towman95 
Posts: 2960
Bullhead City Az. Forum Moderator
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| 01 Aug 2009 10:00 AM |
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Fellow riders, if all goes well, LA will receive the flag from the Beaumont leg at 0930 hrs. on Friday morning. On the road for 10, a stop around Jennings, a stop in Scott/Lafayette, in Baton Rouge for 1230-1300 hrs., one more stop at exit 74 Lacomb and we should be at MS state line between 1500 and 1600 hrs. This is all contingent upon traffic and how long our refueling stops take. I will make it as fast as we can.
For the LA riders meeting at the Exit 4 Longhorn Club parking lot - try to be there for 0900. We will KSU as soon as we receive the flag. Beaumont riders might be early. We should be able to get Cpl. Gares' flag across to AL or maybe even to Pensacola by the end of the day. It's only 4 hrs. (by car) from Baton Rouge to Pensacola. We need to make our stops short. Water will be available. Please bring your own food if you can (sandwich, snacks, etc.). We are not planning on stopping for a meal. Small bike-mounted flags are encouraged. Fly the big ones at your own risk. I will not have my big flags flying as interstate speeds for such an extended time would likely shred or tear them.
Please check this board before retiring tonight and upon rising tomorrow morning. Any last minute changes will be posted here. I cannot telephone everyone.
Ride safe and God bless.
coltergeist
John Colter, a.k.a. "coltergeist"
Patriot Guard Louisiana Assistant State Captain
Secretary, Blue Knights LA VII
<script></script>
On 04 August 2009 the PGR will undertake the delivery of a casket flag from Michael Alan Gare's military honors, completed here in CA, to his daughter in FL. We will transfer the flag from rider to rider like a pony express. We will start on 04 Aug 2009 at 0900 PDT.
PGR riders from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi. Alabama, and Florida will be carrying the flag. FL PGR riders will complete the delivery. I will be handing off the Flag at the AZ Border more details to follow.
Craig H Donor
GySgt USMC (ret)
Cell 909 208 7703
pgrgunny-001@yahoo.com
PGR SoCal State Captain
THE ORIGINAL MISSION THREAD:
Michael served as a Cpl US Marines and is a Vietnam Vet.
This mission will be held with the 12 American Heroes mission. Due to the families inability to attend the PGR will be his Family. We will see that he receives Full Military Honors. His Flag and rounds will be sent to his 18 yr. old Daughter who resides with her Mother in Flordia.
Timetable:
04 AUG 09
0900 HRS.
Gunny
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TOU Enforcement Agent
USMC 1979 - 1983
FREEDOM ISNT FREE.
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS WRITTEN ON THE WALL!!! |
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hdpgsusnavyvet
Posts: 270
Southern California
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| 01 Aug 2009 11:15 AM |
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Here's the exact timetable:
DAY 1 / Tues Aug 4 / RNC, CA to Ehrenberg, AZ / responsible state = CA
DAY 2 / Wed Aug 5 / Ehrenberg, AZ to San Simon, AZ / responsible state = AZ
San Simon, AZ to El Paso, TX / responsible state = NM
DAY 3 & 4 / Thur Aug 6 / El Paso, TX to Lake Charles, AL / responsible state= TX
DAY 5 & 6 / Sat Aug 8 / Lake Charles, LA to Palm Coast, FL / responsible state = Dixie region
Ride safe and THANK YOU for being involved in this noble cause . . . |
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Philip 'Buz' Sawyer
Proud UCLA Bruin alum
Proud US Navy CTI Russian linguist / 'airdale' VietNam era vet
Proud son of a WWII Army Air Corp vet / Pacific theater B-17 plane captain
Proud father of a US Army vet who pulled 2 tours of duty in Iraq
Proud SoCal PGR rider since Nov 2007 / ID # 124062 meaning there are AT LEAST 124,062 of us |
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hdpgsusnavyvet
Posts: 270
Southern California
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| 01 Aug 2009 12:05 PM |
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DAY ONE / Tuesday August 4 staging info:
08:00 Riverside National Cemetary
22495 Van Buren Blvd
Riverside, CA 92518
stage in the cript burial area at the rear of RNC / enter thru back gate
08:15 pre ride meeting
08:30 media access
09:00 KSU for trip down I 10 to Ehrenberg, AZ
Come for the sendoff and / or go as far as you can towards AZ with us. We will have several volunteer chase vehicles and will stop every hour for rest and hydration . . .
Ride safe! |
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Philip 'Buz' Sawyer
Proud UCLA Bruin alum
Proud US Navy CTI Russian linguist / 'airdale' VietNam era vet
Proud son of a WWII Army Air Corp vet / Pacific theater B-17 plane captain
Proud father of a US Army vet who pulled 2 tours of duty in Iraq
Proud SoCal PGR rider since Nov 2007 / ID # 124062 meaning there are AT LEAST 124,062 of us |
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mailman
Posts: 24548
West Branch, MI - Michigan Regional Ride Captain Zephyrhills, FL - Florida Senior Ride Captain
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| 01 Aug 2009 1:10 PM |
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| Everyone ride safe. What an honorable thing to be part of. I will be with you in spirit. |
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"Eyes on the olive branch, but arrows at the ready."
Jim
"mailman"
US Army 1970 - 1972 |
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FLBATFISH
Posts: 1113
FONTANA CA, & LAS VEGAS NV.
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| 01 Aug 2009 4:26 PM |
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Day One/Stage One Itinerary
On 04 Aug 2009 we will leave Riverside National Cemetery (RNC) 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518-2740 at 0900 SHARP. We will proceed 74 miles (1hr 09 min) to The TA Truck stop at 46155 Dillon Rd, Coachella, CA 92236 for a rest stop and hydration.
The second leg will be from the TA 98 miles 1hr 26 min to the Flying J Truck stop 1 south Frontage rd Ehrenberg, AZ 85534. We will transfer the flag to the AZ riders. We will rest eat and then go back, stopping in Indio then to our homes in CA.
Timetable:
0800 Stage in internment area 62 at RNC (enter the back gate off Village west Dr) enter and turn at the first right.
0815 Mission Meeting
0900 KSU.
1010 Estimated arrival at the TA in Coachella
1030 KSU for Ehrenberg, AZ
1200 (AZ time) estimated arrival at Ehrenberg, AZ
All riders are welcome and Chase vehicles needed. We will maintain the posted speed limits.
Why such an ambitious undertaking? Delivering a Casket flag From Riverside CA to Palm Coast FL. I could have given it to Fed X and let them do it.
The answer is simple Michael Alan Gares was treated with love by Gregg Walker (the mortician that retrieved him from the coroner at his own expense). The PGR lovingly escorted him and made sure he had his Military Honors. Now we will transport his flag from rider to rider so we can deliver it with Love to his Daughter. Seems simple enough to me an unbroken thread of Love.
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Craig H Donor
GY SGT USMC (ret)
So Cal State Captain
909 208 7703
pgrgunny-001@yahoo.com
There are a thousand things I'd rather do.
NONE are more important. |
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Joseph6442
Posts: 21
North Carolina
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| 02 Aug 2009 8:03 AM |
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I just found this thread and while I live in NC and won't be able to attend. I had to stop by and let each of you know how much love and respect i have for you. I am a civilian and cannot fully appreciate the brotherhood / sisterhood you all have for each other. I do know that I am honored to be associated with the PGR and as the father in law to a US Marine who is currently in Iraq and the dad of a Young Marines Private I could not be more proud. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. My condolences go out to the family.
Semper Fi
Joe Messina |
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sneakysnake
Posts: 7246
Panama City, Fl.
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| 02 Aug 2009 8:08 AM |
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| The Dixie Region is Honored to have this Express run routed through 4 of our States. We are standing by and ready. |
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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
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Old School
Posts: 306
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| 02 Aug 2009 12:09 PM |
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After talking to a couple folks yesterday who are making this trip we decided due to the heat we should schedule in those two rest stops between Ehrenberg and Phoenix. I have also included a "drive thru" of the rest stop just south of Phoenix so others could join in if they want. Just fall in behind the last MC. I have also changed the times by a few minutes..... This should be firm but if need be can be changed but I doubt it. Only thing that might slow us down is a thundershower. Turtle, can we put your phone number out so folks that are hooking up with us can contact you since you will be in a truck?
All times are on Tuesday 4 Aug.
Anyone wanting to ride with me to Ehrenberg Tues morning, I'm leaving from the Pilot south of I-10 on 99th Ave at approximately 1000 hours. Want to get there early so we can cool off and rest up for trip back. Don’t want this to turn into an Iron Butt run so we will be stopping more often and also want as many as we can to be able to carry the flag. Questions or comments give me a call or email me.........
1300. Obtain flag from CA folks at the Flying J in Ehrenberg. Its just inside the AZ side of the border with Ca., on the south side of the freeway. Will leave approx 1400.
Will prob stop at the rest stops at MP 52 and MP 88.
1630 arrive the Pilot south of I-10 at MP 133, 99th Ave. Depart 99th Ave at approximately 1650
1740 Drive Thur of Rest Stop at M.P. 183 on I-10.
1800 arrive Pilot Truck Stop/Iron Skillet Restaurant, MP 200 Casa Grande. Depart at approximately 1825 hours.
Arrive Marana, MP 236, Chevron Gas Station at approx 1900 hrs. and hand flag off to Tucson PGR folks. The Flag will remain with Larry B Tuesday night.
Larry B will depart the Houghton Road Park and Ride, MP 275, at 0530 Hours Wed/Aug 5th on its way to New Mexico. Park and ride is on North side of freeway.
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Pat Eagan
It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required.
Sir Winston Churchill |
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hdpgsusnavyvet
Posts: 270
Southern California
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| 02 Aug 2009 5:17 PM |
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To view part of the video that will be given to Jennifer Gares go to the CALIFORNIA forum and look under SUBJECT 'Michael Alan Gares video for daughter'.
GREAT job Kim!
Buz Sawyer |
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Philip 'Buz' Sawyer
Proud UCLA Bruin alum
Proud US Navy CTI Russian linguist / 'airdale' VietNam era vet
Proud son of a WWII Army Air Corp vet / Pacific theater B-17 plane captain
Proud father of a US Army vet who pulled 2 tours of duty in Iraq
Proud SoCal PGR rider since Nov 2007 / ID # 124062 meaning there are AT LEAST 124,062 of us |
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FLBATFISH
Posts: 1113
FONTANA CA, & LAS VEGAS NV.
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| 02 Aug 2009 6:04 PM |
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| I need a count of the So Cal riders/chase cars going. Please Email me directly at PGRGUNNY-001@yahoo.com. |
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Craig H Donor
GY SGT USMC (ret)
So Cal State Captain
909 208 7703
pgrgunny-001@yahoo.com
There are a thousand things I'd rather do.
NONE are more important. |
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rss1006
Posts: 75
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| 02 Aug 2009 9:29 PM |
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| I am going to be joining the ride in Banning, just past the 60/10 merge. If anyone is in the area that wants to meet, I am in a White Ford Ranger truck. I will be there about 9:10 or so. I will be bringing cold water, a smaller ice chest with ice and some snack foods. |
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Sharon
Proud Mom of a Navy Seabee 1990-1996 |
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Marine2366
Posts: 106
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| 03 Aug 2009 8:32 AM |
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There has been a slight change for the Wednesday morning leg of the Tucson to New Mexico escort. Please refer to the AZ forum for info.
Larry B
Riding in Memory of the Marines of Second Batt, Third Marines who fell on the Hills of 881N, 881S and 861. |
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UncleJoe4u
Posts: 18
Torrance, California
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| 03 Aug 2009 8:44 AM |
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I plan to participate in the mission from RNC to Ehrenberg. I will most likely remain overnight in Ehrenberg/Blythe and return home on Wednesday morning. Is anyone else planning to do this? My email is unclejoe4u@verizon.net.
Semper Fi, Joe
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coltergeist
Posts: 229
Baton Rouge LA
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| 03 Aug 2009 12:35 PM |
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Louisiana is standing by. In receipt of tentative schedule from Texas. They are planning on getting to Beaumont around 1800-1900 hrs. on Thursday evening Aug. 6. We can get it Friday Aug 7 morning west of Lake Charles and have it through LA, MS, and AL and in Pensacola by late afternoon, depending on length of stops/breaks.
my email : coltergeist@mindspring.com
my cell: 225-933-8506
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"Heroes Live Forever" -- NLEOMF
Louisiana Assistant State Captain
Semper Fi !!
USMCR Wpns.Co. 3/23 RO/FO '82-'88 |
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sarg12
Posts: 336
Asst. Ride Captain Mineral Point Mo.
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| 03 Aug 2009 5:37 PM |
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I hope you don't mind me sticking my nose in, I just noticed this thread and wanted to say how proud I am to belong to such a great group of people. The good that the PGR does for so many is beyond comparision to anything I have ever belonged to. Ride safe my brothers and sisters our prayers are with you every step of the way.
Lloyd Shoults
USMC 68-70
1st Marine Division HQ CO |
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The only thing that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.
Lloyd Shoults
USMC 68-70
1st Marine Division HQ CO
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hdpgsusnavyvet
Posts: 270
Southern California
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| 03 Aug 2009 9:57 PM |
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Tomorrow is the start of the Michael Alan Gares CA to FL pony express. To all the riders who will be a part of this honorable endeavor PLEASE ride safe! The plaque we have will only hold about 40 signatures so please limit this to those carrying The Package. The creator of the plaque says if anything falls off just use Elmer's glue and your imagination. We are also sending along a book for ALL riders to sign and include messages for Jennifer Gares if desired. Please take pics of turnovers, shots along the way, etc. You can email them to me at hdpgsra@yahoo.com and I will see that Jennifer gets them. Please include descriptions if possible. I want to also say a BIG thank you to all the PGR folks who came together and made this possible! I am still blown away by the fine work YOU did to pull this off, even in the middle of Summer thru the HOT part of this fine country . . .
Thankfully
Buz Sawyer, proud US Navy Vietnam era vet and SoCal PGR member and r/c |
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Philip 'Buz' Sawyer
Proud UCLA Bruin alum
Proud US Navy CTI Russian linguist / 'airdale' VietNam era vet
Proud son of a WWII Army Air Corp vet / Pacific theater B-17 plane captain
Proud father of a US Army vet who pulled 2 tours of duty in Iraq
Proud SoCal PGR rider since Nov 2007 / ID # 124062 meaning there are AT LEAST 124,062 of us |
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03Chief
Posts: 130
SoCal PGR Ride Captain Team
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| 03 Aug 2009 10:39 PM |
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I will be ready to ride Tues morning...
Thanx, Danny |
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Riding for our fallen - As others will ride for us someday...
Click the arrow >
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Rich Blackaby
Posts: 175
Riverside, Ca
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| 04 Aug 2009 7:09 AM |
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| Gary (Zookeeper) and myself (Honor Man) along with my wife will be bringing the van with water and goodies for the ride to AZ. To All..Ride Safe |
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God and Country/Steadfast and Loyal
Richard "Rich" Blackaby (Sgt. "B")
Pres. 4th Infantry Division Assn. CA. Chapter
Past 1st Vice Commander - American Legion Post 79, Riverside, Ca (2008-09)
Honor Guard, Team 12 RNC
PGR #: 139413 "Honor Man"
Proud Blue Star Dad and Uncle
Proud PGR/ALR Member |
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fishfixer
Posts: 75
California
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| 04 Aug 2009 7:36 AM |
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To all the men and women of the PGR who are participating on this mission:
God bless you all and may He watch over you and keep you safe as you deliver Michael Alan Gares' flag to his daughter in Florida. And may God see you all safely back home once your leg of the mission is completed.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
God Bless America and the PGR
Brian Soma
USN Veteran '77/'87 |
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Electron
Posts: 3
Huntsville, Alabama
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| 04 Aug 2009 8:29 AM |
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| I wish I could be riding along on a part of this mission, but failing that, is anyone recording some video of the "views along the road" across the states, and capturing video of the several state-by-state handoff activities? I would sure like to watch the progress as this pony express ride unfolds over the next several days.
Steve Jones
Huntsville, Alabama
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Harley Harrold
Posts: 13635
Meridian, MS.
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| 04 Aug 2009 9:28 AM |
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| I plan to make this mission leaving from Meridian, MS. traveling down I-59 to the LA / MS Welcome Center then on to Mobile,AL. Standing by for more information as this ride unfolds. |
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ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL.
They may take my LIFE, but they will NEVER take my FREEDOM!
"It is accomplished by the few for the many - FREEDOM!" Harley
USN 1971-1975
USAF 1975 -
Riding in memory of the Vietnam war, that it will NOT be repeated.
2007 Harley Davidson Fatboy (Dragon Warrior)
Here be Dragons...from Houston, Texas.
Member of: American Legion, VFW Post 79, Post Jr. Vice Commander, MRF, NRA, Poplar Springs United Methodist Church, National HOG, Heart of Dixie HOG Chapter (Pelham,Ala.), and the Harley Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain,UK. I am a Full time biker [40+ years]. My motto is, "Ride hard or stay on the porch!!!!!!!" |
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Ridley
Posts: 2990
NW GA/NE AL; Pic of our Soldier
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| 04 Aug 2009 10:02 AM |
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| Prayers for safety up! Thank you all for all you do. Watching from the sidelines.............. |
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Pam Blalock
PGR Flagholder
770-655-3008
Patriot Guard Rider - Part of it - Proud of it - No Borders
In each of us two natures are at war - the good and the evil. All our lives the fight goes on between them, and one of them must conquer. But in our own hands lies the power to choose - What we want most to be, we are. Jekyll & Hyde
In Memory:
Mike "Deltoid" Bland
Dale "DragonWing" Duvall
H.K. "Pop" Edwards
Riding in Honor of Specialist Coby Brown, Proudly serving in Afghanistan.
Original Membership 7-20-2006
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Mark Hooper
Posts: 49
N. Al. Ride Capt. Hazel Green, AL
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| 04 Aug 2009 10:46 AM |
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| Due to the time line Kathy and I will not be able to make this mission. In the event that it does not make to MS. Al. line on friday, we may catch up on Saturday.
In any event, we wish a SAFE and TIMELY ride for all that are participating, and GOD bless and keep a watchful hand on you at all times. |
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Mark "aracemedic" Hooper
N. Al. Ride Captain
The steps of a man are established by the LORD...When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong because the LORD is the ONE who holds his hand. Psalm 37: 23-24
In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is IMMORTALITY. Proverbs 12: 28
" Plan to do the NEXT RIGHT THING, instead of doing the next thing right." - Micheal J. Fox |
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Marco
Posts: 173
Decatur Al.
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| 04 Aug 2009 11:59 AM |
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| Don, I will see you friday afternoon at the state line welcome center, Marco PS- I will call you thursday night. |
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Standing For Those Who Stood For Us
Senior Ride Captain
Past, Dixie Regional Capt.
ALR Post - 15
USAF VET. 1960-1968 ( SAC - B52'S )
Original membership date (May 2006 )
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donherrin1
Posts: 27
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| 04 Aug 2009 2:13 PM |
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Thanks Marco,have a safe trip.
The Pony Express Mission from Ca To Fl will now enter Al on Friday 8/7/09
Tentative Schedule for those crossing Al to Fl
Staging I-10 at Tillman’s Corner Exit 17 go north to first traffic light. Take left into Wall-Mart parking lot.
Time 1300 “1:00PM” KSU 1315 “1:15 PM” This will put us at Al Welcome Center by 1345”1:45 PM”
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