updated 01 Oct 07 1928cdt Aranel

Final Itinerary Crazy Bob and I did a walk through with all of the guys from the Army and the LEO’x this morning for both the funeral service at The Arvada Center, and the burial service at crown Hill Cemetery. Staging for the funeral service: The Arvada Center 6901 Wadsworth Blvd Arvada, CO Stage - No Later Than 0715 (7:15 am) Mission Brief - 0730 (7:30 am) Set up flag line - as soon as meeting is over. The Arvada Center, which is about 17 blocks north of I-70 on Wadsworth Blvd, which is west of I-25. As you go north on Wadsworth, the easiest way to enter would be to turn left (west) on 68th Ave, then take the first possible right into The Arvada Center. We are using parking lot ‘G‘, which will be the first lot on your left. I will be there by about 0630 (6:30 am), so look for me or my bike. We will leave after the service has started as a group and head to Crown Hill Cemetery. We will not be part of the procession. Staging for the burial service: Crown Hill Cemetery 8500 W. 29th Ave Wheat Ridge, CO Stage - 1045 (10:45 am) Mission Brief - 1100 (11:00 am) Set up flag line - as soon as the meeting is over The entrance to Crown Hill Cemetery is at Wadsworth Blvd and 29th Ave. 29th Ave is about 13 blocks south of I-70. As you turn west into the Cemetery on 29th Ave, you will see a tower straight ahead of you quite a ways down. Go straight at the tower until you come to the PGR flag, and turn left to our staging area. We will be quite a ways from the service, which is at the tower, but the Cemetery is providing us with a golf cart to use for any that need help. As soon as the service is over we will leave immediately for Ft Logan for the next mission.

"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid" - Dwight D. Eisenhower Brad 'CHARGER' Lewellen Colorado State Captain

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The Patriot Guard Riders have been askedto stand for a fallen American Hero here in Colorado.

Brigadier General Felix L. Sparks (ret) AAG COARNG passed away early this morning. He is the greatest representative of "the greatest generation" and a Soldier's Soldier. BG Sparks led his troops on 4 beach landings and even went AWOL from a field hospital after getting patched up from shrapnel wounds to get back to his unit fighting to the death in the hills around Anzio. He later liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp as a Lt. Colonel of an infantry regiment at the age of 26. This man lived through 511 days of combat, serving in Patton's army. He used his leadership with great skill again for the state of Colorado in the 60's and 70's as an attorney, supreme court judge, Ground Commander for the Colorado Army Guard and as an official on the Water Board. To the end, Felix Sparks was a damn
fine warrior.
 

Links to a couple of Bio's

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5706946,00.html

http://www.45thdivision.org/Veterans/article.htm

Services for BG Felix L. Sparks will be held at The Arvada Center in Arvada, CO, and will be followed by burial with full military honors at Crown Hill Cemetery in Lakewood, CO. They are expecting a very large group of people to attend these services. including lots of military and government officials, and have asked the PGR for a  MAXIMUM turnout.

Staging for Burial Service:

The Arvada Center

6901 Wadsworth Blvd

Arvada, CO 

Staging - 0715 (7:15 am)

Mission Brief - 0730 (7:30 am)

Set up flag line - 0745 (7:45 am)

After the service starts, which is scheduled at about 0925 (9:25 am), we will break down the flag line and move over the Cemetery to set up flag line for the burial service.

Staging for the burial service:

Crown Hill Cemetery

8500 W 29th Ave

Lakewood, CO.

Staging - 1030 (10:30 am)

Mission Brief - 1100 (11:00 am)

Set up flag line - 1110 (11:10 am)

I will be the Ride Captain for both parts of this mission. Again, I would like to stress that they are expecting a lrge turnout of dignitaries and have asked for the Patriot Guard Riders to please have a MAXIMUM turnout. If you can make both or any part of this mission please make plans do do so.