FINAL RIDE REPORT: SSG William “BJ” Beardsley Indianapolis, Indiana
8MAR07 Thursday
We received word that this mission was a go on Wednesday about 11:00am only 23 hours before visitation for the service. Knowing on Tuesday that it was a possibility, I received a call from Senior Ride Captain Sargntmoon asking me to be the Ride Captain. Necessary schedule changes were made and we took what limited info we had and got to work on putting it together. As usual and what seems to be something that we are getting very good at dealing with, changes to our initial plan were constant and within limited timelines. I made contact with the church representative Shan Caldwell and he was very helpful and supportive of us being there even though his knowledge of the PGR was that he had “heard of us”. I planned a meeting for that evening with the Church officials and the CAO to make arrangements and to meet the family. The timing worked out great as after my initial meeting I was approached by Mr Beardsley. After spending some time with Jim, I was introduced to the wife, Stacey, spent some time with her then met Bonnie, his mother. I then asked if I could pay my respects before SSG Beardsley. Walking before the casket in my PGR gear, I could feel many eyes upon me as I knelt in prayer. Walking back up the aisle, it was difficult to see clearly although many approached me thanking us, the PGR, for being there and for what we do. I was very humbled as those present in uniform approached me as well to say thank you and said that what we do means so much to them. I responded as we always do, that we do it for them at that it’s the right thing to do. As my eyesight became even more clouded on my way out the door, I was approached by a little “elderly” woman with a wonderful smile. She walked up rather close and said that she wanted to see what was on my vest. She explained that she was the Grandmother and Grandmothers have to get close to see sometimes. For me, she was an angel making me feel welcome. She had the usual Grandmother charm and smile and a way about her that let you know that everything was going to be OK. Her name was Marilyn and she let me know that she was a kindergarten teacher. She gave me a special “kindergarten hug” that she gives all of her kids and made me feel as if I was one of her own. I knew then that everything would work out.
We staged at the Indianapolis Southside Harley Dealership at 11:30. The management there had never heard of the PGR so I explained to them about us that morning just 2 hours prior to staging and they were supportive of us meeting there. Good thing too, ‘cause plans were already made and riders were on the way. We had 43 on the sign-in sheet, approx. 35 riders and about 6+ cages along with Russ pulling the PGR trailer. The usual sign-in and riders meeting took place with introductions and greeting to 3 members on their 1st mission. The honor banners for past fallen PGR members were presented to 1st mission member Rick Koen to attach to his flag and to stand as the honor flag at the front of the line. A little pressure for him but he accepted and did well to honor and carry our own on this mission. The pledge of allegiance was said followed by a prayer then we headed for the Church. The family and others came out to watch as the low rumble in the distance grew near. We made our way into the parking lot and set up the flag line. We were also joined by Hoss as he brought out the Fire Crew from laceName w:st="on">FranklinlaceName> laceName w:st="on">TownshiplaceName> fire department to join us. Nice touch Hoss! We were asked to provide services as Paul bearers after the service and then to provide a final escort to Edinburgh. Even though it wasn’t planned, we had no shortage of volunteers that stepped forward. I want to express my personal thanks to all of you that stepped forward and helped out in so many ways. For a short mission with less than 24 hours notice, I only expected maybe 6-12 available. I was completely amazed at the turnout and selfless dedication you all show every time we assemble to honor a hero. You all did well and I’m told by the family that “BJ” would have been proud. We provided a great comfort to the family of a hero today. For all of the Beardsley family, you touched our lives as much as we touched yours. “BJ” will be greatly missed but he will never be forgotten. We will carry his spirit with us as we honor all others.
As we all know, we never really know how all aspects of our missions are going to turn out but we do know that as long as our hearts are in the right place and we are doing what’s right, everything seems to have a way of working out. This was definitely the case for honoring SSG Beardsley and his family on this day. |