Mission Complete - Specialist Ryan C. Garbs, 20, Edwardsville, IL - 26, 27 Feb 07 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing

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Subject: Mission Complete - Specialist Ryan C. Garbs, 20, Edwardsville, IL - 26, 27 Feb 07

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cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"

28 Feb 2007 2:34 AM	Alert
New Page 1 LETTERS RECEIVED: I just wanted to express my deepest appreciation for what your organization does. I’m an employee at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The University is hosting the funeral for Pfc. Ryan Garbs, who was killed in Iraq. I am forever grateful for Ryan and the thousands before him that have so unselfishly given their life for mine and millions of others. And to look out my office window to see the amazing site of the riders lined up with American Flags and the respect and honor that is brought to Ryan and his family. Words cannot describe. It is all I can do, not to set here and weep at the site and sacrifice that this one man represents and the respect and honor the riders have brought to Ryan and his family. I don’t know what else I can say besides thank the riders, Ryan his family and the thousands of others before him. The one thing I will continue to do is live my life proudly as a free American citizen, knowing we are in the greatest nation ever seen on the face of the earth. God’s Blessings upon you and the riders. My sincere sympathy to Ryan’s family and my deepest appreciation to Ryan for his sacrifice, although we never met here on this earth, I look forward to the day I can thank him in heaven. David Kessinger Greenville, IL

MIAP Central US Operations Coordinator "To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address: "From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain." Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS! Respect and truth, not law, counters the obnoxious!

greybeard64 User is Offline

Posts: 42
glen carbon Illinois

28 Feb 2007 4:18 AM	Alert
What a wonderful showing of support and honor to a hero and his family. I have stood flag line once before but was unable to ride. this was my first full mission and i was overwhelmed. The group of riders from all over this state, Missouri, and Indiana who showed up to pay there respects were amazing. SPC. Ryan Garbs and his Family were shown the respect they deserve and by not only by the PGR but so many others in the edwardsville and surrounding communities. I am so proud to be a part of this great organization JOB WELL DONE!!!! Greybeard

harleyrider62223 User is Offline

Posts: 0

28 Feb 2007 5:10 AM	Alert
New Page 1 Here is the link to the pictures I took of Spc Garbs Mission. I couldn't ride but it came right by my work. I work with one of his Dads friends and Mr. Garbs was amazed at the support he was given by the community and the Patriot Guard. Good job guys. http://harleyrideronline.com/Ryan-Garbs.html

cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"

28 Feb 2007 6:13 AM	Alert
New Page 1 LETTERS RECEIVED: Hello, Please pass along my thanks and appreciation to the Patriot Guard Riders who were present at the funeral of Spc Ryan Garbs in Edwardsville, Illinois this morning (27 Feb 07). I’m grateful for the dedication and determination of the PGR members who give their time and hearts to show support for our troops and their families. Thank you very much, Edie Elliott, MSgt, USAF (Ret.)

MIAP Central US Operations Coordinator "To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address: "From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain." Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS! Respect and truth, not law, counters the obnoxious!

Posts: 177
Cape Girardeau, MO

28 Feb 2007 7:06 AM	Alert
Here is the video and story from channel 5. http://www.ksdk.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=113680 Good things done well. We chatted with a few students while the service was in process. They are good kids. I haven't lost faith yet.

ivetret

Posts: 2420
Shermer, IL

28 Feb 2007 7:12 AM	Alert
This was a special mission for me since it took place in Edwardsville where I transitioned as a military retiree to Marine Mom. Specialist Garbs sacrifice was for Edwardsville to mourn a greater, more national, sacrifice in a quiet, “bedroom community”. In allowing us to mourn, God granted a break in the weather for some mid-winter motorcycle riding (along with thicker skin growth). I am always moved when I take my eyes off the bike in front of me to see the people standing on the side of the road holding flags. Many were from businesses along the route. Especially noteworthy to me was the La Petite Academy children and the woman who was standing holding a flag with the foil in her hair from a beauty salon break. These people are special too. Like me, they take the Ryan’s sacrifice a little personal too. I cannot – NOT - show support for this hero. (Double negative exception rule) Rose PFMM to two of the few SIUE Alumni

“Lest I keep my complacent way I must remember somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer was I worth dying for?” [Eleanor Roosevelt] @}-,-`-

IraqVet2003 User is Offline

Posts: 26
St. Louis, Missouri

28 Feb 2007 1:26 PM	Alert
Well this was my first mission, and it was amazing. I cannot tell you guys enough how honored I am to have joined your ranks. Thanks to all who made me feel welcome, and I owe someone lunch. Anyway when I left the house early Tuesday morning I was freezing, and warm inside all at once. I was feeling alot of feelings and I put some of them to paper, so here it goes. Warning I am NOT a poet, but I tried. Why I ride The sun just came up, and I begin my ride I hit the highway, and open the throttle wide. It's around 30 degrees, nearing the end of winter. My heart is heavy, my thoughts are splintered. People stare from their cars as I pass on by. They say "He must be freezing!" as they wonder why. "Why is he riding, it's way too damned cold?" "He might not be smart, but he's definately bold." "I'll stay here in my car, with my heater on." "He's got to be crazy, his mind is gone." It's okay, they don't know why I ride. They don't realize I ride with pride. Pride not for myself, my bike, or something other. I ride with pride and respect, for a fallen brother. You probably didn't even notice his name in the news. You probably flipped the channel, affraid of "getting the blues." You complain about the war, and how it's been done. Meanwhile a mother has just lost her son. Sure the windchill on this bike's about zero, But that's nothing compared to this hero. He died for you so you can be free to rant and rave. He never asked for much payment and worked like a slave. A year away from home with only a letter or two. It's sad that some of you don't even have a clue. It's cold for sure, but this rides the least I can do. He bled for me, his brothers, his country, and even you. He stood guard on a wall, and he refused to hide. So when you ask me "Why do you ride?" I could lie and say "To clean out the carbs." But the truth is today I rode for Ryan Garbs. Rest in peace brother, we have the watch. Blake

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

cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"

28 Feb 2007 3:34 PM	Alert
Truly awesome Blake. Thanks.

MIAP Central US Operations Coordinator "To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address: "From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain." Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS! Respect and truth, not law, counters the obnoxious!

Seanaaron

Posts: 0

28 Feb 2007 4:55 PM	Alert
Frank thanks for doing a job well done, the hard work that you put in to make things go well for family and friends of Spc. Garbs was awesome. Thanks for all your hard work

franksam

Posts: 55
Christopher, IL Senior Ride Captain

28 Feb 2007 8:07 PM	Alert
Blake, hey man..... "you're a poet and didn't know it". That is truly an awesome thought put to paper. THANKS !!!

So. IL PGR Senior Ride Captain / CMA member / www.soilme.com Joshua 1:9 - "Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Psalms 27:14 - "Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart;"

beetle70

Posts: 2
St. Jacob, IL

28 Feb 2007 8:45 PM	Alert
Blake, that was truly awesome. Great work, God Bless.

Russell

Posts: 367
Silver Lake, Indiana NE IN SR RC

28 Feb 2007 9:29 PM	Alert
Blake, I don't know if I met you Tuesday at the viewing or not, but I posted your poem on my PGR page on my website so Indiana, etc could enjoy it as much as I did ! Thanks ! and Illinois rocks too !!!

Russ Bauer Russ' Barn & Grille (a gathering place) Home of The '06, '07 & '09 Indiana Patriot Guard Rally www.barnbunch.com Site of all things biker

jimreime

Posts: 861
Ride Captain Colorado Springs

01 Mar 2007 1:07 AM	Alert
Posted By franksam on 28 Feb 2007 8:07 PM Blake, hey man..... "you're a poet and didn't know it". That is truly an awesome thought put to paper. THANKS !!! That's exactly what I was going to say. My sister Karen sent me your poem and it was truly awesome. I am a cager in Colorado and do most of our missions with my windows down to let the very cold air in. Anyway, God gave you the talent to be a poet when you need to that, you did a very good job. God Bless all PGR bikers and cagers, you are doing the right thing!

Jim "Infidel" Reime Ride Captain Colorado Springs Home: 719-638-1643 Cell: 719-332-1286 patriotguard@hotmail.com "We've been looking for the enemy for several days now. We've finally found them. We're surrounded. That simplifies our problem of finding these people and killing them." Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller "Chesty" USMC just outside the Chosin Resevoir Korea. Borders, Language, Culture! First comes smiles, then lies. Last is gunfire!!!

ivetret

Posts: 2420
Shermer, IL

01 Mar 2007 5:47 AM	Alert
Blake, I loved the poem and I'm not much into poetry but that tugged at my poetic side of my brain that's been suppressed. Edwardsville Intelligencer a hero remembered The Alestle Salute to a soldier http://warchild.blog-city.com/patriot_guard_riders_line_the_street.htm

“Lest I keep my complacent way I must remember somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer was I worth dying for?” [Eleanor Roosevelt] @}-,-`-

bikergrammy User is Offline

Posts: 81
St. Elmo, IL

01 Mar 2007 7:45 AM	Alert
Blake, I"m the one across from you at lunch but not the one you owe. Your poem hit me like a ton of bricks!!!!!!! You said exactly what was and is, in everyone"s hearts. I"m proud to have you as a PGR brother. Keep the shiny side up and your chin in the wind. Jim Storck Blake, I read your poem twice last nite and again this morning and I had chills each time. I knew when I read it that you were saying exactly what Jim feels each and every time he gets on his bike to go honor a fallen brother. God bless you!! Roni

Veronica Storck (Roni) State Treasurer Asst. to Mike Bowman Support Vehicle

msbhvn

Posts: 79
Brighton, Il.

01 Mar 2007 8:16 AM	Alert
Excellent poem, thanks for being there!

cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"

02 Mar 2007 4:47 AM	Alert
http://www.ksdk.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=113680

MIAP Central US Operations Coordinator "To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address: "From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain." Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS! Respect and truth, not law, counters the obnoxious!

Leanman

Posts: 164
St. Louis, Mo.

04 Jul 2007 4:02 PM	Alert
I've got to clean out my camera more often. I just discovered that I had not sent in photos of this mission like I thought I had. I just did send them in today, so it will probably take a few extra days for the website to get them posted. My apologies for not getting them sent in sooner.

Mike Chambers Trying to pay back a little of what is owed!

wolfehunter2 User is Offline

Posts: 2

20 Nov 2007 7:17 PM	Alert
cousin who i did not know, thank you for your courage, thank you for being apart of the fight for freedom. my condolences to your family, how proud they must be. our paths never crossed in life but i know we will meet again. your fith cousin Leonard D. Garbs jr.

wolfehunter2 User is Offline

Posts: 2

20 Nov 2007 7:17 PM	Alert
cousin who i did not know, thank you for your courage, thank you for being apart of the fight for freedom. my condolences to your family, how proud they must be. our paths never crossed in life but i know we will meet again. your fith cousin Leonard D. Garbs jr.

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Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives > Mission Complete - Specialist Ryan C. Garbs, 20, Edwardsville, IL - 26, 27 Feb 07

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