Updated - 08 May 07 1924 ET - PGRLabLuvr

FINAL ITINERARY***FINAL ITINERARY

A short time ago I spoke to the father of Lt. Umbrell on the phone.

Patriot Guard Riders, rarely have I met a man so gracious in spite of his own grief. I need for you to know some things: The family is reading this forum. Mark Umbrell (the father) told me to PASS ON TO ALL OF YOU HIS GRATITUDE FOR YOUR SENTIMENTS POSTED HERE. It means a LOT to them. Imagine, 1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of us all, and yet his family is thanking us. Amazing - God bless them all. If we can bring the family of this hero even one small moment of comfort, then we have done well.

WE HAVE WORKED OUT THE DETAILS FOR THE FINAL ITINERARY:

Sunday, May 13.

Arrive at the funeral home by 1630. I will hold a mission briefing at

1645 and we will line up at 1650. We will maintain our flag line until the conclusion of visitation at 2100 hours. We will rotate people to break up the time. Extended forecast is for clear skies and mild temperatures. Dress in layers for a cool ride home.

Monday, May 14.

I NEED TWO VOLUNTEERS WITH FLAGGED (3x5) BIKES. I will meet these two volunteers at the funeral home at 0930. THE REST WILL GATHER AT THE CHURCH. PLEASE BE THERE BY 1030. I need for these two volunteers to identify themselves to me as soon as possible. Email me at rc6 AT lutzkicksass DOT com.

The two flagged bikes will escort the herse from the funeral home to the church. THE REST OF US WILL BE AT THE CHURCH TO RECEIVE THEM. We will form our flag lines, come to attention, and salute the casket as it is brought into the church. We will maintain our flag line until the service begins at 1100 hours.

We will then break to shake it out, and re-form our flag line just prior to the conclusion of the service. When family and guests have gone we will be dismissed.

THIS FAMILY DESERVES THE VERY BEST WE HAVE TO OFFER: OUR HONOR, OUR RESPECT, OUR GRATITUDE, AND THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WE ONLY REPRESENT THE GRATITUDE OF AN ENTIRE NATION. SEE YOU THERE.

- lutz
PA RC

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Updated - 06 May 07 1839 ET - PGRLabLuvr

Confirmed Mission ... Confirmed Mission ... Confirmed Mission

1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell, 26, of Doylestown, PA... Killed in Action, Iraq, an IED was detonated near his vehicle while on patrol.

We were onsite working a particularly difficult mission in Doylestown when a small group of people approached and asked if I was in charge? answering in the affirmative I was asked another question, if I knew there was another 1st Lieutenant lost in combat from Doylestown? My answer was yes, I learned and confirmed it when working a different mission in Hatboro (a nearby community) the previous day, as a matter of fact our other ASC ‘Hollywood’, had e-mailed me information which was on my home computer and that info allowed me to contact the 25th Division, they responded and I was working the contacts. That answer seemed to please them.

The gentleman stepped back and says,” I’d like to introduce you to Mr. Mark Umbrell, 1st Lt. Umbrell’s Father... That took me by surprise but seeing his extended hand allowed me to express “it’s and Honor sir” and shake his hand. I apologized for my stammer citing some difficulties with our current mission and he says, “you won’t have to worry about us, were Army”, That brought some cheers from our troops and a break in the tension. The young lady with him was his daughter, sister to our Hero (who gave me a hug) and her special friend, an Army Specialist who is rotating back to Iraq shortly.

There and Then we confirmed the mission, Mr. Umbrell and his Family asked the Patriot Guard to stand for his son... And that we will do. To the Umbrell Family, Thank You for seeking us out and delivering your request personally, it really left an impression.

Regional RC Wayne Lutz asked for this mission, he is so charged and has accepted same...

Times and dates to be determined,,, watch this string for the Mission Plan and changes.

Preliminary Information:

Where:
Reed & Steinbach Funeral Home
2335 Lower State Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-4543

Arlington National Cemetery, Interment being planned, PGR Requested.

Richard E. Marcks II >Ripley<
Pennsylvania Asst. State Captain
PermRC Eastern PA
Sgt at Arms, Riff Raff Riders
Sgt, US ARMY 'Ranger', 67/69 RVN

********************************************************************************

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell, 26, of Doylestown, Pa., died May 3 in Musayyib,
Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his
vehicle.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry
Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson,
Alaska.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the U.S.
Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this American Hero.  Know that you and your sacrifices for Our Great Nation will never be forgotten and that our prayers are with you and your family.  1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell, mission complete.  Rest in peace in the arms of God.

Standing by in Hatfield

I had the pleasure and deep honor of meeting, today, the father and sister of this fallen hero, Lt. Umbrell. A wonderful family, deeply grieved.

Mr. Umbrell asked us to be present for Lt. Umbrells serivces in Doylestown, and we are honored to do all we can.

As soon as Captain Marks returns and recovers from today's mission, he will be moving this thread to the Confirmed Missions forums. Arrangements are not yet complete, so watch this forum for details.

- lutz