Patriot Guard Riders

Mission Complete: Wreaths Across America 2007 (Click this Link for Additional Info and Photos)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 06:51:00 GMT

2007 Wreath Across America Escort to Arlington National Cemetery.

This year’s planning for this endeavor started in May when Bunny and I first went up to the Worcester Wreath Company and met with Mr. Worcester. At this meeting he told us that we will be bringing 10,000 wreaths to Arlington. He had a vision of taking a whole week and stopping at different towns along the way to spread the word about America never forgetting our veterans, and especially those who gave all to keep America free.

He asked us to help him plan the trip from Maine to Arlington and that night we went to work and mapped out the whole trip and sent the planned route to him the next day. What he did next was unbelievable; he estimated all of the towns we would be passing thru on the journey: a total of 196 is what he gathered. Then his instructed his office staff sent out letters to each one of these town asking if they would be interested in us stopping in their individual cities on the trip south. And that was the start of this year’s escort to Arlington.

The following recap of events would not have been possible without the help of many dedicated Patriot Guard Riders. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of PGR members and all the other organizations that helped to make this year’s escort so successful. Some of you rode long distances thru all kinds of weather to join us and show your respect to our heroes . . .we thank you.

Mr. and Mrs. Worcester and family and all their employees at the Worcester Wreath Co. we also salute you on a job well done . . .

Snap & Bonnie's Farwells . . .

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 07:44:00 GMT

Over the past week I've done a lot of thinking about PGR. It's been quite a ride!! More tears and joy than I could have imagined. I'd like to share some of those thoughts and memories with you . . .

Thanks For Your Patience . . .

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 04:20:00 GMT

Web Site Administrator Announcement

Thanks for your patience . . .

I just wanted to thank everyone for your patience with me and my family with our moving this past few months. For those of you that missed the previous announcement, my wife and I built a new home this year, but before we could complete it our rental lease ended and the Land Lady asked us to move. We have been staying with good friends for about 2 months now. You ask what does this mean to you.

It means that where we are staying our Internet connect has been very unreliable, which in turn means that very few changes have been made to the PGR Flags for our Troops Program, Troop and Member Photo of the Day, or new HOTH stories on the home page. I can't do those uploads with a poor connection.

After we move one more time this week on the 27th I hope to get back to business as usual. For those that have asked: yes we have had additional flags received and pledged; we have had numerous new requests from our troops for flags too; and we have received numerous new photos from our troops and members for those projects and programs I post on the home page.

I hope to get those changed out on a regular basis again. We have one week of full chaos left, and then maybe a couple of week of catching up and making all those changes. My wife Jen and I thank you all for your prayers, support and understanding.

Thank you . . .

Neal & Jennifer Heupel

HOTH -- SPC-4 Will Howell Deployment Sendoff: Clickable Link with Additional Photos and Story

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 06:55:00 GMT

Patriotism - Function: noun: love for or devotion to one's country . . .

Missing Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran Found Alive and Well

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:59:00 GMT

Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran Found Alive and Well

Paul Burazer’s family just called us and he has been found! He is in Tennessee and talked to his parents 30 minutes ago. His aunt and uncle are less than an hour away and on their way to his location. The Mt. Holly PD has contacted the local PD and they will stay with him until his family arrives.

Words cannot express how overjoyed we are and how thankful and grateful Paul’s family is for all your efforts, prayers and support. Your support and caring during this time has truly made a difference to the Burazer family.

Thank you is hardly adequate, but know that I say that with tears in my eyes.

Volunteers for the Burazer Family

2007 Greensburg Tornado Relief Poker Run (Click to Leave Comments)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:51:00 GMT

I want to take this time to thank the Patriot Guard and all their riders who participated in the poker run for the those PGR Members who lost their homes in Greensburg May 4, 2007. The funds raised will be a big help in our recovery process. Again thank you all and God bless you and America.

The Wrights; Eric, Chasity, & Austin

P.S. I enclosed a photo of our home we lost on May 4

2007 Greensburg Tornado Relief Poker Run (Click to Leave Comments)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 06:25:00 GMT

The Wrights; Eric, Chasity, & Austin

P.S. I enclosed a photo of our home we lost on May 4

HOTH -- SSgt Bain Homecoming (click to add your comments and to see photos)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 05:59:00 GMT

SSgt Bain Homecoming Mission in Williamsport PA

Here are two pictures from the Welcome home mission for SSGT Christopher Bain in Williamsport, Pa. This mission took place on February 24. SSGT Bain and his wife Misty are seen walking the corridor of flags and being welcomed home by a member of the American Legion. Thanks to Mixter for coordinating this mission.

Dave Molloy
1212 Chestnut Ridge Drive
Pittsburgh, Pa 15205

The 27th National Veteran's Wheelchair Games Photo Gallery (click here for more info)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 07:33:00 GMT

The 27^th National Veteran’s Wheelchair Games Photo Gallery

Click Here to open this link:

Click Below

http://www1.va.gov/vetevent/nvwg/2007/2007NVWCG_Gallery_web/2007gallery/index.htm

FINAL MISSION REPORT FOR CPT DONNIE R BELSER

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 05:28:00 GMT

FINAL MISSION REPORT FOR CPT DONNIE R BELSER

I would like to thank all PGR and PGR support for coming out today and driving long distances in extremely cold weather to honor Captain Donnie R. Belser. Thanks very much to the Belser family for inviting us to attend and show our honor and respect to Donnie and his family. Donnie's family is so precious and sincere. My heart goes out to them and I will remember forever the poise they all had at today's service.

I know for some of you the day started out even earlier than mine and I admire all of you for your dedication. Today's mission would have not been possible without the dedicated "flag captains" present from at least 3 different states. Thanks to all of my backup, Bair, Marco, ADrifter (Larry), Roadrunner (Larry), Kirk, Marti and Bev, Snap and Linda, Tommy, Big Wood, and of course last but not least Dinky Dau. You guys make the mission look easy when we know there is MUCH work involved. I know I'm leaving out many, please forgive me.

We met at the staging area about 2 miles from the church, had our briefing, got organized, had a prayer, and split up into two different locations. Thanks to everyone who had hot beverages on site. One group, including cages, and some of the bikes headed to the cemetery to get the flag line set for after the service when the family arrived. The other bikes and a couple of cages with flags headed to the church where the family would be having the service. We set up our flag line on both sides of the steps leading to the church and around the walk-way for the family and friends to walk between when going into the church for the service.

When the service concluded we had a small flag detail waiting for the family to emerge, then we all lined up behind Donnie and the family. We were escorted by the very professional Birmingham Motorcycle Unit who did an outstanding job quickly blocking intersections while the procession passed. It was a very long procession and the PGR did us proud again, with flags flying. We looked awesome!

Thanks to Bair and Marco's great ability to roll with the flow. Of course, there had been last minute changes. When we arrived at the cemetery, they were waiting with a rider to lead us into the area we needed to be. What a sight greeted us as we rounded the corner to the mausoleum! The flag line was leading in to the entrance of the Mausoleum where Donnie would be taken, followed by the family. All the large flags provided by Alabama Flag Captain (Crosskey), MS Flag Captain (Tommy), TN Flag Captain (Toni) (these may not be their correct titles, but they were that and more at today’s mission) were flapping proudly in the breeze. All the riders that were in the procession grabbed a flag and joined the others.

All family and friends crowded into the mausoleum and the military Honor Guard conducted the 21 gun salute, taps and the folding of the flag which was very moving as usual. As Dinky and I stood inside waiting to present our plaque, pins and other memorabilia from the PGR, I was looking out at the PGR flag line. What I'm going to say next is going to sound nuts, and I probably wouldn't include it here, but as we were having lunch afterwards, one of the other PGR members was talking about it, so I DID see what I THOUGHT I saw! (Thanks Kris) The flag line was very long and about three lines deep. The Military Honor Guard was standing at attention in front of our flag lines. It was a very windy day and all the flags were flapping smartly in the breeze. As the 21 gun salute and taps was played, the flags directly behind the Honor Guard went still while the flags on each side continued to fly proudly. As soon as the Honor Guard finished rendering their traditional Military Honors, the flags in the middle again started smartly flapping in the breeze. I'm inclined to believe that was not coincidence.

As the service concluded and the family and friends filed out, the PGR held the flag line for a while longer, then started the walk back to their bikes. Some of us went for a late lunch across the street from the cemetery, while others headed home. I hope and pray for everyone's safe return home.

As today's mission was progressing, I was watching my fellow PGR members. I am always very proud and moved by what I witness when I'm with any PGR members. You guys and gals are the best of everything in this world. There are no words to express how I feel about each and every one of you, but I'll bet the majority of you know exactly what I'm trying so ineffectively to say.

Thanks to ALL of you for who you are and for being at this mission today. If we helped this family one iota, I call it a successful mission!

With Much Love and Respect

LLRB, Dinky Dau
Jim (Dinky Dau) Lorenzo
SFC, USA (Ret.)
256-239-5058

Patriot Guard Riders
Dixie Regional Captain -
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, TN)

Matt Maupin Foundation Scholarship Run (Click for More Details)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 09:27:00 GMT

Matt Maupin Foundation Scholarship Run

Sponsored by Rolling Thunder Chapter 9 and the Yellow Ribbon Support Center

Four-Corners Run (Click to Read Details, See Photo and Leave Comments)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 06:07:00 GMT

Hugo’s “4 Corners for our Troops” Ride

Click the link below to go to the Four-corners Ride Forum

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/view/topics/forumid/191/Default.aspx

A Nationally Supported Patriot Guard Rider’s Event

Operation PGR Flags for Our Troops . . . (Click to leave comments)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 05:33:00 GMT

Operation PGR Flags for our Troops

I have a photo that was sent to me by Specialist Donovan of McPherson Kansas showing the "Force Protection Platoon" in the Sandbox stationed in Mosul, Iraq.

(Additional info removed for OPSEC and PERSEC rules . . .)

Thanks,
Don "Corporal" Strube
Stevens Point, WI

Photo submitted by Specialist Dovovan

Operation PGR Flags for Our Troops . . . (Click to leave comments)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 05:09:00 GMT

Operation PGR Flags for Our Troops

Dear PGR,

I am an USAF Captain commanding a USAF TACP in Iraq. My guys call in and control all the close air support for the soldiers and Marines as we fight the fight. I wanted to express our thanks to you all for your support and the PGR flag that was sent to us! Here is a picture from FOB Warhorse Iraq.

Thanks Jason

First Photo of PGR Flags for our Troops (click here to leave comments)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:39:00 GMT

Flags for our Troops -- First Delivery Pictures Arriving

Thank you so much for the PGR flag. I just received it today and I am enclosing a picture of our flight holding it up in front of one of our response trucks. We are an Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight based out of ******* AB in Iraq. Your support means a great deal to us and we appreciate all the good things the Guard is doing.

Take care and we will be back to riding with PGR this summer.

Thanks again.

HOTH -- Walter Reed Hospital (Click here to leave comments)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 06:49:00 GMT

HOTH -- Walter Reed Hospital

We’ve gotten to know several of the wounded soldiers at Walter Reed very well. We try to visit weekly and even take them on outings. We’ve taken one of them, John McCoy and his grandmother, from Kentucky, to the National Air and Space Museum in Dulles, VA, and to dinner. One restaurant we’ve been to treated John royally and even paid for his meal! It was JR’s Stockyard in Tyson’s Corner, VA. Another day, we took them for a country drive and to dinner at another local restaurant. We are taking him to a motorcycle show as well. We also presented John with an OCC autographed PGR banner.

Another soldier, Tony Bawdy and his wife, Megan, from Oklahoma have been to Battlefield Harley Davidson in Gettysburg, PA. He too, was treated wonderfully!!! Battlefield said if there’s anything they can do to help the PGR, to let them know!

Both John and Tony have received Eagle Head Canes from the Eastern Oklahoma Woodcarver’s Association. The EOWA has carvers throughout the country. Each cane is individually hand carved and unique.

We have also helped another soldier in his room at the Mologne House. He had trouble maneuvering around the bathroom in his wheelchair. He had asked the Mologne House about removing the bathroom door. They told him they couldn’t do it, but he could as long as the door stays in the room. My husband and I went over one night and took it off the hinges for him and replaced it with curtains made by another PGR member. Jace and his wife, Susan, were soooo excited about their new setup!!! They were showing it off to all of their friends…so I think we may have some more demo work J

I’ve also worked with the MN PGR to arrange a Valentine’s dinner outing for John Kriesel, from Minnesota and his wife, Katie. I lined up a wheelchair accessible rental van for the whole day. Minnesota is picking up the tab AND, they’ve arranged for a free meal at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in DC! That’s John and Katie’s favorite restaurant J

We also have plans for a crab feast sometime when the weather warms up. We’ve spoken to several soldiers who’ve never had crabs but would like to try them. Of course, Maryland is known for crabs!!!

Of course, we do our regular visits as well. We find it hard to leave and sometimes spend most of the day and into night there.

As you can see from reading this, HOTH covers all different areas. We do what we can if at all possible for our heroes and their families!

Picture of the Day . . . (click here to leave comments)

82nd_Airborne_Dad — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 21:53:00 GMT

Update on Operation PGR Flags for our Troops

Hi Members and Troops serving our country;

If you feel that a PGR Flag can build morale and show support for troops or you want to just say thanks for their service to our country, then please contact me at:

nealjen@msn.com . . .

If you are part of a unit serving in Afghanistan or in the "Sandbox", send me your APO address, and I will send you a PGR flag: compliments of some of the greatest people on earth, they are true American patriots. These good people want to show their support of your commitment to our country.

Best wishes and God bless you all . . .

Running Tally:

Flags sent to our troops: 23

(I have another 19 to send, hopefully by week's end).

Flags received by me: 42

(I have cash in hand for another dozen or more, 19 are waiting at home to be mailed and several commitments to send others to me). Good to Go, we're not done yet!!

Photo submitted by:

ConJon1