to the Family and Friends of SSG Chad A. Caldwell, US Army, Veteran. I pray God will give you comfort in your time of sorrow. I am grateful for SSG Chad A. Caldwell's, service to our Great Nation and greatly appreciate Him for my freedom. SSG Chad A. Caldwell, You are a true American Hero and will not be forgotten. Stand down Soldier, Your mission is complete. Job Well Done. May our Heavenly Father welcome You home to rest.

Know You Are Loved
"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you".

Larry "Sir Bear" & "Queen Mary" Sanderson

sirbear@comcast.net
770-500-6895

Georgia PGR,
Part of It,
Proud of it.

Georgia Mentor Team

U.S Navy Vietnam - 66/67
USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA 42
Blue Star Dad
Patriot Guard Rider
VFW Post 5290, Conyers
GVVA Post 5,Conyers

Riding In Memory of my Great Grand Father, John Perry Sanderson, Texas Calvary Regiment, Civil War. Father, PO1 Weldon A. Sanderson, WWII USN, Pacific Fleet. And in Honor of my Son, SSGT Michael W. Sanderson, Gulf, 2x Iraq, and Mt. Sinai, Egypt. U.S. Army now serving this Nation Proudly in Fort Benning, Georgia.
lilhwnme User is Offline
Posts: 1
06 May 2008 1:14 AM Alert 
We never know when it's our time...cherish every minute, live head up, be happy, go a little crazy...these are the things that I'd say about you, especially the "Crazy" part. RIP SSG Chad Caldwell....Always in our hearts. From your old neighbors in Fort Polk, LA Hai and Kalena Tran
Cipher User is Offline
Posts: 584
Gresham/Portland Oregon(e)
06 May 2008 8:10 AM Alert 
My sincere condolences for the family and friends of SSgt Caldwell!!
You're my hero Chad!!!  Thank you for your sacrafices for our nation. I will not forget!


Q





Any west side cages going east?
GARYCOLUMBIA User is Offline
Posts: 1205
Vancouver, WA
06 May 2008 8:33 AM Alert 
To the family and friends of SSg Chad Caldwell, Marilyn and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies. We pray that the Lord will be with you and grant you peace during this time of grieving. We will be Proud to Stand and Honor this Great American Hero.
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

--Elmer Davis


Gary Everett
USAF A1C
1964-1968

www.iraqwarheroes.org
Geezer Glide 2001 User is Offline
Posts: 3260
Conroe,Texas
06 May 2008 11:03 AM Alert 
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of SSG.Chad A. Caldwell,Thanks for being one of our 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."

- Author Unknown -

Riding loud and proud......But standing tall and silent...........for the American Hero.



Paul Babb ( 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.
acratliff User is Offline
Posts: 2745
Charleston, SC
06 May 2008 8:44 PM Alert 
Thank you for your service and sacrifice SSG Chad A. Caldwell. May you eternally rest in peace and never be forgotten. My sincerest condolences are with family and friends.
TMR User is Offline
Posts: 2964
Willow Springs IL
06 May 2008 9:21 PM Alert 
"There is no greater love", say the Lord, "than to lay down your life for a friend".
Thank you and God Bless you, SSG Caldwell, for being willing to do just that.... for me and mine.
'Rest easy, son, at the top of the stairs.'
Standing in spirit in Willow Springs IL TMR
Pepper_guy User is Offline
Posts: 9901
Lacey, WA
07 May 2008 2:05 PM Alert 
My sincere condolences and prayers to family and friends of SSG. Chad A. Caldwell, U.S. Army / OIF. SSG. Caldwell, I am forever grateful for your service to our country. Your service and sacrifices will not be forgotten. You are and will remain a "TRUE AMERICAN HERO". May you Forever Rest in Peace.


Junius Henry
PGR Member #10094
lonetexan2u User is Offline
Posts: 980
Phelan, Ca. High Desert
07 May 2008 6:07 PM Alert 
My family extends it's Sincere Condolences to the Family and Friends of SSG Chad A. Caldwell! "A warrior's road is not finished until he walks upon the streets of Heaven. God's speed as you join your comrades and hoist another Flag of Victory as you well deserve. Rest in Peace, you have served well... I stand here in spirit with my brothers and sisters, humbled by all you have given!”
Billy "Hawkeye" Mathews
Sgt USMC 1969 - 1972 Texas
Proud Patriot Guard Rider #141280
American Legion Post 262
American Legion Riders Chapter 777

Proud Father of 1st Sgt G.R. Mathews 1st Cav US Army, In The SANDBOX
Proud Grandfather of B. Mathews Airman USAF, East Texas
Proud Grandfather of B. Frank Airman First Class USAF, In Az.
Proud Father-in-law of C. Stoney Spc US Army 2nd Cav, In The SANDBOX

Riding in Memory of:
My Father, George G. Mathews Pvt US Army WWII Purple Heart, Texas
Uncle Henry W. Mathews Pvt US Army WWII, Texas
Uncle C.L. Lynch Sgt US Army WWII, Texas
Cousin C.M. Lynch US Navy Vietnam, Texas
Cousin T.E. Lynch US Navy Vietnam, Texas
Cousin Bennye W. Cowley USMC KIA 2/23/68 Vietnam , Texas
Cousin George W. Weldy Jr. USMC KIA 2/25/68 Vietnam, Texas
Cousin Jackie D. Bradford US Army, Vietnam, Arizona
And all those whom have served this great Nation throughout our history
cagerbob User is Offline
Posts: 6362

Parma, Ohio
National Forum Administrator
08 May 2008 4:25 AM Alert 
Update posted.

Rest in honored peace SSG Chad A. Caldwell, an American hero.
Bob Ellis
USN 80-86

In Memory of Ed "OldIron" Barrett

"Remember that no matter how many missions you have been on, all that matters to the family is the one you are on today." ~ Roert
Susan Sturgis User is Offline
Posts: 7069
Bear, DE
In Memory of Ed "Old Iron" Barrett

FORUM MODERATOR
08 May 2008 10:34 AM Alert 
UPDATE: Time for Phase 1.
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."
Stretch_8 User is Offline
Posts: 268
South East Washington State
08 May 2008 5:36 PM Alert 
Thank you SSG Caldwell, thank you. My heart aches for your family's loss and it will be our honor to stand for you, as you did for us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your service.
Neal "Stretch" Miller
Ride Captain, Washington State

Not a Vet, but I show my respect!

www.iraqwarheroes.org
mattsmom User is Offline
Posts: 1503
North Beach, Maryland
08 May 2008 10:22 PM Alert 
SSG Caldwell, you are so truly appreciated. I know you have been welcomed as a hero at heaven's gates, by all our fallen warriors who have gone before you. Rest easy now, Chad, and know you will never be forgotten here.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice in defending and protecting our freedoms. As a nation we mourn your loss, and we will remember you always as a true American hero. To the family, I offer my prayers and support. I understand a little of what you are going through-my son, a Marine LCpl, was killed in Iraq. I pray wonderful memories of your dear warrior help eventually to ease the pain you endure today. Your hero will never be forgotten-he leaves a legacy of honor and courage that few will ever achieve. God bless you. Julie Francis, Matt's Mom
jrjensen User is Offline
Posts: 895
Troutdale, OR
08 May 2008 11:48 PM Alert 
Another young American patriot and hero has given his life protecting the freedoms we hold so dear.  To Sgt. Caldwell's family and friends, I can only say that Chad's sacrifice will not be forgotten by those who cherish our country's hopes and dreams.  It will be my privilege to help honor SSG Caldwell.
Ride Captain - Send-Offs & Welcome Homes
US Army Security Agency, 1966-67

Riding in memory of Lt. Col. James W Jensen (WWII, Korea, Vietnam) and 1st Lt. B Virginia Jensen, US Army Nurses Corps, WWII

We live as many, we stand as one.
wvhusker User is Offline
Posts: 5755
Ashland, KY
Sr. KY R/C
09 May 2008 11:46 AM Alert 
SSG Caldwell,

Thank you for your willingness to defend the United States of America and her freedoms and interests. Your untimely death brings much sorrow and sadness to the hearts and lives of your family, friends, military brothers and sisters, each and every member of the Patriot Guard Riders, and all who truly appreciate their freedom. We are proud of your service and dedication in that which you believed in and fought for. Your mission is complete. You are truly an American hero and the world in which we live is a safer place because of your commitment to freedom. We will now proudly stand for you with honor, dignity, and respect. We pray that you will now rest peacefully in the arms of God. May He provide peace, comfort, and understanding to each life you touched.


WVHusker
Tom & Kelly
Ashland, KY
NE KY R/C
US Army, 1988 - 1998
Operations Desert Shield/Storm
"Heaven Was Needing A Hero" (Jo Dee Messina)
My personal thanks to HUDPatriotGuard for posting this on YouTube. May this touch your heart as it did mine. ~WVHusker
Bikinbabe User is Offline
Posts: 741
11 May 2008 7:04 PM Alert 
It was indeed an honor to ride and stand the flagline for SSG Caldwell yesterday. We were proud and honored to stand for this Hero.

To Chad's family and loved ones - we are so sorry for your loss and offer our sincere condolences. I feel certain those sweet young boys will know their Daddy is a Hero, gave his life protecting their freedoms, and that flags will always fly for him. As Marshall Tall Eagle told us once at a service - it is not the wind that waves the flag, but the final breaths of our brave warriors. As the flags started snapping at the cemetery, I knew they were calling Chad home. I know he will be protected, and have a place of honor with those who have gone before him.
May your loving memories bring you comfort and strength in the difficult days ahead. Hold them dear, Chad will live on in your hearts and those beautiful sons. I hope that is some small measure our presence brought you comfort. Thank you for allowing us to share in this most difficult of days.

SSG Caldwell - thank you for your service. You answered the call to duty that many cannot hear. Thank you for stepping up to defend America and protect the freedoms we all enjoy everyday. We owe you a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid - you sacrificed your life for our freedoms - how can that be repaid?

Thank you ~~
Greg & Chris ~~ Bluesbiker & Bikinbabe
Chris ~ Bikinbabe
OR - State Co-Captain
bikinbabe@patriotguard.org

Iraq War Heroes
Susan Sturgis User is Offline
Posts: 7069
Bear, DE
In Memory of Ed "Old Iron" Barrett

FORUM MODERATOR
13 May 2008 4:25 PM Alert 
HONORED INDIVIDUAL: SSG Chad A. Caldwell, age 24 Spokane, WA KIA Mosul, Iraq 30 Apr 08

DATE OF MISSION: 9 and 10 May 08

RIDE CAPTAIN: Pete "P8RE8" Croot

ROAD CAPTAIN: Larry "COMMO" Griffith
John Love (acting)
Neal "Stretch 8" Miller

MISSION LEAD TIME: 7 Days (Notice received 3 May 08)

MISSION PLAN RECAP: This was a two phase mission spanning two consecutive days. PHASE 1: Receive and Escort SSG Caldwell from Fairchild Air Force Base to Hazen and Jaeger Funeral home in Spokane, WA on 9 May 08.
PHASE 2: 10 May 08: Establish a Flag Line at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home during services. Escort Funeral Entourage from funeral home 12 miles to cemetery. Establish flag line around Ceremony site.

PHASE 1
RIDE CAPTAIN COMMENTS: We began Friday IAW our mission plan. I was going to lead a group from a staging area East of Spokane. Larry "Commo" Griffith was going to process participants from the West, at our final Rally point; the Welcome Center just outside the Fairchild AFB Gate. Commo received information that the family was going to arrive 1/2 hour early at the Debarkation point at Fairchild. He called me at my rally point with this information. We compressed our time line accordingly.

I and two other bikes departed our staging a half hour early and our travel time was precisely IAW the Mission Plan. Upon arrival a much abbreviated riders briefing was conducted and we contacted the Base Security to be escorted to the Debarkation Tarmac. They had not received word of the change in the family's arrival time and were slow to react (zero impact in the long run). This was in spite of extensive coordination with them 3 days prior. When they did arrive we were whisked to the receiving point, without in-processing bureaucracy, where we parked our 24 bikes and 3 cages. There, we conducted a much more complete rider briefing, Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation.

First Glitch time. Base PROTOCOL (PROTO) told us we had to move our bikes. No big deal, but contrary to original coordination agreement with base security. When the move was completed, she also decided that our flag display (Limited by both geography and time available) was not IAW her liking.

I briefed our riders that we would form two files, at "dress right dress" next to the approach to the Tarmac gate. When the entourage drove into "eyes on" range, (10 min early, not 30) the files were called to "Attention".
When the lead Military escort reached our first member; "Present Arms" was executed. We held our salutes until the last vehicle in the entourage, cleared our position.
The amazing thing to me at this point, was that all the Base Security and VFW Reps present, and all Terminal and office employees outside at the time; TO THE PERSON, FOLLOWED OUR COMMANDS!! It was nice to see some common sense along with appropriate respect and honor.

SECOND GLITCH time. In spite of articulating, the coordination of our operation through the CAO and the family, to Base Security and obtaining their initial concurrence and permission; the Escort plan was changed at the last minute by Air Force authorities.
Instead of our 5 bike "Missing Man" formation leading the hearse and family limo's with the balance of our bikes staggered behind the limos, as requested by the family; we were told "ALL BIKES BEHIND THE LIMO's". It was not a hill to climb at this point so we complied.
"COMMO" had arranged for an Airway Heights Police escort from Main Gate, Fairchild AFB for the entire route to Hazen & Jaeger Funeral home. As our formation had just changed from what they had been briefed to expect; so we dispatched Larry's daughter to the gate early to brief the AHPD of the change and how we were going to fix it.
After the Base Security pulled off, AHPD took over. Once we were all clear of the base and on the 4 lane headed into Spokane, AHPD OPENED A BIG GAP between them and the hearse. The Missing Man formation then bypassed the entire entourage and took our REQUESTED LOCATION, in front of and Honoring SSG Caldwell.

The flags, folks and ambience of Patriotism were not subtle along the procession route. Vehicles pulled over on both sides; folks saluted, stood with their hands over their hearts and/or waved flags as the procession past their positions. The ENTIRE on duty crew of the Airway Heights Les Schwab Tire store emptied and ran to the curb to show their respects as we passed. VERY WELL DONE Airway Heights community. Thank you for Caring.

The road march to the Funeral home was without incident but many rider's later commented on the cage driver's darting in and out of our procession INSPITE of the flashing 4 ways and police escort.
Upon arrival at the funeral home, we formed a flag line and remained until SSG Caldwell was placed in the Chapel. We then dismissed at about 1500 and picked a nearby location to have our debriefing.

I departed Spokane at about 1730, stopped at our staging area for the next morning, to confirm our arrangements and then headed home. My day ended at 2030.



PHASE 2
Saturday, 10 May 08 began at 0600 in the Croot household. Final loading and on the road at 0700. We (I was joined by my wife for this Phase of the mission) arrived early at the Eastern Rally point and started receiving and making phone calls. The first was from "Q", a regional legend for his unbelievable, out of pocket, support of our fallen heroes on his website www.iraqiwarheros.org. Q was at the final rally point and let us know there was a PARADE staging in our designated rally area.

I called Commo and Russ "Iceman" Brown and asked both to close early on the rally point and negotiate parking and confirm a route that was not blocked by the parade. Both executed flawlessly and the arrangements they made were forwarded to our members on the road. This took close coordination but also was invisible to the family and membership. Outstanding job.

Cruisers opened early as usual, for us and put on the coffee. The 9 bikers on 6 bikes and 2 cage drivers all enjoyed the hospitality. Per the ride plan we departed Cruisers and because of the Parade blocking many roads we followed one of the cages on a detoured route given by Commo, earlier. We arrived precisely per the ride plan and set about assisting with waivers and answering questions.

At approximately 1115 I received a text message from the folks coming from Vancouver, WA and the Tri-cities saying they were 33 miles out. I extended our final briefing time from 1130 to 1145 hours to give them an opportunity to arrive. The briefing took place at 1145, during which they arrived.

This Phase was also escorted by the Washington State Patrol and a private escort service. We finalized coordination with the WSP and departed about 10 minutes later than scheduled to the Funeral Home. Prior to departing, I dispatched Iceman to the home to ensure our parking area was as promised during pre mission coordination. We arrived and both Iceman and "Q" were there to guide our riders to their designated parking. Again flawless execution thanks to those two.

After parking, we flagged up and lined the street at the main entrance to the funeral home. We also covered all 4 corners of the intersection the home was placed upon. Thanks to the initiative of one of the riders Duy Oui (Die We-Vietnamese for "Captain") our members at each corner acted as crossing guards for members of the entourage that wanted to get to the funeral home. NICE TOUCH!

Per our plan (and at the family's request) all members that did not have 3'x5' flags mounted on their bikes broke down the flag line about 10 minutes before the inside service for SSG Caldwell had ended. We loaded the flags and mounted up. At the designated time for the service to end, we cranked up and these 33 bikes departed with three support vehicles to re establish the flag line at the cemetery. Dan "Don Juan" Morrill, R/C from North Idaho was a big help in getting things organized at the cemetery. Thank you Dan! Well Done. The remaining 11 bikes stood fast. We were already propositioned in our road march order: 5 bike missing man formation in front of the hearse; the hearse and 3 limo's; 6 more bikes all with 3'x5' flags then the rest of the entourage.

A personal note here. I assisted with providing water and giving breaks to our folks on the "line". After one such opportunity, I was relieved and was headed to the rear of the facility to have a smoke and some water myself. On my way, I passed my bike and grabbed some water. I was approached by an elderly gentleman with a child in his arms. He was showing this youngster my bike. I found out he was SSG Caldwell's Father in Law and the young man was Chad's youngest son, Coen! We placed Coen on the bike and told him a bit about it. I answered his one and only question "Why" about 30 times-LMAO. Jamie Stell (Father-in-Law) THANKED ME for what we were doing for SSG Caldwell and I explained what we ALL explain, when this happens. It was our privilege and honor to do so.

They departed and went back inside. I could not help but think about that young man and hoped he would grow to understand that his Father's sacrifice was so very much appreciated by those I represented that day. It was pretty emotional for me so I grabbed a couple bottles of water, and rounded the building to have MY water and cigar in private.

In back of the building, there was a rugged, combat veteran, 20 year young, SGT, STANDING TALL in his Class A's. He was in full tears, completely broken down and being quietly consoled by a wise SSG, with Special Forces brass. I can only assume the SSG was his squad or acting platoon sergeant. Memories of my service experiences flooded back (and I'm NOT a combat vet). I simply handed each a water bottle; and went off to deal with my own demon's for a while. It struck me....THEY ARE SO YOUNG, SO LOYAL, SO PROUD AND SO VERY CAPABLE....were we like that, back "in the day"?

Anyway, in anticipation of SSG Caldwell being taken to the hearse from the chapel, Cal Edwards positioned us on the sidewalk in front of the exit from the chapel. We all presented arms when SSG Caldwell came out of the chapel for the ride to his final resting place. We mounted up and waited for the limo's to receive their passengers. Once the family was in their limo's I called Commo and let him know we were ready to move. He and Don Juan had finished all their preparations at the cemetery. We departed the funeral home at approximately 1515hrs for the 20 minute road march to the cemetery.

Again even with the escort, cages interdicted the procession but we were ready for it this time as the possibility was covered in the ride brief. We arrived in approximately 20 minutes. Inside the cemetery the motorcycles broke off from the entourage leaving them to park next to the service site. We dismounted and joined Commo and Don Juan's flag line for the service.

At the end of the service and during the Bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace we marched off the field behind the Color Guard; returned to our motors and waited for the family to depart.

The PGR had been invited by the family to attend the reception after the interment ceremony. Five of us were able to attend. The CAO asked that we make our presentations at the reception rather than during any of the official ceremonies. We tried to comply.
Commo, Iceman, Jon Love, myself and my wife went to the Grange. As neither the Teddy Bears for SSG Caldwell's son's nor the mission plaques had arrived, Commo came through again.
He produced two stuffed toys appropriately regaled in PGR Patches and Pins and 3 WA PGR challenge coins.
Iceman presented the coin to the Mother; Commo presented the toys he had secured to Trevor and Coen as well as a Coin to SSG Caldwell's Father. I had the privilege to present a coin to Raechel, SSG Caldwell's wife. This was done individually, and without ceremony. We also secured the necessary addresses so when the plaques do arrive; we can do a follow on presentation mission.

It was now about 1700hrs. We had chosen a local BBQ restaurant for our debrief site. We said our good byes, I made a personal presentation to SFC Matt Smith, CAO for his OUTSTANDING coordination and communications with us and we departed the Grange.

We arrived at the debrief, less Iceman who had an appointment. We met up with approximately 10 other PGR attendees having dinner. We joined them and had a great 'debrief'. At 1900 my wife and I departed for North Idaho arriving home without incident at 2030hrs.

Number of Bikes: PHASE 1: 24 PHASE 2: 44

Number of Cages: PHASE 1: 3 PHASE 2: 5

Number of Attendees: PHASE 1: 34 PHASE 2: 56

CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS Attending/Supporting: CMA; Spokane HOG; CVMA; INWPG; PGR; ALR (that I saw)

MISSION STAND OUT PERSONNEL:
LARRY "COMMO" GRIFFITH: Initiative, intuition, anticipation, coordination, execution all SUPERLATIVE! Specifics too numerous to list. Well done Larry, and THANK YOU!!

RUSS "ICEMAN" BROWN; DAN "DON JUAN" MORRILL: Primary members of the "HEY YOU" Roster. Assisting with Staging; parking; getting the word out. WELL DONE AND THANK YOU BOTH.

Jon Love for being our "Impress" Road Captain and leader on the second day. Outstanding work my friend.

Cal "Old Bag-holder" Edwards; Russ "Iceman" Brown; Liz "Rosebush" Gallagher; Paul "Bulldozer" Christilaw for running the "Missing Man" Formation both days. Very well done folks, thank you.

"Q" for yet again supporting another fallen American Hero. Thank you for all that you do!

From JR Jensen, Oregon PGR member: (One side note: the pentagon sent a Major General as the military rep.; he said his aide, a Major, was unaware of us until yesterday and was blown away by the patriotism shown. He said that while he's assigned to the "budget staff", he'd heard about us through other general staff members. He also said yesterday was a lot different than when he came home from Vietnam in 1973....)

SPECIAL THANK YOU: To the folks that came up from the Vancouver/Portland area. Long run, bad weather, AWESOME SUPPORT. Thank you, glad you made it home safe.

LUMINARIES ATTENDING: Gary and Marilyn Everett: Gary is the Treasurer for Patriot Guard Rider's NATIONAL. Marylin keeps us all informed of possible missions with the DOD notices.
Jeff Matson: Western Regional Captain Patriot Guard Rider's National.


IT'S ALL ABOUT THE TROOPS!

Pete/P8RE8
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."
iScoot2 User is Offline
Posts: 2068
handlebar to handlebar with my ole man
22 Jun 2008 9:19 AM Alert 

Received in the PGR Contact mailbox:


I was at SSG Caldwell's memorial service in Mosul.  I wrote this while I
was there.  I hope (if you like it) you will spread it around.  It is
online at http://graymatter.mindsay.com/earn_this.mws.



*Earn This
 

how well have we earned?

how long, though we try,

have we felt each whisper

and burned through each sigh?

and how many suns set

with life still at bay

with rivers so journeyed

and journeyed away?

what of the fair soldier

not waking to dream?

still there as a trooper

but lost to the seams.

what debt that we owe him

enjoyed in sweet breath

can pleasant him forward

this life to the next?

and then, have we earned

and, oh, have we tried

to feel us each whisper

that burns through each sigh? 



written for SSG Chad Arthur Caldwell,  k troop 3/3 ACR.  May he rest in
peace.

 

(killed by an IED while assisting Iraqi Police)

 

*The title "Earn This" is taken from the movie "Saving Private Ryan".

 
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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