We actually had two runs for this young man. On June 11, 2006, The Local HOG chapter had a run during the visitation, because several of them would not be able to make the service due to work conflicts. I was honored that I was asked to participate in the run. I drove my cage so that my family could meet the people that have been helping me out for the past week. There were 51 bikes and three cages on this run. After we paid our respects we went to Mr. Jimmy Jackson’s house where he had a wall of crosses for every soldier that was KIA. We got to meet Mr. Jackson and his family this patriot knew exactly how many soldiers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. They local chapter of Wife’s and Mom’s Of the Military along with the HOG have raised money to put the soldiers names on every cross. Let me tell you the chills that ran up my back when you turn the corner and see all the crosses with little state flags on every cross.

The next morning I left early as to avoid traffic work zones with the reduced speed. I got to the Wal-Mart at 7:25 there were already five bikes there. Within an hour there were 40 bikes, at 8:45 gave the safety briefing, and introduced myself. There were several new members in the group that I welcomed to our large family. We were asked to group up for a picture. It will be sent to the soldiers in the same unit that Spc. Tribble served with in Iraq which is a great honor. Lee Bryant representing the local HOG chapter gave the prayer over the bikes, and the mission. When we arrived at the Palms Funeral Home there were a total of 68 bikes and two cages.

When we entered Danbury right off Hwy 35 there were flags large and small ones on each side of the road all the way to the church. People were everywhere waving flags with their children doing the same. At the City Park there was a sign that hung over the road it said “Welcome Home” Our True American Hero Spc. Brett L. Tribble. The Fire trucks as well as EMT, and Chief Stone escorted us all the way to the church. We then got the honor of escorting the family from a friend’s house to the church for the service. We had flags all the way to the cemetery. After the service we escorted the family and the coach to the cemetery back the same way we came in with flags on both sides of the road. When we made the turn toward the cemetery there were two large fire trucks which had extended the ladders out and hung the United States Flag and Texas Flag in an arch entering the cemetery. After the service I got together with my wingmen and co-captains, Ronnie Nelson PGR, Bobby Britton PGR Southern Proud President, and Gunner President Los Malos, Lee Bryant Brazoria HOG Representative. We presented the family with the plague and gave our condolences to them each. If it was not for Bobby Britton and the use of his truck with all the water he had purchased we would have been in dire straits because on the way home the temperature read 100 F.

The pride these towns’ people showed for this young man just made you proud to be an American. The tears ran down your face to have the honor to take this soldier to his final resting place. Once again I would like to thank everyone for their participation in honoring this Fallen Hero.


FALLEN ANGEL
DESERT SHIELD/STORM