Mission Report – SSgt Gary Harper, Virden, IL > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing

Unanswered

Active Topics

Forums

Members

Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives

Subject: Mission Report – SSgt Gary Harper, Virden, IL

You are not authorized to post a reply.

Author

Messages

ivetret

Posts: 2449
Shermer, IL

10 Dec 2005 3:29 PM	Alert
Much thanks to our organizer; Rough Rider. I figure I'll start this since he's got a long drive back to MO. There was truck with a big sign that said "God Bless Sgt Harper" in the parking lot of the grocery store where we met. I paraded with the Patriot Guard Riders from grocery to the High School where the state police pointed to our parking area. Here's a link to a picture of my husband and I by our truck with the PGR logos that I made for both sides. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-9/837739/PatriotGrd.jpg It was a little cold for motorcycles as you can see by the snow but about 5 or 6 did show briefly. After this photo was taken, the area was full of people dressed in their green and leather veteran-biker garb. The Leathernecks Bike club had a meeting scheduled at the same time but met earlier to attend this memorial. When the fleas showed up in their van, it started. One in our group commanded an "about face" to turn our backs on them. There was a counter preacher in our group with a Bible refuting the WBC. He was granted permission to chant back by our leader. I saw one vet turn in a tempting confrontation but another pulled him back (as if he knew his personality). There were more reporters than members of the WBC. One asked permission to photograph them from the back of our truck (probably because she couldn't see over our wall of people and flags). I reminded her she was welcome but to remember that they should be down-played. She nodded. When WBC got loud and our preacher was stale mated, the truck with the sign opened its doors and turned on music of bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace". Perfect! I stayed for the memorial and the 21 gun salute. I said a very brief condolence to the family. Afterward, I gave the 2 banners on the side of the truck to our organizer for possible re-use. Rose in Chatham, IL

“Lest I keep my complacent way I must remember somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer was I worth dying for?” [Eleanor Roosevelt] @}-,-`-

Rough Rider User is Offline

Posts: 1360
Ballwin, MO

10 Dec 2005 9:59 PM	Alert
I got back home safely, but am too exhausted to write a good report. It will be posted within the next day or so. Thanks to everyone who was there. My estimate is that we had over 300.

LLRB Rough Rider, USNR-Ret Vietnam '67-'68 Past MO Ride Captain MO State Captain 2005-2006 ICVMC

cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"

11 Dec 2005 1:21 AM	Alert
Tired and frozen (after a long day), I decided to write my report later. Little did I know that it would be at 1 in the morning. Couldn’t sleep with the thoughts running through my head. So here we go. Started the day early at 4 am. Had to work from 6:30 am to 10 am. After my assistant manager arrived at the store, I hauled it on home to dress for the ride. Only 29 degrees when I pulled my 1100 VSTAR Silverado from the shed. I had a big, thick sheet of ice in from the shed and realized….this may be a long, cold day. I held it upright as I pulled it forward and made it across the ice (5 ft). Lucky? I think not. This mission was destined to happen and I was riding…hell or high water for SSGT Harper, Jr. and his family. Hit the road to 1030 am. Roads from Quincy, IL to Jacksonville, IL were pretty clear and I made good time. At Jacksonville, I had to defrost the toes and add an extra set of gloves. Hooked up onto Hwy 104 and thought to myself that 50 miles should roll by easily. Never thought about the back roads of Illinois and how snow drifts and covers the road. I came across maybe 4-5 small drifts that were 1-3 inches over the roadway and sure and steady was my hand. Someone was watching over this ride and the pulse in my veins as present and sure. Arrived in Virden about 1230 pm and passed the meeting place but no one was there. I was late but not that late? As I drove through town, I cursed myself for not ensuring that I had Mapquest’d the schools location. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a huge American Flag waiving in the breeze. Once again, a steady hand eased my bike onto the side street and I approached the “huge” gathering of PGR rides. I say PGR riders because they, members of the PGR or not, were there to honor SSgt Harper and his family. I roar of applause occurred as I pulled in “late” but a sign of support for cold rider and a most welcome thought passed through my mind, I knew SSgt Harper would be proud of this rag tag group of vets, motorcycle riders and Americans. So was I. I dismounted ready for the mission. The fleas were pushed back onto a grassy piece of ice and snow and at first…..I never even saw them……didn’t even hear them…..just like they were not there. The main objectives were being accomplished. Lee (Rough Rider) greeted me and I proceeded to hand out the few American flags that I had brought. One of the roughest looking bikers that I had ever seen, you wouldn’t want to meet this guy on a well lit street let alone a dark one, grabbed a flag from my hand, put his arm around me and said “Welcome brother. Thanks for being here.” I knew that another mission objective was accomplished. I proceeded through the crowd and shook that hand of all our “brothers and sisters”. After making it to the flea circus, I noticed the line of police officers that prevents the fleas from being removed from the show. I saw several brothers that did all they could to contain themselves from doing the worse thing possible….but… they did the right thing. A member of the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) stood on a mini pulpit and read from the bible. He spoke the words that were true and right and just. All this time, I never heard one thing from the fleas. It was like they weren’t even there. He handed me a phony million dollar bill and I sure felt like a million bucks…..even with frozen toes. I saw the VFW Color Guard proceed to the front of the building and conduct a “twenty one gun” salute to our fallen hero (SSgt Harper) and his family. I bet there were some fleas that didn’t see that coming because…they could not see it coming for the wall of American flags. Rough Rider (Lee) made a call to attention and taps were played. (Still no flea noise.) I guess it became to hard for the fleas to conduct their circus because several members of our military showed up and received a huge amount of applause and the shouting of “America” over the town. I had to get a picture with these men and several other PGR members joined us. The fleas had had too much. They just packed up and said they would be back. The local police had other ideas and escorted them from their respective districts. I guess the police were just happy not to have splattered fleas all over their town of American’s. I couldn’t have made it through the services (emotionally) and although we were invited back to the family’s homes, I saddled up and proceeded to ride out of town. The temps never got over 32 degrees and I had to fight the same cold and snowy conditions home. Every stop I made, people asked me what I was doing on a day like today, riding a motorcycle. I told them of my mission and about my cause. It was a sacrifice of time and creature comforts. Not even the sacrifice that SSgt Harper and his family were paying. I left each stop with a renewed sense of worth and accomplishment. The snow started and the roads started to ice but my ride and I both were being guided. Guided by a better hand than mine. I arrived safely back to the loving arms of my wife and son. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – Thank you SSgt Harper and thank you Harper family for your service. May God watch over you all and over my own serving son and daughter. Chris Brocksmith Patriot Guard Rider W. Central Illinois

MIAP Central US Operations Coordinator "To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address: "From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain." Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS! Respect and truth, not law, counters the obnoxious!

cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"

11 Dec 2005 1:52 AM	Alert
Just a side note. I was impressed by the number of people, at each stop I made, that thanked me for doing what I was doing, after the learned of the mission. True Americans love this country and the men and women that serve it in war and peace. I believe the Patriot Guard needs to be present at each and every military, law enforcement and fire enforcement service that they can. They truly deserving do so much for those of us that do.

MIAP Central US Operations Coordinator "To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address: "From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain." Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS! Respect and truth, not law, counters the obnoxious!

Turquoise_Eyz User is Offline

Posts: 426
Celina, TX

11 Dec 2005 2:09 AM	Alert
Posted By cgbrocksmith on 12/11/2005 1:21 AM A member of the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) stood on a mini pulpit and read from the bible. He spoke the words that were true and right and just. This is so cool! You know something has been eating at me ever since I attended the services in my town - and saw and heard the filth that the WBC was spewing... If they are right, (big if) and they are the only ones going to heaven - I would gladly spend my eternity in Hell with people like you, than to spend it in Heaven with creeps like them.

Teresa, Proud MOM of a US Marine, Okinawa Japan. Member since 11/05 # 675 Super Cager!

Rough Rider User is Offline

Posts: 1360
Ballwin, MO

11 Dec 2005 9:03 AM	Alert
As this was my first attempt to organize a mission. I am happy to report that with good communication and attention to detail, it is surprising how well it went. If I were to have any regrets, it is that the children of these brainwashed misguided souls are being exposed to so much filth and hate that they will grow up with a warped sense of reality. It seems like the child welfare in Kansas should be able to remove these children from potentially dangerous parents who are unfit to raise them. It would be difficult for me to add much to Chris's report. There were so many differnt clubs, associations, organizations and individuals there that I do not want to name any in fear of missing some. I thank you all for coming and supporting Staff Sgt Harper's family. I thank you for your restraint in dealing with the uninvited. I do want to thank the Iron Sleds for their hospitality. I hope to meet you all again under happier curcumstances.

LLRB Rough Rider, USNR-Ret Vietnam '67-'68 Past MO Ride Captain MO State Captain 2005-2006 ICVMC

Copperblaze User is Offline

Posts: 732
Claremore, Oklahoma ------ Texan by Birth

11 Dec 2005 10:02 AM	Alert
Chris... That was an excellent report... It does give you a heartwarming and humbling feeling to know that you were doing something for someone, that you know made a difference in somewhat easing their pain. I think in attending one of these missions it really gives us a renewed faith in ourselves and in our fellow riders and the citizens who show up...You most definitely have my true felt admiration for being able to ride in those temps and road conditions. Glad the mission went well and you arrived home safely to your family...

Sherry Treasurer Rogers County ABATE OKLAHOMA "While They Have Fallen For Us" "We Will Stand For Them"

phedup

Posts: 0

11 Dec 2005 10:39 AM	Alert
An author once wrote "Today our public worlds demand a few good people who can walk among the masses and negotiate with the powerful but never change, never capitulate, never compromise" After meeting and spending time with Lee "Rough Rider" Lash, I believe he may well be one of those people. The alarm went off at 5:00 am but I'd been awake since 3:00. The sleep I'd had was troubled, I kept dreaming of bright, multicolored signs and little girls trampling on flags in the snow. As I layed there, I had doubts as to my purpose. "It's going to be cold" I thought. Then I remembered the 101st at Bastogne. "Yeah, but I'm so tired" I told myself. Then I remembered those at Battan. "Lee's all over this, everything is ready and complete and there's no reason for me to go" I tried to reason. "Yeah, but the last post you made last night was that you were going" I reminded my frazzled pscyche. Then a strange thing happened. A voice I hadn't heard in 20 some odd years barked "You owe the respect of those who have fallen. You owe all you have to those and others like them." Nuff said. Thanks Boats. Thanks Lynn. The sun broke the horizon about the time I hit Columbia. I could see that the foot of snow we'd gotten in Kansas City two days before, was not relinquishing it's blanket as I chased the sun. The dawn was cold and bright and brought with it a sense of purpose, and an underlying feeling of sheer terror. My mind raced faster than the little PT rolling east, a mixture of light and sound, words and voices, thoughts and re-thoughts. People that hadn't spoken to me in years kept barking welcomed orders in my mind: "Military bearing, sailor!" "Pop-tall!!" "We are more as a unit than we are alone" and a host of other commands meant to keep my torn emotions at bay. Those that know me, know I am an emotional person. I'm either way up, or way down. There simply is no in-between. I was terrified that I, one of those chosen to provide management, organization and order, at the most in-opportune time, would simply fly into a rage and rip someone's head off, and sh*t down their neck. I rolled into St. Louis on schedule and found the Rough Rider right where he said he'd be. You know when you meet a guy, and you just know the handshake is going to be strong and true? Ayuh... virtual vice grip baby... ;) At 9:30 am on the dot, we were once again pointed east. We picked up the pick-up (heh) with the "God Bless SSG Harper" sandwhich-board sign in the back, along with big al 66, and then once again were rolling north and east. You can tell Illinois is in America's heartland. Gently rolling fields as far as they eye could see, gently covered in layers of pristine white, sleeping, in preparation for springs plantings, and the renewal of life that comes with the season. We reached the staging point in Virden right on time. There were about 30 to 40 people there already. There was coffee inside, and I believe there were few who failed to take advantage of the hospitality. Lee and I went ahead to recon the staging area. Lee had the Patriot Guard banner in the window of his truck, and as we pulled up we were surrounded by LEO's eager to meet and speak with us. As we conversed I could see the look of disgust on the LEO's faces and I could simply feel the displeasure at their task radiating off of them like some inner heat source. By this time I was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, and sensing the same emotions I was battling emanating from the LEO's gave me an idea that I might be normal after all. The gentleman Lee was talking to got us all lined out as to the particulars of the event, and we regressed to the staging location. Promptly at 12:30, have I mention Lee was thorough? We all lined up for the convoy to the funeral home, Lee in front with the PGR banner, the pick-up with the "God Bless SSG Harper" sign second and, then the truck with the PGR flags on each side, which I now know was ivetret and her husband. There were already many people there and they parted like a sea of black, gray, and denim as we began staging in the appointed positions. A flurry of activity was unleashed as people with an obvious purpose began emerging from what was seemingly everywhere, unfurling flags and signs and polls. Soon the entire area was awash in color, American flags, Marine Corps flags, all whipping in the wind, sound and color assaulting the senses. I asked a gentleman next to me to hold my flag so I could take some pics, and the reply was "I'd be honored to". I just about cried right there. I have mentioned I'm a tad emotional haven't I? I believe, that gentleman was CG from Quincy, but I'm not sure. My apologies if I'm in error in my reckoning. I shot some pics, which I'll have up later, and returned to the crowd watching, to study the event that was unfolding around me. For those that weren't there, it was simply amazing. The cages kept coming. And coming. Flags and people. People and flags. By the time the fleas made their landing, the area was full, with what I estimate to be, well over 300 obvious bikers and Veterans. ICVMC, OMC, ISMC VVRMC and a host of other MC's that I don't know the acronyms for. The troll's showed up on time as is their modus operandi, and quickly commenced their chosen activites. Those of us closest to the line of trolls, were engrosed in the side show presentiation. Then a wonderful and brilliant thing happened. The Rough Rider stepped back and callled the company to attention. As ONE, as many as I could see became ram-rod straight and focused. The Rough Rider yelled in the cold, crisp air, "ABOUT FACE". Repeatedly, as ONE, snow, mud, ice and all, some of the crispest about faces I have ever seen were executed. I've never been more proud to be part of an event. One part of the mission ride soon gained strenght, with what I can only describe as "dueling scriptures" as Jim, I believe was the young mans name, yelling the True Word of Christ, and the trolls countering with thier abominations of the same. Periodically, those who had simply had too much, would yell back a reply at something uttered by the trolls, which was simply too bizarre or obtuse to leave unrequited. As I studied those around me and met the eyes of the strong willed men and women around me, I saw the same look returned. The same look I knew I was showing. Anger. Anger so strong, it flushed the faces of the Veterans and bikers around me. The color was strong in these men, even though the air was bittely cold in the wind. I also noticed that most of the crowd in attendance, from the Vets, to the bikers, and including myself were shaking. I personally don't think it was due to the cold. But also, there was another look I saw. Deeper, past the obvious and totally pure anger. A look of pain. Pain and sadness. How could this be? How could these people do this? Don't they realize that this person DIED so that they could present this abomination to God and Country?!?!?! I could feel the overwhelming pain from the Vietnam Veterans as the faces of the friends lost in that Godforsaken war washed through their minds like some sort of macabre movie that can't be shut off. I'm sorry, I cry as I type this and I can't help it, I have to get it out. I also cry out these feelings for the many I know who won't, or can't. At this point I think I became somewhat detached. I felt as if I myself was watching some kind of freakish movie being made. A cast of characters kept moving in and out of frame. Close-ups and pan shots, all moving in a dizzying display. I do know remember when someone from the family would show up. The crowd all cheered and it was if the ground shook. I was concious of when several members of what I believe was prt of SSGT Harpers unit arrived. The ground shook again. I was aware of the 21 gun salute. I saw the formation and knew it was coming and the first round of rifle fire still made me jump. I couldn't hear Taps being played and I was glad. I knew If I had, I would have been reduced to a blubbering idiot. Taps was sounded by a lone bugler at my fathers funeral. He was at the Bulge and on the Maginot Line. I lost it then and I lose it everytime I hear Taps now. The trolls packed up and left at the appointed time, just like when they arrived. It's obviously a well-rehearsed routine. There were a number of one-finger salutes as the van they were in filed past the gathering of the civilized. The crowd began to disperse at that point. I think it was about this time that I came somewhat back to reality. I had the presence of mind to start snapping pics of all the different patch wearers. The diversity in the collection of Patriots was amazing. I did mention like, 300 people right? Ok. Lee made an amouncement to the group that we were invited by the family to attend the service and where and how to enter and where they wanted us to sit. I knew I wouldn't be able to handle the service, I can relate CJ. I had wanted to touch base with Lee again, but I needed to get on. I had a 4 1/2 hour ride home. The family had invited those who wanted to go, to the reception. The Iron Sleds MC invited those who wanted to, to a drink back at the club house. I was personally invited by one of the ISMC members and considered it an honor but I knew I had no business drinking and driving. I also knew I was already pushing it. My health isn't the greatest and I knew I still had over 300 miles to cover. Personally, I feel this mission ride was more than a success. It was a monumental representation of what can happen when good comes together against evil. There were several reporters running around at a feverish pace. I remember several different news teams, cameras and reportes et all. I made the cardinal sin of forgetting pen and pad, so any exact reporting is my failing. I know this is too long and I apologize, but it's been a catharsis for me getting it out. I'd like to give a shout out to HDDragon (awesome lady) Big Al 66 (show has a brother in the sandbox as I type) and Big Guy and Rough Rider. It's good to put faces with forum names. On the flip side, I need to apologize to ivetret and CG and other forum members who were there for not introducing myself. it was Lee's gig and I was trying to remain unobtrusive. I could go on about the feelings I experienced and thoughts I had, a traversal of the entire emotional spectrum on the 300+ miles home but I won't. Heh, you thought I was going to go on forever huh? Humbly submitted by a faithful PGR servant, phedup

Usahog

Posts: 77
Springfield IL.

11 Dec 2005 11:44 AM	Alert
Here is the Newspaper Clip from the Memorial. http://www.sj-r.com/Sections/News/Stories/73427.asp It was an Honor to meet up with some of you, Although the Mrs. and I arrived a bit late.. I couldn't recall faces or names from this forum in short notice of just finding this site.. I had brought with me a handfull of handrolled cigars to pass out to some of the members.. I think the newmedia was a little off on their numbers? When the Mrs. and I arrived I estimated 250-300 Caring people in the group blocking off the protesters? The Mrs. was a bit camera shy at first and we really didn't know who to look for? Also who can we send the pictures we took to be posted? usahog(at)hotmail(dot)com Hog

"Freedom is the right to question and change the established way of doing things. It is the continuing revolution of the marketplace. It is the understanding that allows us to recognize shortcomings and seek solutions. It is the right to put forth an idea, scoffed at by the experts, and watch it catch fire among the people. It is the right to dream--to follow your dream or stick to your conscience, even if you're the only one in a sea of doubters." --Ronald Reagan PGR Id# 1774

ivetret

Posts: 2449
Shermer, IL

11 Dec 2005 2:52 PM	Alert
Nice pictures in the photo gallery. Anyone got one of the "God Bless Sgt Harper" truck?

“Lest I keep my complacent way I must remember somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer was I worth dying for?” [Eleanor Roosevelt] @}-,-`-

Twister

Posts: 1811
Broken Arrow, OK

11 Dec 2005 9:14 PM	Alert
Man, I am constantly amazed at the quality of writing in this group! You folks just blow me away. Except for the cold, I feel like I was there Rose, you're a tiny lady (big heart tho). Well Done Folks!!! Jeff

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

Rough Rider User is Offline

Posts: 1360
Ballwin, MO

11 Dec 2005 10:14 PM	Alert
Posted By ivetret on 12/11/2005 2:52 PM Nice pictures in the photo gallery. Anyone got one of the "God Bless Sgt Harper" truck? I just sent one to Waldo. Hopefully he will be able to add them.

LLRB Rough Rider, USNR-Ret Vietnam '67-'68 Past MO Ride Captain MO State Captain 2005-2006 ICVMC

Waldo

Posts: 1325
Windsor, Co

12 Dec 2005 10:22 AM	Alert
Posted By Rough Rider on 12/11/2005 10:14 PM Posted By ivetret on 12/11/2005 2:52 PM Nice pictures in the photo gallery. Anyone got one of the "God Bless Sgt Harper" truck? I just sent one to Waldo. Hopefully he will be able to add them. they have been added anyone else that has pictures can zip them up and email them to me at jason@patriotguard.org.

Jason Wallin “WALDO” Deputy Executive Director Corporate Treasurer Patriot Guard Riders 970-402-1892 American By Birth Biker By Choice Patriot Forever! Tact and Political Correctness were developed by those who lack the testicular fortitude to say what they really mean!

msbhvn

Posts: 79
Brighton, Il.

12 Dec 2005 10:57 AM	Alert
I wanted to take just a moment to say thanks to the organizer, the website organizer, the soldiers and all those in attenance. I am escpecially grateful to the family for the fine young man who protected my freedoms and lifestyle. I brought my son along Saturday to experience the best in people and see the worst. I hope he will carry that throughout his life. I hope never to have to attend another one of these but would be proud to stand beside you. I was impressed with those that rode in and hope they thaw out soon. God Bless

jpercy

Posts: 2

12 Dec 2005 10:56 PM	Alert
Well I was just directed to your websith, and had to sign up. I was the Preacher that spoke the truth at this travesty. I want to thank all of you PGR'ers (I guess I am one now that I signed up) for allowing me to speak the truth, and inviting me to pray for you all afterwords. Chris I am glad to see you got the 1100V* home safe and sound, with you also intact. I definately prayed for you when you told me where you came from and went to. I was blessed to be able to do what little I could to honor the memory of SSG Harper. od Bless, Jim Percy

jpercy

Posts: 2

12 Dec 2005 10:56 PM	Alert
That was meant to say God Bless, not od Bless. Jim

Hardbite

Posts: 871
Arizona

12 Dec 2005 11:07 PM	Alert
Chris you should be a honorary postman, neither rain, snow or cold as the saying goes.....Thank you brother for a great report and may your son and daughter return home safe.

Hardbite

Posts: 871
Arizona

12 Dec 2005 11:19 PM	Alert
Twister you are so right about the writing ability. I may never post again I am so humbled

cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"

12 Dec 2005 11:48 PM	Alert
Thanks Jim. Twister, Hardbite and Lee. Just the "postman" not the "message".

MIAP Central US Operations Coordinator "To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address: "From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain." Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS! Respect and truth, not law, counters the obnoxious!

dtswood

Posts: 0

05 Mar 2006 9:09 AM	Alert
Posted By cgbrocksmith on 12/11/2005 1:21 AM Tired and frozen (after a long day), I decided to write my report later. Little did I know that it would be at 1 in the morning. Couldn’t sleep with the thoughts running through my head. So here we go. Started the day early at 4 am. Had to work from 6:30 am to 10 am. After my assistant manager arrived at the store, I hauled it on home to dress for the ride. Only 29 degrees when I pulled my 1100 VSTAR Silverado from the shed. I had a big, thick sheet of ice in from the shed and realized….this may be a long, cold day. I held it upright as I pulled it forward and made it across the ice (5 ft). Lucky? I think not. This mission was destined to happen and I was riding…hell or high water for SSGT Harper, Jr. and his family. Hit the road to 1030 am. Roads from Quincy, IL to Jacksonville, IL were pretty clear and I made good time. At Jacksonville, I had to defrost the toes and add an extra set of gloves. Hooked up onto Hwy 104 and thought to myself that 50 miles should roll by easily. Never thought about the back roads of Illinois and how snow drifts and covers the road. I came across maybe 4-5 small drifts that were 1-3 inches over the roadway and sure and steady was my hand. Someone was watching over this ride and the pulse in my veins as present and sure. Arrived in Virden about 1230 pm and passed the meeting place but no one was there. I was late but not that late? As I drove through town, I cursed myself for not ensuring that I had Mapquest’d the schools location. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a huge American Flag waiving in the breeze. Once again, a steady hand eased my bike onto the side street and I approached the “huge” gathering of PGR rides. I say PGR riders because they, members of the PGR or not, were there to honor SSgt Harper and his family. I roar of applause occurred as I pulled in “late” but a sign of support for cold rider and a most welcome thought passed through my mind, I knew SSgt Harper would be proud of this rag tag group of vets, motorcycle riders and Americans. So was I. I dismounted ready for the mission. The fleas were pushed back onto a grassy piece of ice and snow and at first…..I never even saw them……didn’t even hear them…..just like they were not there. The main objectives were being accomplished. Lee (Rough Rider) greeted me and I proceeded to hand out the few American flags that I had brought. One of the roughest looking bikers that I had ever seen, you wouldn’t want to meet this guy on a well lit street let alone a dark one, grabbed a flag from my hand, put his arm around me and said “Welcome brother. Thanks for being here.” I knew that another mission objective was accomplished. I proceeded through the crowd and shook that hand of all our “brothers and sisters”. After making it to the flea circus, I noticed the line of police officers that prevents the fleas from being removed from the show. I saw several brothers that did all they could to contain themselves from doing the worse thing possible….but… they did the right thing. A member of the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) stood on a mini pulpit and read from the bible. He spoke the words that were true and right and just. All this time, I never heard one thing from the fleas. It was like they weren’t even there. He handed me a phony million dollar bill and I sure felt like a million bucks…..even with frozen toes. I saw the VFW Color Guard proceed to the front of the building and conduct a “twenty one gun” salute to our fallen hero (SSgt Harper) and his family. I bet there were some fleas that didn’t see that coming because…they could not see it coming for the wall of American flags. Rough Rider (Lee) made a call to attention and taps were played. (Still no flea noise.) I guess it became to hard for the fleas to conduct their circus because several members of our military showed up and received a huge amount of applause and the shouting of “America” over the town. I had to get a picture with these men and several other PGR members joined us. The fleas had had too much. They just packed up and said they would be back. The local police had other ideas and escorted them from their respective districts. I guess the police were just happy not to have splattered fleas all over their town of American’s. I couldn’t have made it through the services (emotionally) and although we were invited back to the family’s homes, I saddled up and proceeded to ride out of town. The temps never got over 32 degrees and I had to fight the same cold and snowy conditions home. Every stop I made, people asked me what I was doing on a day like today, riding a motorcycle. I told them of my mission and about my cause. It was a sacrifice of time and creature comforts. Not even the sacrifice that SSgt Harper and his family were paying. I left each stop with a renewed sense of worth and accomplishment. The snow started and the roads started to ice but my ride and I both were being guided. Guided by a better hand than mine. I arrived safely back to the loving arms of my wife and son. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – Thank you SSgt Harper and thank you Harper family for your service. May God watch over you all and over my own serving son and daughter. Chris Brocksmith Patriot Guard Rider W. Central Illinois [b A lot has happened in the Patriot Guard since Chris wrote this ride report in early December. I was not at this Mission, but reading this Ride Report was an inspiration to many of us. Thank You Chris.

cgbrocksmith User is Offline

Posts: 1291
Quincy, IL - "Defend Those Who Defended Us"

05 Mar 2006 10:33 AM	Alert
And each mission that is acomplished by you and the other dedicated PGR members, Don, is an inspiration to me each day. I can only say thanks for all the support you have given me and our fallen heros.

MIAP Central US Operations Coordinator "To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne The Battle" - Abraham Lincoln President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address: "From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain." Dying for Freedom isn't the worst that could happen...BEING FORGOTTEN IS! Respect and truth, not law, counters the obnoxious!

690MedCo

Posts: 4677
Huntington Beach, CA

23 Aug 2007 9:19 PM	Alert
Thank you for your dedicated service and sacrifice to defend this great country of ours!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends. You will never be forgotten! Rest in peace young soldier. Glen & Linda

Glen Owsley SP4 U.S. Army 1976-1979 Medical Specialist 690th Medical Co (amb) 34th Medical Btn Ft Benning, GA U.S. Army Reserve (IRR)1979-1982 Patriot Guard Rider Leave No Veteran Behind! Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9

You are not authorized to post a reply.

Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives > Mission Report – SSgt Gary Harper, Virden, IL

ActiveForums 3.6