FINAL MISSION REPORT FOR CPT DONNIE R BELSER

I would like to thank all PGR and PGR support for coming out today and driving long distances in extremely cold weather to honor Captain Donnie R. Belser.  Thanks very much to the Belser family for inviting us to attend and show our honor and respect to Donnie and his family.  Donnie's family is so precious and sincere.  My heart goes out to them and I will remember forever the poise they all had at today's service.

I know for some of you the day started out even earlier than mine and I admire all of you for your dedication.  Today's mission would have not been possible without the dedicated "flag captains" present from at least 3 different states.  Thanks to all of my backup, Bair, Marco, ADrifter (Larry), Roadrunner (Larry), Kirk, Marti and Bev, Snap and Linda, Tommy, Big Wood, and of course last but not least Dinky Dau.  You guys make the mission look easy when we know there is MUCH work involved.  I know I'm leaving out many, please forgive me.

We met at the staging area about 2 miles from the church, had our briefing, got organized, had a prayer, and split up into two different locations.  Thanks to everyone who had hot beverages on site.  One group, including cages, and some of the bikes headed to the cemetery to get the flag line set for after the service when the family arrived.  The other bikes and a couple of cages with flags headed to the church where the family would be having the service.  We set up our flag line on both sides of the steps leading to the church and around the walk-way for the family and friends to walk between when going into the church for the service.

When the service concluded we had a small flag detail waiting for the family to emerge, then we all lined up behind Donnie and the family.  We were escorted by the very professional Birmingham Motorcycle Unit who did an outstanding job quickly blocking intersections while the procession passed.  It was a very long procession and the PGR did us proud again, with flags flying.  We looked awesome! 

Thanks to Bair and Marco's great ability to roll with the flow.  Of course, there had been last minute changes.  When we arrived at the cemetery, they were waiting with a rider to lead us into the area we needed to be.  What a sight greeted us as we rounded the corner to the mausoleum!  The flag line was leading in to the entrance of the Mausoleum where Donnie would be taken, followed by the family.  All the large flags provided by Alabama Flag Captain (Crosskey), MS Flag Captain (Tommy), TN Flag Captain (Toni) (these may not be their correct titles, but they were that and more at today’s mission) were flapping proudly in the breeze.  All the riders that were in the procession grabbed a flag and joined the others. 

All family and friends crowded into the mausoleum and the military Honor Guard conducted the 21 gun salute, taps and the folding of the flag which was very moving as usual.  As Dinky and I stood inside waiting to present our plaque, pins and other memorabilia from the PGR, I was looking out at the PGR flag line.  What I'm going to say next is going to sound nuts, and I probably wouldn't include it here, but as we were having lunch afterwards, one of the other PGR members was talking about it, so I DID see what I THOUGHT I saw!  (Thanks Kris)  The flag line was very long and about three lines deep.  The Military Honor Guard was standing at attention in front of our flag lines.  It was a very windy day and all the flags were flapping smartly in the breeze.  As the 21 gun salute and taps was played, the flags directly behind the Honor Guard went still while the flags on each side continued to fly proudly.  As soon as the Honor Guard finished rendering their traditional Military Honors, the flags in the middle again started smartly flapping in the breeze.  I'm inclined to believe that was not coincidence.

As the service concluded and the family and friends filed out, the PGR held the flag line for a while longer, then started the walk back to their bikes.  Some of us went for a late lunch across the street from the cemetery, while others headed home. I hope and pray for everyone's safe return home.

As today's mission was progressing, I was watching my fellow PGR members.  I am always very proud and moved by what I witness when I'm with any PGR members.  You guys and gals are the best of everything in this world.  There are no words to express how I feel about each and every one of you, but I'll bet the majority of you know exactly what I'm trying so ineffectively to say.

Thanks to ALL of you for who you are and for being at this mission today.  If we helped this family one iota, I call it a successful mission!

With Much Love and Respect

CJ

LLRB, Dinky Dau
Jim (Dinky Dau) Lorenzo
SFC, USA (Ret.)
256-239-5058

Patriot Guard Riders
Dixie Regional Captain -
(AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, TN)