Patriot Guard Riders

Writing this Mission report about our effort to honor SSG Christopher Van Der Horn at his memorial service is an especially difficult task.

The location and permission to attend came on short notice, we had less than 24 hrs to pull something together. The service was to be small, no UG’s were expected and none came. We had 8 PGR members, 5 of whom rode, representing 3 states. A special Thank You to Twin who rode all the way from the St. Louis area to attend. Two of the members present are on active duty, that makes me especially proud.

This mission was unique in many ways. The large public farewell would be held later in Washington State, this memorial was a private and intimate affair for the Van Der Horns adopted military family at Ft. Campbell. We arrived to honor and stand guard. We lined up next to the church steps holding the flag until the service was set to begin. One of the church elders made it clear that we were expected to join them inside for the service. After an opening prayer and sharing some personal stories of his relationship with Chris, the preacher invited the mourners to do the same. I rode down to Honor SSG Van Der Horn. Before I left, I knew him as Chris. Chris’s young son, I would guess about 5 or 6 years of age, walked up and did his best to explain what an IED was and that it had killed his dad. Most of those in attendance were military wives, their husbands in harms way. Standing quietly in the back of the room, I could not help but be inspired by these young people. Despite the adversity and sorrow of having lost yet another one of their own, their courage and resolve remains unwavering.

Our small PGR group was the only outside group in attendance. This was a family gathering. Thanks to the efforts of all PGR members nationwide, PapaMccuen and his wife, we were invited. This was an extra special service for me and the PGR because the PGR weren’t needed as Patriot Guards, we were invited to come as friends and family. I can think of no higher honor.