This is a CONFIRMED DEPARTURE MISSION FOR 634TH BRIGADE SUPPORT BATTALION Alpha Co on July 25th since the commander approved PGR honors.  Commander would like us there prior to families' arrival.  This is not a RIDE but a FLAG LINE.

Ceremony is July 25th 2006, 11:30 AM at the Armory for the 634th Alpha Co.

I-57 just North West of the Mall.

Meet in the parking lot of the armory in Mattoon at 7:00 AM with PGR briefing at 7:30.  Families of the deployed will arrive for pre-departure briefing to commence at 8:00 AM.  Then PGR will fall-out for a long break.  We will reform our flag line at 11:00 and then join the actual ceremony at 11:30 near the door so we can quickly fall-in for a flag line at the end of the  ceremony.

Armory-National Guard Company A
Logan Broadway, Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 235-5937

Ride Report for the Special Mission Departure Ceremony of the 634th Alpha Company

The 634th Alpha Co sent approximately 170 Army National Guard on their way to Iraq today with a departure ceremony at the Armory in Mattoon, Illinois.  It was easy for my husband and I to find the Armory with the flag hoisted high on the Fire Department ladder like a giant landmark between highways 16 and 121.  A few Patriot Guard members were there when we arrived. 

Our mission demanded two parts, the flag detail for the arrival before the family briefings and later for the ceremony.  We fell into formation for the families as they entered from the parking lot to the building.  Once the family briefings began we broke loose for a few hours to reform our line at 11:00 per instructions given.  I went for a walk to the little mall but most went to the restaurant a block away.  A vacant store’s window was lined with newspaper clippings about the military and Hometown Heroes.  Yep, I had to pull a chair from the food court to see the top articles.

The family’s arrival dictated that I re-form flag line earlier than told by organizers so that’s what I did.  Those still arriving at 11:00 grabbed a flag and joined us. When the ceremony began, PGR moved inside the crowded, un-air conditioned auditorium.  We proudly stood with our flags near the front of the crowded auditorium and were the last in and first out.  The orders were read and dignitaries said parting words. As warm as the auditorium was, PGR was glad to stand out in the sun!

We had two that were new to PGR excluding the two that accompanied Gary.  A sergeant that was at Specialist Reynolds’ funeral asked me if I remembered her.  I did and there was little more to say so we just hugged. 

I dismissed the PGR with the invite from the Mattoon American Legion for lunch.

Frank accepted a certificate of thanks from the ANG to the Patriot Guard for supporting them today.

I thank those that showed up, especially those taking time off of work like myself.  Our presence was thanked by those that were there for the ceremony.  At least 4 individuals made a point to shake all of your hands personally.  I would like to thank Linda for helping with the local information that I needed.  Thanks, Glenda, our Soldier's Angel. I will never forget 74-year-old Fred Rogers for his health and stamina that he had standing there with us holding a flag.  Thank you Bill, American Legion Manager, for your hospitality.  The newly opened Legion has got to be one of the best in the state.

You are Patriot Guards.  I am one of you!

To the servicemembers and families -- my prayers and blessings for a good mission and look forward to a safe return.

~+~ Rose ~+~
Ride Captain