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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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fueler 
Posts: 1316
St. Louis, Mo
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| 28 Jun 2007 6:39 AM |
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| If any one from north county wants to ride to Gateway toghter I will be at Denny's 270 & Dorsett rd at 6am and ksu at 6;30. |
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US Army 1970-1972
Senior Ride Captian
St. Louis, Mo. |
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DragonWagon
Posts: 454
Ride Captain St Peters Missouri
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| 28 Jun 2007 6:44 AM |
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| Fueler, will be leaving the St. Peters area at 0600, will stop by there. |
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Dragon Wagon
Retired USAF MSGT
Proud Son Of:
Col. (Dr) Robert R. Smith, USAF, Dec.
Proud Father of:
Major Robert R. Smith III, USAF
SSgt Michael F. Smith, USA |
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gebultena
Posts: 4
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| 28 Jun 2007 8:51 AM |
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Dragon & Fueler - Will see you two there.
Lt. Riordan - Rest Easy Solder. Your mission is complete. |
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Gregory Bultena
314-583-9463
Proud son of 24 yr vet of USAF MSGT Lance Bultena (a PGR Ride Cap't in South Dakota)
Our enemies have made the mistake that America’s enemies always make. They saw liberty and thought they saw weakness. And now, they see defeat.
- George W. Bush, President of the United States
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IraqVet2003
Posts: 26
St. Louis, Missouri
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| 28 Jun 2007 9:43 AM |
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| I will be there as well, although I might have to cage it due to a broken hand. Lieutenant rest easy, we have the watch brother. |
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My 10 Brothers from 4th Battalion 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Baumholder, Germany who made the ultimate sacrifice in Baghdad, Iraq, 2003-04. They are my heros.
SSG Kevin C. Kimmerly, SPC Christopher "DOC" Holland, SGT Ryan Campbell, SSG Esau Patterson, SSG Jeffery Dayton, SPC James Beckstrand, SPC Justin Schmidt, PFC Ryan Reed, PFC Norman Darling, and PFC Jeremy Ricardo Ewing
http://www.myspace.com/neverforget911ulefties |
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mbritten
Posts: 21
Jefferson City, MO
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| 28 Jun 2007 8:35 PM |
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| I'll be there. I'm coming in from Jefferson City on highway 50 to union, if any one else wants to meet up with me. |
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mattsmom
Posts: 1503
North Beach, Maryland
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| 28 Jun 2007 9:30 PM |
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| 1st Lt Riordan, as a nation we mourn your loss, and we will remember you always as a true American hero. We so deeply appreciate your service and sacrifice in defending and protecting our freedoms. To Daniel's family, I offer my prayers and support. I understand a little of your loss-my son was killed in Iraq last year. I hope wonderful memories of your dear young warrior help eventually to ease the pain you endure today. Daniel 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 |
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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 |
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abarbee314
Posts: 30
Imperial, MO
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| 28 Jun 2007 11:23 PM |
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| RD-
As a fellow SEMO graduate, I will be even more proud to ride with the LT. on Saturday. |
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"No one was ever fired for smiling too much" - me
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Proud son: USAF Vietnam Vet, Wally Barbee (and new PGR member!) |
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STL Annie
Posts: 0
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| 29 Jun 2007 6:29 AM |
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1st Lt. Daniel P. Riordan, we thank you for your sacrifice. May God bless and comfort your family in this time of loss. God speed to you, Sir.
Let go of what is in your hands, and God will show you what is in his. |
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2marinegrlzmom
Posts: 64
Maplewood, Mo.
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| 29 Jun 2007 7:12 AM |
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| Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of 1st Lt. Daniel Riordan. Thank you for your service. Standing by in St. Louis. |
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Proud PGR member #30976
Proud supporter of the USA MILITARY TROOPS |
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2marinegrlzmom
Posts: 64
Maplewood, Mo.
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| 29 Jun 2007 7:15 AM |
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| Any info. on what church the mass will be held at? I will be caging it and I hopefully will be able to leave work early to be there. I might not make it to the mass, but should be able to make it to Jefferson Barricks. Any other info. is greatly appreciated. |
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Proud PGR member #30976
Proud supporter of the USA MILITARY TROOPS |
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TMR
Posts: 2995
Willow Springs IL
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| 29 Jun 2007 11:41 AM |
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Straight to heaven....
"There is no greater love", say the Lord, "than to lay down your life for a friend".
Thank you and God Bless you, 1st Lt Roirdan for being willing to do just that.
'Rest easy, son, at the top of the stairs.'
TMR |
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Smackwater
Posts: 889
Missouri State Captain
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| 29 Jun 2007 1:18 PM |
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| St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, Sappington just south of Lindberg. |
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satyr
Posts: 7366
Raleigh, NC
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| 29 Jun 2007 6:09 PM |
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I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and
friends of !st Lt Daniel P. Riordan. My thoughts and prayers are
with you.
Thank you for standing for our country and defending our freedom Lt Riordan. Rest in peace. I salute you.
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satyr
Steve Roma
USAF 1976 - 1980, TAC
Dry Hill AFS, Watertown, NY
Finland AFS, Finland, MN
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
- Moina Micheals - 1918
"We Shall Keep the Faith"
Inspired by the poem "In Flanders Field" |
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USAFSP52
Posts: 19
Belleville, Illinois
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| 29 Jun 2007 7:33 PM |
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As we escort this brave American to his final assingment, we will think of his family, friends, and fellow warriors. We will thank them all for what we have today, and what our children will have in the future. We will see the real American's along the way who will stop and salute this hero, and they will all say, Thank you Lt Riordan for being part of the long line of hero's that preserve our great country. I will once again gladly rise at dawn for this most important mission that carries you to your last command with your fellow hero's along the Mississippi.
USAF Msgt, Retired
Desert Shield/Storm |
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USAF Security Police
1971 to 1992
Desert Shield/Desert Storm |
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car_doc
Posts: 284
NE MO Sr. Ride Captain
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| 29 Jun 2007 7:39 PM |
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To the family of another true Hero. My heart goes out to you for your loss. Using the words of an 8 year old little girl. "I want to thank you for having a son that grew up to be a Hero".
I would love to be there to guide this hero home, but its my week in the barrel, work I mean.
I am guessing smack is in charge. wish i could be there to help ,Mike. You know i would be there if i could
Vern "car_doc" Bastian
NE Mo RC |
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I was born an American; I will live an American; I shall die an American!
Daniel Webster - July 1850
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oldiron6
Posts: 0
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| 30 Jun 2007 12:01 AM |
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My sincere condolences to the family of this Hero. May God hold and protect those they loved and those that loved them in this time of sorrow and grant them peace and comfort.
We mourn the loss of another defender of our freedom and thank them for their ultimate sacrifice. Greater Love has no man than to give his life for another. We owe this protector of the Rights and Liberty of the greatest Nation on Earth a debt of gratitude for their dedication to the preservation of our freedom.
Edward L Barrett
Assistant State Captain - PGR
Rowlett, Texas
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Shutter
Posts: 56
Belleville Illinois
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| 01 Jul 2007 12:45 AM |
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| Thank you is just not enough to say.
Here is the link of the pictures I took today while we rode for Daniel .... Shutter
http://harleyrideronline.com/Riordan.html |
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fueler
Posts: 1316
St. Louis, Mo
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| 01 Jul 2007 8:05 AM |
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What a great turn out. I was so proud to be a member of the PGR and be able to show this youg man and his family the Respect and Hornor. Tp see all the folks lining the streets to hornor Lt. Riordan. And see the T-ball and soocker gane stoped and the yung folks showing respect.This is th future of America.
I had my own littler problem but I feel it is taker of now. NEVER AGAIN WILL A FALLEN HERO NOT BE SHOWED THE RESPECT AND HORNOR THAT DUE THEM
Thank each of you. |
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US Army 1970-1972
Senior Ride Captian
St. Louis, Mo. |
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Smackwater
Posts: 889
Missouri State Captain
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| 01 Jul 2007 3:46 PM |
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Another mission to honor a fallen warrior is complete.
Chapter One-The Escort Home
Friday morning as I prepared to leave to escort Lt. Riordan home from Lambert I was afraid I would just be going up to tell the family I was sorry we couldn’t ride in the thunderstorms that were rolling across the St. Louis area. I rode alone in a light rain along roads that were mysteriously lightly traveled this morning. Where is all the traffic I’m so accustom to? It gave me time to think and reflect on our mission and what more can we do to show these heroes the respect they deserve.
We’ve been hit hard this year in the St. Louis area and it’s starting to show. I struggle completing Ride Meetings with out slobbering, the riders, my friends, brothers and sister cry freely now and on this mission it was obvious the heavens are beginning to feel the broken hearts of all the families, friends and PGR members.
As I pulled into the parking lot I saw one lone bike, I knew who it was, I call him AmoCan. Now those of you who ride missions on this side of the State know who I’m talking about. Elmer rides a beautiful old retired soldier, OD with Amo Can saddlebags, I knew he would be here and I know why, he’s son is in Iraq with 34 weeks left before he come home. Bernie pulled in right behind me, I don’t know his story but I do know he tried everything to get back in the Army during Desert Storm. One after another riders roll in and we all get the pleasure of sitting and talking to Danny’s mom and family and learn all about Danny, no not all but at least some. The sky still cries lightly as we leave Kutis to meet Danny at Lambert.
There are eight of us now and when we arrive at Signature Airlines we are met by two more riders, two more that although they are my friends I don’t know there story either but I do know that when the PGR calls they will be there. Danny flight arrives on time and the heavens appear to have their emotions under control for the moment either by shear will power or out of respect for the hero we came her to honor. It’s not raining as Danny comes off the plane to the homecoming he so much deserves. Not the one we would like but Danny is home, with his family, his girlfriend, best friends, high school friends and new friends in the PGR.
His girlfriend comes out to talk to me and thank us for what we are doing. She tells me that Danny got shortyies put on his truck just before he left, he liked it loud and how he wanted to get a bike when he got back from Iraq and he wanted to spend his time riding around with her arms around him. I told her to notice our rear pegs are down reserving a seat for Danny and this time it’s for Danny and her. She grabbed me in a big hug and cried on my shoulder as I told her it would all be ok. I went home and pulled the baffles from my bike.
When we left Signature I knew my tears were close and it was soon apparent that the heavens had held strong as long as they could too. Gods tears began to fall and the closer we got back to Kutis he cried harder and we rode on, alone on a normally busy interstate shut down to escort this hero home, in the tears from heaven and the tears in our eyes.
Chapter Two-To Visit A Hero
Friday afternoon I went back to Kutis for visitation. It ended up parking my bike in one of those little unmarked wedges in a parking lot that was full along with the shoulders of Lemay Ferry Road and the apartment complex across the road.
Then line was well over the length of a football field, a community came out to show their respect and to honor their local hero who fell in order to keep them free and safe. As I stood in line I heard stories of Danny’s friends, going out to the horse ranch, Boy Scout camping trips.
Preacher Bill another PGR member walked up to and said his computer had been down and he didn’t know about Danny’s mission. He had come to Kutis for visitation of a friend of his and when he arrived and saw the crowd he wondered what dignitary was laying in state so he looked at the announcement board and knew, he’s assumption was not wrong. The dignitary was 1st. Lt. Daniel Riordan, American Hero.
I heard stories on Saturday of other PGR members who attended visitation for Danny. All of them the same, long lines, from 3:00 until well after 10:00. I wonder how many stories I could have heard?
Chapter Three-A Day Of Honor
It’s a beautiful morning, cloudy but not raining, cool but not cold, a day made for the celebration of the life of a warrior. As an R/C we never know what’s going to happen. We put up the information on the PGR site, we make calls and send emails. We plan and then make contingency plans, we scout routes and parking lots and neighborhood involvement and talk with local law enforcement and businesses for staging areas. Then more often then not the first thing that happens is at the last minute everything changes and you realize that all of your planning is gone and now you have to fly by the seat of your pants.
As usual I try to be at the staging area at least a half hour to an hour before the staging is to begin and as usual there are riders already sitting around waiting for me. I rode up this morning with Don, a PGR member from Festus, I know his story, his son is in Iraq too and to him September can’t come fast enough. It will be the end of his sons second tour.
Gateway HD has the store open and a table full of donuts, coffee, milk and OJ for our consumption. A spread fit for a king or at least fit for a Midwest king. And the bikes start rolling in, groups of four another group of six, single riders and the lot fills up quickly. I love it when a plan comes together.
The guys from Festus Hog that rode with us on the mission for Sgt. Wallace had described their experience to Gary Surdyke and Gary wanted to ride a mission with us to experience it for him self. I tried to get him to let us raffle off his car but couldn’t get him to budge on the idea. I guess what else can I ask for, we’re staging on his lot, he bought breakfast for a hundred or so PGR members and then I try to steal his car for a little PGR raffle.
The ride meeting is normal, several new members are here for their first ride and they get the enthusiastic round of applause that new members always get. A little PGR business taken care of, a couple of laughs, and then dead silence as I begin talking about the Hero we are here to ride for today and a reminder that we not only ride today for Danny but every ride we do is for not only the warrior today but the many who have gone on before him and are waiting to embrace him as he walks into that space in heaven that is reserved for those who have gave it all for us. KSU on time or at least pretty close and the ride for Danny begins.
As we pull into the parking lot at Kutis I realize in horror, a horror I’m getting use to, I realize the area in the parking lot they have reserved for us is too small for all the bikes and on a grade. And the plan falls apart from here on. Not one grumble as first one rider after another helps push bikes backward up the hill to park. After everyone gets parked I go up to apologize to LEO about taking so long to get into the parking lot and their reply was, “you guys can block the street as long as you need to.” These guys are great and you can tell immediately they are going to do everything they can to help us out.
With the help of St. Louis County Police we are in constant communication with all areas of the procession route and parking for the bikes. Man it feel good to have all this help. We decide to divide the bikes up into groups, one in front of the hearse, one behind the hearse and one behind the family. I in my wisdom divide the 90 bikes into three groups of 20, that’s right 20. Bet I never hear the end of that. Fortunately the rest of the PGR is better at math then I am and they divide themselves up correctly in spite of my help. I love it when a plan comes together.
The family and friends are in line, LEO is ready, we are ready, we get the call from the church that the area for the bikes is clear, LEO rolls out and blocks our entrance onto Lemay and we are on our way. The escort to the church is flawless. We pull into the church parking lot, the Knights of Columbus are in line ready to receive our Hero, the Boy Scouts are in formation and we move along between the lines for cars to our parking area. Our parking area that is now full of cars. I look up to see my own horror in the eyes of a Deputy when he realizes he has no place to park us. Our St. Louis County Police Motorcycle officer quickly decides to park us across Lindberg at Lindberg High School, in the lot they were already using for overflow parking. It looked like it was the plan all along but the truth of the matter is now we were down to the contingency plan to the contingency plan.
Mass has begun and we have time to reload our ideas. Sometimes it’s the funniest things that show how important we are to the local communities. A local construction company who was working on the High School sees all these bikers and hear us talking about having about an hour and a half to wait they promptly get a high lift and bring a Port-a-potty down from the roof so that we would have two to chose from. Thanks guys.
As time neared for the Mass to end and in an effort to get everything back in line, LEO shut down the center lane of Lindberg to have us stage up ready to jump back in line and although I was a little apprehensive (translation: fretting like an old mother hen) our support vehicles left early and made it to JB well ahead of us and we, with the help of the motorcycle cops slid into the procession like a well laid out plan.
The crowd at JB was huge, the biggest I have seen. The support vehicles were there in place, flags ready to be handed out and the line went up fast and smooth. We moved our line back from the normal location to allow all of the family and friends access. I’m finding this to be the case more and more, the crowds are getting bigger.
It never ceases to amaze me, a day filled with the noise of bikes and traffic, ride meeting and the hectic pace of hurry up and wait and then go really quickly always ends up the same way.
Here we stand, on hallowed ground, nearly 1000 people and 200 PGR members and the only sound you can her is the wind blowing softly in the trees, the birds singing and the soft sobs of family, friends and PGR member. The rifle reports sound sharp and out of place in this quiet setting, the bugles soft note brings it all back to peace. The sobs continue and the only other sound is the crunch of the grass as the proud soldiers carry their brother to his final resting place.
Stand Down 1st Lt. Riourdan. Your mission is complete.
I walk up to one of my riders, a friend of mine, he tells me through tear filled eyes that before he leaves JB he is going to go visit his Dads grave and tell his Dad to protect his grandson and that Danny is on his way and ask him to be there to greet him.
I always try to thank everyone who helps on the mission. The list has grown too long. Thanks LEO for your help and support, thanks to Gateway to the West HD and the Surdyke family.
This time I want to say a special thanks to all the PGR members who participated in this mission. I describe planning these missions as throwing up a hand full of Pik-Up-Stix and they all come down standing orderly on their ends. Those of you who are too young to remember Pik-Up-Stix, just ask someone older the 40. You are what makes it happen. Your ability to be flexible and understanding. And your ability to do it all with a smile and a heart full of honor and respect. You are the finest bunch of people I have every been so lucky to be associated.
And as always a thank you to the Riordan family for allowing us this opportunity to share in your life. May God bless you all
Now I hope you know this story.
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ladynighthawk
Posts: 2414
Hillsboro, Missouri
Forum Moderator
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| 02 Jul 2007 2:57 AM |
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| Mike you did First Lt. Danny Riordan and your dad proud with your ride report. TIME again, my friend. |
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Deb Sevier
TOU Enforcement Agent
Proud daughter of a Korean War Vet
TSGT. Robert "Bob" Sevier
US Army, Korea 1950-53
Ride safe, ride free
Ladynighthawk
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DragonWagon
Posts: 454
Ride Captain St Peters Missouri
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| 02 Jul 2007 6:12 AM |
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As always Mike, your efforts do not go unnoticed. you have and will continue to be a great mentor.
This mission was a great example of the flexability of the PGR. I thank all whom rode to pay respect to this American Hero. I am so proud to be a member of this fine group of Americans.
To the Riordan Family, we thank you for the honor to pay our respects to Danny. He will never be forgotten. |
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Dragon Wagon
Retired USAF MSGT
Proud Son Of:
Col. (Dr) Robert R. Smith, USAF, Dec.
Proud Father of:
Major Robert R. Smith III, USAF
SSgt Michael F. Smith, USA |
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Raza51
Posts: 152
Wildwood, Mo
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| 02 Jul 2007 7:13 PM |
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| As usual Smackwater did it right....your the man.... |
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Chico & Karen
Retired from DoD
Nam 72-73
Proud Father of Capt Carlos"Mijo" Caldera
Sgt Tina Caldera (Mijo's Wife)
Al Saad
They have returned.....
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Leanman
Posts: 164
St. Louis, Mo.
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| 04 Jul 2007 2:49 PM |
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Mike, that ride report might get you a Pulitzer. Well Done! I am so very proud to be part of the PGR, and this mission was a prime example. Talk about having to be flexible, and able to quickly adapt to changing situations.
I just sent a few photos that I took at this mission to the PGR photo address. It'll probably be a few days before they post them however.
Rest easy Lt Riordan, we have your back. And may God continue to watch over and comfort your family and friends, of which there are many.
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Mike Chambers
Trying to pay back a little of what is owed! |
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jayhill
Posts: 803
Centennial Colorado
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690MedCo
Posts: 4677
Huntington Beach, CA
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| 11 Aug 2007 8:05 PM |
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Thank you 1st Lt. Daniel P. Riordan for your service and sacrifice to defend this great country of ours!! Our prayers and thoughts 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 young soldier.
Glen & Linda |
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Glen Owsley
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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