AF Mom in NC 
Posts: 3847
Lexington, NC
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| 31 Dec 2007 12:16 PM |
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My sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Sgt. Benjamin B. Portell. I am grateful for his service to our country, and his efforts to bring liberty and freedom to others. He will not be forgotten. I am sorry for your loss.
Living in the Land of the Free
BECAUSE of the Brave |
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Living in the Land of the Free
BECAUSE of the Brave |
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Teddi bear
Posts: 1545
Elroy, Wisconsin
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| 31 Dec 2007 5:59 PM |
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| Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Benjamin B. Portell. Thank you so much Benjamin, for serving our country. May the Lord Jesus Christ comfort your family and friends. |
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Riding with Respect!
Revival of patriotism is what the patriot guards are bringing back to America! |
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PopPop
Posts: 0
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| 31 Dec 2007 6:03 PM |
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THANK YOU SGT PORTELL FOR YOUR FAITHFUL AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THIS GREAT COUNTRY HELPING TO PRESERVE THE FREEDOM AND LIBERTIES WE HAVE COME TO EXPECT AND ENJOY. REST EASY, YOUR MISSION IS COMPLETE. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF BENJAMIN, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND COMFORT YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
REST IN PEACE
JERRY"POPPOP"ZIMMERMANN
1ST SGT. US ARMY RETIRED
ENCINO, CA.
PROUD PGR MEMBER |
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decan51
Posts: 140
Victorville
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| 31 Dec 2007 11:14 PM |
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Sgt. Portell I stand by you and the sacifice you made to the survival of this great nation. Rest in peace young warrior you no longer need to worry about the cold or the heat and the desert sands. You are walking the streets made of gold and where the sun never sits.
Dave |
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harleyryder247
Posts: 2
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| 01 Jan 2008 7:42 AM |
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Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Sgt. Benjamin Portell. Our family prays daily for these BRAVE men. We feel as if we have lost one of our own, as we have a son-in-law with the 3/3rd ACR and was at the deployment of the unit. We pray for your family at this your time of need and for the PEACE that only GOD can bring.
REST IN PEACE SGT. BENJAMIN PORTELL
A gratiful nation mourns your sacrifice. |
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Lou Freitas
Posts: 241
Montgomery, Texas
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| 01 Jan 2008 9:05 AM |
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| Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Sgt. Bejamin Portell. May God help you through this difficult time and sorrow. Know Benjamin was and is a Hero to us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. |
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"Bagger Lou"
Lou Freitas
Texas State Captain
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Hoov-Dog
Posts: 7
Fair Oaks, Ca
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| 01 Jan 2008 9:13 AM |
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| God Bless the service of SGT Benjamin Portell and God Bless his family, his service was not in vain, you are in my prayer's |
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Jim Hoover
Hoov-Dog
CVMA #1811
VFW Life Member
NRA Benafactor |
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basil
Posts: 68
Bakersfield Ride Capt. Lake Isabella Ca.
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| 01 Jan 2008 8:39 PM |
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My brother and myself are planning on making both missions however there is no guarantee that we can get the time off from work.
If there are no changes I will be at the Dennys restaurant at the corner of highway 65 and Mearl Haggard dr. (about 1 mile from airport) , Kick stands up at 12:30.
I may not be able to check the web site for updates tomorrow, If the ride captain needs to make changes please contact me at (760) 417-2401. |
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USMC
76-79 |
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TMR
Posts: 2995
Willow Springs IL
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| 02 Jan 2008 9:11 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, Sgt. Portell, 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 |
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Derek Davis
Posts: 21
Bakersfield, CA.
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| 02 Jan 2008 5:08 PM |
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| Well, we escorted Sgt. Portell from the airport to the mortuary this afternoon. We had around 10 or 12 PGR. BPD and the Highway Patrol cleared the way. It was around 70F, which was nice. It got alot of local media coverage of course. I happened to get interviewed, so if you see me on the news, let me apologize for a not very articulate delivery. Public speaking is definitely not my forte. Thanks Basil! Rain is forecast for Friday, but we'll be rollin' anyway. |
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U.S. Army Signal Corps. 8.79 to 8.83
Riding in honor of my Dad, CWO2 Larry Davis, 203rd RAC Hawkeyes, Viet Nam 9.66 to 6.70
and my Son, A1C Davis, 332d ECS Balad, Iraq |
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basil
Posts: 68
Bakersfield Ride Capt. Lake Isabella Ca.
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| 02 Jan 2008 8:35 PM |
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Today was a good turnout.
we had support from a sports bike group. They found out about the escort from MYSPACE website.
the choice for a ride Captain is still being worked on. and the forecast is RAIN for friday morning.
we will be there even if we drive cars and hold umbrellas.
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USMC
76-79 |
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Biker Buzz
Posts: 70
Bikersfield, Ca.
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| 02 Jan 2008 9:31 PM |
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| Where and when will me meet on Friday? |
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Vietnam Vet, US Navy 1968-1972. USS Terrell County LST 1157, USS Shields DD 596. |
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basil
Posts: 68
Bakersfield Ride Capt. Lake Isabella Ca.
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| 02 Jan 2008 10:28 PM |
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If I dont hear anything different ,
I will be at the Harley Davidson dealership at Hwy. 99 and Mearl haggard dr. (7th. standard).
Friday 1/4/08 kickstands up at 10:30am
If it is raining hard friday, I may be in my car. |
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USMC
76-79 |
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Lonestar2
Posts: 1
Bakersfield Ca.
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| 02 Jan 2008 10:51 PM |
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| As Patriot Guard Riders, we, (Cristie and Brian) were honored to be allowed to escort Sgt. Ben Portell and his family from the airport today. We also will be there Friday, rain or shine as he was there for us!
USMC 75-81
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Derek Davis
Posts: 21
Bakersfield, CA.
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| 02 Jan 2008 10:51 PM |
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| See ya there, Basil |
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U.S. Army Signal Corps. 8.79 to 8.83
Riding in honor of my Dad, CWO2 Larry Davis, 203rd RAC Hawkeyes, Viet Nam 9.66 to 6.70
and my Son, A1C Davis, 332d ECS Balad, Iraq |
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GARYCOLUMBIA
Posts: 1223
Vancouver, WA
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| 03 Jan 2008 7:47 AM |
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| To the family and friends of Sgt Benjamin Portell, 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 healing. The Patriot Guard Riders will be proud to stand and Honor this Great American Hero. |
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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 |
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Uffda
Posts: 13696
Wonder Lake, IL
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| 03 Jan 2008 10:33 AM |
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| Bump for mission update |
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Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom.
In Memory of Jon Dreymann 08-13-09 WWR NRC Who left us way too soon. Farvel min venn. |
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SinCalRyder
Posts: 2
Bakersfield, CA
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| 03 Jan 2008 11:43 AM |
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| Just want to say it was an honor to be able to ride with everyone in escorting Sgt. Portell yesterday. Hope to make it out there tomorrow as well work pending. And thank you to everyone for our welcome to the ride as some of us sport bike groups work towards giving back to the community and showing our appreciation to those which sacrafice so that we may do what we love. |
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Curtis Noble
Sin Cal Ryderz |
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usmc_dad
Posts: 168
Asst State Captain, Central CA
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| 03 Jan 2008 12:58 PM |
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Mission Update for Sgt B.B. Portell as of 0515 (03 Jan 08).
Please Note: This will be an escort in inclement weather. Expect cages and dress accordingly. The escort is expected to be in excess of 15 miles through city traffic. Stay safe. R/C is Tiny Minton, whom I met at the Spencer Karol Mission in Palm Springs last October.
Flight Line Mission details: 1st part = MISSION COMPLETE
Church to Final Site Mission details
Date: Friday, 04 Jan 08
Time: 1100
Location: River Lakes Community Church, 4301 Calloway Dr, Bakersfield CA http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4301+Calloway+Drive,+Bakersfield,+CA+93312&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=43.848534,74.794922&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1
ESCORT TO: Hill Crest Cemetery, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield 93306 (661)-366-5766 http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=ad5&q=Hillcrest+Memorial+Park+Cemetery,+bakersfield,+ca&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl
Ride Captain: Mike "Tiny" Minton (661) 203-9857.
Stage Time: 1000
KSU: 1030
Stage Point: HD Dealership at 35088 7th Standard Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=Harley+Davidson,+bakersfield,+ca&sll=35.382262,-118.898549&sspn=0.015535,0.040169&ie=UTF8&ei=sel8R5-CDZuejQPZtcnMDw&cd=1&cid=35441310,-119054770,2418831100595304860&li=lmd&z=14&t=m
CAO: MSGT Dave Arnold
Contact #: (559) 408-9594
Email ARMYDAVE@ridefreekerncounty.com
This CAO is a fellow rider and encourages all to visit his Website www.ridefreekerncounty.com |
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Chief
Have Flag, Will Fly
Have Wheels, Will Travel
Have Son, Carries S.A.W.
GrandPa, Suez 1956, Dad, Beirut 1983, Son Iraq 2006, 2007. Three Generations of Warriors in one lodge. Hau Hoka Hey Ya
1/1/1., USMC
** Every Day a Holiday, Every Meal a Feast ** |
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acratliff
Posts: 2745
Charleston, SC
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| 03 Jan 2008 3:07 PM |
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| Thank you for your service Sgt. Benjamin B. Portell. May you eternally rest in peace and never be forgotten. My sincerest condolences are with family and friends. |
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basil
Posts: 68
Bakersfield Ride Capt. Lake Isabella Ca.
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| 03 Jan 2008 6:53 PM |
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UPDATED WEATHER FORECAST:
Slight chance of rain for bakersfield until noon.
After that it increases to 80%.
Be ready for some rain but don't let it scare you off. |
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USMC
76-79 |
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BoomerBob
Posts: 13
Bakersfield, CA
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| 03 Jan 2008 7:22 PM |
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My wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Benjamin Portell. We are grateful for the sacrifices he made for our freedoms as Americans. He will not be forgotten
Standing by to honor my brother and hometown Hero.
Boomer & Vikki Montgomery
US Army
'75-'84
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tinyminton
Posts: 397
Tehachapi
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| 03 Jan 2008 10:41 PM |
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| I plan to be at the Harley Shop no later than 0930. There are a couple fast food joints within walking distance of the dealership. If you get lost or have any last second concerns, feel free to call me 661-203-9857.
Thank you in advance for your support. |
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Tiny Minton
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harleysnmacs
Posts: 194
San Jacinto, CA
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| 04 Jan 2008 9:45 AM |
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| Our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Benjamin Portell. My God comfort you during this most difficult time. Ben, thank you for your service and sacrafice, you will never be forgotten. Riding with you in spirit....... |
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We must never forget who gets the credit for the Freedoms we have, of which we should be eternally
grateful.
I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease..
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives .
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.
(Author Unknown)
Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops
Ann Kaland
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tinyminton
Posts: 397
Tehachapi
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| 04 Jan 2008 8:48 PM |
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| ***Mission Complete***
Sgt Benjamin Brian Portell July 16, 1980 – December 26, 2007.
We met At Bakersfield HD for the initial ride brief, thank you to the BFL HD staff who offered us coffee and a warm place to meet. We briefed the mission and headed over to the River Lakes Community Church at 1030 with 13 bikes and 14 PGR members.
We arrived at the church at 1040 and worked out the routing to the Hill of Valor with the Bakersfield PD. While we were waiting for the completion of the service, the friendly staff at River Lakes Community Church offered us a place to rest and provided free coffee and a remote feed for those who wished to watch the service. The weather Gods must have been watching because we managed to stay dry all day. We formed a flag line for our hero and quickly mounted our bikes in preparation for the escort. We left the church at 1355 with the Bakersfield PD leading the way on bikes. The trip from the church to the Hill of Valor was a 15 mile ride through downtown Bakersfield, which would have been a nightmare were it not for the Bakersfield PD and California Highway Patrol who blocked every intersection along the route. Extremely high winds and Volkswagen sized tumbleweeds made for an interesting ride.
We arrived at the Hill of Valor and, along with uniformed members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Bakersfield Police, and California Highway Patrol, formed a flag-line. We were truly honored to stand at attention while Sgt Portell received the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. It is clear that Ben was an amazing soldier, son, husband and friend. I want to thank the Portell family for allowing us to be a part of this funeral and offer condolences from my PGR family to your amazing family. Thank you very much.
Thanks to all of the Patriot Guard Riders for being patient with me as I worked out the kinks, your flexibility and kindness highlight why I am proud to be a member of the PGR.
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Tiny Minton
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