Patriot Guard Riders

Updated 04 Jun 13 0729 edt S Sturgis

On May 4, SSG Eric D. Christian, USMC was killed in Afghanistan. He was interred in Arlington National Cemetery on May 21. SSG Christian was a popular athlete from Ramsey, NJ. Because he was buried in Arlington, his hometown was never able to pay their respects to him or his family for his service and his ultimate sacrifice.

On 08JUN13, the town of Ramsey, New Jersey is planning a day of Memorials to thank SSG Christian for his service to the United States of America and to the town while he was there. The Patriot Guard Riders stood with SSG Christian’s Mother and friends at Arlington, and we have been asked to again provide our services during the Memorial planned for the 8th.

This mission will consist of a flag line at Veterans Memorial Park where SSG Christian’s family and friends will be gathered. At Veteran’s Park there will be numerous presentations to his Mother to honor SSG Christian’s service. Immediately after the Memorial Service is over, the PGR will escort Mrs. Christian to the Mahwah Elks Club in Mahwah, NJ.where she will receive well wishers for the afternoon. The PGR will establish a flag line at the Elks Club for Mrs. Christian’s arrival and then we will hold the flag line for a short period of time after her arrival.

On Saturday morning, we will be staging at the Interstate Shopping Center on Franklin Turnpike in Ramsey. Riders should plan on arriving by 1015 at the staging area. We will hold a pre-mission meeting at 1030 and then LEO will escort us to Veteran’s Park at 1045.

Ride Captains for this mission are as follows:

SRC Ray Smith
SRC Pappy –

Ride itineraries will be established a bit later in the week so riders should check this thread as further information will be forthcoming.

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SSG Eric D. Christian, 39, USMC, of Warwick, NY, died 4 May 13 while conducting combat operations in Farah Province, Western Afghanistan. SSG Christian was killed by an Afghan soldier who was embedded with the American unit for patrol duty. Also killed was CPL David M. Sonka, 23, of Parker, Colorado. Both Marines were assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC.

SSG Christian is to be buried on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery on 21 May 13 at approximately 1100 hours from the Memorial Gate. PGR has been invited to attend the services, and we will be there to stand tall silent and proud in honor of this American Hero, his family, friends and comrades at arms.

Stage: 0930 hrs. IWO Jima War Memorial, Arlington, VA
Brief: 0945 hrs.
Transit: 1000 hrs. Transit to ANC (Memorial Gate)
Honors: 1100 hrs. Graveside ANC (time approx.)

Ride Captain: Patrick “Frenchy” Segui @ 571-314-3357 cell

Iron Horses preferred, cages welcomed as always.
Mounted large flags preferred for the transit (furl upon ANC parking).
Military mandated ID / gear NOT required for this mission.
Dress & hydrate accordingly – Check the weather: http://tinyurl.com/Arlington-Weather

r/
Bruce “Robocop” Gentile
Asst State Captain, ANC Team
301-542-6707 (cell)
Robocop@patriotguard.org

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and

Cpl. David M. Sonka, 23, of Parker, Colo.

For more information media may contact the Marine Special Operations Command public affairs office at 910-440-0770.