COMMENTS
Good bye Dinky but not foor good!!
Thank you for the inspiration that you have given so many. I hope as a member on the flag line you can come back to sanity and enjoy the community of those you see daily. Your dedication to our cause has been without question and I know that I will call you to squeeze an ounce of wisdom from time to time!! Ride safe and keep the sunny side up!!
BEAR - Not to be confused with BAIR, of which I too call a great friend!!
oh, my, my. what a wonderful letter (that I will need to finish reading after I go get something out of my eye.)
If one day you feel like crying...
Call me.
I don't promise that I will make you laugh,
But I can cry with you.
If one day you want to run away...
Don't be afraid to call me.
I don't promise to ask you to stop...
But I can run with you.
If one day you don't want to listen to anyone...
Call me.
I promise to be there for you.
And I promise to be very quiet.
But if one day you call...
And there is no answer...
Come fast to see me.
Maybe I need you.
I too had to get something out of my eye before I could post. I don't know any of you since I am a Patriot Guard rider in Nebraska. I do know that you must all be awesome people. It is an honor to say I ride in the same group as all of you. Thank you Dinky for your service so many years ago and for all you have given for our troops and their families now. You are truly a blessing to so many. God Bless you and your wife.
Jim,
Some boots can't be filled and your's certainly will never be. Thank you for your leadership, guidence and always having the time for me, no matter what the issue was. Thank you for your service these past 20 months, now get your flag and get in the line Brother. There will be shoulders on both sides of you if you need someone to lean on for a little while.
Very respectfully,
Rick
Jim,
Thank you for your service to the PGR but more importantly thak you for your service to the families of our fallen HEROS.
Dinky,
You know how i feel.......HOOAH !
Good job well done Brother.
CAJUN
DUN,T HUG TO CLOSE! AND SAVE ME SOME SHRIMP!
Dinky, I never met you, but I wished I had. You clearly are a leader that few will be able to follow. Be safe and ride like the wind my friend. I hope we meet sometime in the near future. Peace!
Dinky (Jim),
I will miss your support but I know that I can count on you to stand in our flag lines with the same respect you have always given out Heros.
DINKY, I rode with you on several missions, the first time i met you I could tell how dedicated you are and your professionalism is beyond reproach. Thank you for your service and for being a friend.
PAPABONEHEAD
Brother,
Thanks for all you have done for our soldiers and the families. You have served with great honor and respect. I am proud to have served with you.
God Bless,
Jaxfred
Dinky,
It's been a pleasure to meet you and get to know you (if only a little). I'm aware of the couple of mistakes you referred to. If those were the worst I'd ever done, I'd be happy. I understand how relying solely on email can cause problems. Even after knowing something about what happened, I catch myself falling into that same trap. Maybe email travels a little slower down here in the South. Your memorial and the way you chose to display Jonathan's Purple Heart show that your heart is in the right place. I understand why you need a break. Also, I think you've made an excellent choice for your replacement. I've ridden many missions with Marco, and agree wholeheartedly with your evaluation.
FIRST MISSION WITH DINKY DAU WAS IN TALLADEGA,AL. IT WAS POURING RAIN AND HE WAS STAGING IN A PARKING LOT-AND THEN THE SEABEE SAID"I SEE A COVER OVER THERE!" AND THE REST IS HISTORY-LIVE GOOD MY FRIEND!
Dinky
I have had the pleasure of riding with you on a few missions. Your shoes will be hard to replace. You have done a outstanding job with the PGR. Thank you, Ride safe and be blessed
doctor d
1st Cav. 69-70
Combat Medic (91B-91C)
CMA Pensacola Fl.
Patroit Guard Ride Captain
NW Fl.
Dinky
Thank you for your service and dedication to the PGR. It was also an honor to meet you and the other VOVMC Brothers at the ROT.
Ride Safe my Friend
Dakota Kid
VOVMC
Dinky,
My Brother...what can I say? Thank you seems so inadequate. I know that you know what is best and that this decision was probably one of the hardest you've ever had to make. Peace my friend. You've earned a rest.
Jeff
Dinky (Jim),
I'm sorry to hear of your retirement, but I also understand. Knowing you and CJ personally, I know how hard you both work and how seriously you take any task you are doing. Enjoy the time you'll have and take this time to rest and recuperate from the last 2 years. Give Carol my love and wishes for a speedy recovery. Please let me know if either of you ever need anything.
Donna aka AnnieOakley
TO BEGIN WITH THANK'S SNAP FOR GIVING UP UP YOUR SPACE FOR A FEW DAYS TO ALLOW EVERYONE TO READ A LETTER THAT WAS WRITTEN FOR THEM!
I'd like to thank everyone that has left a thread here or under Dixie Forums. As I stated, all of you are wonderful carrying people that make PGR what it is today.
Snap, this thread has pretty much out lived it's usefulness but I'd like leave the following for everyone to ponder:
10 WAY’S TO BE A MORE EFFECTIVE PGR MEMBER
1. Stay Informed - monitor the PGR website at least every other day to include but (not limited to) Pending Missions, Confirmed Missions, Special Missions and your specific states Forum for any events that your local leadership may need assistance at.
2. If you’re new and you haven’t already emailed your State Captain to introduce yourself, please do so after reading this. Most States Captains have a system in place and they will forward your email to your local Ride Captain who will place you on his/her local member list for missions, rides, get-togethers and so on.
3. Find (most of you already have) a PGR buddy that stays as informed as you do just in case you miss something on the PGR website.
4. Monitor your local newspapers for news on other Veterans who have passed away and pass any information on to your local Ride Captain, Assistant State Captains or the State Captain him/her self.
5. Become Proactive and promote PGR at local events, let everyone know that you are a member of one of the most Patriotic Organizations in the world. Give them a business card and insure that the PGR website is clearly printed on it. The PGR web site pretty much sells itself once you get someone to view it.
6. I know that not everyone can mount and carry a 3X5 flag on the back of your bike and it doesn’t really make you a better PGR member but it does promote PGR and it does make the families of our Fallen Proud to see you honoring their loved one. So if you can, there are sites out there that are now custom making mounts for each bike.
7. Remember that not only do we do Honor missions for Service Members Killed in Action but also for all veterans (past, present and future), LEO and firefighters, but we also do HOTH missions. For those of you that have not seen the smiles on the faces of countries veterans from the past that are residing in Veterans Homes, it’s something that you will never forget. I remember my very first trip with Snap and our wives to Bill Nichols Veterans Home. It was like Christmas for them as well as the 4 of us.
8. The next time you’re in a Waffle House or Outback Steak House and you see a veteran, buy his dinner and don’t let them know who did it. Just leave a card a not saying thanks for your service, please visit www.patriotguard.org.
9. Check in with your chain of command as often as possible and let them know you status. Volunteer for events and ask what you can do to help them make PGR a bigger and better organization in your state. Support your Ride Captains, State Captains, Regional Captains and National Officers. There ALL here for the same reason – Honoring our Hero’s!
10 . Make sure that your bike (or vehicle) is in top condition before departing on a mission. I don’t need to tell you what to check, but I have been to many missions that had tires that were extremely unsafe. We don’t want one of our own getting hurt while honoring another.
With Respect and Love
Dinky Dau
VoVMC for PGR
Dink,
We never met in person, but we have exchanged emals before. I just wanted to say that what you have done for your region will not be forgotten. I know you put your heart and soul into your position.
As for your list above, #5 is how I found out about PGR...joined immediately and have been a member for over a year and a half now. Love being part of this orginzation.
Take care of you and the rest will take up where you left off.
God bless,
Shellie
Oops...it's #4 that led me to PGR.
Thank you for all your hard work. God Bless you and your family.
Dinky,
Bless you for your contributions to the PGR. May God always watch over you and your family. I especially want to thank you for all you did for my family during the services for my father, Paul S. Robbins. I immediately fell in love with each and every PGR member, my heart swells with pride knowing my Dad is so honored by such wonderful men and women of the PGR. My sweet wonderful Daddy is and will always be a Guardian Angel watching over all of you.
My Sincere Love
Norma (Dave) Hoffman
Germantown WI
Wow, This forum is so differant than I have ever been apart of, The love all has for everyone and the caring all has for everyone, and after reading a little about you, I hope that I can meet you, you sound like a great person a proud person and a loving person, I feel honored to be able to post this! I wish you the vary best for you and your family and friends and if you ever need anything I would be honored if you called upon me. Thank you for all you have done for the fallen and also for taking care of all the PG Riders you took such great care of while on missions and most of all for caring for the Fallen and there familes! My hat is off for you. Your Friend mac (scorp) Mcphail
Dinky,
We met at Johnathan Millican's Silver Star Award Ceremony and you & CJ gave me info on how to become a PGR if you don't have a bike.
Thank you for your service to our country, your service and dedication to our heroes and our family members. Speaking as a family member of a fallen hero (LCPL John T. Sims, Jr.), I can tell you that just seeing all of you lined up with your flags and your bikes brings tears to my eyes and chill bumps all over every time I see you. We cannot thank you enough for all you've done. We cannot thank PGR nationwide enough for all you do.
I'll know you'll be missed as a Captain but I know we'll see you again out on the line.
May God Bless you and your family!!
Dinky,
I had the pleasure of meeting you a time or two and was impressed to say the least with your attention to detail and more importantly your attention to the needs of these special families.
Thank you for serviing, our country, the PGR, and the many families that you have come in contact with.
As a new RC I have just begun to experience the responsibilities and feelings that go with the position, and though not fully, I can understand that toll this has taken over such a long period of service. People such as yourself, and my SC Michael, everyday represent what the PGR is about.
I hope someday to see you again, and I hope that your dear wife's surgery goes well. You are special members of the PGR family.
I salute and thank you Sir.
Biker Bill
Take care Dinky and God Bless for all you have done for the PGR and what we stand for. I look forward to seeing you in the flag line. Dene
I just got moved up to ride captain here in West TN. Marco and I ahve been on many a mission together. He handed me my ride capatian patch.
I just want you to know Dinky that I ahve always thought the world of you and your honesty. Much love and respect for being the man you are. Let not pride get in your way, recognize your faults and attempt to over come them.
That is leadership. You don't need the title to be it!
I look forward to seeing you out there as I do a brief for a mission. At that point, I will feel secure knowing you guys in leadership roles set the standard for behavior and committment. The familes we come in contact will never for get us because of that.
In the wind, we'll catch up soon.
Jim,
Thanks for a job well done.
David Lema - Rhode Island - Ride Captain
Dinky Dau,
The words you wrote are inspirational and those of a true leader.
Your special tribute to ALL the PGR members throughout the land made me cry.
Thank you, GBU and CJ, I love you.
Respectfully,
Joyce in Tucson
GBU PGR - God Bless You, Patriot Guard Riders
Thank you for serviing, our country, the PGR, and the many families that you have come in contact with. I have been going through the usual midlife medical test and understand how much health problems impact your life. You are in our prayers, we need more like you willing to lead. Too many expect a superman, we can only be who we are and do our best.
I salute you. Duc900rider Omaha ALR/PGR
Dinky,
We only met once at the GOTG 06 when I brought Kurt back all his goodies you had for him, he loved the helmet! I can still see him in my office with it on, I should have taken a picture of that.
Thank you for your service, again, for our country. You are right, it is hard to do this for more than a year, never less almost two. It is sad to see so many of us old timer PGRs stepping down. You and many others pulled this wagon to where it is now and we went through something very special as the PGR grew. Thank you for helping us get to where we are now.
JohnnyD
I've never met you, but I wish that I had. What I've and what I've read in the threads shows how dedicated you are to the families of our fallen heroes and to the mission of the PGR. As a Ride Captain I can understand a little of what you must go thru on a daily basis. You've definitely earned a rest. It is nice to know that you'll still be around to offer a bit of needed advice or a helping hand. Rest Well Brother and Welcome Home.
Dangit Dink...I don't like you!!! *pouting, stomping feet and crocodile tears* You are my friend. More importantly, you will always be my friend! I know there is always a safe place to call, a respite from the storm and words of wisdom when all of mine has left. Thank you for being there so many times. Just think, I might never had had that pleasure if you didn't start off tempermental and crotchety! *soft smiles* and I have never ever regretted making that call to you, it has been a great gift to know you! Some folks are gifts to the heart, you Jim came wrapped in gold foil with gold ribbons. I will always treasure our friendship! Thank You!
ps....I still don't like you tho right now! *smiles*
We think u r awesome!!!
Thank you for helping to form PGR.
Regards and Best Wishes
"Dietsche12762" SE Wisc Patriot Guard Riders
Dinky, the worth of your service may be found in the words of those who served with you, and in the hearts of those who needed you. By these measures, you have served well. Thank You
Trash
C 2/16 Rangers 65-66
Kagel Canyon, CA
Dinky, you were my first contact on my first mission upon joining PGR. That was for Jonathan Millican on a severly cold and windy day in Trussville near Birmingham. We staged at Home Depot atop a hill overlooking the funeral home and cemetary. I didn't know what to expect but was blown away by the shear number of PGR brothers there and 3X5 flags. There were enough there to completely encircle not just the grave site but the metal fence that surrounded the entire military section of the cemetary. With all the flags fully extended in the wind it was an awsome display of support for the family and friends and an equally great tribute and honor to a deserving hero who gave all for his country.
Congratulations on your well deserved retirement but I look forward to standing at your side in future flag lines if we are unfortunate to require them. Thanks for the great work and your shoes will be hard to fill. Ride safe and keep the shiny stuff up. Best regards,
Robert F. Smith
Bremen, GA
Thanks for your Service Jim. I only wish the few loud ones would take your suggestion seriously:
n brief, it reminds everyone that whatever is said in the forums is open to the following:
1. The Press!
2. The Pentagon!
3. All Branches of the Military!
4. LEO!
5. Members of the Clergy!
and the most important of all -
6. The families of the Fallen Comrades!!!!!
God Bless You.
Jim thanks for your devotion to the PGR. We have never met but if the PGR and the families you touched are better off than before you met, then your Mission was Successful. God Bless. Mike W.
Thank you for the time and leadership that you have given. look me up if you are ever in Texas.. TXTOAD
It was my honor for you to attend to my nephew in Austin. My honor to meet you, and my sorrow to see you step down, but knowing you will remain near and on-call for the future, it makes me rest easier to know that it matters to all.
Respects Forever,
Bill LaForest
Region 4 NY State
Jim,
The only mistake you could have made would be to not have served at all. Your intent was always honorable and pure. That is all any of us could do or expect from anyone. May the first person who never made a mistake, please stand up! I am proud to belong to this PGR group. Keep riding with your head held high. Jan T.
Dinky,
I wish that the PGR was made up of 114,000+ people that had your dedication and heart. Thank you for your leadership, the sacrifices you have made, and your service to the Patriot Guard Riders. We'll see ya around!
WVHusker
Tom & Kelly
Ashland, KY
NE KY R/C
heya, dink...
i have NO idea what transpired lately down there in dixie, but i just read u'r open forum letter on the home page...and i gotta tell ya... i think u'r awesome!! from the sounds of it, i think u've done an INCREDIBLE job doing all that u did...and continue to do.
keep the faith, brother! and if our paths should ever cross, i would be honored to stand next to u in the flag line ANYTIME!
god bless u and u'r wife (and i hope everything is going well with her surgery)
respectfully,
pebbles
You set a standard almost too high for the rest of us. Ride safe, and come visit us in Texas whenever you can. Thanks for everything, Jim.
Streaker
Though I never had the chance to meet you I wanted to wish you good luck and may God be with you always.
Thank you for everything you have done.
Annette J. Wood-Ia
USMC Veteran's Daughter
Dinky, tho I never met you, I wish thos great country had more men of your character serving her. Thanks for your dedication and service. Both in and out of uniform!
DINKY' YOU ARE MY BROTHER' FOREVER. BUT BEYOUND THAT; YOU ARE THE DEFINITION OF PATRIOT. FAT FRED' ILL.
Dinky,
Bless you for your service to our nation and to PGR. Ride Safe.
squiddoc
Dear Jim.....I am a little late posting you a comment. I want to thank you for your dedication, for the emotional and physical contribution you have made, in bringing love and support to our fallen warriors and their families. I speak from experience, as I lost my son, a Marine LCpl, in March, '06. We invited the PGR to stand for us, because the WBC was protesting at my Matt's funeral. I have since joined the PGR, and so have many members of my family. The impact of the PGR at these missions is impossible to describe, and I know the importance of having them there. So even though I do not know you personally, and probably never will, I would like to send you a huge hug and a huge thank you for all you have done. It is tough, it is draining, it is heartbreaking......and it is so very much appreciated. Good luck to you. I hope you find some peace in your retirement. God bless you. Julie Francis, MattsMom
PS It won't let me post without a rating. I don't know what that means. So I just clicked on "1"