CDR Richard A (Rick) Spon, 57, USN (Retired), PGR member, Orange Park, FL, 18 MAY 09 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing

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Subject: CDR Richard A (Rick) Spon, 57, USN (Retired), PGR member, Orange Park, FL, 18 MAY 09

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Sandy9999

Posts: 1638
Westminster, MD
Ride Captain
Forum Moderator

13 May 2009 8:09 PM	Alert
With a heavy heart, I announce the passing of one of Florida's own - Commander Richard A. (Rick) Spon. Rick was retired veteran of the United States Navy having served 33 years and was an active Patriot Guard Rider member. He lived in Orange Park with his lovely wife. They have a son currently serving in the United States Air Force. Rick will be missed as fellow a PGR member and as a comrade-in-arms. His family has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to join them in honoring Rick's life and his service to our nation. Funeral services will be held on Monday, 18 May 2009, at the Advent Lutheran Church in Orange Park, Florida followed by interment services at the Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery in Green Cove Springs Florida. Please bring your 3' X 5' American and join us in silent honor of our brother, Rick "raspon" Spon. Itinerary 18 May 2009 Funeral Services Advent Lutheran Church 2156 Loch Rane Blvd Orange Park, FL 32073 Map; http://tinyurl.com/r4nury Staging: 0830 Mission brief: 0850 Set flag line: 0915 Family arrives: 0930 Services begin: 1000 Escort and Interment Services Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery 2315 Sandridge Road (Cty Hwy 739B) Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 Map; http://tinyurl.com/oamk9r Escort leaves church following the services: approximately 11:15 Travel to cemetery Set flag line . Ride Captain: Carl Swofford, 386-793-0030, CarlS@patriotguard.org Forecast: Monday: A 40% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Remember to hydrate, the heat is on! Sadly and respectfully submitted, Carl Swofford Senior Ride Captain Patriot Guard Riders CarlS@patriotguard.org 386-793-0030 Riding in loving memory of CW2 Justin S. Swofford

Sandy Hohne, Carroll County, Maryland Ride Captain and Forum Moderator TOU Enforcement Agent ASA"Brat" - (Army Security Agency) In God they trusted, all others they monitored...

CarlS

Posts: 3655
Senior Ride Captain

Altamonte Springs, FL

Florida State Captain (retired)

13 May 2009 8:20 PM	Alert
To Rick's lovely family, I send my heartfelt sympathy in your tragic loss. May God give you strength, comfort and healing as you walk this dark road. To Rick, it is an honor to know you and to have ridden and stood flag lines with you. Thank you for your service to our nation. And thank you for your unselfish friendship. I will miss you, my brother. Godspeed and rest in peace. We have the watch.

CarlS US Army 1966-2000 CarlS@patriotguard.org 386-793-0030 Gold Star & Blue Star Dad Riding in loving memory of CW2 Justin S Swofford and Tom "FLAMAN2U" Rowell

ClayAlan

Posts: 53
Jacksonville, Florida

13 May 2009 8:41 PM	Alert
Thank you, Commander Spon. Job Well Done.

Standing in Honor of PVT Austin Pigg CSA 1862-1865 SGT Austin Hollis Sr. USMC 1946-1951 If you don't stand behind our troops, PLEASE feel free to stand in front of them!

Drem

Posts: 2869
Jacksonville, FL

13 May 2009 8:50 PM	Alert
My thoughts and prayers go out to Elaine and the rest of Rick's family and firends. Looking skyward, Rick I thank you for your dedicatied service to our Country and for your willingness to Stand for our Country's Heroes. While sadly you have left this world, I know the PGR Brothers and Sisters riding the Golden Highwyas were their to receive you home. My thanks to you also for sharing just a few short days ago the memories of escorting Carl Christiansen at the USS Arizona Memorial. I know that Mr. Christiansen and his Brother Welcomed you Home as well. Rest easy Sir, we have the watch. Standing by in Jacksonville.

Riding in HONOR of Cpl. William "Josh" Rechenmacher and Clair C. "Doc" Chaffin WWII Veteran In Memory of my Dad and his Brothers: Ralph A. Terreault Sr A3C US Air Force Allan R. Terreault Sr SSgt US Air Force World War II, Korea, Vietnam Edwin S. Terreault Sr A3C US Air Force Paul E. Terreault SSgt US Air Force World War II, Korea, Vietnam USAF 79-88 Homestead, Grissom, Mtn. Home. Member of ALR Post 137

satyr

Posts: 7366
Raleigh, NC

13 May 2009 9:02 PM	Alert
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of U.S. Navy (ret) veteran and PGR brother, Commander Richard A. 'Rick' Spoon. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rick, thank you for standing for our country and defending our freedoms and interests. Rest in peace sir. I salute you.

satyr Steve Roma USAF 1976 - 1980, TAC Dry Hill AFS, Watertown, NY Finland AFS, Finland, MN We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies. - Moina Micheals - 1918 "We Shall Keep the Faith" Inspired by the poem "In Flanders Field"

Pepper_guy User is Offline

Posts: 10921
Lacey, WA

13 May 2009 9:12 PM	Alert
My sincere condolences and prayers to family and friends of Cdr. Richard A. "Rick" Spon, U.S. Navy Retired / PGR Member. Cdr. Spon, I am forever grateful for your service to our country and our Fallen Heroes. Your service and sacrifices will not be forgotten. You are a "TRUE AMERICAN HERO". May you Forever Rest in Peace.

Junius Henry PGR Member #10094

mailman

Posts: 24548
West Branch, MI - Michigan Regional Ride Captain Zephyrhills, FL - Florida Senior Ride Captain

13 May 2009 9:35 PM	Alert
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of PGR Member/USN (Ret) Commander Richard A (Rick) Spon. Rest In Peace Sir.

"Eyes on the olive branch, but arrows at the ready." Jim "mailman" US Army 1970 - 1972

SpyderRyder User is Offline

Posts: 3896
Orange Park, FL

13 May 2009 9:43 PM	Alert
Thank you for my freedom CDR Spon. May you rest in peace. “Some people’s lives can truly make a difference however long or short their lives on earth. They give the gifts of kindness and of caring. They sow the seeds of friendship and self-worth. Some people’s lives are beautiful examples of putting others first, and when they are gone, the lives of those they touched are so much richer, and the love they shared lives on and on.”

Mike (SpyderRyder) Gregory It's all about freedom!

ROBERTRPEARMAN User is Offline

Posts: 5997
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY

13 May 2009 10:08 PM	Alert
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF USN VETERAN (RET) AND PGR MEMBER CDR. RICHARD A. (RICK) SPON. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. REST IN PEACE BROTHER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. ROBERT AND JUANITA

YOU ARE NEVER REALLY GONE UNTIL YOU ARE FORGOTTEN ROBERT R PEARMAN US AIR FORCE 1961 - 1965 AMERICAN LEGION VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS

Daze

Posts: 787
North Jacksonville Florida, Senior Ride Captain

14 May 2009 1:50 AM	Alert
It will be my honor to stand in Respect for CDR. Spon (Raspon) There will be a hole in our heartsm and an empty space in the flag line, due to his going before us. We will be secure in the knowledge that he awaits us with his flag flying as we join him again at a future date. Thank you Commander for you service in assuring the freedoms we all enjoy. I Salute you Sir, and was pleased to have called you Brother and stood the line with you. John "Daze" Vincent Senior Ride Captain Jacksonville, Fl. One flag or five hundred, the PGR will be there. Never Again!! This IS what we do! U.S. Navy, 1964-1970 Viet-Nam 1965-1967 U.S.S. Beale (DD471) Tonkin Gulf/Yankee Station 1965-66 U.S.S. Charles R. Ware (DD865) Tonkin Gulf/Yankee Station 1966-67 U.S.S. Skill (MSO 471) Charleston, S.C. 1969-70 “There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of evil men." - Edmund Burke Standing in Honor of all who serve, in memory of all who have served, and await us in a better place

sig22

Posts: 4341
New Port Richey, Fl

Senior Ride Captain

FL State Captain - Retired

14 May 2009 4:01 AM	Alert
I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of our PGR brother and friend Rick Spon. May the Lord comfort you in the difficult days ahead. Godspeed Rick.....Godspeed..... Those we love remain with us For love itself lives on…. Cherished memories never fade Because one loved is gone. Those we love can never be More than a thought apart…. For as long as there is memory, They live on in our hearts.

Bobbie Bilotta Sig22@patriotguard.org RIDING IN LOVING MEMORY OF: PGR AL/GA Ride Captain and Past National Executive Director Bill "Snap" Lines - 26 Jan 10 "You just don't know when an old vet will Snap" PGR TN member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008 "Optimistically pessimistic about life" PGR GA Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008 "It's all good" PGR FL Senior Ride Captain Jack "Jacklok" Loken - 20 Oct 2007 "Take care, ride safe" Always in our thoughts....Forever in our hearts....

Starbike

Posts: 1457
Senior Ride Captain Groveland, FL

14 May 2009 4:55 AM	Alert
My sincere gratitude for the military service and PGR service of CDR Richard (Rick) Spon --- May You Forever Rest In Peace Sir --- Your Watch Is Now Complete. My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Commander Spon --- your loved one is a True American Hero and will not be forgotten by many grateful Americans or the Patriot Guard Riders --- May God Bless You All. Godspeed "raspon" ..................................... Terry Hanifin

Proud Florida PGR Member, Mentor, Medic, and FNC Ride Captain Proud WV PGR Member --- in absentia Riding in honor of my parents: 2LT. Elizabeth L. Hanifin and 1LT. Robert W. Hanifin Riding with my brothers: SGT Robert C. Hanifin --- USAF '68 - '72 and CA PGR and ---------------------- SGT David P. Hanifin USAF '70 - '74 and WV PGR Ride Captain/District Captain and his wife Patricia Hanifin - WV PGR - HOTH Coordinator

Wayne18

Posts: 914
Interlachen, Fl. Senior Ride Captain

14 May 2009 4:56 AM	Alert
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of PGR Brother, CDR. Richard A. Spon USN (Ret) May God comfort you in this time of sorrow

Wayne Howell USMC 57-64 66-68 Director ALR Post 293 Florida Retreads North Central Area Rep

sneakysnake User is Offline

Posts: 7246
Panama City, Fl.

14 May 2009 5:07 AM	Alert
Gail and I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of CDR. Richard A. (Rick) Spon. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all. Ricks service to our nation in the Navy and again through the PGR will always be remembered. May he now rest in everlasting peace.

James Davis BoD/VP Captains Honored to be a member of the Flag Line It Ain't Easy Bein' Me! sneakysnake.pgr.rc@gmail.com

papajonohio User is Offline

Posts: 3371
NW Ohio Ride Captain

14 May 2009 5:21 AM	Alert
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of PGR member and Navy Veteran, CDR Richard Spon. My heartfelt condolences go out to all Rick's family and friends. Thank You to a true hero who answered the call to duty, performing the selfless act of giving of oneself to serve their country. Thank You for your service. A veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor

FOR THOSE WHO MAN THE BATTLE LINE, THE BUGLE WHISPERS LOW, AND FREEDOM HAS A TASTE AND PRICE, THE PROTECTED NEVER KNOW... * * * * * * THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS WRITTEN ON THE WALL * * * * * * ~~~~ Vietnam – ’67-’68 ~~~~~

HDriderDave1 User is Offline

Posts: 7550
N. AL Ride Capt. Madison, AL

14 May 2009 5:52 AM	Alert
God Bless CDR Richard A. (Rick) Spon (My PGR Brother), family and friends. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Thank you for your service and sacrifice great warrior. I pray the lord takes you into his Kingdom and may you rest in peace. You will not be forgotten "A True American Hero"! I Salute You Sir! I will be standing there in Spirit with my fellow brothers & sisters. Dave

Lord Jesus help me as I mourn, comfort me with the knowledge of your love which is stronger than death. Enable me to trust you for the future of my love ones and myself. Help me to cast all of my care on you, knowing that the grave holds no power over those who trust in you. Amen.

Harley LDO User is Offline

Posts: 215
Virginia Beach, VA

14 May 2009 6:16 AM	Alert
I was deeply saddened to receive Elaine's call Wednesday evening. Rick was a prior enlisted (Mustang officer) who always went out of his way to take care of his folks...a true believer in our country and someone who sought out the PGR as a way to continue to honor those very ideals and the men and women who have served. Rick's loss will leave a large hole in our Navy retired community as he had so much to offer and wanted to accomplish. God bless you Rick...you have been an extraordinary shipmate, friend and patriot. My sincerest heartfelt thank you to the PGR members who will be able to honor Rick on the 18th! In deepest respect, CDR Dick Landick, USN (Ret)

Dick Landick (PGR #42559) CDR (LDO), USN (Ret) USN 1960-1994 Vietnam Vet In-country 1967-68 (NAVADVGRU VN/Saigon) Tonkin Patrol 1968 (USS ROGERS (DD-876)) Retired Navy/Retired Ford Motor Co Retired from work but not life!! Riding in memory and honor of CDR Rick Spon, USN (Ret), a patriot, friend, fellow Navy Mustang and PGR brother, 1951-2009 Riding in memory and honor of my father-in-law, TM1 Robert D. Heckert, USN (Ret), WWII vet and Purple Heart recipient, 1924-1998 "The Nation Which Forgets its Defenders Will Itself be Forgotten!"

goatroper

Posts: 22

14 May 2009 6:17 AM	Alert
My sympathies to the family of this hero. Brother, thank you for your service, both in uniform and with the PGR. It is time for you to take your well deserved rest. I know it is difficult for you, but we will carry on and honor you each mission we accomplish. Msgt Jim "Vinnie" Dryer USAF, Ret.

Shadowrider70 User is Offline

Posts: 355
Jacksonville, Florida

14 May 2009 6:36 AM	Alert
My thoughts and prayers are with Rick's family during this difficult time

Lance Wallace

Lady Harley User is Offline

Posts: 289
PGR Ride Captain, District 5, Virginia Beach, VA

14 May 2009 6:52 AM	Alert
Rick, thank you for your willingness to defend the United States of America and her freedoms and interests. Your passing brings much sorrow and sadness to the hearts and lives of your family, friends, military brothers and sisters, each and every member of the Patriot Guard Riders, and all who truly appreciate their freedom. We are proud of your service and dedication in that which you believed in and fought for. Your mission is complete. You are truly an American hero and the world in which we live is a safer place because of your commitment to freedom. We will now proudly stand in spirit for you with honor, dignity, and respect. We pray that you will now rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord and may He provide peace, comfort, and understanding to each life you touched. To Elaine, may the Lord wrap you in His comforting arms and guide you with His grace as you hold dearly the memories you made together. Know that we are here if you should need anything. To Jason, Dick and I are truly blessed to have known and loved your father. You were the light of his life and he was so very proud of you. With gratitude, deepest respect and heartfelt sympathy. LNC Rebecca Landick, USN (Ret)

Becca Landick (PGR #43754) LNC, USN (Ret) Civil Service, DON (Ret) Former LEO PGR Ride Captain (District 5) Riding in memory and honor of my Father, TM1 Robert D. Heckert, USN (Ret) (WWII), Purple Heart recipient, 1924-1998 Riding in memory and honor of CDR Rick A. Spon, USN (Ret), dear friend and PGR Brother, 1951-2009 There is no greater honor than to respect those who have shown the strongest, most generous, and proudest of all virtues...courage.

MaeLyneS

Posts: 410

aka Sidecar Sallie

Altamonte Springs, FL

14 May 2009 7:10 AM	Alert
Elaine, I am so sorry to learn of Rick's passing. I send you and the family my sincere, heartfelt sympathy. You and the family are in my prayers as you face this awful, dark time. May God give you comfort and healing. Rick is a true American hero who served our country in uniform and honored others who served through the PGR. I am thankful to him for his role in keeping our country free and for the privilige of standing with him in the flag line. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts and in our flag line. Godspeed, Rick, and rest in God's eternal peace.

Mae Lyne - Sidecar Sallie Honoring our Warriors Proud Gold and Blue Star Mom Riding in honor of CW2 Justin S Swofford Feb 9,1978 - Feb 9, 2002

sdoise

Posts: 9112
Duson, La.

14 May 2009 8:43 AM	Alert
I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of Richard A. (Rick) Spon and my sincere appreciation of his military service to preserve our way of life. May he rest in peace.

Schelly "Toro" Ride Captain for Lake Charles, La. and surrounding area American Legion Post 318, Elton, La. DEFINITION OF A VETERAN A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life." Author Unknown

custer7thcav User is Offline

Posts: 9270
Hillsboro, Ohio

14 May 2009 10:35 AM	Alert
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Commander Richard A. Spon. Thank you, Rick, for your service. God bless you, and be with your family during this very difficult time. Rest in peace.

custer7thcav In honor and memory of Sgt. Bill L. Mullins, 1/7 Cav, Vietnam '65-'66 and Frank Cicirelli, USN, WWII

banditbob

Posts: 3893
Virginia Beach. District 5 Hampton Roads Ride Captain

14 May 2009 11:40 AM	Alert
My wife and I want to thank you CDR Richard A (Rick) Spon for your sacrifice to this Country. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loved one's and friends.

banditbob Robert K. Reynolds District 5 Hampton Roads Ride Captin Virginia Beach Va. US Army, Armor 3AD 1/32 Armor "Bandits" 1972 to 1976 (the original Bandits) Indian Cove RV Resort, Secretary Board of Directors. Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 20 Chaplain and Service Officer Virginia Beach. Association United States Army (AUSA) Honor and Remember, Military Liason Officer 1st Cav. Div. 2/5 Black Knights, Armor Our debt to the Heroic men and Valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid . They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices (President Harry S. Truman) During these days of many trials and tribulations that our land of the free are facing, let us remember to hold our heads up high in remembrance for those who gave their life for our freedom and those that are still in harms way for this cause. Pray for the brokenhearted and proclaim victory for those who are held captive. Lord, You are the light of the world and we declare You to be Lord over every nation. We know your light shines in darkness and the darkness does not always comprehend, but we also know You light will always prevail. Amen. Chaplin, Lorraine Richmond. OLD BANDITS NEVER DIE, THEY JUST FADE AWAY In Memory of my Dad, Frank Reynolds Sr. Window/Tail Gunner B-17 USAAF, WWII

Billboy

Posts: 5839
Webster, Fl.

14 May 2009 11:57 AM	Alert
My Sincere Condolences go out to Family and Friends of US Navy Veteran, (Ret) PGR Brother, CDR Richard A. (Rick) Spon, Though you will be missed you will not be forgotten, Thank you for your Service. Rest in Peace and God be with you. “You Will Forever Be Remembered” Bill Snelson (Billboy) US Army, Vietnam Veteran PGR Senior Ride Captain, Mentor Webster, Fl.

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Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives > CDR Richard A (Rick) Spon, 57, USN (Retired), PGR member, Orange Park, FL, 18 MAY 09

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