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PGR, STURGIS & THE HEALING FIELDS

This was my first trip to this historic event and I have to say, I was extremely impressed.  Granted, I did not have a lot of time to partake of the festivities, but it sure seemed like everyone had a great time.  As most of you know, Jason “Waldo” Wallin was point man on this project and did an outstanding job!  With a handful of volunteers, Jason, along with the people with the Healing Fields Foundation worked their butts off to get the field set up, the flags erected, and the multitude of other wheels in motion.  The field itself was impressive beyond words…almost three thousand flags, representing each fallen hero in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9-11, one POW/MIA flag for Matt Maupin, flags representing each branch of the armed forces and the coalition countries. 

 

There were many moving stories from the people who visited the field.  Some had lost loved ones, other just came to pay their respects…all were moved.

 

If I may, a couple of true stories:

 

A PGR member from Utah (if I remember correctly) came to me at the PGR booth and said he wanted to sponsor a flag.  When I asked if there was a particular soldier he wanted to sponsor, he told me, “No, just pick one”.  Then he stopped and said that he had been on three missions back home and that one family had given him a sticker that he placed on his windshield.  He went to his bike and looked.  The soldier was Robert Jones, and he would sponsor that flag.  I showed him the area where he would find the right flag and he began walking the field to find it.  A few minutes later he returned with a look of amazement.  He said as he searched for Robert Jones’ flag, a couple of rows over he noticed a yellow ribbon and nametag had blown off one of the flags.  He went over to tie it back on only to discover that it was the tag for Robert Jones.  In a closer examination of the tag, he was further astonished to find that Robert Jones was killed on his birthday.  He knew this was the flag he was meant to sponsor…Robert Jones had become his guardian angel.

 

To show you the kind of people we have as PGR members, here’s another story.  On the day of the dedication of the field, Jeff Anderson, PGR South Dakota State Captain, and I were visiting as we waited for the ceremony to begin.  A man came up to us and thanked us for what we were doing.  He explained that he was a PGR member and had lost his son in Iraq and had seen his flag in the field.  He went on to say that two weeks after losing his son, his wife died.  Jeff and I hugged the man, expressing our condolences.  I took the man over to the booth, being manned by a PGR member (I am so sorry, I can’t remember her name).  I told her that I wanted to sponsor this man’s son’s flag, but I wanted the flag to go to him.  Her reply, “Jeff, I met this man yesterday, and I’ve already sponsored it myself.”  I can’t tell you how proud I am of her.  The father came back to help in dismantling the field…he was sporting a new PGR tattoo on his arm.

 

I want to thank “Waldo” and all those who helped in setting up the field and manning the PGR booth, they did an outstanding job.  I also want to thank the Healing Fields Foundation and Buffalo Chips for their generous support.  I met some great people in Sturgis who I hope to meet again.  The totals are not in yet, so I can’t say if we made any money for the Fallen Warrior’s Scholarship Fund or not.  I can say that the experience was worthwhile on several other fronts.  It was a powerfully graphic representation of how many have sacrificed so much for our freedoms; it was truly healing for many, many visitors who had the opportunity to walk the field and “listen” to the flags, and it introduced the PGR and our mission to thousands who may not have been aware of us.

 

Thanks for listening,

signature.jpg 

Jeff

posted @ Sunday, August 20, 2006 9:13 AM by Twister

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COMMENTS

Fantastic! I wish I could have been there. PGR is the Greatest.........

posted @ Sunday, August 20, 2006 10:23 AM by Onefinerott

Wow, Jeff, I got goose bumps reading your "report". Made me feel like I was there.
Thank You for all ya'll do!!

posted @ Sunday, August 20, 2006 11:14 AM by Susan Sturgis

Thanks for sharing these stories. It never ceases to amaze me how great all the members of the PGR can be...

Thanks for taking the time out of you like to do a project like the field of flags.

posted @ Sunday, August 20, 2006 1:06 PM by C-pher

As I sit here across the miles...I look you and the others in the eye, shake your hands and say thanks. Good job.
Signed:
themasterchief

posted @ Sunday, August 20, 2006 2:21 PM by t2tinc

Thanks for the update, Jeff.

I requested that my flag to be sent to me just as it was in the field.

I've re-arranged the "stuff" in my office so I can proudly display it.

I appreciate your efforts.

posted @ Sunday, August 20, 2006 5:22 PM by StarShip

I sponsored a flag and requested that it be sent to me as I would like to have something to remember the service member by.

After much consideration I thought I would like to give the flag to the family of the fallen. I asked my ride captain about this but he said there was no mechanism for doing this and to amybe inquire on the website.

I'm not sure in the family's greiving how this would be accepted. Any input or help on this would be appreciated.

posted @ Sunday, August 20, 2006 5:49 PM by lynyrd

Jeff, so glad to read the write up on the Healing Fields, as Flag Sponser it is great to hear of the many flags that were there, the pictures on the web site are awesome.......Many Thanks Again
John

posted @ Sunday, August 20, 2006 10:39 PM by eldorado37

Jeff- Thanks for sharing this, it made my day. And, thanks to you, Waldo, and all the PGR who worked so hard to make the Healing Fields a success.

ConJon

posted @ Monday, August 21, 2006 5:02 AM by conjon

The Sturgis experience was commanding by the Patriot Guard folks. I had 4 others with our group and they all had no idea. They are all members now and proud to wear the colors! Please do this again next year so we can keep expanding awarness. Badman

posted @ Monday, August 21, 2006 7:29 AM by badman

I spent four nights at the buffalo chip- hootin' and hollerin' to the bands, trying to sleep while the raindrops came into the tent and the engines reved through the night, holding my breath in the pit toilets and meeting all kinds of people from all over the counrty and a bunch more from across the world, but the most memorable part of sturgis for me was the peaceful and surreal ride around, and walk through the Healing Field. As I read the names of our fallen brothers and sisters, I was at that moment, the proudest I've ever been to be an American ( and the most humbled)
To be involved with an organization such as the PGR reinforces my beliefs and makes me want to be a better human being to my fellow man.
After returning from Sturgis, I got up at 4 a.m. to travel to the funeral services of SGT. Ryan D. Jopek. Again, one of the most humbling moments of my life.
I give thanks to all the men & women who have, and will continue, to support the freedoms and rights that I and many others take for granted all too often.
Thanks to the PGR for helping me see this once again.

Laneshifter
Wisconsin

posted @ Monday, August 21, 2006 1:20 PM by Laneshifter

Jeff,

Thank you for the update sir.

I don't want to open a can of worms, but I ordered 3 of the flags a month back, any way I can request fallen heroes I was the lead RC for or would this be a logistic nightmare? I'd like to give them to the familes.

posted @ Monday, August 21, 2006 3:12 PM by JohnnyD

WOW
Amazing!!! no doubt about it, God was there!!!
Thanks Jeff
wish I could have been there
God Bless Our Troops

posted @ Monday, August 21, 2006 3:36 PM by mum2shadow

Thank you Jeff for the update on the Healing Field at Sturgis. Though I myself have never been there, am making plans to make that journey next year and have high hopes that the Healing Field will be there again at that time. Thank you for sharing a couple of the Healing Field stories, no doubt you have a myrid of others as well that will bring tears like these did. Speaking of tears, I doubt you caught site of mine as we loaded the flags you brought back from the Healing Field into my truck to take on our mission for SSG Clint J Storey in Enid last week, but if you did that's OK too!! It was such an extreme honor to load them, carry them, distribute them that words cannot describe and I thank you for the opportunity for me to share in that experience.
Thank you for all you do Jeff, you are appreciated much more than you know!
Steve King aka the "Hawker"

posted @ Monday, August 21, 2006 3:54 PM by Hawker1950

With much respect and admiration for continuing to represent the PGR so well! Thank you Jeff and Waldo - and the countless others who worked and remain nameless to the masses - those of us who could not attend (this year) were with you every step of the way in spirit.

God bless the PGR and may God continue to bless our Troops and the United States of America!

posted @ Tuesday, August 22, 2006 3:40 AM by katwoodx2

Thank You Jeff for the wonderful stories from the Healing Fields. I wish I could have been there. I know my sponsored flag was at Cpl Storey's honor guard when it got back. I hope that I will be able to make it to Sturgis and help with these Healing Fields some day. Thank you Waldo and everyone else involved in the setting up of these flags. Your very very hard work did what you set out to do. HONOR RESPECT LOVE for our FALLEN HEROES!!!!!!

posted @ Tuesday, August 22, 2006 11:15 AM by PTate

My sentiments follow every other comment on thispage! Thanks for sharing Jeff!
I too had tears as I helped Hawker with the falgs at Clint's funeral. It was so awesome to be able to hold the actual flags that were honoring other heroes at our heroes final goodbye! I don't know how many actually looked at their flag that day -but I did & the feeling was something beyond explaination!

posted @ Tuesday, August 22, 2006 2:23 PM by BAbluestarmom

If I may. The American Legion Riders Pony Express is at your service for the delivery of flags to individuals. Delivery will be made via Pony Express Rider and hand delivered to it's destination. You may contact your local Legion Riders Or contact me Leacrabb@aol.com and I will arrange it for you.

posted @ Wednesday, August 23, 2006 7:40 AM by leacrabb

Thanks Jeff for the report from the Healing Field. I stood there several weeks ago in awe of the sight of so many beautiful Amercan flags blowing in the wind. Let us never forget that each flag represented a brave American that gave all for the freedom we enjoy.

posted @ Wednesday, August 23, 2006 8:41 AM by Tatonka69

I would love to see a picture or two of the healing field at Sturgis.

posted @ Wednesday, August 23, 2006 12:59 PM by Roadcaptain

Thank you Jeff for the report. What a noble thing the PGR has done in supporting this fine event. To Jason and all who worked so hard and dilligently to get the field set up, Bravo! You are most excellent.

posted @ Wednesday, August 23, 2006 1:08 PM by Zippy

Thank you so much for this story and for participating. I sponsored a flag of the friend of my son. I am intending to present it to his parents at the LTBF ceremony here. Its going to be an emotional day, might as well do it all at one time. THANK YOU! Makes me know why I am a member of the PGR!

posted @ Wednesday, August 23, 2006 4:34 PM by

Every single day I become prouder of being a part of this organization.

posted @ Wednesday, August 23, 2006 9:39 PM by

Great story. Next year I'm there for sure...

posted @ Thursday, August 24, 2006 8:50 AM by

Thank you Jeff for the emotional and touching report. I need to go dry off my keyboard.
Well done PGR. That is what we do and why we do it.

posted @ Thursday, August 24, 2006 1:33 PM by CE1SeaBee

Waldo, is there anything you don't do? :)

Seriously, I wish I could clone myself, I want to be everywhere and can't.

Sturgis is probably not something in my near future so thank you for posting the stories for those of us who couldn't be there.

posted @ Thursday, August 24, 2006 1:50 PM by elisejk

YOU DONE GOOD!

posted @ Thursday, August 24, 2006 3:33 PM by

I need a kleenex. Thanks for posting Jeff...you guys are great.

posted @ Thursday, August 24, 2006 9:56 PM by

Jeff, Hat's off to you the Stories were Great. Thanks for all you do. Terry Martin A Vietnam Vet & PGR Rider

posted @ Friday, August 25, 2006 3:28 PM by Snowhite

Thanks Jeff. Your comments serve as a reminder of how much good we can do.
allanb

posted @ Friday, August 25, 2006 8:03 PM by alnb

Thanks Jeff and all who made this happen.

posted @ Saturday, August 26, 2006 1:15 AM by Doc Bart

Very moving. I was there and really impressed. I was the one that made pictures of each rider at the Black Hills National Cemetery. Today I gave a CD to my Ga State Ride Captain to upload so everyone can see for themselves almost 200 images of the impressive Healing Fields as well as our ride to Rushmore etc. Sorry, I only had dialup and it took a while..renovations@mindspring.com..High Tech Redneck...not high tech enough !!

posted @ Monday, August 28, 2006 8:14 PM by

Thanks Jeff For Doing A Great Service To Your Fellow Heros I Was Not There. But My Heart Was So THANKS AGAIN. Harley Charlie .An A PGR Brother

posted @ Tuesday, August 29, 2006 7:12 PM by hclaprime

Jeff,

Thanks for your commitment to this cause. I was not at Stugis, but I kept an eye on these threads on the "progress" of the Healing Field. Keep up the good work.

Respect & Honor,
David Lema
Ride Captain - Rhode Island

posted @ Wednesday, August 30, 2006 10:20 AM by dlema25247

Thanks Jeff for all you do. I couldn,t be there personally, but I was there with you in spirit. I sponsered two flags, and plan on asking my church if they can be used there somehow. Like everyone else, tears in my eyes while reading your stories.

posted @ Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:19 PM by Tincanbos'n

How I wish I could have been there.... But I will be there next year!!!!

posted @ Thursday, August 31, 2006 2:32 PM by heartl

The healing field was truly a beautiful sight as you entered the Chip camp ground. You guys really did a great thing. As soon as I got home I researched the Patriot Guard and was proud to sigh up as a member, I already have my first ride planned for 9/5/06. I am almost as proud to belong to this organization as I am of my USAF veteran status! Thank You!

P.S. Is it too late to sponsor one of the flags? I would also be proud to display it in my office.

posted @ Thursday, August 31, 2006 4:57 PM by DUTTONCPA

Is there a way to still sponser and get my son's flag?

posted @ Thursday, August 31, 2006 8:27 PM by Calling Fox

Jeff, thanks for your stories of Sturgis! And thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up and tear down the field and honored the fallen. I wasn't able to go this year, but will be there next year for sure! I sponsored my brother's flag and asked it to be sent to me. I will use it on future missions to honor other fallen and add their dog tags to my brother's on the flag pole. I am so proud to belong to the PGR! God Bless
Lisa

posted @ Thursday, August 31, 2006 9:59 PM by llsald

Thanks for the post Jeff! May the God of heaven strengthen you and the National Team to continue to lead us into more places of honor for out troops. I've got those "sweatty eyes" again. You know I have never been around so many "real men" who are not afraid to let the tears flow for honor's sake.
Thank You to the PGR again for what you have done for me!!!
"...expand our borders LORD! ... may it not cause us pain".

posted @ Saturday, September 02, 2006 6:25 AM by HGPreacherman

Thanks for the report, Jeff. I only wish I could've been there to see the Field once all the flags had been erected. I got reports from Big R that let me know that PGR, and especially our area of East Texas, was well represented in Sturgis. Oh, well, maybe next year.

Thanks again for all you, Waldo, and all the rest do for PGR. You guys rock................

posted @ Saturday, September 02, 2006 9:17 AM by Streaker

Thank you for the update. I would have loved to be there and hear my nephew's name called. I will be proud to display his flag and thank you to all who made this event possible.

Bayougal
Aunt of PFC Chase Edwards, USMC
KIA 4-6-06

posted @ Saturday, September 02, 2006 5:22 PM by bayougal

I have to say that, I was there and it was AWESOME! I was really excited to meet Waldo, man you are really a true PATRIOT, Brother you and the other volunteers did a really wonderful job getting it together. We dedicated two flags, and it was truely a proud moment to go into that field and find Sgt. Brent Koch's flag. I was not able to make it through traffic for the didication ceremoney. I should have left 4 hours early to get there. But I know it was Great! Seeya next year. Thank You!
Life Member PGR/Retired Vet WNGBOB form MN.

posted @ Saturday, September 02, 2006 9:59 PM by

Thanks Jeff for report on the Healing Field. I too sponsored a flag prior to the rally, but was not aware that we might have a choice of which flag(my bad). Is there any way I could get the one for Sgt. Byron Norwood, USMC, from Pflugerville, Tx? If so, please email samhwk@sbcglobal.net

posted @ Saturday, September 02, 2006 11:23 PM by Samhwk

I feel overwhelmed with pride when I ride with the Patroit Gaurd. The flag I sponsored will ride with me on future mission,who ever it was I sponsored will be my co-pilot. I pray their won't be many

posted @ Tuesday, September 05, 2006 1:41 PM by Hirschy

Thank you for this up date. Please will someone post a picture or two of the field?

posted @ Thursday, September 07, 2006 9:17 AM by anniebelene

I was there at sturgis and at healing fields. I saw what it ment to those who stopped and took pictures or walked amongst the flags stopping to read names and saying prayers for these hero"s. I just lost my uncle who was at sturgis with me and I can say that he is now standing in the healing fields in heaven with all the rest of the hero"s.

posted @ Thursday, September 07, 2006 11:27 AM by eldoradodick

I just heard of PRG today, i was moved to join. I'm not a sentimental man but i want to do what little i can to show these young men & women how much their sacrifice means to this American.
joe

posted @ Saturday, September 09, 2006 9:05 PM by jojeda50

I'm kind of bummed, I was in sturgis for the rally and never saw where the PGR was, if I had I would have come over to shake your hands, I think what the guard is doing is great, I think it's an honor and our duty to honor our fallen.

thanks charlie needham 2-67 armor ft. hood tex
77-80

posted @ Sunday, September 10, 2006 10:00 AM by racer99

I will never forget the dedication ceremony and the Roll Call and the setting of 5 new flags for the soldiers who had passed over the weekend, with the family of the one soldier there at the ceremony, and after the 21 guns and the sounding of Taps, those 5 flag-bearers turning about-face and marching -- literally disappearing -- into the field of flags.

stuka

posted @ Monday, September 11, 2006 9:30 PM by stuka

God bless all the Patriot Guard Riders.

A simple thank you seems so inadequate.

Thank you from a very new member.

GBU PGR

posted @ Wednesday, September 13, 2006 5:28 AM by GBU PGR

Thank you for posting the stories.

I am proud to be part of this incredible organization. In 30+ years of riding, this is the first group I have ever been part of. The first day that I heard of the PGR I joined. I realized that this organization was doing something good and that I had finally found a group of people that I would be proud to call brothers and sisters.

Thank you to all of you. I know that somewhere in Michigan, the flag I sponsored is being held in honor of a fallen Hero.

Putz
(Pat Timmins)

posted @ Friday, September 15, 2006 9:19 AM by Putz0999

Jeff Thank Yiou for a great report on the healing fields. I sponsored a Flag and damn glad I did. It brought the whole understanding of what we do home once again. To remind all of us every day what goes on in the world around us. Thanks Waldo for all your efforts that you bring to the plate. IU just hope I can be 1/10 th as useful as you. Thanks again
Redbeard

posted @ Friday, September 15, 2006 6:58 PM by redbeard

Tears in my eyes....I can only say it one way....I love you all.....I have never been so proud ...."b"

posted @ Saturday, September 16, 2006 1:45 AM by bhopper1

This is a copy of the opening post I posted on an eBay chat thread, that eBay pinned. If the link to the pictures doesn't work, just copy and paste in your browser.

For those of you who have never been to Sturgis, or seen any of the huge campgrounds holding tens of thousands of campers for 10 days, you can't have a concept of the size of them spread across the South Dakota prairies and mountains of the Black Hills.

The first picture of the slide show in this link:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZMmLJq0ZMmL1g

will indicate the size of just the entrance to the Buffalo Chip. What you are seeing is the Patriot Guard's sponsorship of the Healing Field memorial to the fallen soldiers since 9/11, in just one corner of the entrance to the campground.

As of 8/06, there were 2,911 flags flying, one for each American soldier killed fighting terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other areas. As each day brings more casualties, flags will continue to be erected throughout the Sturgis rallye. There is also one MIA flag flying for a soldier missing in Iraq.

Merrrywren and I had the privilege of seeing this in person. It takes your breath away, and brings tears to your eyes. You cannot imagine the sight. You just cannot....

Each flag is tagged with the name of a fallen soldier. Participating Patriot Guard members paid $25 to sponsor a flag, to cover the cost of this display. A length of cement re-rod is driven into the ground, and the flag is mounted on PVC pipe which is then slid over the re-rod. Each PG member has the choice of what to do with the flag--Donate it to various choices, or have it sent to the member, with the name of the soldier it represents. We elected to have the flag sent to us, and after receiving it, we intend on sending it to the family of the soldier whose name is written on the tag. More info can be found at www.patriotguard.org

As you watch the slide show, try to envision what it would be like in person. The prairie wind never stops blowing in Dakota, and the flags fly proud. Note how the small 4"x6" flag on the back of our bike blends into the background of the 3' x 5' flags of the display.

"Forget the War, Remember the Warrior"

posted @ Tuesday, September 19, 2006 12:06 PM by trident_t150

Wlado and Jeff,
Thank you for allowing me to participate at the Sturgis event. I learned so very much about the Healing Field organization and was even more honored to be an active new participant of PGR, Minnesota group. I put together a lot of flags and helped in any way I could. My fingers were numb from assembling those flags, one every 45 seconds if I remember correctly, and darn proud to have been available to help. Thank you both and to Wayne who helped making me feel welcome. Will look forward to helping again next year. Sharry K.

posted @ Sunday, November 05, 2006 3:23 AM by sharrykitzman

My wife and I were deeply moved to see the healing fields at the buffalo chip in sturgis this year! I'm proud to be a member
tr2000us

posted @ Monday, December 04, 2006 7:36 PM by tr2000us

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