Dear Patriot Guard Members,

As Donald Wesley Burkett’s uncle and aunt, we want to thank you on behalf of all the family for the many condolences on your forum, and for the planning and efforts of everyone involved in his funeral services. 

The escort you provided from the Brownwood Airport to the funeral home in Early on Wed, March 19th helped us through a very difficult time. Many of you had to stand in the cold wind for quite some time to show your support and respect. 

The flags at the funeral home in Brownwood felt like a protective circle around us during the services there on Friday, March 21st. Also, to have you all leading us from there all the way to Killeen meant a great deal. We realize that many of you know what it is to serve or to have lost someone, and that all of you treasure freedom and the cost of keeping us free.

To see all the flags lining the avenue at the cemetery reminded us again that we are not alone in our loss. I know Wesley, and his deceased grandfather, who served in WWII, would be pleased to see your tribute to them, their fellow soldiers, and our country.

Again, from all the family and friends, thank you.

Paul and Joyce Gray

Eastland, TX

Hello. I just wanted to tell everybody in the patriot guard that the job they do is AWESOME!!! The respect and support they show my fallen brothers and sisters is amazing!!! As an Iraqi Freedom Vet it means so much to know so many support us. Thanks!!!!  SSgt Lewis

I can't begin to thank you all enough for making my brother’s funeral so special!! It really meant a lot to me and my family to have everyone come and show your support to my brother. I have never experienced anything like the ceremony you staged and I was very impressed with the heartfelt actions of your group. I realized that my brother had a family in this group and it made me feel good.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Christina Van Vorst-Coppen

(little sister to Dean)

Dear Patriot Guard,

I've been meaning to do this for a long time and finally have sat down to write to you all. I am a friend of PFC Thomas R. Wilson, killed in Afghanistan in August 2007. His funeral was in Woodstock, Virginia on Labor Day 2007. I just wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for what you all do and for what you did for us that day. As you all know, it is so hard to lose someone this way but we are all so incredibly proud of Thomas. Just seeing the sight of you all that day brought tears to my eyes. You may not have personally known him, but you knew him enough. It was amazing seeing how much you all care. I'm so in awe of what you all do and I'm sure it's not easy. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there for all of us in a time of great need.

God bless you all!

Sarah Nilsen

I wanted to express my gratitude for the incredible show of support you offer family and friends of soldiers who have died in combat. I recently lost a dear friend in Iraq. The Patriot Guard Riders were there to meet him in Gainesville, FL. You were there at the wake and at the memorial service. And you were the funeral in Arlington. It was amazing to see you aide in honoring the life of an extraordinary human being. Thank you!
~AK

To all involved,

I want to extend a heart-felt thanks and appreciation for the services you provided for the National Guard Deployment Ceremony on 3-22-08 at the MU Campus. As arriving family members, it was awesome to see you all line up everywhere with your flags and supporting our troops.

My brother is one of those soldiers and we had never been to a ceremony before. Thank you so much for your dedication and commitment! Your presence meant so much to us!

God Bless,

Darci Foster

(family of Derrick Berkland)

Jim,
It was a pleasure to meet you and Lisa at the McDavid's home last week. I was uneasy when Robert told me there may be 100 or more bikers to escort and honor our fallen hero when he arrived at GTR. I have never been proven more wrong in my life. I did not know anything about your group before and I now consider it an honor to have accompanied ya'll in honoring Taylor. What your group does, what they stand for and how respectfully they conduct themselves made me very proud to be associated with you. The flags you made available were the perfect finishing touch to a very impressive service honoring my friend, my friend's son and my friend's grandson. The food you brought and the care you gave the family; the professional way you conducted the business that needed to be done and the total support of this event your group gave were overwhelming to me. I know what a sacrifice our Shriners Motor Corp. made to do their part and we only had 8 that could make the escort. Your group should be very proud of what you do; I am certainly very proud of your Patriot Guard. Do you have a website or e-mail list that I could subscribe to, to keep up with your activities and how does one make a donation to your group to help in some small way support what you do? It is an honor to meet fellow Americans that still have respect for our soldiers and the sacrifice they make and are willing to show their support in such a special way. I will forever be indebted sir for what ya'll have done and please know how proud it made me to meet such great Americans.

Fraternally
Christopher J. Nettles
Potentate 2008
Hamasa Shriners

I want to thank the members that came out in the cold and dreary Easter morning to escort my brother, Col Byron Lloyd and his soldiers today. There were only 15 soldiers that left this cold morning for Fort McCoy and then to Afghanistan, but your members treated them like 1500 men. They showed the utmost respect and told me it was an honor for them to be there. I wrote to the Guards when I found out my brother and his men were leaving Easter Sunday morning, for fear they would not get a good send off, but your members braved the weather and showed their loyalty to the troops. I want to thank all the members that showed up this Easter morning in Decatur, Illinois for showing me the respect that is continually due to our troops. Thanks again for the awesome send off. 

Bobbie Barrett, Rochester, Illinois  

Greetings,

    My name is Joe, I am a SSgt in the United States Air Force stationed in South Korea. I’ve been following and reading about you folks for quite awhile. I’ve finally settled down and had enough time to write my sincerest thanks and appreciation. You guys are truly awesome, I grew up around bikes. My father was a member of the Brotherhood of Bikers in Texas during the 80's. The patriotism you guys express puts a smile on every service members face. Keep up the good fight and many thanks

Joe Banaszek

Bob,

Words cannot express my gratitude for your leadership in bringing the Patriot Guard Riders to honor my son, Cpl Aaron Miller, USMC on Saturday, 3/22/08, in Wilmington, Ohio. It was the most professional display of patriotism conducted by a civilian group I've seen in these parts for some time. What's more, you're all vets! That made it really special for my son, although he obviously was overwhelmed with the event and was having a hard time coping with it all.

There was no way that I could have conducted a reception for Aaron that would have meant as much to him as you have done with your riders. We were honored with your presence, blessed by your words, and encouraged by your patriotism and selfless dedication to a cause that asks for nothing in return. I feel honored to live in a country that has produced such stellar examples as you have displayed for us today. God bless you all and God bless these United States.

Regards,

Craig T. Miller,

Proud Father of Cpl Aaron Miller.

Dear Mark and the Patriot Guard Riders:

I, as chairman of the September 2007 USS Goodhue Reunion in Austin, Texas, apologize for not writing sooner to thank the Patriot Guard Riders for the extreme service to honor us with a flag escort from the hotel to the restaurant for dinner and for the flag line at the entrance of the restaurant.

We of the reunion were overwhelmed to tears that your organization honored us with this ceremony. From the comments I have received, and I have attended about 12 reunions, what the Patriot Guard Riders did for our reunion is the one that will never be forgotten. The fact that you had dinner with us was an honor for our group to meet such a wonderful group of people.

Our members told me what you did for us gave our group a different outlook on bikers. Some in our group didn’t know that you existed and what your purpose was. You need more publicity. The one thing that we were concerned about was what we could do for you.

Even now when we explain to others what the Patriot Guard Riders did for us we still can’t describe it without tears. I guess what I am trying to say to you, of all the reunions, this was the one that will stay with us from now on.

That’s not all, because of you, we received a proclamation from the mayor’s office and from the governor’s office which was appreciated by our group. I had copies made of the proclamation from the governor’s office and mailed them to everyone who was here. Everyone was pleased and appreciated it very much. Everyone who attended the reunion in Austin had many good remarks about the visit.

We become very emotional when people come up to us and say “Thank you for your service”. We find it hard to answer except to say “Thank you; we did what we had to do”. Also trying to explain the feelings we felt by what you did, escorting us to dinner and the flag line. We thank you for the service you are doing for our service men and women today. We of the reunion admire, very highly, what the Patriot Guard Riders are doing.

In closing, please accept our never ending thank you from the USS Goodhue APA-107 Reunion 2007, Austin, Texas. May God bless the people of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Sincerely,

Tony Nunes, Chairman

Owren Sarratt, Assistant

I wish to give my sincere thank you to the Wyoming and the Utah Patriot Guard Riders. These individuals are the epitome of what true Americans should be. They stood in the freezing cold of the Wyoming winter to honor and protect my brother, Staff Sergeant David D. Julian, on his way to his final resting place. Seeing the respect each of you showed for David was moving beyond words. The true patriotism of the PGR riders reminds me of exactly what type of people are in our great nation.

May God bless every one of you for the great work you do in donating your services in order to ensure our brave soldiers are honored, respected, and protected.

Christopher Julian

I just wanted to send a heartfelt thank you to each and every member of PGR who came out to support Cpl. Scott McIntosh on Tuesday, March 18th. Y'all honored his memory and you helped to bring some happiness to such a sad situation. I was absolutely devastated when I heard the news of his death. To discover that a loved one has been taken away so suddenly is heartbreaking.  

When I saw each PGR member standing at the church and cemetery with a flag in his/her hand I felt so proud to have been a part of his life. All of you helped to provide some comfort to the McIntosh family and to myself. Words can not express just how grateful I am to you! I appreciate your dedication to our fallen soldiers. 

Sincerely,

Keri Hosler

I don't want to take up to much for your time but I wanted to say Thank you from the bottom of my heart. What you do makes my heart know that there are great people in this world. Thank you.

I just wanted to say thank you for everything. Fortunately, I have not had to attend any funerals for any of my friends or family members yet that are in (were in) the service. But it is really comforting to know that there are people such as yourselves that will protect the families from some groups that strive on protesting. I'm an Airman First Class in the Massachusetts Air National Guard and I know you appreciate our commitment, but we all appreciate your respect more than you can imagine.

Thank you,

A1C Alex Sullivan

Thank you so much for doing your thing.

When my brother came back from Iraq, you were there. When the Bemidji unit came back from Iraq, you were there.

Now when my beloved friend Kip Allan is laid in the earth, you will be there.

You have given me comfort during these times when I couldn't stop the tears.

Thank you so much.

My words for Kip:

http://www.windchillforum.org/viewtopic.php?t=155

Sara Margaret Ewing Engelstad

Inver Grove Heights, MN

Hello again, Carl. On behalf of my entire family I want to thank the amazing Patriot Guard Riders who stood yesterday for my dad, A. Willard "Hap" Reese. It was a moving tribute to his life and his service, and we were all very proud of being able to honor him in this way. We were honored to have you there, and I know he would have been so pleased to see the many flags and the riders who held them patriotically. Watching the pall bearers pass through the flag line, and seeing the respect each of you afforded our Dad and family hero was moving beyond words. This is true patriotism and reminds us of the best in our great nation. Thank you all for your service, and thank you for helping to honor Hap. May he rest in peace.

I went to the website today in the hope of printing out the entire mission and condolence thread, and to send a thanks message to each of those who posted. It is no longer available from the "confirmed missions" link, but I feel sure it is available somewhere. Can you point me to where I can find it? Would I need to create an account on the site to view it now?

Thank you again, and please give our heartfelt thanks to all PGR who stood for him, or who shared their thoughts and condolences. If I am not able to thank them each myself, I hope they all know how much they've meant to our family. 

kind regards,
Diane Reese

3/17/08

Dear Patriot Guard Riders,

    Our family wants to say "Thank you so much!" for being a part of our uncle's funeral. Ronald James Moore, our uncle and soldier in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, would have been so proud and honored by the participation of the Patriot Guard Riders. The patriotism that was felt on the day of his funeral is something I have never experienced. You truly blessed our family. Once again thank you and God bless.

Sincerely,

Tammy Huff and the Moore, Flores, and Huff families

3/17/08

I would like to thank the Patriot Guard for their support at my nephew's, Staff Sergeant Christopher Frost, funeral. Although we did not need their services, it was a comfort to see them standing close by. Until now, I didn't know what the Patriot Guard was. I am very appreciative for each and every one of them, all over the globe. At a time like this, there is little comfort to be found. But, seeing all of the American flags and the people holding them was a huge comfort in itself. Thank you for serving our fallen soldiers!

Joanne Kurth

3/16/08

I don't know how to thank all of the patriot guards for all that they do. When I see them at the funerals of fallen soldiers my heart is touched beyond words. Each and every one of you are so special and I would like to thank all of the patriot guards. I have been to two funerals where you have attended. It was an emotional sight to see. As I pass by you I am so touched by seeing you all that I have to walk and not look at you, knowing that I will break completely down if I should look up. As I'm passing each and every one of the patriot guards I just want to stand before them and tell them Thank you so much for what you are doing for the soldiers and their families and know how much I appreciate every one of you. May God watch over all of you and keep you safe.
God Bless each and every one of you. The world is a better place with wonderful people like you.

And the next time you see me and I'm walking by you all and I don't look up and don't look at you know that I am touched by seeing you all and how much my eyes and my heart well up with seeing you. And how much I appreciate each and every one of you.

I pray one day there won't be a thing called war.
God Bless!!!!

Connie Velasquez

3/16/08

Please accept my profound thanks for the services the Patriot Guard Riders provided my friend and fellow Vietnam Vet, MSgt (Ret) James Coy Morris in Douglasville, Georgia on 13 and 14 March. Ride Captain Larry (Eagle 1) Klein and his team added to the dignity and honor my friend so richly deserved. Before his illness, Jim was a biker also...I know he would have been mightily impressed. All those bikes and flags were most impressive. I salute Larry and the men and women on his team. They did a great job.

Gary Jones, CMSgt (Ret), USAF

Ladson, SC

3/15/08

Mere word can never express the honor and love that our family felt as you honored our son, Brad and daughter-in-law Dana and our unborn grandchild Bree Nicole. We have experienced loss before but never like this. Brad and Dana were so in love and happy with their life and children. Brad worked at Cooper Tire in Texarkana, AR. and was with the Fire Dept. in Queen City, TX. for 8 yrs. He loved what he did and us, his family. Dana stood faithfully by his side was an excellent homemaker and worked for The University of Arkansas as a Lab tech and instructor. They have 3 precious children  Preston age 6, Alyssa Claire age 4, who sustained a lawnmower accident 2 yrs. ago to her left leg and Baily Addison age 2. Both Brad & Dana were born again Christians and very active in First Baptist Church Queen City, TX. We know they are both in Heaven now with their precious baby and we are looking forward to being with them again when God calls us home. It was such a wonderful comfort to see the Patriot Guard Riders standing tall with our country's flags in front of the church and again at the Cemetery. God is so good; his mercy endureth to all generations! And our family THANKS YOU all with all our hearts. Brad and Dana would have been so proud and amazed. Please continue to pray for us and the whole family on both sides and their friends and Dana's twin sister, Denise as we care for and raise their precious children. Thank you again and I'm so proud of you guys. My husband is a vet of the United States Navy and served on the Carrier, USS John F. Kennedy.

Our oldest grandson, Bryce, age 19 just completed boot camp and is stationed in Camp Pendleton Calif.

Love and our prayers to you all,

Beth & John Pierce, parents of Bradley

Queen City, TX.    

3/15/08

To The Patriot Guard,

I am the mother of Sgt. Phillip R. Anderson, fallen in battle this past Monday 3/10/08, at Balad, Iraq. In these last five days I have come to understand the true meaning of pain and loss, of grief and sorrow beyond words. A light has gone out of my heart and now shines among the stars.

I will be traveling from my home in Oakland, California with my partner and my daughter to Washington State this coming week to receive my son's body home in a flag-draped casket. I know that he is no longer in that body, broken by the ravages of battle, but rather his spirit now flies free on the wind. His wife will be there, as well as my baby grandson who is 16 months old. In attendance at the funeral will also be his dad who is flying in from Missouri, my father, Phillip's grandfather, who is an 82-year-old USMC Veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam as well as other family members and friends.

What I am writing to tell you tonight is how profoundly grateful I am for the loving thoughts and prayers I read tonight on your forum page. Phillip's wife, Melanie, who I believe has been in touch with you about the services next week, sent me your link. I sat here reading the announcement and then the posts, sobbing both with tears of grief and tears of gratitude for the respect and honor you have shown my son. Your prayers of comfort and gratitude for his sacrifice touch me more deeply than I can say.

We are told that you will be there on Tuesday when his plane lands and on Thursday for his funeral. I cannot tell you how grateful I am by the gift of your time and your healing honor.

Tomorrow my partner and I will take our Fatboy out on the road for a few hours, along the ocean's edge and perhaps up into the hills. It is the last day we will have here before we fly out early Monday morning. It is our own tribute ride, just the two of us. And while we are out there tomorrow, I will hear the wind rushing past my ears and hear once again the voice of my son saying, "Hey Momma, it's Phil. I'm home."

Respectfully and with much gratitude,

Raven Bren

Mother of Sgt. Phillip R. Anderson

3/15/08

Good evening Carl,

       Hope you are well. Please extend this email also to Brian Lutrzykowski; I was unable to locate his email address from the web page.

       I just wanted to let you know what an honor it was for my family to have the PGR in attendance at my dad's funeral procession and interment at the Bay Pines National Cemetery today. I must reiterate that your mission truly is one of the, if not the, MOST IMPORTANT mission for veteran recognition these days. I may be so bold as to say that their presence supplants on some levels the traditional honors guard. I also found out that you need not be a veteran to ride with the PGR. This to me is absolutely one of the most critically important features of the PGR as it affirms the support that our citizens have for our nation's veterans - especially for today’s veterans who are KIA from the present conflicts; my hat's off to the non-Vet riders. Thank God for the PGR. The devil spawned the crazy church from Kansas; and God responded with the PGR! Hooah! A calling from on high I sincerely believe! Keep on riding and doing the important work that you do. God Bless!

Spader 92, out.

(Mel Bradley)

3/15/08

I wanted to send this note of appreciation to 1st. Lt. Steve Cox, USMC, and all of the wonderful Patriot Guard Riders that helped welcome my son, LCpl Jarrad Boever home last week!

I wish there were words to express to you my gratitude.

As a mom, you have done something for me that no one else could. The Pride I feel for my son is un-measurable, what I needed to see, you have shown me, and that's the "Brotherhood".

I feel that same Pride toward each and every one of you.

May God Bless and keep you always.

Semper Fi
Dianna

3/15/08

Dear Patriot Guard Riders,

I am Fran (Nocella) Chandler, only daughter of Frank Nocella, a SSGT, US Army WWII Vet whose service was most honored by the volunteer Patriot Guard Riders at his funeral at the St. Therese RC Church in Succasunna, NJ and his interment at the Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Totowa, NJ on such a sunny, but cold and windy day on February 19th, 2008.

It was through my son, John Mooney of Spotsylvania, Virginia (A PGR member himself) that made this humble, but most important request for your volunteer services, which made my father’s funeral so dignified and always remembered.

My father throughout his long life talked often of his service with such pride.

The distinction you have given him in his passing to a more glorious place is an indescribable honor.

My mother, Cecelia Nocella, husband, Neil (USAF, Viet Nam Vet), our son, John (USMC Vet), my brother Frank Nocella (USAF Viet Nam Vet) and the rest of our family thank all of you with a humbleness and gratitude that will never fade.

God Bless All of You of the Patriot Guard Riders and thank you for the privilege of allowing us to witness your love and service to our country and those that have served.

Always and most sincerely,

Fran (Nocella) Chandler

3/15/08

We want to thank the Patriot Guard Riders and the American Legion Riders that came out to the Indianapolis Airport on March 5 to welcome home our son. He was coming home after serving a year in South Korea. He didn't think his service as a customs officer over there mattered or amounted to much. When he stepped off the plane he was surprised to find out from SO MANY that his service did matter. We want to Thank you all for showing him what we had been saying was true, All Service Matters.

As he prepares to head to his home post, Ft. Bragg, we just wanted to say Thank you again and let you how much YOUR SERVICE MATTERS TO US.

Sincerely,
Rick and Denise Young
Proud parents of an American Soldier - PFC Richard Young, MP
My heroes don't wear capes, They Wear Kevlar!

3/15/08

Joe,
Please pass on a big thank you to the members of the West Virginia Patriot Guard Riders that attended visitation and interment for James Love, WWII Veteran. It meant a lot to family members and friends to see the Red, White and Blue waving at his services. It’s a wonderful thing when people that didn't even know this man still come to honor him for his service to his county over 60 years ago. His wife of 62 years was extremely touched by their presence. It will surely be a sad day when the Greatest Generation is all gone.
Thanks again and God Bless the Patriot Guard Riders
Tim Reynolds

3/14/08

Hello, My name is Lisa Berry. I am the girlfriend of Sgt. Matthew Rhoads. I just wanted to send my appreciation for the service that you all have provided for my dearest Matthew. It was so kind of you all to come from all different areas to accompany him on his last ride. Your kindness is deeply appreciated.

                                                                                                       
Sincerely,
Lisa Berry

3/14/08

We were having our usual lunch at the Sandwich shop across Center Ave, when we saw the bikes coming. I saw the flags and I knew. I said "it's the freedom riders, the Patriot Guard. There's a Soldier Coming." Lunch stopped, getting back on time- not happening. Many of the "Guys", Steelworkers in their work clothes, Execs in their ties, and some neighborhood folks, stood up to see, and I held my hand over my heart. We knew what would be next. The long car with Navy Symbol and our Soldier came next. I called out; it’s the Navy Seal, Vaccaro. And all started talking about- you know so and so Vaccaro, and he was a parachute jumper, he was a trainer, he was in action. When the bike cop then left our intersection one of the Workers looked like he was going to cross, but there were still many many cars to come, the cross traffic was honking not knowing why they waited, the worker raised his hand to them and was shouting military funeral just wait. We watched as car after car proceeded, some of the cross traffickers forced their way in and I heard a very old man in street clothes next to me say under his breath to himself "they have no respect". The regular gal at the counter commented she hadn't seen a line of cars that long before (its 2 blocks to the Charles Evans Cemetery). But I just really wanted to thank you all for seeing our local boy through town, and let you know that when we see you coming we know to get ready to rise and say a prayer for the one who gave of himself so that we can be FREE.


Lisa Mademann
Reading, PA

3/14/08

Dear Patriot Guard,
I am a friend of David Julian and I would like to express to you how appreciative I am that you will be there for his funeral. Although I do hope it will be peaceful, it sets my mind at ease to know that you will be there for him, his friends, and his family, so that they may pay their respects and gratitude under your protection.
There are not words enough to tell you how grateful I am.

Kandice Young

3/14/08

I would just like to extend my appreciation for what your organization does on a daily basis. I am currently stationed at Ft. Hood, TX and just have completed Casualty Assistance Officer Course training. Throughout the past week we have heard testimonial from several surviving spouses and parents of fallen American soldiers. Each and every one of them has expressed to us what a godsend your organization has been to all of the families you have rode for. I would just like to say thank you for taking time out of your busy days to honor our fallen soldiers and their families in a time of need.

Thank you,

Stephen H. Crews
Warrant Officer One, U.S. Army

3/13/08

Joe and others

Thank you so much for you words of encouragement. Dad was very committed to his country and talked often of the times during the Korean War. He often said that being a “hunter who walked the hills of WV” helped him to get through the cold nights and long days in Korea. Dad spent his life fighting for what he felt was right both in and out of the Army. He served others first and always did the right thing. We miss him terribly. 

My father was good friends with Ann Cumblidge, Joe’s mother, and he even talked about his childhood memories of Ann just days before he passed. Seems fitting that Joe was involved with honoring my father after his death.

Again, thank you very much – the family is very appreciative! 

Lisa Leach

Parkersburg, WV

3/12/08

Hello Sir,
My name is CMSgt Brian Pritt and I just wanted to say Thank You on behalf of Tom's family (his personal as well as Guard family) for the PGR's representation during this difficult time. Tom was an outstanding Airman and true American hero. Having you guys there meant a lot to his family as well as myself. Keep up the good work and God be with you.

Again, thank you
CMSgt Brian Pritt
130th Aerial Port Squadron
WVANG

3/12/08

Today was my first close experience with members (Minnesota) of the Patriot Guard. I had attended Mass at my church (Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Minnetonka, MN) before the funeral of Airman Robert Guilfoil. I did not know Airman Guilfoil, nor do I know his family, so I wasn’t at the funeral. However, after attending a meeting in another part of the church campus after the earlier Mass, I came out to find members of your group at the entrance to the church during the funeral. I was awed by the beautiful, respectful and appreciative presence of these gentlemen with their flags.

As it has been some time since the disgusting displays of the protesters (as far as I know), the issue had been buried in my mind. This brought it to the fore, and I was warmed by the faithfulness and dedication of your group. I just gave them a “Thank you” and went on my way. (As far as I know, there were no protestors on the church grounds.)

For the rest of the day I’ve been thinking about your group and felt I needed to give you all a big “Thank you” – for being a visible testimonial to the fact that our country’s military heroes and their families will not go unheralded and unprotected, and that there are also some pretty special ‘heroes’ right in our midst.

So thank you again. Be well, be safe.

Mary Fran Wilson   

3/12/08

I can not begin to tell you how reading these sentiments on your website for my father has touched my soul. Thank you for everything that you are and everything that you have done for this great country that my father loved so dearly.

God Bless You and God Bless America!

Sincerely,

Beth (King) Tuttle

Sistersville, WV

Hello, may name is Melissa Minor. I wanted to thank the Patriot Guard for their showing of support at my grandfather’s funeral, L.O. “Whitey” Martin. My husband is in the Army (deployed back to Iraq yesterday) so I am well aware of what the Patriot Guard does for all men and women who serve our country - be it in the military or not. Please send me information on where I could mail a donation to your organization. Also, please tell everyone there how much I appreciate what they do to show honor those who have served in all aspects of our community.

Thank you,

Melissa Minor

3/11/08

I do not have the privilege to post on your threads so I hope this finds its way to where it belongs.

I am the mother-in-law of a soldier in Iraq....some of you may even know him. His name is Anthony. He is the young Philadelphian who had the honor of having you escort him and his family while here to thank Philadelphia for sending him a flag in Iraq. My daughter and granddaughter are currently in Georgia. He worries about them every day. I had hoped to set his mind at ease before he left, but in all reality, how can I.

Reading tonight the wonderful message to those who stood for Sgt. Rhoads today, made me cry. It also made me realize that maybe in some way I was able to put his mind at ease a little. Reading how people give of themselves for others that are not known to them, makes me believe in the humanity we all have but somehow have lost. We should not rest easy until all are home, but hopefully the soldiers will be able to do their jobs with less worry about those at home as long as people like you are here.

May God watch over you all.

Thank you,

Cheryl A. Mulvey, RN

3/11/08

 To the Patriot Guard,

     I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you for what you do. Only recently did I learn of your organization while at Casualty Assistance Call Officer (CACO) training, aboard MCAS Beaufort. I had heard of the despicable organizations that protest military funeral services, and could not believe that such people could exist. I am a platoon commander, preparing to deploy for the first time in late August and it put my mind and heart at ease to know that there are organizations like yours who fight just as hard as we do to ensure that our fallen brothers and sisters are honored and not forgotten. As part of my platoon's pre-deployment training I fully intend to make sure that my Marines and their families know about your organization and the sacrifices you make to honor ours. In a world where not just the National but the Global community overlooks the sacrifice of those who've paid the ultimate price for freedom because they're screaming for an end to conflict, you are a candle in a world of darkness. Maybe some day the world will recognize that regardless of why our men and women are being killed, American men and women who stand ready to defend the freedom that many take for granted are being killed. Personally, I am not a motorcyclist but I hope to some day be involved with your organization.

Thank you again for everything that you do,

Aaron Wellman
2nd Lieutenant, USMC

3/11/08

I cannot tell you how moved I was when I drove my car to pavilion #4 on Friday, March 7th. As I approached the site of the final resting place of my father, Lew Weber, Sr., I was overcome with emotion. I saw all of you standing tall and proud with your flags and the utmost respect for a fallen Marine.

My mother did not think she would be able to "handle" the ceremony. But as I explained to her, not everyone can have a memorial like the one we were having for daddy. It is reserved for very special people and to not participate would be really missing a once in a lifetime tribute to an exceptional man.

I appreciate and thank you from the bottom of my broken heart for being there for my daddy. I only wish each and every one of you could have known him. What a guy! Thanks again.

3/11/08

Dear Patriot Guard~

 We would just like to send our sincere gratitude to the Patriot Guard and all of its members. You make us proud to be Americans.

Our son, LCpl. Drew Weaver, was recently laid to rest in St. Charles, MO (KIA 2-21-08 in Iraq). Our family was truly honored to have so many patriot guards there to watch over him and us. Drew is our hero who sacrificed his life for his country, and we are so glad there are people like you to honor our fallen servicemen. Drew got a hero's welcome, rightly deserved.

Thank you for the sacrifices you make to honor those lost.

The Family of LCpl. Drew Weaver

3/10/08

 Hafa Adai (Warm Greetings from Guam) Biker Bill:

My family thanks you (North Carolina State Captain) and members of Patriot Guard Riders, with all our heartfelt gratitude. 

We're from Guam, and we greatly appreciate your attendance: Standing Proud on Flag line to show honor and respect for my brother Juan C. Blas (Retired Navy Veteran). 

Yes, we came from all parts of the world, from Germany, Chicago, Indiana, California, New Mexico, Tennessee, Singapore and Guam. We're a close knit family of 17 brothers and sisters, my brother Juan is the second oldest in the family. 

It was with honor that we met and witnessed the Patriot Guard Riders, who were there in attendance for my brother's funeral service, two consecutive days standing in Flag line showing respect, honor and pride, most especially in inclement weather. We the family, were emotionally honored to see you all still standing throughout the service and escorting to and from the funeral home to St. John's Catholic Church and back to the Cemetery. 

We're still here in Charlotte, North Carolina until March 12..a long flight home but a very memorable and emotional one. We are siblings of 15 brothers and sisters and yes, we're all from different parts of the world. We leave with tears in our eyes as we all depart and leave on a jet plane bound to our destination. 

As we say in Guam whole heartedly: "Dangkulu Na Si Yu'us Maase." (Thank You All So Much and May God Bless You All).

Thank you..Thank you..Thank you, from all of us the "Blas Family."

Very Respectfully,

Anne Blas

Residing, in Tamuning, Guam

3/10/08

Hello,

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Patriot Guard members from New Jersey and Virginia who participated on Friday, March 7th in escorting the USAF Security Forces from McGuire AFB, New Jersey to their destination at Norfolk Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia. We would also like to further thank those members who could not participate this time. At some time in the past and as you will in the future the respect you show and recognition you give to any member of our Armed Forces whether leaving our country or returning is second to none.

We, Jay and Joanne, and our son Brian, are the parents and brother of Christopher, who is a member of the Security Forces that deployed on Friday. As we are from Connecticut and only three hours away, we were able to be present along with Chris' fiancée Beth to give him and his fellow airmen a well deserved send off. We wouldn't have missed it for the world.

To express to you the feelings we had inside when told of the escort down to Norfolk is hard. A mixture of pride, joy, and thankful is just the beginning. It was something we wanted to see but couldn't get out of the area in time.

Chris called us from Norfolk while waiting for his flight to leave that night. He told us of your members boarding the bus in New Jersey. The organization was explained to them and they were thanked for their service to our Country. He was impressed and it helped to have his deployment start on a positive note.

Other than missing his fiancé and family members he is up for this. We support him completely.

I have printed out the pages from your Send Off forum regarding Friday's escort. As soon as we get an address we will be forwarding it to Chris to share with his squadron.    

As we expect to again be at McGuire AFB when the squadron returns, we look forward to being able to thank your members in person for the recognition and respect not just to our son but to all you have acknowledged along the way.

Thank you again and God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Joanne Wilson

3/07/08

 Our greatest appreciation for your support and help. You added meaning to our loss. Everyone felt such pride to see your group honoring someone we felt was very special to our family and our county. We will never forget your support.

The entire family of Edgar Faulkner

3/07/08

Thank you for what you all did for my dad.

It made me feel proud of my dad. My dad did not talk much about Korea.

So I know that it was not a good thing for someone to do. But you got to do what you got to do.

Sons of Jerome H Watts

Lloyd & Kyle Watt