I had been looking forward to this mission for weeks, An MIA From Vietnam whose body had been found was being Laid to Rest in Ft. Gibson Oklahoma. Donald Wann had spent 1 tour in Vietnam with the US Navy, and then was on his second tour with the US Army when his Cobra Gunship was shot down. The area where he went down was too "HOT" for a search and rescue mission and the bodies were never recovered. I read a few articles on CWO Wann in preperation for this mission and read where the North Vietnamesse that had buried the bodies the next day had came forward and shown the searchers where to look. His daughter was planning his "Welcome Home Party" and the Patriot Guard Riders were among the invited guest. As was appropiate Rolling Thunder, was the lead on this mission and they would be assisted by the American Veterans MC, and the Vietnam Vets MC. The Patriot Guard Riders would provide support.
Amanda loaded my car with Flags & Bottled Water on Friday evening, and early Saturday, I headed to Lucky's in Westville to meet with the riders from this area. Gathering at Lucky's were Terry, Xray, Hillbilly, Rooster, Sparkplug, Goatlick,and Todd. We put the Kickstands up at 6:19 and headed to Muskogee to stage with the rest of the PGR. On the way, we picked up Paul and Scott in Tahlequah, and stopped for breakfast at Mickey D's in Ft Gibson. When we pulled in to the parking lot in Muskogee there were already a large number of riders there. We greeted old friends, and met a few new ones and checked in with Pam Tate, the PGR Ride Captian in Charge. The ride Captian for Rolling Thunder accompied Pam to give us a mission breifing. At about 9:00 we set the Flag line for arrival of family and guest. I ran around taking pictures. I stopped To visit with a group of Vietnam Vets MC, members and was treated like a brother even though I am not a patch holder. I saw many many Vietnam Vets there, everyone wanting to Welcome Home our long lost Brother.
A full size replica of the Liberty Bell was there, and I was videoing people getting their chance to ring it, and I had Ruffy video me ringing the Liberty Bell. I also had the Honor to video my friend Paul ringing it. Surrounding the bell on the trailer were replica stone tablets with the Ten Commandments on them, all in all it was a beautiful sight. After the services at the church it was escorted by Motorcycle to Ft. Gibson National Cemetery.
After the Flagline Bob Olds and I headed to Ft. Gibson where we found Ape and a few others waiting. We waited there for the Procession to arrive. All plans from this point forward changed. LOL But the procession arrived, the Casket was transfered to the waiting cassion and proceded to the pavillion. It was a beautiful wagon, painted in an American Flag motif, pulled by 2 magnificent Black Clydesdales.
The driver and escorts all wearing American Flag motif shirts. It was a wonderful sight.. After a ceremony at the pavillion, CWO Wann was again loaded for the trip to his gravesight. As the wagon traveled I heard the sound of approaching Helicopters, 3 Dustoff birds came into view flying the "Missing Man" formation, ad they flew overhead one peeled off 90 degrees, and they flew on. What a beautiful dight and honor for CWO Wann. Then they reappeared and flew over again.
With that the services were over and We prepared to return home, I had lost my riders, I knew Terry and Xray had skipped the escort and headed back early but in the crowd at the cemetery, I could locate no one. I did find some old friends there that I hadn't seen in years, It was great to visit with htem and catch up. And I met some new friends that were not part of the PGR. It was a very Hot day, I know of at least 4 people dropping from the heat, but none of our riders did that I know of and I give thanks to our Loard for that.
On the way home Amanda and I stopped at Del Rancho in Tahlequah for a meal and to cool down. We were suprised to find some old friends there also. Punkin & Marie Sears were sitting at the table behind us.
We were glad to arrive back at the house and Amanda turned the A/C down and we spent the rest of the day relaxing and cooling down......
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