Honor Mission
John Anthony (Jake) Jackson, Retired, PGR
USA –
Lawton, Oklahoma – 09-19-19
Lawton, Oklahoma – 09-19-19
ABOUT THE MISSION:
The family of SFC (ret) John Anthony (Jake) Jackson, US Army Veteran and PGR Ride Captain, has asked the PGR to attend his services to be held on Thursday. Jake’s wife told us that he considered the PGR his family and as such the family wants – and knows Jake would want – the PGR involved in his service as much as possible. His wife has asked the PGR to be present at his viewing that will be held on Wednesday 18 Sept from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. at the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel. On Thursday 19 Sept after the service she asked if the Patriot Guard Riders would provide Pallbearers as Jake is moved from the Funeral Home to the PGR Coach and provide an accompaniment to Fort Sill National Cemetery. Once we arrive at Fort Sill National Cemetery the military honors detail will take over as pallbearers. Jake was rightfully proud of his long and distinguished career in the US Army where he reached the rank of SFC and earned many medals and ribbons. Jake lived a full life with a deep love of his family his country and the Patriot Guard Riders.
PRIMARY STAGING DETAILS: 09-19-19
Staging Time: 10:00 AM
Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel
1502 NW Ft. Sill Blvd.
Lawton, Oklahoma 73505
Lawton, Oklahoma 73505
Ride Captain:
Billy (5 Dollar) Hope
(580) 585-0747
bhope2555@sbcglobal.net
“Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable.”
Special Instructions:
Briefing: 10:15 am
Flag line: 10:30 am
Post flags and man doors after briefing.
Weather: Partly cloudy, high of 88.Be sure to hydrate. Water will be provided.
Flags & Water:
Flags will be provided
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water will be provided.
Flags will be provided
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water will be provided.
Submitted By: Billy Hope
Position: Oklahoma Assistant State Captain
Position: Oklahoma Assistant State Captain
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1 Comment To "John Anthony (Jake) Jackson"
#1 Comment By bhope On September 19, 2019 @ 7:34 pm
EOM – 18/19 Sept 2019 – SFC (ret) John (Jake) Jackson USA/PGR Ride Captain – Lawton, OK
On Wednesday 18 Sept. 14 patriots on 7 bikes and 2 support vehicles gathered at the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home in Lawton for the visitation of one of our own – PGR Ride Captain John (Jake) Jackson. We held a briefing and posted 21 American Flags along the front of the funeral home, the Army Service Flag and the PGR Flag were placed on each side of the entrance.
All the patriots were then stationed at the doors to greet family and friends as they arrived. Jake’s wife, Kim arrived and told me the PGR meant so much to Jake that she had him dressed in his PGR vest, she said she was sure that Jake wanted it that way. As the evening went on many members of Jake’s family came out to tell us how much Jake enjoyed being a member of the Patriot Guard Riders and thanked each person for being there.
After the last visitor left the flags were furled, returned to the support vehicle and the riders were dismissed.
On Thursday 19 Sept 21 riders on 16 bikes, 2 support vehicles and the PGR Hearse once again gathered at the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home to show honor and respect, to stand the flag line and then accompany our brother and his family to Fort Sill National Cemetery.
After our briefing 21 American Flags were posted along the front of the Funeral Homes’ Chapel and the Army Service Flag and PGR Flag was posted on either side of the chapel entrance. The patriots took their place on each side of the doors and lined the sidewalk leading to the chapel. The funeral Director (whose name is, ironically – John Jackson) came out to tell us that they had reserved 4 rows in the chapel for the PGR and aside from three members on flag detail, all present went in to pay their respects. The family had earlier asked for the Patriot Guard Riders to provide pallbearers to take Jake to the coach after the service and those who accepted that honor were seated on the front row across from the family.
After the service an honor line was formed and the patriots were called to present arms as Jake was carried by his PGR brothers to the coach. After Jake was placed in the PGR coach we made our way to the bikes and pulled in behind LEO from the Lawton Police Department and began our accompaniment to FSNC.
We arrived at Fort Sill National a little early which gave the family and friends time to go to the visitors building for a few minutes. After a member of FSNC arrived to escort us we mounted up and gave our brother one last ride around the cemetery and past the Flag – at half staff – and down to the shelter. As we turned on the drive to the shelter we saw the senior member at FSNC as he stood alone by the roadside and gave Jake one final, slow salute.
21 American flags had been pre staked at the shelter and the riders made their way to stand by a flag. The military detail took over the role as pallbearers and the riders were called to present arms as Jake was taken to the shelter. Order arms was given and the riders then gathered for the service. As the service started I looked back and saw that members of the staff and grounds crew from Fort Sill National Cemetery had quietly stopped their work and gathered on the sidewalk to pay their respects.
After a short service the military detail fired the volleys, played TAPS, folded the flag and presented it to Jake’s wife, Kim. The PGR Invocation and Plaque were read and presented to Kim. A member of FSNC then presented her with a gift on behalf of the VA and the service was concluded.
I would like to thank all the riders – some who came from a great distance – for honoring one of our own today. The family for allowing us the honor of being here for Jake, the staff of FSNC for their always professional manner.
But mostly I want to thank SFC (ret) and PGR Ride Captain John (Jake) Jackson. The military has lost a great advocate, the PGR a dedicated member and I lost a great friend. I’ll miss you my friend and I’ll miss those times we sat on my patio and had a cold drink and good conversation.
Stand down and rest my friend, your mission here is over.
Respectfully
Billy (5 Dollar) Hope
“Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable.”