8/29/08
I want to sincerely and deeply thank the men and women who came and honored the memory of all the crew members of the Coleman Group on the evening of August 26, and August 27, 2008 in Arlington, Virginia.
My father was with this group - 1st Lt. George E. Wallinder. I never knew my father - I was born six months after he went MIA. For sixty years I waited, hoped and prayed that some day he would be found. Then in May of 2004, the call I had almost given up hoping for came: my father had been found! It took another four long years to finally lay him to rest in the Blessed soil of the United States of America. My story is far from unusual, and there are many who are still waiting for a call such as mine.
I want to again thank those who were standing guard this week for "my" visitation and my father's last rest; and also to all those Patriot Guards across the country who are doing the same thing every day. God Bless all of you.
With sincerest thanks,
Barbara Wallinder Thornton
Fort Worth, TX
8/29/08
Dear wonderful men and women of the Patriot Guard Riders:
Our son, SSG Jeremy D. Vrooman, was killed in Iraq on July 15, 2008. It took a few days to get him out of Iraq, and then a few more days in Dover to get him ready. His funeral was on July 25 in San Antonio, TX.
My husband and I both want to send all of you wonderful people a huge THANK YOU for your presence. What a beautiful sight that was! Driving up to the church in our limo, we witnessed a sea of flags literally covering the front of the church. All the Patriot Riders were standing so straight and tall with their flags - so respectful. Then after the service was over, we headed for the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The Patriot Riders led the way. Again, we witnessed a sea of flags going down the interstate. How beautiful! At the cemetery, again, the PGR stood so straight and tall as our son was brought in on a horse drawn caisson.
Our son, Jeremy, died a hero. He saved the lives of all 13 of his men. He got the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and we're working on getting him some higher medals besides.
So on behalf of our son, Jeremy, and his entire family, we thank you for your service. We appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you.
Bruce and Susan Vrooman
8/28/08
I've recently watched a video on youtube showing your group of selfless and dedicated riders at a funeral and the ignorant so called church of Westboro Baptist. I've heard of your organization in the past on a few occasions but never saw the pictures. I wanted to write with sincerest thanks and appreciation to all who volunteer and give of themselves whether on the front lines or financially. I myself am on Social Security Disability and barely make enough to pay the bills, otherwise I would definitely contribute to your cause. I believe whole heartedly in what it is your organization is doing and please pass on my many thanks to all. I ask that God blesses each and every member with protection and perseverance and will be praying for each and every one of you. You are much appreciated.
Thank you again, your brother in Christ,
Eric Ludolff
Pittsburgh, PA
8/27/08
To all of the PGR,
Sue and I wanted to express the gratitude in all you guys did to Honor Our Son Jon this past week.
To all of you that rode from the escort from the Airport, escorted Jon to and from the funeral home, and then stood hours in the unbearable Georgia heat out front with flags and finally the procession to his resting place, you honor Jon and Us in a way that words can not even come close to expressing.
Thank You
GOD Bless and Keep you safe,
Bill Ayers
8/26/08
I had never heard of the Patriot Guard Riders until the death of my dear friend's nephew, SSG Samuel Scott Langhoff. I have never witnessed anything so moving as when we saw all of you wonderful people lined up, proudly displaying our nation's flag-the flag that Scott and so many others have defended with their lives. I know somewhere in Heaven, Scott was standing tall right along with you all!
God bless you, and long may you ride!
Pam Blalock
Mt. Vernon, TX
8/25/08
Even though this is months late, now that things are settled down, We would like to thank the patriot guard for honoring Francis K. Greening, Rochester, MN. at his funeral. It would of (DID!) made him very proud. He was very proud to be a Veteran. It was also great to talk to some of you at the Stewartville run/rally under more a relaxing enviroment. THANK YOU and may your roads be free of potholes and cagers! God's Speed to you all. Dave Greening.
8/25/08
There are not enough words or blessings that I can say, except, Thank You For Honoring My Son.
Your presence from the time that Donnie was flown in to Oxford, Mississippi, till the time He was laid-to-rest was a testament to our nation as a family. The honor you bestowed to Donnie and the comfort of spirit you gave to me and his family will always be a treasured blessing. Our humanity for one and all was gratefully acknowledged. May Freedom always bring us peace of mind and pride of Heart.
8/24/08
I was in attendance at the Lost Battalion Reunion the weekend of August 16th and I want to Thank each and every one of the men and women that came to honor our World War II hero's. It meant a lot to them and it meant the world to me. Thank You all from the bottom of my heart and am anxious to see you all again next year. THANK YOU THANK YOU My "four" uncles would have been thrilled.
8/24/08
Please put this out to everyone that came or wrote anything for our family. I would also like to say a special thank-you to I believe it was Matt that gave David and I his last motorcycle ride, let him know that we felt the wind in our hair, no bugs in our teeth. I just wanted to say thank-you for honoring our loved one with everything that has and will be done for him. I am sure it is hard to attend for many reasons. I am sure that this hits very close to home, if not home at times, but it is very nice to see that these young men and women that had their lives cut so short some of them not even enough here with us long enough to make any legacy but them giving the ultimate gift to humanity THEIR LIFE!!!!
Peace of breath,
Netha Morgan
8/24/08
Doug,
Please pass along my heartfelt thanks to all of the Patriot Guards who honored Cpl Jon Ayers on Sunday in Snellville.
I have long respected, very deeply, your outfit's patriotism, commiment to our military and the tremendous difference you make in the funeral services for our fallen sons and daughters. You are all very special to us and to me personally.
May you receive ten-fold the blessings you bring to so many.
God Bless each of you and God Bless our magnificent country.
Deeds Not Words!
Best regards always,
BG Joe Schroedel
8/23/08
I am Rose Adams, the wife of Roy Adams also known as Hawkeye. He went down returning home from Sgt Wilsons funeral in Lower Lake last Saturday.
I was notified right away by the Guard riders and told where they were taking him. I am very grateful to all of you who looked after us this last week.
I am happy to say that Roy is now home and doing much better. He is in a hard collar as his neck will need time to heal. He has a fracture in his lower scull and had some bleeding in his brainstem. That is over and he is doing fine. He just needs to heal now, it takes time to recover from hitting two trees.
Doug, you are a gem, did you send the Congressmans Rep. out to our house? And we are getting cards and well wishes from my dear Blue Star buddies.
Thank you so much for going the extra mile. You all are GREAT!!!!!!
Rose Adams
Blue Star Mom
8/22/08
Dear Patriot Guard:
I’ll start by introducing myself. My name is Randy Geiger, the proud Gold Star Father of Cpl. Wayne M. Geiger, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, United States Army. Wayne was KIA October 18, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq. My son and family had the honor and privilege of being escorted by a large contingent of Patriot Guard members during his funeral services. I was absolutely amazed and humbled that these fine men and women would travel so far at their own expense to wrap us in their arms of compassion and pay tribute to my beautiful boy. (He was a man in every sense, but I will always be his father and he will always be my boy.) Until this tragedy I was unaware of the Patriot Guard’s existence. I was rather embarrassed by my ignorance and now by my lack of courage during these ensuing months to stay in contact with this outstanding organization despite registering in November 2007. To all the members of the Patriot Guard who took such good care of my son and family I offer my deepest and unending gratitude. Led by Craig "Gunny" Donor their presence brought a measure of comfort to our family as well as an increased (though I thought that impossible) sense of patriotism. I don’t know that I can adequately express my gratitude but I want the organization to know that we are forever indebted to you all.
Sincerely,
Randy, Kim and Jesse Geiger
Gold Star parents and sister of Cpl. Wayne Geiger, H Co. 2nd Plt. 3rd Sqd. 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment, United States Army
8/22/08
On behalf of myself, sister and the rest of the Griffin family, I want to thank you for helping us honor our dad. It was a blessing to our entire family for you--who has already given so much for our nation--to give us this special honor. Thank for your service to our country and to our Dad. May God richly bless and keep you in His care.
Melissa "Missy" Adkins
8/21/08
As his son just wanted to thank you guys for your presence and for what you do.
After reading all the condolences from the members of your group I’m pretty much at a loss for words . After I explained to my sisters what you guys do they also wanted to thank you .
Joseph Valencio
8/21/08
It will almost be a year now that we lost one of our loved ones.
There are no words of appreciation that I can write to express how much I appreciated all that you all did. You all were there from the very beginning that our loved one arrived and you were there to the very end to see that he had been placed to rest.
I want to especially express my appreciation to the one Patriot who was there to hold me while I broke down and let go of all the pain and hurt. I had tried to be strong and was very appreciative of the support we had received and then it just hit me, and this gentleman was kind enough to offer his shoulder and compassion. Thank you kind sir.
At a time of war, prejudice, discrimanation, racism, etc., at that moment in time, nothing else mattered, everyone came together from near and far to offer appreciation to this fallen soldier and at that time our nation was one. Sgt. Mora loved his country and was a dedicated soldier who will be greatly missed. You have highly honored him and for that we are thankful.
I am sorry that you all do not attend the reception after the service, I respect that and I understand your committment, I highly commend your ministry.
Thanks to all of you who served our country and served it will and continue to serve. I appreciate all that you have done so that I may have freedom and enjoy it to the fullest.
Patriots, you are good positive role models. May the good Lord bless you and keep you.
Check out our great website at www.computercomforts.com
Elaine Capetillo
8/21/08
I wanted to say Thank You to everyone in the PGR for what you do!!
My brother came home August 12 from Afghanistan. Due to a Soldier Killed In Action, we all understood why you could not be there to escort Tim home. Yet, through it all, I received so many wonderful phone calls and so much support! I wanted to thank you all personally from the bottom of my heart!
To Capt. Morgan, for getting me in touch with the right people. And for the hand you had in everything that was done for Tim! I know Gene was looking down in great appreciation that Tim got the homecoming we wanted him to have! To Ian, thank you for all of the phone calls & updates. For the words of encouragement. To Glen DeVries, thank you so so much for assembling a group to stop by the house!! Even though we all have crazy lives, you and the group took the time our of your days to stop and say Thank You! Tim carries the coin you gave him in his wallet & I know it will never leave him. I wish I could have been there to see it (there was some miscommunication about that - otherwise I would never have missed it!!) !!
All of you will never know how much you touch our hearts and help all of our families get through each day! You will be forever remembered in my heart!!
If there is ever anything that I can do for you, please contact me. No matter what time of day!
Thank you again! Everyone ride safe!!
All my love and prayers,
Michele Sperlin
Tim Burns Sister
8/21/08
My grandpa was the most patriotic person I've ever had the privilege to know. He fought, and was a soldier, during WW2,and the Korean War. He taught me respect of the Armed Forces, no matter the country they fight in. No matter if the rest of the U.S.A thinks or feels it is/was a "lost cause".
He taught me that, supporting our troops is one of the MOST IMPORTANT things I could ever do, and by doing so, I support my life with my family.
My Grandfather,my Aunt, my step-Father, my brother, and my husband have all served in the Military...some saw combat. All served during times when they could potentially go "active", and risk giving their lives up to Freedom, for our country, U.S.A, or for the Freedom of others in a different country.
My Grandfather saw the HELL of prisoners released from the concentration camps of Hitlers' regime.
As a teen, I witnessed the scorn that Vietnam vets had to endure.
I want to ALWAYS give Honor and Respect, to ALL in the United States Armed Services,who risk their very lives, for the good of all.
Sincerely,
Judi Branum-Miller-Phillips-Patton
8/20/08
My former partner Lieutenant Rob Curry A Gulfport Police Motor Officer who was killed in the line of duty on his Motor was buried on Monday August 18th, 2008 in Gulfport Mississippi. I was honored to have the patriot guard there at his visitation, Funeral and lining the route. I rode motors for a brief time before the Hurricane made me decide to retire and move. I returned for Robs funeral and was overwhelmed by the public response to his death. I was extremely honored to see the Guard there in support of him. You guys are doing an awesome thing and I just wanted to let you know it isn't going unnoticed . Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Jerry Birmingham
8/20/08
Thank you for you support during the funeral today for Officer Sean Powers in Henniker, NH. I know it meant a lot to the family. We appreciated it as well. I wish I could have ordered up better weather, but it did end well.
From all of us at the Hopkinton Fire Department (and a fellow rider),
Lt. Kevin Culpon
8/19/08
Dear Steve,
My name is Marcie Cummings. Chris Reyka is my brother. We met at the memorial - (do you remember?) I rode a motorcycle. On behalf of the entire Reyka family, Thank you to you and everyone involved in the rides for Chris and his family. It is amazing to see such love, honor, and respect from people like you and your group for Chris, his memory, and his family. I can't imagine the sacrifices all of you make to be involved in and support these memorials. It was truly humbling to be the recipient of your dedication and support. You say you all are honored to do this for us - we are honored to have you do this. I was simply overhwhelmed with emotion when I was standing at the front of the line looking back at all the motorcycles and people, realizing that it was all for Chris and his family. Chris was such a good, good man. His loss is so great but at times like the motorcycle rallies, my pain is matched by the love and support I feel from people like you. Please convey our gratitude to your friends. You all are our heroes!!!! And you are Chris's hero because his family was the most important thing to him! If there is anything that I can do for your group, do not hesitate to contact me. Although I live in Winter Haven and don't own a motorcycle, I am sure I could do things for you like make phone calls, send e-mails, keep files and paperwork up to date - things like that. I would be honored Steve. God bless each and everyone of you as you continue your mission to honor our heroes!
Best regards,
Marcie Cummings
8/19/08
Brian,
Please pass on to everyone that supported Ryan's home coming on Friday and his funeral on Sunday and Monday; the Family's gratitude. The Patriot Guard did an outstanding job and everyone I talked to commented on their patriotism and respect for the military's mission. Thank you for a job well done.
Semper Fi
Jeff Smith
8/18/08
To the Patriot Guard Riders: My name is Ray SUMROW. My wifes cousin, David WILSON(retired Army), recently passed away. On the way to the funeral today there was a convoy of motorcycles, a POW-MIA Flag and the Stars and Stripes that turned the corner in front of us. I fell in behind them knowing where they were going. Seeing those riders sent a chill down my back. To think that these men and women, who had never known or met David came to our town to honor him in the way they did made this grown man blubber like a baby. The dignity and respect this group of people showed David and his family cannot be surpassed. It not only made me proud to have known David and to have the oppurtunity to ride behind him that last time but also to be able to ride behind our National Banner that was waving so proudly. To your organization and all those who attended, we are so greatful that you were there. Thank You.
8/18/08
I just wanted to take time out to say thank you for all that you do. I am not a vet, but my father is a Marine who served in Vietnam and my Grandfather served in WW2 with the U.S. Army Air Corps. I appreciate each one of you.
Carrie
8/16/08
To All the Heroes of the PGR,
On behalf of my family and friends, I would like to express most sincerely, our thank you for all the warm letters of condolences. In addition, a very special thank you to the Patriot Guard Riders for their presence at the funeral of John J. Cotita on August 13, 2008. What an impressive and unselfish service you offer. You are heros too! In spite of the dreary and rainey day, the PGR were there standing ever vigilant to give my brother his last honors here on earth and escort him to his final resting place.
As you proceed on your journey through life, know that God is standing ever vigilant over you as well. With ever grateful hearts, we wish you all safe rides as you continue to show your respect and patriotism for our America.
God speed,
Mimi Barnes
Pensacola, FL
8/16/08
To all the NYPGR that were there to honor my husband Matthew Connaughton, I want to express my appreciation for honoring my husband. He was a proud veteran and had great love for his country. I know that he was standing tall when you saluted him and he snap one back to you. I am proud of our men that serve this great country of ours and our fallen heroes put to rest. Forever grateful to all.
8/15/08
The first time I saw a photo of this members from this organization, with flags waving in the wind above all those motorcycles, it brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat because I was so touched by what you do. It's rare when you see this kind of selfless protection, and you've given me hope for humanity. For that alone, I am most appreciative for your noble and honorable works.
Keep up the good fight!
My warmest regards,
Donna
8/14/08
Patriot Riders,
Thank you for everything you did on August the 8th for myself and my family. Thank you for what you do on a daily basis supporting Soldiers and supporting America. Friday night was an incredible experience, and I have never been a part of something so special. I am going to share that experience with the Soldiers in my Unit. I truly wish that the Soldiers I served with could have seen the enormous support that was shown for our Troops. Nothing on Friday was about me... it was about all of the Soldiers serving overseas and the sacrifice that is being made by them and their families. What you all do is special, and I just want to say thank you. I am proud to tell people what you all did and what you all do... and you should be proud too. You are great Americans, you represent what America is all about. Take care, and God Bless America!
Captain Joseph Salgado
McHenry IL
8/13/08
To all Patriot Riders -
My deepest thank you to the Southern California Patriot Riders.
Recently my friend Jair DeJesus Garcia was killed by an IED in Afghanistan. Prior to his memorial I had never heard of your organization and I am truly impressed with your efforts. I know that Jair's family was very happy to see the respect and honor that you showed to their fallen hero.
You are truly a class act, I'll be buying a Riders' shirt and proudly wearing it with the hopes of more people knowing what a great service you provide to America's fallen soldiers and their families.
Sincerest thanks,
Jeff Skinner
LA Riot Squad
8/13/08
I am Chester Jones' youngest of four daughters, referred to by him as #4.
For years I have insisted that when the day came for our dad to pass I would do all within my power to give him the honor he deserves. I must be honest and say I was a little disheartened in the cooperation of our local volunteers. Although the funeral director went through the Navy for a color guard it wasn't until our family was at his services that the funeral director came to me and explained that only one woman was to meet us at the cemetery and there would be no bugler for Taps. At the directors insistence they found one more gentleman to assist. It is so very sad to me that this is the way it works for some of our heroes, don't they deserve more than this?
ENTER PGR!!! My brother in law being a member contacted the PGR and in such short notice you were there. In the process of contacting family and friends I learned one of my dear friends also is a member. When our family exited the funeral home after services you were there forming a flag line with my friend Robert standing near the hearse. My heart pounded with pride as I knew my prayers had been heard. Our journey to the cemetery was beautiful with your escort and flags with my friend Robert leading the hearse. With another flag line formed they carried through to his final resting place. As I watched my mother's eyes I could see she was filled with pride.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank you, I thank you for giving him this honor.
You made the hardest day of our lives more bearable. I know my father was there beaming,
YOU MADE OUR SAILOR PROUD!!!
Glenda
aka #4
8/13/08
Thanks so much for the support and for "leading the way". My brother left recently from Humboldt, TN, for his second deployment…..It meant so much to see you all giving of your time. I had to let you know that is was SO appreciated. May God bless you all!
Tanya Ricketts
8/12/08
This is a letter to every single Patriot Guard rider out there.
You bring justice to not just America, but to the world, in what you do. For the families of the soldiers who have died in Iraq, you are a light in the dark -- you are their guardian angels, their watchers. For those of us who live far away and so who cannot say what we wish to those who would protest the funerals of these men and threaten their sanctity, you are the embodiment of our feelings. It fills me with a sense of pride when I see you protecting those families from the hatred of protesters -- pride that I am on your side in this. I am so proud of you for showing that humans can rise up united against hatred, and defeat it. You are truly some of the better people in this world and are completely selfless. For what you are doing, you deserve absolute respect.
I look up to you.
The world looks up to you.
You are amazing.
From Alex, 17, Scotland.
8/12/08
I was recently in MN to send my sister off to Tour #2 in Iraq. I hadn't seen the Patriot Riders before, and I was completely moved by your presence in that auditorium and the fact that you lined the place with flags. I know it means a lot to those troops too, who are supported by people who know exactly where they are coming from. Keep up the good work, may God bless each one of you as much as you blessed us. Thanks.
Heidi Bonnema
Sister of a Soldier
8/11/08
The family of Gene Vierling sincerely appreciates those members in St. Louis that took the time on such short notice to accompany the procession. Since the procession to the national cemetary at Jefferson Barracks was unexpectedly long, they did a tremendous job!!
Bob Flowers is the Ride Captain and did an outstanding job. We respect your dedication and support.
Many Heartfelt Thanks,
Kathy Vierling
8/10/08
Once again I would like to thank everyone involved in my son’s welcome home escort. It was May 14 and I apologize for the long delay. It meant so much to our family to see people come together to show their appreciation and make Gavin’s homecoming so very special. It finalized a long and hard 15 months for our family in a way we will never forget. Just awesome!!!!!! Thank you to all that sent the wonderful letters of appreciation to Gavin. May God bless you all and keep you safe in your travels. Thank you Pops for all your help!
Sincerely,
Gwen Laskowski
8/10/08
It has been a month since my husband passed and I still am very appreciative of the great job your members did to make sure he had the final recognition he deserved as a Vietnam Veteran. The special way they stood guard and the very special way they treated me and my family will always be remembered. Your organization does a great job honoring the veterans and servicemen and am very grateful you are around. May God continue to bless your organization and your members.
Love in Christ,
Emily Gray
(wife of Sp4 Gary A Gray)
Bolivar, NY
8/9/08
Hi Carl,
I’ve been unable to email you and thank you for your support. I’ve been without internet since Wednesday.
Again, thank you and all of the Patriot Guard members that showed up and participated in Mr. Sideboard’s funeral. You made it a very special day for not only his family, but for all who were present.
God bless,
Luis A. Aponte
8/9/08
I just wanted to write and say Thank You! The tribute that did in honor of Edward James O'Brien was unbelievable. I cried when I saw the riders, especially in front of my grandparents house and at the cemetary.
It was such a beautiful site and it means so much that fallen soldiers are not forgotten.
Thank you
8/9/08
MN Patriot Guard:
I wanted to thank everyone that attended my uncle Bruce Peterson's service today. He would have been very impressed as were all family and friends that were present. You all are doing a very noble thing to honor our veterans and it is much appreciated. It is truly special that so many individuals are willing to gather for a man they never knew, just to show their appreciation for serving our great country. Keep up the good work.
Erik Peterson
Minneapolis, MN
8/8/08
Good afternoon:
I am the proud mother to Spc John McGriff Jr.-173rd Airborne-who arrived safely back to the States after a 14 month deployment in Afghanistan. What an awesome sight to see him being escorted into Bradford, PA, by the PGR's, (David Cullen as the Ride Captain at this location.) as family, friends and even strangers, awaited his arrival. There was a second part of the mission which escorted him home. (Kim Lance was the Ride Captain).
Words can never express how much I truly appreciated all those who rode and showed their support. What an honor it was to be a part of this homecoming.
I would like to thank all of you who participated in the escort, as well as those who have wished John well. Special thank you to Richard Getchel who coordinated the event.
As I enjoy this precious time with my son, my heart goes out to all those families who have lost a loved one. We are very blessed!
Again, a heartfelt THANK YOU!
Ride safe and God Bless!
Dawn McGriff
8/8/08
Dear Patriot Guard Riders,
My family and I appreciate your expression of sympathy in our time of sorrow. Your participation at my husbands' service was even more deeply appreciated. My husband would have been extremely pleased to have a motorcycle escort to his final resting place. I was very overwhelmed with the many notes of sympathy from the PGR members online.
Sincerely,
Wanda Staving & daughters
8/7/08
The Rowell Family wishes to extend their very deepest thanks to all of the Patriot Guard Riders who came to Tom's memorial service on July 2nd in Merritt Island, FL. and at Bradenton, FL where Tom was laid to rest.
It gave us such comfort to have you all there and to know how pleased Tom would have been to have you there. The escort to Bradenton was a long and rainy trip yet your respect and devotion to your cause was not deterred or diminished because of it.
We are humbled by your dedication and devotion to honor our nations veterans and fallen heroes.
May God Bless and keep each and every one of you and thank you for your service to our great nation and the men and women in our armed forces who give so much of themselves.
Sincerely,
Sandra Rowell Lance
8/7/08
I just wanted to write you guys a quick thank you for being at the visitation and funeral of SGT David Staab. He was a close friend of ours and it meant a lot that you would be there. In my mind and many others he was a casualty of the war. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there to give him the proper goodbye for his family (both blood and guard) and friends.
The SPC Grothe family
Maggie, Justin, Devon, and Addison
8/6/08
My family and I greatly appreciates all the letters of condolences that were sent in memory of my father Nick Gobrich, Jr. Also, a special thanks goes to Rob Hemming for all the time he took making phone calls to me and setting up a time and place to present a plaque in honor of my Dad. The Patriot Guard is such a wonderful organization. Even though it was a short notice we did have a Guard at the funeral home. My Mom and I went over to thank him, however, he said he didn't deserve the thanks, my Dad did. Your group is just so outstanding and thoughtful, especially in today's world. I have told many people about you and hope they will notify you if needed at a time of sorrow, or even just to check out your sight and get to know all about you. Also, thanks to Donna, from Stuart, FL, for making the initial contact with me. Her mom and dad were very dear friends of Dads, and of course Mom. Thanks to all of you for such a wonderful opportunity to meet your organization.
Debbie (Gobrich) Anderson
8/4/08
Whistler:
You and the Patriot Guard Riders are absolutely wonderful. Your show of support for Kevin Hardin was top notch.
I was there with my family, my brother (USA retired - Sgt. - Desert Storm Vet.) , my father (USA retired - Major General - 37 years of service - started as enlisted) and my mother.
I just wanted to thank you and the Patriot Guard Riders!
Best regards,
Jacky Jackson
8/4/08
Dear Patriot Guard,
Hello, Im a young Airman and I was browsing the Internet and I stumbled upon your organization. It moved me that there are people like you out there to welcome and escort back our troops that get back from the conflicts. I look forward to meeting your riders when i return from a tour in Iraq. God Bless you All and Everyone you Ride with.
A1C Daniel S. Tubbs
8/4/08
This past week our community rallied behind the family of Cpl. Pruitt Rainey who died from injuries received in Afghanistan on Sunday, July 13th, 2008. The Rainey family selected our funeral home to serve them during their time of bereavement and loss. It was a privilege to conduct a service to commemorate the life of Cpl. Pruitt Rainey and his sacrifice for the War on Terror.
We wan to thank you for your service to our community and the Rainey family. It gave us all a sense of pride to be associated with you and your riders who exemplified professionalism and compassion for this soldier, his family, our community and our country. God bless you for your service. It was a privilege to work side by side with each of you during this past week!
Respectfully Yours,
Eric G. Rudd
Vice President
Lowe Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.
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8/4/08
I am writing to you with regards to the funeral of PFC Jesse F. Granger on June 30, 2008. I want to thank all that attended and rode for him as well as the whole PGR group. You are some awesome and respectful people. Thank you so much for showing your respect and support to us friends and family in honoring this amazing man. I have never felt so much pain, yet so much pride all at once. I'm sure Jesse was standing tall and proud watching over us all that day. His soul is with me everyday and he will never be forgotten. Thank you for what you do. HOOAAHH!!
Forever missed, Eternally loved
Jesse F. Granger
June 12, 1984 - June 19, 2008
Sincerely,
Shauna from Salem, OR
8/3/08
To each and every one of you who helped make it so very special for my son's homecoming.
Indeed, words cannot describe our deepest gratitude and thanks to each and every one of you for making my son's homecoming so very, very special. You will never know the joy that I feel in my heart, and I owe it all to each one of you. Please pass this on to the many others that helped make it a very special event. Our deepest appreciation and thanks to each one of you.
Love,
The Hardin Family
Jupiter, FL
P.S. Please do stay in touch so I may continue to update you on my son's recovery, and please continue to pray for his recovery. Thank you!
8/3/08
To the Patriot Guards that stood guard at my husband and my children's services I cannot thank you enough. Gary was a quiet man who respected everyone and gave to all. He was always lending a hand to someone and sometimes we had to wait. I don't know if this is the right place to write this but I would like to thank Starr Marshall for the wonderful job she did and all you guys that were there in Brainerd, Mn. for Gary's service. He broke the record at the funeral home for visitation. A few people came in and said that they didn't know Gary was a biker. Actually he did once have a bike and we took it on a few trips before we had children. Thank you all for the missions you do, what an honor for the fallen and those coming home.
Thank you again,
Kathi, Alexandra and Aaron Dosh
Brainerd Minnesota
8/2/08
I just would like to say thank you for the awesome sight I witnessed today at this fallen soldier's funeral in Cummings, GA. It was so meaningful to me as an ex Air Force brat through the Vietnam era to see the respect given this young man...when my dad returned home they were greeted with protests and spit, cursing, etc., but I always felt in my heart that my dad was a true hero for his service, just as I do these young men and women serving through this war...I can't say that I agree with this war, but I can say I have utmost respect for those serving as it is their job, one they proudly chose...once again, thank you for making this such a memorable time in eb of this tragedy...those flags were flying proudly!!! Keep up the great work!
8/2/08
THANK YOU! to all the riders last saturday. Words cannot express our appreciation to you all. Our son was really moved my all the riders that came out to support the 116th MP Co. The memory of the weather and all the riders will forever be a part of his homecoming memory.
Bubba and Denise
8/2/08
Mr. Allen and Mr. Sayson,
I just wanted to thank you for your support in welcoming home the 116th MP Company on Saturday. The weather wasn't the greatest but you and your riders made the sacrifice and led our Soldiers home in style. It was also truly an honor to have ridden with you and I look forward to joining you on future rides. Unfortunately I don't have the email addresses of all the riders that participated in Saturday's escort mission but I'd like to express my gratitude to all that did. Thank you all for the work that you do. It is very much appreciated by all of us.
Respectfully,
CPT Daniel Alexander
8/2/08
Times are fast and every one is in a hurry, no one takes the time to stop and think what someone else may be doing for them. The carpenters may be building your first new home. The electricians may be wiring it, etc. Our armed forces may be keeping us free and putting their life on the line to accomplish this. I want to Thank all of you for your courage and fortitude to keep on keeping on for the lot of us that do not seem to appreciate anything, but we really do. We just don't take the two minutes it takes to say it.
8/1/08
Dear Patriot Guard Riders,
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to you. THANK YOU so very much for honoring my son. Thank you for allowing family members to ride with you. Thank you to all the members who have posted condolences it means a great deal to me. Again Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tammy Berry
8/1/08
Dear Patriot Guard,
As a retired Army Veteran and especially as a mother of SPC Andrew Scardina, I would like to thank you for your support for the troops. In a country that has mixed emotions over current events, it is a blessing to know that support for the troops is present. It was hard for me not to be there in PA when he came home; living in Texas but it was comforting to know your organization was there to make my son Andrew feel welcomed home. My brother Ralph Monte, East Liverpool, OH, was able to attend this homecoming and take pictures. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy seeing them. Everyday I am blessed to have my son home, alive, and supported for his efforts in Iraq. Once again thank you for your wonderful organization.
Cheers,
Gina M. Scardina