Steven Ray Day US Army

Steven Ray Day US Army, 1975-1979. Passed away this week at the Muskogee Veterans Administration Hospital. Today he was laid to rest at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson Oklahoma. He was 60 years Old. This Morning there was a story on the Muskogee Phoenix, about his service, he had no family and they invited people to come out for him. Scott Clifton passed t...

he information to me and we both put it on Facebook. I agreed to meet Scott at the Cemetery and post Flags for the service. Chuck Tyler also said he would be there, at least 3 would be in attendance for our Brother in Arms.
When I arrived at the cemetery Scott was already and another biker, “Dusty” soon Dusty’s Brother-in-law arrived, and Chuck followed. I had checked with the office and they had arranged for the American Legion out of Muskogee to provide “Honors”. Another Biker named Gerald arrived to join us and the six of us headed for the pavilion to stake flags. After the flags were out we visited while waiting. The Honor Guard arrived, and their leader came over and explained that they were 3 men short and Invited us to join them on the Rifle Team. Chuck, Gerald and “The Brother-in-Law” volunteered. Levi also made the trip to join us as the services were starting.
As the Coach arrived with our Hero, we volunteered to be Pall Bearers, and since there were only 3 Chuck came over to assist us. We carried Steven Ray to his place of Honor and assumed stations at the Flags. There were a few folks from the Muskogee in attendance and the VA Chaplain performed “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” to open the service. As time came, the Legion fired the 3 volleys, and played taps. Our Newbie Rifle Team members in Leather, did a great job, I was impressed with what they had learned in a few short minutes. The Legion then Folded the Flag and laid it upon the Coffin.
The reporter that had written the story, was in attendance, He and I were talking and I explained, that Steven Ray Day, did indeed have Family and he was surrounded by them. He had many Brothers there for him today. After the service, the Reporter came up to thank us for what we had done. He said it is niot often he offered thanks doing a story but wanted us to know he was impressedwith what he had witnessed today.
This is one of those missions that will never be forgotten, Steven Ray Day will live forever in the Hearts of those in attendance today.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

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Mission Accomplished with No Mission

     Sometimes we get notification of a pending mission, and then it just doesn’t work out. This happened starting last Wednesday when the National President sent an email to the Regional captains of South Central, and Dixie Region.  Seems a Lady in Oklahoma had a problem and she needed some advice.  Her Father a Korea Era Veteran, had been living in the Philippines, and had passed away.  His “Girlfriend” in the PI, had already had him cremated, before his family knew of his passing, and wanted his personal property before she would ship the remains to the family. In effect she was holding him hostage.  The daughter contacted the US Embassy in Manila and it took her two months but the urn was collected and shipped to America.   In the process the paperwork and urn were lost en route at separate times.  When the lady contacted the Patriot Guard Riders her Father was sitting on a supervisor’s desk in Miami, at a package express company and they were trying to decide the best way to ship the urn to Oklahoma.

       The regional Captains informed the State Captains of the states that might be involved in a Pony Express” run to get this Hero from Florida to Oklahoma. Every State Captain stepped up to organize the run if needed. Within 20 Minutes, every state including some not on the route, had said Lets do this, let’s bring him home.

   Al in Florida, volunteered to get the Urn from the Shipping Company and bring it to the Georgia State Line, and we were working out the schedule in case it was needed.  We had to wait until Monday for the Daughter to contact the shippers, and see what they were going to do. She had already been promised delivery last week, and was unhappy with how things were going.  On Monday she was again promised delivery by Tuesday, but on Tuesday the Urn was still in Miami.  On Wednesday, she contacted them and was informed they had be sent to Tulsa, and a private company would be delivering them by 1800 hours.  The delivery did take place on Wednesday evening, but not before United Airlines managed to loose him yet again.  The driver of the Private courier hired to deliver to the daughter, had waited for hours for the urn and she did not leave until they found it, she made them find it and then drove to McAlester to make the delivery. The name of the courier that made sure she got the Hero home, Freedom Express!!!

      I was thrilled to find out that the Hero had arrived, and thought it was over until I opened my email tonight. I am using her words to let you all know what happened::

 

I just wanted to tell you a funny story. Laurice from the Embassy called at 2 am this morning and told me why TNT shipped so quickly and did not call me. I had told an executive of TNT that I had contacted your organization and that you were going to relay him to me, state by state, since they were not able to ship him. Well your organization is the reason why they shipped him! They were afraid the press would get wind of this because it was a state by state relay and your organization is massive and it would possibly be on every station before it was all over and they did not need the bad PR. So I have to say thank you again, you did get my Dad home after all.

 

So although we did not get to do the “Pony Express”, I am Proud to be with a group that did not hesitate to jump right in and do what was needed to help the family of a veteran.  I had made contact with some of the Ride Captains I would have needed and they too were ready to get this done.

   

US Army Veteran Mike Elmore Westville OK.

     Amanda and I left the house and stopped by the fire station to talk to Bob. He had arranged to have 2 fire vehicles for traffic control on this local mission.  After that we headed to Kwik Kountry for ice to keep the water cold. Amanda decided to grab minutes for Robyn,s phone, and wound up in a lot of confusion, seem AT&T Changed the way to put minutes on the pre paid phones, instead of buying a card and pushing in the code, they asked for the phone number and then the minutes went straight to the phone leaving Amanda with a confusing reciept. Well we got that straight, and headed to Triple SSS Country store/cafe for staging.  We got out and someone mentioned my tire was going low. Well Crud, the valve stem had cracked and had a slow leak. Amanda aired up the tire and headed back home to change rigs.
  At Staging I was happy to see 4 new members, Shortwave II had brought a friend, and we had a new couple caging it. I am terrible with names, but the guys were Stan and Ken, can't remember the couples name. Will learn them as we go along I guess. Also at Staging was an old friend Nick, He had gotten into an accident leaving a mission a few months ago but is recovering well and this was his first mission back. Great to see how good he was doing.
      Our mission today was to escort the Family and the cremains from the Family home to Mission Baptist Cemetery for services.  At the prescribed time Bob and Derrick with the Fire rigs led the bikes to the family home. I waited for Amanda as she was just down the street, and we followed the rest. 
     At the home Bob and I discussed things with the family. They wanted us to transport Mike to the cemetery and present the container to his son.  The son would also get the flag and plaque, and Mikes Mom would get the Invocation. 
     It was time to go, I went to the intersection in Amanda's minivan and blocked the eastbound lane then got out and stood across the intersection blocking the west bound lane. Bob Led out with Derrick following and then the bikes, cages and family cars. I jumped in on the tail.
     At Highway 59 Derrick used the fire truck to block the southbound traffic, and Bob led us to the cemetery where he then blocked northbound for the turn into the cemetery. Gray and the Rogers Honor Guard were waiting at the cemetery to give Mike honors. They were short handed so Frank Lee did the Bugle with canned taps for them.
     Mike was in the command vehicle, and Bob Flanked by 2 flag bearers, (Chuck and another guy)
prepared to carry the container to the grave site. I went ahead and prepared to receive the container and present it to the son.  Bob and the others marched up to me, where I saluted the urn, and reached out to receive it, Bob presented me the urn and gave a slow Hand Salute. I turned to the son and presented him the urn and another salute. He took the urn and placed it by the grave.
     At this point all were just standing there, I looked around and ask "Is the Preacher Here?" and the Preacher stepped forward, Gary instructed him to signal the Honor Guard when he as finished so they could do their part.  I have been to quite a few services and heard long winded preachers, but my Friends this was not one of them. He read the 29 psalms, said a few words, and he signaled the Honor Guard. After Honors, Gary presented the son with the burial flag, and Larry and I stepped froward with the Plaque, and invocation. I presented the plaque, and Larry did his first Invocation presentation, we saluted the family, did an about face and saluted Mikes Urn, and walked off.
  At this point, everybody was just standing there, I was finished, so I turned to the Preacher hoping he would do a closing Prayer. he just said nothing so I stepped out and ask "Does anyone in the Family want to say anything?" no one did so I said "well that concludes our ceremony thank everyone for being here to Honor Mike" And dismissed my Flag line.
    It was an unusual mission to say the least, but every one did their part great, and it was a good mission. Thank You to all the Riders for being their and always remember "Semper Gumby"

Donald Anderson July 12 2011

   The mission for Donald Anderson was going to kick off a very busy week for me with the PGR. We already had another mission later that afternoon in Westville.  Mr Anderson was escorted from the Tulsa area to Ft. Gibson National, as usual our group staged at McDonald's in Ft. Gibson, Today was interesting because we had a PGR Member from Alabama join us he was in Oklahoma visiting relatives and wanted to hook up to meet the brothers and sisters here in our area. After briefing, I headed to the cemetery to stake flags, and Bob took the riders to  our usual intercept point.
     At the cemetery, we had an unusual situation, 3 honor guard units. 2 active duty and one VFW. The 2 active discussed it and decided which of them was going to fold the flag, and the other left. Then the VFW arrived and the Ladies from the National Guard worked with them to give Mr. Anderson his Military Honors. The VFW did the rifle salute, and Taps, and the Active folded the flag.
      After the ceremonies there 2 cages and 10 bikes headed to Westville for another mission in the hot sun. We "Staged" at the Dairy Bar, and had lunch and a cool down time until time to go to the Chapel. I went a bit early and staked flags in front of the funeral chapel, and readied other flags for the rider to use in the flaglline.

Dylan J. Johnson Tulsa OK.

    I was worried when I read the DOD notice, Dylan J. Johnson, Tulsa OK, Killed in Action. I had assisted and attended many KIA's but had never Been the Lead on one and I was nervous. The UG's would probably make an appearance, who would I use to block them?  Contact with the family was another concern.  I talked to Tommy, and he took Ride Captain for this one.  Poppy would be Assistant Ride Captain, and I would be listed as senior Ride Captain.  I contacted the Unit Dylan was from, and they gave me the name of the CAO for this service. I called the Sargent and he was with the family and I spoke with the Dad.  They were going to have Dylan Buried in Arlington National Cemetery. But they might have a local service later. I left my contact information and waited.
    When I got the call for Dylans local service, I contacted Tommy again and he and Poppy did all the leg work for this mission. We kept in contact by Internet and phone and discussed all the things to do..
Tommy and Poppy did a great job with the organization of everything.
   On July 6, Goatlick and I headed out to Tulsa and for once did not get lost LMAO, We arrived at the church to assist in staking flags, and getting ready for staging.   While at the church staking flags, Tommy and I went inside to talk to the folks in charge. I had a talk with the Tulsa Officer in charge of blocking the UG's and he assured me they would take care of the UG's. He took my contact information so that if out assistance was needed he could call me.  After this I headed to the staging area.  Tommy and Poppy were already there and also Members of both American Veterans MC, and Combat Veterans MA,  It was great to see that we also have riders and Ride Captains  from Central Oklahoma. I got to meet Phillip  "Cowboy" Wulz  and Jerry "Bluj" Cobb, and some other riders from Central.  After Briefing, Speedo from the AVMC lead a contingent of bikes and one cage to escort the Mother to the church, They made sure to bring her away from the corner that the UGs were going to be on.  While  waiting at the staging area, A gentleman drove up and gave us a case of cold water and some boxes of snacks, saying Thank You For What You Do. Also while briefing, the owner of a cigar store in the shopping center came over and passed out cigars to all who wanted one., Again as a Thank You!!!! 
   We headed for the church with the remaining bikes and a few cages  and established a Flag line at eh entrance.  It was a very hot day, and the RC's kept bringing water for the flag line folks.  They Family and Guest arrived, and as the service was starting we dismissed the flag line and stood by for the Respect line and Presenting the plaque later.  Many Riders, My self included, went ahead and headed home after the service started. I found out later that the UG's consisted of 4 protesters, and were well watched by Tulsa PD. Thank You Tulsa PD..

Grove Independence Celebration.

   A few months ago I received an email forward from Pappy, our State Captain. A Three war veteran was planning ahead and requested that the PGR be present when he passes.  I volunteered to RC this Mission, and made contact with Ben Hynum, Veteran of WWII-Korea-Vietnam. Ben was also the former Mayor of Grove Oklahoma.  I made arrangements to meet with Mr. Hynum for lunch in Grove, and invited Goatlick to join us. We arrived and met Mr Hynum, and along with him were a reporter from the local paper, and some employees of the Funeral Home he plans to use. 
    After Lunch Ben took Bob and I to the Grove Veterans Memorial, a project he had been a major part of. It was a beautiful Memorial, with all service flags and the POW-MIA Flag as well as the American Flag. Money for the project was raised by selling paver bricks with Veterans names engraved on them. Among the bricks was one for Roy Clark, Us Navy Veteran and Star of Hee Haw, as well as a great country singer.  While we were talking Ben invited us up to the Grove Independence Celebration, on July 2nd.  As the day for the celebration approached,  Tommy made plans for bringing a group from Tulsa, while I set up a route from Westville.  As it turned out, we had a Mission in Tulsa, and an activity in Siloam Springs at the same time so the bikes were spread thin. Also as it turned out what I was thinking was a guest invitation turned out to be a part of the opening ceremonies. Ben wanted us to ride in to start the celebration, and we did. 4 bikes and 3 cages with Flags flying. Xray had fabricated a flag mount for  my SUV, and Lana had 3 x 5 flags in the stake pockets of her pick up. while 'Stang had window flags on her van.

  As i exited the truck I heard the MC announce that we were "All Vietnam Veterans" I headed for the stage, waving and shaking my head "NO". He gave me the mic and I properly introduced the group as American Patriots from all sectors doing what we do because of love for our country and Love for our Troops!!! After that we enjoyed a great show by the  Dutton Family from Branson. and a great fireworks show.

Frankie Leon Allcorn WWII Vet

June 25th brought a Special Mission! WWII Veteran Frankie Leon Allcorn  USMC, had passed in 2000, but had not received his military Honors. His Daughter-In-Law, Alexandra Allcorn, AKA 'Stang, had approached me about the PGR Doing a mission for him. I talked to our state Captain, and was told that the PGR could not arrange this mission and why which I totally agreed with. But I had made a promise to a friend and I was determined to do something.  I am a member of Post 1674, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and approached the Post at our next meeting with the idea of the Post having a short ceremony and get together for Mr. Allcorn. It was approved and I had plans to make.  I have never arranged a "Memorial Service" before but dove in head first. Oh and since it was the post doing the ceremony, I was then able to Invite the PGR to stand for Mr. Allcorn and make it an official "Confirmed Mission"

 "Stang had mentioned she wanted our friend "Papa Roger" to give a speech, and say a prayer so I contacted him and he readily agreed. NOW you have to understand "Papa" is totally DEAF!. but he always likes to "Say something intelligent", and he is funny and very smart. I asked him to say something about the times Frankie  lived in. That was a start.
   Now I needed a speaker for the action that Frankie had seen in the Pacific. I approached = the local Commandeer of the Marine Corp league, and was assured they would help but as it turned out I was brushed aside,  Seems he is too busy in Politics to worry about a small potato. My Opinion that is.  So as the day came closer I turned to a wonderful friend that has the right contacts. LOL I asked Shelaine for the contact information for a retired Air Force General that does some local speaking. She was getting me the information and had also volunteered to take his place if I needed her. Shelaine is a "Former Active Duty" Marine, and a wonderful person.  As I was thinking about it, I made the decision, "A Marine for a Marine" and told her I would like her to do the talk about WWII. What a great decision that was.
   Another Friend was to do the "Thirteen Folds" of the flag, but at the last moment had to pull out. Well in true PGR fashion, we selected another to do the folds .

    Everything fell into place, and I worried until it was over that something would go wrong. 
   The day of the Mission came, and it was a nice sunny hot Day. I headed to the Post to meet Larry and Frank, and get things set up.  Lana made a run to Walmart to pick up the cake. and soon riders started coming in.  We had riders come in from Tulsa OK, Little Rock and Ft. Smith AR,  As well as our local group. Carl & Gay came in from Prairie Grove.  and many from the Siloam Springs area, and others. in all we had close to 40 bikes.
    Many of Franks Relatives arrived, and at the beginning of the service a flag line was formed and they were escorted through it for the service.
    I acted as MC for the ceremony, and Papa Roger gave a wonderful fun filled talked on the 40's. he even sang a Hank Williams song.  Tommy and Levi folded the flag while a new member Mike, read the 13 folds, Shelaine gave one of the most wonderful talks on the USMC and WWII that I have ever heard.
  After the service we all mingled and had Cake and cold drinks to wait for the procession to Westville.
  I left for Westville to set up flags for the riders, and meet with the Honor Guard led by an old friend Gary. I had went out that morning to set US and Marine Flags at the graveside to mark it and also a wreath for the service. I had also put a flag at the road to mark the area. 
   Soon we could hear the bikes coming through Westville and as we looked, there was a Westville Police unit and a Westville Fire Truck leading them.   As they arrived they grabbed their flags and formed a flag line around the graveside. The VFW did a wonderful job on the Rifle Salute and Taps, and refolded the Flag and Presented it to Frank Jr, as should have been done 10 years ago.
    It was a wonderful service, I am so glad I took on this task. A family has closure, they all feel better, and We have given them a bit of happiness.  Any labor Mental or physical is returned sevenfold when you see how much the families appreciate it. The smiles the Thank Yous, the Hugs. Seeing their Pride in their fathers service.

  I did not manage this alone I had a lot of folks assisting me in this endeavor.
    Bob (Goatlick) was arranging everything with the Cemetery,, and Funeral Homes in Westville so we did not have our service  at the same time as one of them, and he was arranging Police Escort through Westville to get to the cemetery.
    Frank (Sparkplug) assisted in arranging the Rogers Arkansas VFW Honor Guard to do Full Military Honors.
   "Stang contacted the Funeral Home that handled Franks services and obtained the Casket Flag.
   Tommy (Dragman) Also helped  me in planning and by organizing a group of riders to come from the Tulsa area.
 And most of all my wonderful Wife Amanda (Snapshot)  who helped  keep me sane and focused when the road was rocky. She is my rock and without her I would not be able to do what I do.
  

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