I want to start by thanking the Lufkin Family and Friends for inviting us to join them in honoring our hero. May the creator continue to bless and keep you during this time of sorrow.

Thank you to the citizens of Galesburg, East Galesburg, and Knoxville for you showing of support, in honoring our hero. I know I will never forget seeing that huge flag rised above the road entering Knoxville between the fire engines.

Thank you to Walmart of Galesburg for allowing us to over populate your parking lot and the generous donation of bottled water that kept may of us from falling out in the heat.

Thank you to the ride captains for a safe and well organized ride to honor our hero.

Thank to the Soldiers Angles for your support.

Thank you Top for bring your collection of flags.

Thank you to all the Patriot Guards. I was an honor to ride with you again, I just hope and pray that we never have to ride together for this reason again.


Local Media Links:

WEEK 25 Peoria,Il.
http://www.week.com/Story.aspx?type=ln&NStoryID=51300 

WHOI 19 Peoria, Il
http://www.hoinews.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=10072

Peoria Journal Star
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/060306/REG_BA0E4R2T.025.shtml 

AT THE HEART OF A SOLDIER’S STORY 

Monday, May 29, 2006 

By: Chuck Goudie 

Copyright © Daily Herald 

      Illinois is about to become a red state.

      Not red as in Republican red.

      Iraq War red.

      On the map of Iraq War casualties, red is the color used to identify states from which 100 or more military personnel have died. By the time you are reading, Illinois may already have been painted red.

      Army Pfc. Caleb Lufkin died last Thursday, becoming the 95^th soldier from Illinois to lose his or her life in the war.

      Pfc. Lufkin was a lanky 23-year old native of Knoxville, Illinois southwest of Chicago.

      His final battle in Iraq was on May 4^th. It had started just like every other spring day in south-central Baghdad. The sun had become blistering hot by lunchtime and Lufkin’s Company B, 5^th Engineering Battalion patrol was about to suit up and hit the road in an armored mine-hunting vehicle.

      Their mission: look for roadside bombs and detonate them so that other American units wouldn’t get blown up.

      As Pfc. Lufkin and three other soldiers rolled out of camp in Baghdad, it was early morning back home in Illinois. That day in the states would bring a Sox win and a Cubs loss and 9/11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui a life prison sentence.

      But when you’re 6500 miles from home, news travels slowly. And besides, on that May 4^th,  Lufkin and his comrades were about to become news. 

      A roadside bomb, the kind his unit was looking to detect and diffuse, blew up right underneath their vehicle, according to the Army. They had only been driving for ten minutes.

      Spc. Bryan L. Quinton, 24, of Oklahoma and Staff Sgt. Gavin B. Reinke, 32, from Colorado, were killed on the spot. Lufkin was critically injured. A fourth soldier, the driver, escaped with lesser wounds.

      Lufkin told Army investigators the explosion happened so quickly that the vehicle was on fire and he couldn’t get out. He had to climb through the machine gunner’s hatch.

      A Navy officer pulled him out of the burning vehicle and once he was on the ground a mechanic began a field IV drip. When Army rescue crews and medical teams reached the unit, Lufkin was found to have a fractured left Femur, Tibia and Fibia; a broken right foot and a severed artery in his wrist. He had severe shrapnel wounds and burns on his face, neck and legs and chemical burns in his throat.

      But at age 23 he had a will to live.

      Lufkin underwent his first surgery after being flown to a US military hospital in Germany.

      On May 7^th, three days after the attack, he was airlifted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center outside Washington, DC. Members of his family traveled from Illinois to be at his bedside. The delegation of relatives included his teenage brothers and his mother Marcy Gorsline, a nurse. It was the first airplane trip she had ever taken.

      There was another surgery to remove shrapnel from Lufkin’s limbs and repair the wounds. The Knoxville High School graduate seemed to be improving. His aunt, Jeannie Shenaut told the local newspaper that his spirits were improving.

      Caleb "is in a lot of pain, but they're getting it under control,” Shenaut told the Galesburg Register-Mail. “He's having a hard time getting away from the images (of the explosion), so he's having trouble sleeping. He's just so stunned. I don't think anybody thinks it will happen to him."

      Certainly not the two soldiers who had been killed in the attack and their families.

      Even after two extensive surgeries and with stainless steel pins holding together his bones, Caleb needed another operation. Last Thursday, three weeks after he was wounded, hospital orderlies carefully moved him from his bed in room 5733 to a gurney for a trip back to the operating room.  

      If you’ve ever watched the ceiling tiles go by while being wheeled through a hospital ward, then you know the kinds of thoughts that race through your mind.

      Maybe the final conscious thoughts of a soldier are grounded in the Army’s core values:

      The loyalty to bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other soldiers.

      A devotion to duty to fulfill your obligations.

      The respect to treat people as they should be treated.

      Selflessness in service by putting the welfare of the nation, the Army, and subordinates before your own.

The honor to live up to all of the Army's values.  
Integrity of action, by doing what is right, legal and moral.  
And the personal courage to face fear, danger, or adversity, whether physical or

moral.

      During what was to be a 5 or 6 hour procedure, Caleb went into cardiac arrest. He couldn’t be revived. I’m certain there is some medical cause and effect for why he died at that moment.

      But on this Memorial Day, one explanation seems much simpler.

      He was a 23 year old American soldier who gave so much of his heart to his country, that he had nothing left for himself.

Chris called our house and with a solemn voice "It looks like we're going to have another mission......we may be doing an escort from O'hare to Knoxville."  I assured Chris we would be available for doing escort without even knowing the dates.  After I hung up the phone I map-quested O'hare to Knoxville, TN and wondered if the driver from the funeral home realized we'd have to stop every hundred miles for gas.

When the date, tentative time and correct destination (Knoxville, IL) were established, we began planning the details.  Caleb's family would be meeting at our staging area with us to avoid security delays and other hassles at the airport.  We needed to find a "suitable" location.  I can honestly tell you it still brings me much pain, because in my heart I know that there is no place on earth "suitable" to meet the hearse that carries your child's remains.

The Park Ridge VFW stepped up to accommodate us.  The weather forecast was bleak.  Twelve riders met, the family arrived, our journey to bring Caleb home began.

I don't know the names of all the LEOs that led the escort, but I would like to personally thank each one of them for assuring our safety.  Special thanks to Joe, our first leader for getting us through the tough weather and keeping us on the road.

Nothing I have experienced in my past ten missions could prepare me for the Princeton to Galesburg leg of the escort.  Needless to say I was  "drained" from the tough ride to Princeton.  The out-pouring from the communities was my source of strength to continue.  It seemed every 5 miles, entire fire deparments and police departments would be lining the over-passes.  Saluting, carrying flags, holding candles.  A long stretch of a major highway seemed to close down.  At one point I noticed nearly 15 eighteen wheelers pulled over to a rest area, waiting for Caleb to pass.  People from the communities lined up for four hours, to pay their respects.   This is the America that songs are written about.  The ones that make you tear up.

The closer we got to our destination, the crowds became thicker.  The escort became larger too.  We would pass an area, you'd hear a dozen bikes fire-up, then more lights behind us in my mirror.  At one point I believe an emergency vehicle also joined in.  We pulled off the highway and drove through three communities before arriving at the funeral home.  Knoxville, Galesburg and East Galesburg I think.  The names of the cities aren't important.  They were all Caleb's local communities.  They were all there to honor Caleb and to show his family support.  I found out later that even Caleb's dad joined in on a bike with us for escort.

To Caleb's family:  Thank you for allowing us to provide escort, it was our honor.

Scoot

====================================================================



'

==========

The family of Pfc. Caleb Lufkin would like to extend their deepest appreciation to:

- The Register-Mail for faithfully and accurately following and reporting on Caleb's progress and status. The paper was just as loyal to Caleb's recovery as it was to the tragic outcome. We appreciated its diligence in keeping him to the forefront of the news, and for John Pulliam's thoughtful and encouraging entries in Caleb's journal.

- The many friends and family for being there for us; the outpouring of phone calls, visits, food delivery, paper products and other were so welcome during this trying time. If you do not receive an individual "thank you" from us, please forgive our omission and know how much we appreciated your presence and sustenance.

- Tim Frainer and Dave Greenlief and their associates for all of their time and commitment to assisting the family - from the arrangement of a travel fund to the arrangement of services for Caleb's ride home from Chicago. Very little can pierce the throws of grief - but the "shock and awe" of the tribute they organized made all of us stand proud and grateful in our sadness.

- Mable Woolsey School and the many children who collected their "Coins for Caleb." Caleb was overwhelmed when this amount neared $1,000. He couldn't believe people would care so much about him. He just couldn't fathom it. Believe us when we say, you touched him deeply.

- The Patriot Guard Riders for their unwavering dedication to the families of fallen heroes. These selfless warriors rode valiant and dignified - unflinchingly erect through torrential downpour and lightening in five lanes of busy Chicago area traffic. From bringing this bereaved family and their loved one home to standing for hours in the hot sun, shielding friends and family from protesting idiocy, we were touched beyond belief at the compassion and devotion of this group.

- The fire and police departments from Princeton to Galesburg for showing up en masse to display such reverence and respect to our dear Caleb. What a surreal evening to see local, county and state police and firefighters standing in the dark, on meridians and overpasses, saluting our hero. We felt such patriotism and pride at the outpouring from these fine men and women.

- The Knoxville, East Galesburg and Galesburg communities for such heartfelt and overwhelming support. We know people stood for five hours or more to honor Caleb as he came through town - and we could not fathom the thousands of people who stood there; senior citizens, babies in blankets, children in pajamas - an officer in all Dress Whites standing in solitary attention. Hands over hearts, waving flags or saluting - it was astounding and heartwarming. The amazing outpouring of love and reverence supported us for the following difficult days. Caleb would not have believed how many lives he touched and what an incredibly caring community he had lived in.

- The many area merchants and organizations who donated their time and merchandise - Wal-Mart for the many Caleb picture pins; HyVee for ribbons; donated salads after the funeral, the American Legion and AMVETS for flags; the Family Readiness Group of the Illinois National Guard for the many candles; Knoxville Food Pride and the Knoxville Fire Station for handing out pins, candles, etc.; the East Galesburg Fire Department; WAAG for covering the motorcade progress and dedication songs; WLSR for the all-day Wednesday tribute to Caleb and heroes; and many others that we've inadvertently omitted here - we do know what you've done and we are so appreciative.

- Tim Tibbetts, the bagpipe player, and the members of the Galesburg High School Choir: your music was ethereal and magnificent. You touched us all.

- Heck's Florist - every day, in those tragic days that ensued Caleb's death, we acknowledged a "grace" of the day that allowed us to trudge through the ceremonial motions. On "flower selection" day, our "grace" was John Heck and his daughter. At that difficult time, John's compassion, empathy and humor pulled us through; and we are eternally grateful. He took time to help us personalize our arrangements - and the finished displays were not only sentimental, but breathtaking.

- Christina Cole for the countless hours and frantic moments she spent creating the masterpiece that became Caleb's visitation video. She lost sleep to produce that beautiful piece of work that touched all in attendance. So many people commented to the family that they felt they truly knew Caleb after viewing that presentation. It meant the world to us - because it was Caleb's world.

- Pastor Dan and Bev Doty and Father Ernie for being there for us - ALWAYS. The three of you were the first people on the scene for those of us still home and we really needed your support. Pastor Dan led a flawless and memorable funeral service. We are so grateful for your insight, compassion and execution. Father Ernie graciously read our memories as a friend and pillar of strength to the family. We love you all.

- Bethel Baptist Church for opening their arms to all of us. You supplied countless hours of resources and hard work - operating quietly behind the scenes, ensuring everything ran smoothly. We witnessed true Christianity that week.

- Orange Chapel women and the local fire departments for organizing such a bountiful amount of delicious food and a memorable luncheon. So much cooperation and labor - we can't imagine! After an exhausting week, we were so appreciative of your efforts.

- And last - but certainly not least - Brad Collier from Hinchliff-Pearson-West for orchestrating and organizing and overall supporting that hectic, exhausting week. Your patience, sympathy and efficiency were greatly, greatly appreciated by the family. - Dennis H. and Marcy Gorsline and families, Tammy Lufkin and families, and Karen Lufkin

Lufkin Memorial Garden proposed

Town meeting planned to gather community input

Thursday, June 8, 2006

By JANE CARLSON

The Register-Mail

EAST GALESBURG - A gravel lot where East Galesburg's salt and rock supply is stored could be transformed into a memorial park for Pfc. Caleb Lufkin within a few years.

East Galesburg resident and former Village President Connie Miyler proposed the idea to the village trustees Wednesday as a way to continue the village's beautification efforts and honor Lufkin, who served for two years in the East Galesburg Fire Department. The 24-year-old Knoxville native died May 25 in Washington, D.C., after being injured by a roadside bomb May 4 in Iraq.

The possible future site of the Caleb Lufkin Memorial Garden is north of the Village Hall.

http://www.register-mail.com/stories/060806/LOC_BA1T1PFU.GID.shtml

Another emotionally draining day!  I lost my appetite probably due to a combination of the ‘mood of the day’ and the heat.

Started off bad:  I broke the window in my husband’s truck (HE HAD 3 DAYS TO COOL DOWN BEFORE HE SAW IT), I had a bird put a deposit on my seat, another bike had a fuel line leak, and another bike on its side during the ride but the mission went on as planned.  After all, we came together to honor PFC CALEB A. LUFKIN who had just made the ultimate sacrifice.

I have seen rows of flags before but not 3 rows deep presented to honor Caleb. The people along the street always amaze me. 

I had read the on-line journal of Caleb’s Story at www.caringbridge.org/visit/caleblufkin and even though I knew the outcome, I too felt hopeful for his recovery because reading the journal was written in real-time.  To the Lufkin family, I’m so sorry for your loss.  I too was hoping for a better out-come.

I wanted to add something to this; but after reading the other posts and especially the one from Mike White nothing more can be said. Knoxville and Galesburg are surely the "Heart-Land" of America. 

One of the posts regarding the Tuesday Night escort mission stated that "...our guys rode on." Let it be known that we were not all "guys." Not sure if it makes a difference when we talk about PGR's; but, we had some pretty gutsy ladies holding there breaths along the first part of the escort duty also. The riders included "Iscoot," Ed's wife and I believe the name was "Tori." Her ride was the older sheriff’s bike with the blue lights. I think one bike was double up and had a lady rider. I am sorry if more Lady PGR's were there that I did not mention; my brain was washed clean by the time we got to Princton. All I know is that I was looking for the up periscope button and just hoped that the bike in front of me was still following the police escort.  Reviewing the posts from the services held on Thursday and Friday makes me proud to be a member of the PGR's.  

TomCat


edited by wescoot2, to correct name of one of our female riders...

First of all I'd like to say to PFC Caleb Lufkin's family, THANK YOU and GOD bless you.  As a fellow Knox County resident, this hit home.
 
To all the people of Knoxville, East Galesburg, and Galesburg thank you.

To (Travis) from Galesburg Wal-Mart thank you for the 2 ice chests full of ice and the several cases of bottled water - Thank you.  I was informed by Travis that if the PGR is ever in Galesburg again for any occasion that they (Wal-Mart) would assist us in any way they could.

To the several other buisness who donated water, ribbons, or any other material, Thank you. 

To the American Red Cross, Thank you.  I do not remember your names however I'll always remember your faces.

To the Solder's Angles, what would we do without our Angles!  Thank you.

To all the men and women of our armed forces THANK YOU for what you are doing for us.  You are fighting for us and we will fight for you.  As long as there is a breath in my lungs and a beat in my heart I WILL NOT allow anyone to disgrace you.

To the PGR members, THANK YOU.  We have rallied for such a noble cause.

It was great to see the show of hands of all the first time riders.  Chris great job on all you did, there is a reason we call you ride captain.  Max, once again you went above and beyond the call.  To the other ride captains Rose, Joel, Ed, and any other ride captains (sorry I'm a newbe and don't know everyone YET!)  Thank you for your leadership on these rides.  I'm sure your hands are full with everyday life, but yet, you still go above and beyond the hardships, to see to it our HERO's are honored. 

Rod
Yates City

HERO - A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life: soldiers and nurses who were heroes in an unpopular war (Dictionary.com)

HERO - PFC CALEB A. LUFKIN (capi75rs PGR)

PFC CALEB LUFKIN THANK YOU for being our HERO. 

My wife is a blogger and she is damned good at it.  She made a statement about her insight into the respect shown for Caleb.  I quote,

"They do it, because they are heros. The beauty of it all is that they will never admit to such a thing. They are far too honorable for that. But if you look closely you can see it. The answer to that question lies in the glimpse of their eyes when they gaze upon the flag. The answer to that question lies in the hang of their head, as wars today and long since past echo forth, as they honor their long lost brethren. The answer to that question lies in the fact that no military branch, nor race, nor creed can divide them as they unite and stand as one.

There has never been, nor could there ever truly be anything so honorable, nor a greater tribute as that."

Patriot Guard Riders.....we "Ride With Respect"!

RIDER REPORT for Private First Class Caleb Andrew Lufkin

This mission actually started out as a Memorial Day parade in Galesburg, to honor our fallen warriors.  Prior to Memorial Day, on Thursday, I received an email that we had lost another hero in Knoxville. How could this be?   This young man was suppose to be coming home to a Hero’s Welcome…one that he deserved and earned.  This mission had to be special.  I joined the Patriot Guard Riders because of Kyle Wehrly (Galesburg’s first combat casualty in 35 years) and I owed Kyle this because I had failed to be there to honor him.  I had to bring home his friend.  I saw that Caleb Lufkin was a young man with so much to give and Caleb gave it all for his country.  I was not going to let either of these men down.

Dave Greenlief relayed the story to me and it was no brainer.  This warrior deserved a mission that was deserving of his selfless service to our country.  I set the works into motion for this mission.  We needed to bring Caleb home.

Max Howerter was in Galesburg and I called him immediately to set into motion the staging area and to lay the groundwork.  Ed (Wescoot2) was in Chicago….I knew I could count on Ed and Linda to bring Caleb to Knoxville.  I was not going to be able to make the escort mission so I asked Greg Bowman to set the midway point.  He was a PGR vet and knew the importance of this mission.

Each of the above knew the importance of ensuring Caleb was taken care of and had proven themselves on the field of honor with me before.  I trusted these men and women to make this mission…no matter what.

Contacts were made, plans laid out and the Illinois PGR was informed.

On Tuesday night, I waited and watched the weather, as I knew the escort riders were probably getting pounded.  I watched the updates and let out a sign of relief when I saw that they had all arrived safely.  Of course, they looked like they had been swimming but it felt great to hear they were safe and that Caleb was home.

I received numerous calls to support this mission.  Linda Howarter (Walmart Galesburg) met me after the Galesburg Memorial Day Ride (by the way it was a big success) and offered her service to make picture placards for the riders.  She also introduced me to Jessie (HyVee Floral)(Red/White/Blue Ribbons).  Both of them set into ensuring that Caleb was honored.  These 2 women are as American as it gets.  Put them and Max in a room and they could defend our country by themselves. 

My wife and son, whom had never made a ride mission, were at the parade and both wanted to make this one.  It touched them as well.  On Thursday, as the visitation approached, I could not contain my emotions and call in some of my workers so that I could leave work early and be in Galesburg by 5 pm.  I missed it by minutes but the turnout by the community was overwhelming.  I heard the family was at the church until 1 am in the morning and they allowed all that wanted to…pay their respects.  PGR and locals were in place, standing tall with American flags to honor Caleb.  I knew Dottie just by her face, although I had never met her…she looked like a Dottie.  Purple Girl from South Carolina was there as well.  We were going to be there overnight to ensure nothing stood in the way of this mission.

The next morning, Ed, Linda, my wife and son, headed for the staging area.  We were a few minutes late but the turnout was already amazing, I caught hell for being a few minutes late (by Rose), greeted by everyone and handed my own ride whistle (thanks team).  Renee and her Soldier Angels were in place serving coffee, cookies and water.  Rod (a great patriot) was handing stages with his “Never Forget” Big Stick and helped set up the ride waiver area.  Ride Captains Ed, Rose, Capt Morgan, DesertRose, Joel, and others (sorry team- memory lapse) were there to assist.  You couldn’t ask for better support than the Indiana, Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin RC’s.  I was in good hands.

We pre-briefed, had our ride prayer and waited for our police escort.  Ed lined them up and Joel sorted them out.  When our escorts arrived we departed and the big flag bikes led the way with Max towing the other riders in formation.  It was a brief ride to the church and riders dismounted and moved to Max’s PGR Support Van for their flags and position on the Wall of Flags.  The turn out was 176 bikes, 210 PGR and 7 cages.  Soldier Angels and Knox College students added in for good measure.  Whoever didn’t have a flag, stood by to support the others if they need a break.  A couple of men set up a huge flag by the church and Max’s honor flag was set up at the entrance.  We covered the area with Red, White and Blue.  No other distractions were seen.  Each man, woman and child held their ground against high humidity and heat.  Water was passed to the riders, as they needed it by the others.  It was a team effort.  I had it easy.  We stood in honor from 10 am until 12:30 pm and awaited our hero.  When they brought Caleb out, Ed called the Patriot Guard to attention and they snapped quickly.  Shortly thereafter, we mounted up.  Chad Clevenger (Caleb’s best friend) rode missing man formation and led the Patriot Guard and Caleb to his final resting place.  Janet Wehrly, Kyle Wehrly’s wife, asked to ride with me.  I was truly honored and may be able to show Kyle the honor that I had failed to show prior to joining PGR.

The streets were lined with people from the community and the fire sirens howled out their final farewells to Caleb.  When we arrived at the cemetery, the cars kept coming and finally you could hear the Guard coming.  Max had them in formation and they rode in, dismounted and grabbed their flags.  Forming 5 rows of flags and standing tall, they finished the mission they were bound to complete.

Ed and I struck my bikes flag and folded it tri-fold.  I had rode with this flag the entire mission and it would be presented to his father to remember that the Patriot Guard Rider would always remember his son.  The plaque, from the Patriot Guard, was presented to his mother as a tribute to her son.  I have never had such a big hug as was given to me that day by his mother…wonderful woman and family.

We departed and finally made our way home.  My wife and I talked the entire way home on how wonderfully the Patriot Guard Riders showed the respects and how we would always remember Caleb and his family. To the riders of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and parts unknown….my heartfelt thanks for your tribute to Caleb.  Ed, Linda and Greg…you will deserve all my deepest thanks for bring this soldier home. Escort riders … amazing. Max…you are “TOP”.

Thank you Caleb for reigniting my faith in this country and belief in the statement, “We Remember…We will never forget….Never Again”.