Ride Report

Once again you the members of the PGR showed a grieving family that there are strangers out there Honoring our Country’s HEROES. For a three part mission each day your hearts and passion to Honor Sgt. Bryan Joseph Tutten was clearly visible.

Part I

On January 1st a day most were recovering from ushering in a New Year. A grieving family was about to receive their HERO home. On this cool clear morning riders started rolling in, one by one, two by two the numbers continued to grow to about fifty riders. My thanks to Daze and Wayne, for getting everyone into position. While we were preparing for Sgt. Tutten’s plane to arrive, Veterans and other members of the St. Augustine community were starting to line up along the fence line and parking lot. Working with Capt. Mier of the SJCSO we arranged to have one flag bike to escort Sgt. Tutten.

As Sgt. Tutten’s plane was on final approach we formed an Honor line parallel to the where the plane was going to taxi in. Following the Military’s lead salutes were rendered as Sgt. Tutten was brought to a position so Father Nikitas Theodosion could render prayers. The Honor Guard returned to their positions and placed Sgt. Tutten into the hearse. Quietly we broke the line and prepared to join the precession with Sgt. Tutten and his family. With “Daze” on point and LEO’s on the four corners we rolled. Heading south on US-1 each intersection was blocked, the Officer at attention as we passed, northbound traffic pulled over to the side of the road. At several points along the way the citizens of St. Augustine stood silently, with some saluting or with hands over their hearts. Upon arriving at Craig Funeral Home our line was formed once again with salutes rendered as the Honor Guard with great care took Sgt. Tutten inside. As his family followed him in we stood the line until the doors closed behind them. Mission accomplished Sgt. Tutten was home.

Part II

As I was heading for the Church turning onto CR-214 from one end to the other was lined with Police and Fire Dept vehicles. All of the LEO’s were from the second and third shifts, all off duty there to pay their respects to a Fallen Hero. Braving the dropping temperature we had fourteen riders standing the flag line to show our Respects for Sgt. Bryan Joseph Tutten, his family and friends.

At 1530 we set the flag line to await Sgt. Tutten’s arrival. At the same time “Daze” and “C_C_Ryder” were at the Funeral Home preparing to be a part of the escort from the Funeral Home to the Church. Once the escort came to a stop they joined us on the flag line. The Honor Guard once again with great care and professionalism brought Sgt. Tutten through the line and into the Church. As Bryan’s wife passed through the line you could feel all our hearts go out to her. Lt. Col. Peterson (Ret) Bryan’s father-in-law and Bryan’s Brother-in-law came through the line. Along with a number of his friends and others there to pay their respects thanking each of us to being there. With each thank you, you could hear “we are Honored to be here” echo down the flag line.

Thanks to the Father and staff of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. For giving us a spot to use in their kitchen and a place to get out of the wind, and to keep everyone from becoming icicles Jan and the coffee pot was at the ready, as the temperature dropped ten degrees with the sun setting.

After striking the flag line I was introduced to Bryan’s Mom, Sylvia. First I would like to again offer our condolences on her Sons’ sacrifice for our Country. She thanked me for the PGR standing for her Hero. She also let me know that Bryan was very well aware of what the PGR does and why. And he thought it was an awesome thing that we do. I also learned that Bryan had ordered a brand new Jeep for his return back to his family. He had never owned a brand new car, and he loved Jeeps. Sadly that Jeep is still sitting at the dealer waiting for Bryan. When Col. Peterson contacted the dealer to let them know that Bryan would not be picking it up, the wheels were put in motion for them to Honor Bryan in their own way. Making a special trip to St. Augustine they delivered the Keys and the Remote for Bryan’s Jeep along with a replica of the Jeep he ordered. Sgt. Tutten went to his final assignment with the keys to his Jeep. Being a Jeep owner this really touched me the dealer would do this for him. Come to find out the Manager has a son in the sandbox right now! We thank you for your supporting Sgt. Tutten’s family!!

Stage III

Arriving at the Church ready to meet with Mr. Hall with Craig Funeral Home to set up parking, we already had at least fifteen riders present and more rolling in quickly. We had to make a few changes and set up who would be on the advance team to set up a flag line at the Cemetery. With bikes and cages now repositioned I started our Mission brief. Relaying to everyone present what I had found out from Col. Peterson and from Bryan’s Mom. This was very tough for me as both of these stories about Bryan touched me very much. So much so that I made the following statement “At this time with everyone’s approval I suggest we make Sgt. Bryan Joseph Tutten an Honorary Patriot Guard Rider, all those in favor can I hear a OOORAH?” I know that Bryan heard the OOORAH that arose from his fellow Patriot Guard Riders. With permission a PGR lapel pin was placed with Sgt. Tutten. While we were Honoring and riding for Bryan, he was now riding with US.

With “Rev Hawk” providing a prayer, the briefing was concluded and the flag line was set awaiting the family, friends and others arriving to pay their respects. National Guard Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Douglas Burnett and Brig. Gen. Joseph G. Balskus Assistant Adjutant General – Air Commander, Florida Air National Guard were among the many military members there to offer their condolences and support. Which also included walking the line thanking the PGR for supporting Sgt. Tutten’s family. As the services started the flag line stood down and “FasterEddie” took the advance team of riders to the San Lorenzo Cemetery. My thanks to Capt. Mier once again as he had his Officers provide an escort for the advance team.

Prior to the conclusion of the services we reformed the flag line with a separate line across from the hearse. As everyone filed out of the Church they took up positions waiting for the Honor Guard to bring Sgt. Tutten out, the bells of the Church began to toll. As the distinctive foot falls of the Honor Guard could be heard the PGR was called to attention and salutes were rendered until the Honor Guard marched away. The flag line was dismissed and everyone mounted up for the procession, With Vic and “Daze” in front and Wayne bringing up Sgt. Tutten’s six. The procession started a slow roll out of the parking lot with the remaining PGR and Blue Star Mom Judy Crews joining us behind Bryan’s family. Upon reaching the business district on CR-214 there were a number of people standing tall many with their hands over their hearts. In the planning thread it was mentioned about two different groups of men stopping what they were doing to pay their Respects. I also remember seeing two ladies standing in front of a small business silently watching the procession pass by. On US-1 the LEO’s had traffic backed up for nearly a half mile as we passed by. As we drew closer to the Cemetery the St. Augustine Fire Dept had a garrison flag suspended between two ladder trucks at the entrance. There was a group of ladies standing along US-1 with an American flag stretched out in front of them. Also noticeable from a distance was the cordon of flags inside the entrance.

Being led by a Bagpiper Sgt. Tutten was brought to his resting place. As his friends and family came together, both the advance and processional groups of the PGR reformed into one flag line surrounding all those attending the graveside service. After Father Nikitas Theodosion and the other Clergy from Holy Trinity performed the services, Maj. Gen. Hashem spoke briefly to those gathered around Bryan’s family. The Honor Guard prepared to fold the first of three flags. The three shot volley was fired followed by taps. During the folding of the other two flags they were unfolded then moved into position over Sgt. Tutten then brought out to be folded. The Bagpiper played Amazing Grace as each was folded. Maj. Gen. Steven J. Hashem then presented a flag each to Constandina, his Mom Sylvia and to his Step-Mom Linda. Father Nikitas Theodosion then anointed Bryan’s casket for the conclusion of the services. During the services there was again that one lone bird flying over the cemetery, it made a few large circles in the sky then flew off to the north.

On behalf of Bryan’s family their heart felt thanks goes out to everyone who came to Honor Bryan and to comfort his family and friends with your presence. I also want to thank VFW Post 1998, Green Cove Springs, FL. for the Bible and case to be presented to Sgt. Tutten’s wife Constandina.

Sgt. Bryan Joseph Tutten, Sir we thank you for your service to our Country. For the ultimate sacrifice you have paid, Thank You just does not seem enough. You will never be forgotten Bryan. Stand down and rest easy Sergeant Bryan Joseph Tutten your mission is now complete.