MISSION COMPLETE--Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wall, 27, of Alden, Iowa-- 06 May 06 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing

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Subject: MISSION COMPLETE--Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wall, 27, of Alden, Iowa-- 06 May 06

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mikebowman User is Offline

Posts: 156
Forreston, Illinois Assistant State Captain

06 May 2006 8:42 PM	Alert
To all that made the ride and drive to Alden, Ia today, this mission started out shakey because of the rush nature of it. But you all hung in there and made it an awesome experience for the family and for many of us as well (just read the comments and you will see). I have been on 4 missions now in 4 different states. All have been very different in sytle and makeup but all with the same mission goal, sheild the family from UG's and show the family that America cares about their loss. You all did yourselves proud with the overwhelming show of support that we gave to the Wall family today. They were so thankful with many of them saying "thank you" as they pulled away from the church. We all made a difference today. Job well done. Mike

The nation that forgets it's defenders, will itself be forgotten. - Pres. Calvin Coolidge Riding in memory of my son - Spc Timothy Bowman - Mar 82 - Nov 05 Riding with my brother always at my side - SRC Greg Bowman - Jul 54 - Sep 07 Rest in peace, we have the watch for both of you now.

irgoofyg

Posts: 42
Marne Iowa

06 May 2006 8:44 PM	Alert
Big thanks to the O.R.A. for letting me fall into formation with you. See ya in the breeze, Dennis

"and crown thy good, with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea" 3-84 FA 4th ID 84th ARCOM

Keystone

Posts: 78
Albert Lea, MN

06 May 2006 8:45 PM	Alert
I had the honor of being approached by members of the family after the funeral. They were overwhelmed with emotions. They said they were in awe when they left the church and saw everyone lined up and all of the flags and bikes. Never in my life have I felt that the words "Thank You" meant soo much. I was proud to be a part of this, and honored to ride with you folks!

Keystone Albert Lea, MN

MNHeritagePatriot User is Offline

Posts: 212
Worthington Ride Captain - Pipestone, MN

06 May 2006 9:24 PM	Alert
I left this morning at 3:45 am with only 3 hours sleep (too anxious to sleep I guess) in 34 degree weather and returned 15 1/4 hours and 560 miles later physically exhausted but spiritually and emotionally fulfilled. This was my first mission. I can't put into words right now the feelings - the display of respect and honor - the protestors had no affect whatsoever on the patriotism, brotherhood, fellowship and grace of God at today's funeral. Instead I am reading and feeling the heartfelt show of respect and support and gratitude displayed in the messages here and speak volumes of what we accomplished today. It was an honor and a privelage to be a part of this display of honor for our fallen Hero - Staff Sgt. Wall and his family. I hope I never have to go on another mission - but I am standing by if needed. Thank you ALL and GOD BLESS !! Paul Ramsbey - Pipestone, MN

Paul Ramsbey Worthington Ride Captain Son of Korean War Vet Past Commander of SAL Post 14, Flora IL Eternally grateful to our men and women who serve ... may we never forget nor underestimate the selfless dedication and sacrifices of our true Amercan Heroes!

rudopo

Posts: 3

06 May 2006 9:59 PM	Alert
It was an honor to attend....... I was ........ Words cannot describe what transpired today, the turn out from 6 different states that I counted, according to the license plates on the back of the bikes that were in attendance was awesome. In honor of an American Hero, Staff Sgt. Mark Wall.

DeltaC

Posts: 102
Hardwick, MN

06 May 2006 11:25 PM	Alert
Almost 150 bikers(maybe more)came from several states, many riding hundreds of miles in near-freezing temperatures to honor a brave soldier who gave his life while serving his country. I was priviledged enough to be there and do my small part, and honored to be a part of this ever-growing group called the Patriot Guard Riders.

Dale PGR 12/10/05 Wothington, MN Sector ARC

albert5001 User is Offline

Posts: 38
Stewart, MN

07 May 2006 12:19 AM	Alert
Thank you to the Wall family for allowing me to honor a hero who died defending my freedom. Thank you to Mr. Hoelscher, Casesy's and the town of Alden for the great hospitality. To all PGR members it is always humbling to find a great group of Americans like you. Al Johnson

BenJC

Posts: 4
Alden/Iowa Falls IA

07 May 2006 5:51 AM	Alert
In the service of ones country your brothers and sisters are your fellow soldiers. Yesterday I found new brothers and sisters who I will be eternally grateful to. Thank you all Patriot Guard Riders for the support and protection of our little community in Alden Iowa. What a hell of an emotional roller coaster to experience grief and sadness along with the pride and joy and support the Patriot Guard Riders gave to my little town. People from Alden have told me that they to had felt the same emotions and upon leaving the church doors and walking into a field of flags and bikers that the tears came uncontrollably because of the respect and love and honor you scary bikers had brought unselfishly strapped to your Harley and Hondas, trikes, cars and trucks and carried in your souls and hearts. May God bless each and every one of you… and as for me “Well done brothers and sisters…Mission accomplished.”

Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself. Lois McMaster Bujold

Hummy

Posts: 4
Iowa Falls

07 May 2006 7:43 AM	Alert
I joined the PGR last week, but was unable to ride with you in Alden as I was one of the law enforcement officers working there Saturday. I should add many of those officers were not there on their work shift. They volunteered their time. I have been in law enforcement thirty years, and it was not the high point of my career to be on the line in front of the "protesters" giving them "protection." You should know they made comments before the PGR's arrival of their concern. I know you are not concerned with them, but I believe your peaceful actions are impacting their resolve whether they would admit it or not. Anyway, please forgive the length of this post, but I wanted to share some observations. Before your main body arrived, I was standing in front of the "protesters" and six members of the American Legion walked by. You could tell they were WWII vets. They stopped and looked as one of the "protesters" stood on the flag. They had a "what's happened to my country?" look on their faces. I told them "God bless you guys." I don't thnk anger really describes what I was feeling. I wanted to turn around and tell them they had the freedom to stand there and spew their hate because of what those six men and because of what Mark Wall did. Then the PGR started lining the street down the hill from the church then around the corner and up the street, holding up flags, completely blocking the "protesters" from view. One of the members, Pit Bull, a member of the Sons of God MC, lined up behind me on the street and said, "I'll stand behind you." Those four words have powerful meaning to a law enforcement officer. As I stood there on the line, I truly felt you "had our backs." I was there when the "protesters" gave up and asked us for an escort back to their car. I watched them HAVE TO HUMBLY WALK THROUGH YOU AND BY YOU to get back to their car as the cheer went up. In the end, they were not even a footnote to the day. I've seen alot over the years, but that was one of the moments where I truly believe good overcomes evil. Their intent was defeated by your peaceful assembly, and the focus of the day stayed where it truly belonged. Many of you came up to us on the line shaking our hands and saying. "Thank you for being here." You can't imagine how we appreciated that, but you had it wrong. It's we who thank YOU for being there. Although I could not ride it was an honor to be there with you. It was good to be working together for a common goal of giving love, respect, and honor to a hero and his family. On a personal level I often wonder if what I do makes any difference. You all helped me sign off at the end of my shift feeling in some small way I helped the family bury their son in peace. Thanks for putting up with the length of this post, and God bless you all!

Preacherman User is Offline

Posts: 0

07 May 2006 9:06 AM	Alert
Excellent post Hummy. Covers everything to a "T". Thank you. I was hanging around inside the church after most PGR members had left. I was visiting with family members and looking closely at the many photos, medals, and other personal items of SSG Wall's to learn more about this soldier. A loud whistle was heard to hush the crowd at Mr and Mrs Wall's table. Mrs. Wall was presented with the memorial fund donations collected from the PGR. She was nearly at a complete loss for words. Mr Wall stated that he now has a totally different view of motorcyclists. Many people seated at the tables were turned in thier chairs looking at me. As I glanced around, I realized I was the ONLY "biker" there. I could only slightly nod my head, smile and silently mouth "you're welcome". Ride safe,

Batman_rules User is Offline

Posts: 4

07 May 2006 9:33 AM	Alert
As I sit here and read these posts, I see the same words again and again. HONOR, respect, from the heart., words from a posted earlier "because of the respect and love and honor you scary bikers had brought ", makes me proud to have been apart of Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wall's final day. To see how a small town in Iowa open it doors to a bunch of SCARY BIKERS and allowed us to be a sheild for the family and freinds, bring a joyfully new meaning to being a biker. Bikers and state bears, local county mounties and local cops (said with pride), all standing together as a wall to protect the family - THANK YOU. Thank you to the Family of Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wall, the town of Alden, IA, and the PGR for alowwing me to be there. To my new friends I met - it was a pleasure to meet you. To Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wall, REST in PEACE and thank you for being an AMERICAN.

Talent, Skill & ' HONOR - Above All Else' Michael 'Batman' Paine

BexarWolf

Posts: 385
Round Rock Texas

07 May 2006 10:35 AM	Alert
I just happened to stumble upon this post while checking threads. Hummy, from one ex-LEO to one current LEO, your words do more to warm my insides that most of the others I've read today. If I were a woman, my mascara would be running right about now. This organization has brought an old, worn out ex-cop back to life. All the emotions I had stuffed away due to 17 years on the job are slowling rising back to the top. I'm not sure I like that because I enjoyed being emotionless. No emotions, no problems. But as I see them come back, I realize what a huge part of my life was missing. No emotions also means no happiness, no pride, no love. Yeah, I guess emotions are ok in small doses.

BexarWolf Austin Ride Captain pgrbexarwolf@yahoo.com Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high. Keep your eyes fixed to where the trail meets the sky. Live like you ain't afraid to die. Don't be scared, just enjoy your ride. Chris LeDoux

deltoid79

Posts: 3905
Tumoroid

07 May 2006 11:34 AM	Alert
excellent support fellow riders. Though I can never keep a dry eye, I love reading the after post by everyone. Hummy, one thing I can say after doing a couple of our missions. I will have yours and every other LEO's back. You guys rock. Not always able to give hand acknowledgment, but I do lip thank you and give a head nod. The backing and support the LEO's have given on the missions I have attended has been more than any one person can ask. Very much thankful....

Mike,,, I LOVE BEING A BIKER..... myspace.com/vicrider05 Spc Tyler Bland 82'nd AB

FlamedFXSTC User is Offline

Posts: 4
Urbandale, IA

07 May 2006 1:05 PM	Alert
I would like to add my comments about my first mission as a PGR member, but I can't say anything more meaningful and heartfelt than what has already been expressed... All I can say is THANK YOU to all curent service personnel, veterans, fellow PGR members, Hoelscher Ag., Caseys, L.E.O.'s, the town of Alden, and most of all, the family of Mark Wall for the invitation. As stated above, the number of people that personally thanked me was amazing. All I could keep thinking was "YOUR thanking ME"???? That is backwards to me. I sincerely thank the Wall family for letting me be a part of your very personal, very emotional day. I was moved beyond imagination. God Bless, Kevin

semicop

Posts: 225
Niles Mi

07 May 2006 3:12 PM	Alert
HUMMY From one LEO to another THANKS. You said it better then I ever could

turbo666

Posts: 0

07 May 2006 6:37 PM	Alert
It was an honor to serve the Wall family and all those who where there to morn the passing of an American Soldier and hero! I appreciate the support of the LEO's, the folks who welcomed us with coffe and donuts, the good people of Alden Iowa, and the Iowa PGR's that coordinated a truley awsome tribute. It was a cold ride from Maplewood Minnesota, but I would do it again without hesitation.

04Springer User is Offline

Posts: 49
Austin Texas

07 May 2006 8:03 PM	Alert
My wife and I rode from Pipestone MN along with another member. We left at 3:45 am and just got into town when the procession was leaving the ag dealership. I had the honor of being the last bike in the column. As we were pulling up to park, we were lucky enough to be right beside some service men. My wife and I both eagerly shook hands with as many of the guys we could and thanked them for everything they do. They thanked us for coming but all we could say was it was our honor to be there. What a sad day but it made us so proud to be a part of it. After the funeral we were walking back to our bike and were stopped by someone who attended the funeral and he said, and I quote "Thank you for showing your respect." I got a little choked up and all I could squeak out was a weak "Your welcome." I pray to God our services are never needed again but if they are I'll be there in a heartbeat. God bless everyone.

Twister

Posts: 1811
Broken Arrow, OK

07 May 2006 8:13 PM	Alert
Hummy, Thanks for giving us your eloquent perspective...thanks for joining the PGR, and thanks for your service. Jeff

In the end, we remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. Martin Luther King, Jr.

mfmaloney

Posts: 43

07 May 2006 9:55 PM	Alert
To my fellow PGR members: I am proud to be associated with such an organization. Nearly 150 bikes, plus cages from at least 6 states riding in near freezing temperatures, meeting up at obscure locations to ride together to honor a Fallen American Hero that most, if not all of us, never met nor even heard of. None of the difficulties mattered. What mattered was that a true hero needed us and we responded. This is what America is all about. What an honor to belong to and ride with such a group. I told myself that I wouldn't purchase the patch until I earned it by riding on a mission. Order placed. I will wear it with pride. To the family of SSgt Wall: Please accept my deepest sympathy in your grief. Your son, and all of our service personnel, are the reason that we enjoy the freedoms that we have as Americans. He was a true American Hero. Your loss is our loss. God bless you and keep you. As you saw Saturday, the vast majority of Americans are behind you 100%. I am proud to have had the Honor of being there for you in your need. Michael Maloney Shakopee, MN

Nailer101

Posts: 444
NW IL Ride Captain/NE IA Ride Captain

07 May 2006 11:28 PM	Alert
What a great response from all over the midwest. Such a diverse representation from various bike clubs, and non-bikers, all with a common purpose under a common banner. With any luck, the whackos will crawl back under the rock they came from, and realize we won't go away or allow them to spew their nonsensicle crap. Anything that could be said, has already been submitted. I, like all before me, wish that this could be my first and last mission. I'm equally positive that this will not be the case, and stand at the ready when needed. My heartfelt condolensces go out to the Family and Friends of Sgt. Wall.

Nailer Cell Number: (563) 676-7145 Office Number: (563) 326-1792 SSgt USMC 69-75 1st Recon Bn, Sniper Platoon 0321/8541/8654 American Legion Post 26 ALR Post 27 STARVETS member Marine Moms Honorary Member Navy Families Honorary Member Quad Cities Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Foundation member IA/IL Master Hunter Education Instructor GOE Eastern Iowa Coordinator and Diplomatic Specialist All Era Veteran's Healing Fields Committee All Vets Memorial Association Member

vroctheo

Posts: 15

08 May 2006 7:18 AM	Alert
First of all: To the family and friends of Sgt Mark Wall: Thank you for the privaledge of being able to honor Mark for the sacrifice he made for ALL to enjoy the many freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. To the PGR: This was my first mission. I have many emotions fighting inside of me right now, but Pride in an organization that strives only to do the right thing keeps coming to the forefront. I can't imagine how the families of these fallen heroes must have felt when the PGR wasn't there to shield them from the UG's. I thought that I would feel anger, disgust, hate, etc. for them, but in the end I think the only true feeling for them was pity. How anyone could warp the hearts and minds of his family members like this truly saddens me. Mr. Phelps, I can only say that the evil one has truely taken over your heart, and I pray that one day you will see who's work on this earth you are actually doing. I had lots of miles to reflect on this first mission while riding home, and found tears on my cheeks more than once. This will truely become a duty for me. A lot of old feelings were brought to the forefront for my examination during this mission, painfull, but necessary. To be able to sheild the families of these heroes from the contempt of these few wackoes is truly an honor and a blessing in disguise for those of us who had no shield upon returning to the world. I really think that a degree of healing happened for me while honoring Mark on Saturday. For that I will be forever gratefull, Mark, as if you sacrifice for this great nation wasnt enough, know that you have had a profound and personnal effect on me as well. I'm rambling. Know that I am very PROUD and HONORED to be a member of this great organization, and though I wish our services would never be needed again, I will stand ready to ride for any and all missions that I can attend. GOD BLESS OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM AND GOD BLESS THE PGR. Theo 2002 Vulcan 1500 "Classic" Patriot Guard Rider Vulcan Riders and Owners Club 14155 They have shattered steel, but they will never shatter the steel of America's resolve. George W. Bush

petertom

Posts: 4

08 May 2006 7:36 AM	Alert
I'm going to keep this simple, this was my first mission, and I hope my last, but the reality is that there will be more, and I now realize what this group means, and I will make every mission that I can. What emotion, organization, and just good old American pride, I am honored to be a member of this group. Thanks to Rich and Adrianne for letting me join them for the ride in, and everyone else for making me feel like a brother. I would like to ask a favor of anyone with pictures, newspaper clippings, etc... I want to keep a scrapbook of my missions, and I was unprepared for this one, if anyone could forward or email me their pictures or copies, I would be appreciative. My email is will_o_thomas@hotmail.com and thanks again.

BZ_Matsky

Posts: 282
Des Moines, IA

08 May 2006 8:18 AM	Alert
My condolences to the family and friends of this fallen American hero. I regret that I was unable to ride this mission as it was my grandson's birthday (one of the few things that would keep me away), but my thoughts and prayers were with you.

Steve "BZ" Matchinsky Central Iowa RC PGR of Iowa BoD -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ "The probability that we may fall in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just; it shall not deter me." Abraham Lincoln - December 26, 1839

gearball

Posts: 6

08 May 2006 8:30 AM	Alert
Once again I was impressed with the Patriot Guard riders' professionalism. The focus on honoring the family and ignoring the sickos, as has been said several times, makes them fade away as if they never existed. I am humbled to be among such a group of Americans.

MNHeritagePatriot User is Offline

Posts: 212
Worthington Ride Captain - Pipestone, MN

08 May 2006 8:42 AM	Alert
I have 21 pictures that I took on Sat that I would be happy to email to anyone who wants them. It's a large file at 4 MB so you'll probably need to have high speed internet and room in your mailbox for them. If interested email me at pramsbey@pipevet.com. Petertom - check your mailbox!

Paul Ramsbey Worthington Ride Captain Son of Korean War Vet Past Commander of SAL Post 14, Flora IL Eternally grateful to our men and women who serve ... may we never forget nor underestimate the selfless dedication and sacrifices of our true Amercan Heroes!

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Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives > MISSION COMPLETE--Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wall, 27, of Alden, Iowa-- 06 May 06

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