The mission for David Michael Doudican was a short notice, graveside only mission at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Goat had prior committments so I headed to Ft. Gibson alone. I got a call from Sparkplug, and he was waiting for me at Quick Stop, I did not think anyone was meeting me there since Goat wasn't going and I was running late. We hooked up and headed to Ft. Gibson. We met with Tater Chuck and Papa Roger at Mc Donalds and after a briefing we headed to the cemetery. Since there woure only 5 of us we staked flags from the big flagpole to the corner and prepared flags for a four man flag,ine, forming our "Big L" formation. The American Legion Honor Guard was there to give full military honors, and the service was a very long one. After the service many members of the family and many friends came over to shake our hands and say thank you for being here. That is always the best and hardest part of teh mission, Rewarding because you see the look of gratitude and feel their love for what we do. Sad because you feel the pain of their loss.
https://picasaweb.google.com/Proudnamvet/DavidMichaelDoudican?feat=directlink
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Back to Back Missions
On Thursday May 26th we were asked to stand for Maurice "MO" Keith, US Army Veteran There was no flag line at the Church this time but the Bikes gathered to escort Mr Keith to Fayetteville National Cemetery, I went straight to National and met Gay & Carl Wampler there. We prepared the Flags for a flag line at the committal shelter, and waited for the procession to arrive. Curtis lead the procession followed by sparkplug. I noticed Curtis had a passenger that I did not recognise. The procession made the loop around the pavilion, and parked going out of the cemetery. The riders then came to get their flags and form a flag line. As Curtis and his passenger approached, i thought I know that lady but could not place her. As I handed her her Flag, it hit me it was Elaine Ball, a friend from Facebook that had recently arrived from Virginia. I got all excited as this was the first time I had seen her in person.
We stood for the services, and after it was over I got to meet Lanie formally, what a treat. Even got my picture taken with her.
https://picasaweb.google.com/Proudnamvet/MauriceMOKieth?feat=directlink
Friday brought yet another mission from the same church and escort to national. US Army Veteran Coy Fitts, Xray called me Thursday evening as they needed flag support for this mission I had committed to a non-pgr mission at Ft. Gibson National for the Missing In America Project, they were having their first burial of unclaimed Veterans ashes. I contacted Tommy and he agreed to fill in for me at Gibson so I agreed to provide flags for the Arkansas mission. Curtis had to work so Frank "Sparkplug" Lee got his first mission solo. The family was not real precise on what was happening and it became a very fluid mission. Briefing and flag line times were adjusted, and we stood a flag line at the church while guest arrived. After services started we waited for escort duties. I left before the rest and met with Carl and Gay at Fayetteville National and prepared the flags. The escort arrived and we stood to honor an American Hero..
https://picasaweb.google.com/Proudnamvet/CoyFitts?feat=directlink
This was my 4th event in 5 days and I was tired. many of us had made all 4 and more had made 3 out of 4. At times it seems we are over whelmed but in the long run it is worth it..
We stood for the services, and after it was over I got to meet Lanie formally, what a treat. Even got my picture taken with her.
https://picasaweb.google.com/Proudnamvet/MauriceMOKieth?feat=directlink
Friday brought yet another mission from the same church and escort to national. US Army Veteran Coy Fitts, Xray called me Thursday evening as they needed flag support for this mission I had committed to a non-pgr mission at Ft. Gibson National for the Missing In America Project, they were having their first burial of unclaimed Veterans ashes. I contacted Tommy and he agreed to fill in for me at Gibson so I agreed to provide flags for the Arkansas mission. Curtis had to work so Frank "Sparkplug" Lee got his first mission solo. The family was not real precise on what was happening and it became a very fluid mission. Briefing and flag line times were adjusted, and we stood a flag line at the church while guest arrived. After services started we waited for escort duties. I left before the rest and met with Carl and Gay at Fayetteville National and prepared the flags. The escort arrived and we stood to honor an American Hero..
https://picasaweb.google.com/Proudnamvet/CoyFitts?feat=directlink
This was my 4th event in 5 days and I was tired. many of us had made all 4 and more had made 3 out of 4. At times it seems we are over whelmed but in the long run it is worth it..
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Brian Stops By Arkansas
Brian Stutzman, was a a wounded warrior from Iraq War (03-04), riding to Ground Zero, Washington (for the new Disabled Vet Memorial) and Arlington, to bring awareness to Disabled Veterans everywhere. His original plan was to return via I-40 to California, but someone invited him to stop by VFW 1674, in Siloam Springs Arkansas. He agreed and on Tuesday we met at the post to prepare for his arrival. Frank "Sparkplug" Lee had been drafted to communicate with Brian, and arrange for his arrival.
After a call from Brian, Frank, Larry, Roger, and Bob left for Tontitown to intercept him and escort him in. Belva, Lana, and Bill and his wife waited with the other members of the post to welcome him with a flagline. The post had arranged for a feast when he arrived, and the cook arrived with smoked pork, brisket, and chicken to go with the potato salad and baked beans.
We had hoped for a larger turnout, but as I have been told "Those that needed to be there were there."
At a pre-set time, Belva, Lana, Bill, and his wife formed a flag line along the sidewalk, spacing themselves to look like a larger crowd lol. It was a beautiful sight. When the escort arrived, there were a total of 8 bikes, 7 escorting and Brian. It was a beautiful sight to see them coming down the street. As they arrived, handshakes were passed around and Introductions made, many pictures were taken. After all this was a historic moment in our lives. Brian was given a Hero's Welcome, and deservedly so. We went into the Post and hade a good meal, Visitedwith Brian and each other. Brian had intedeed to stay the night but because of impending weather, decided to go on to New mexico that evening. I said my good-bye's and headed back to Westville . Content that we had given him a small but appreciatged look into the folks of the Ozarks. True American Patriots one and all.
After a call from Brian, Frank, Larry, Roger, and Bob left for Tontitown to intercept him and escort him in. Belva, Lana, and Bill and his wife waited with the other members of the post to welcome him with a flagline. The post had arranged for a feast when he arrived, and the cook arrived with smoked pork, brisket, and chicken to go with the potato salad and baked beans.
We had hoped for a larger turnout, but as I have been told "Those that needed to be there were there."
At a pre-set time, Belva, Lana, Bill, and his wife formed a flag line along the sidewalk, spacing themselves to look like a larger crowd lol. It was a beautiful sight. When the escort arrived, there were a total of 8 bikes, 7 escorting and Brian. It was a beautiful sight to see them coming down the street. As they arrived, handshakes were passed around and Introductions made, many pictures were taken. After all this was a historic moment in our lives. Brian was given a Hero's Welcome, and deservedly so. We went into the Post and hade a good meal, Visitedwith Brian and each other. Brian had intedeed to stay the night but because of impending weather, decided to go on to New mexico that evening. I said my good-bye's and headed back to Westville . Content that we had given him a small but appreciatged look into the folks of the Ozarks. True American Patriots one and all.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Amanda Doss and Children.
On May 23 we stood for Patriot Guard Rider, Amanda Prewitt Doss and her two young children, Guinevere Doss,11 and Texas Johnson, 8,
Amanda was a long time member of the Patriot Guard Riders having joined in 2006.
She was instrumental in setting up the first email membership list for the Four States Area.
Amanda monitored all the PGR missions in the area and made mission notifications.
She later was a moderator of the 4statespgr yahoo group.
Amanda was a National coordinator for the Swift Boat Veteran's and was active in Veterans support group. She was proud of her fathers service in Vietnam and worked tirelessly in her support of Veterans.
Amanda and her two children lost their lives, May 11th in a fire. But the sad part is that Before the fire, Amanda and the children were brutally murdered. The fire set to cover up the crime... At this time we still do not know if the person or person's that committed this crime have been apprehended.
Part on of this mission was a memorial service was in Texarkana Texas on Sunday May 22, the deedants were then transfered to Broken Arrow Oklahoma for another service and burial. Early that morning Tommy and some others staked flags at the chapel and cemetery, and moved to the staging area to wait. Bob and I took my van to Tulsa where I managed to get us lost, nad had to call Tommy for directions! We met up with the others at a parking lot near the chapel. At the prescribed time 14 bikes 1 Trike and 6 cages proceded to the chapel and formed 2 flag lines in front of the entrance. After the services commenced, we stood by to escort to the cemetery. Bob got a call from his fire captain back in westville and he and I had to leave as Rescue crews were requested to go for search and rescue for vicitms of the Joplin tornado. Here is Tommy's Mission Complete for the day:
The PGR was asked by the family of Amanda Prewitt Doss a PGR Rider to stand a flag line and help escort Amanda and her 2 children Guinivere and Texas . Before services started flags were posted at the chapel and centenary . After services at the chapel was over as Amanda and her children was being moved to the coaches we formed a honor line for them . As we were escorting , people saw it was 3 coaches they pulled over and did not move till we were will passed . Up on arriving the centenary the riders form a half circle around Amanda , Guinivere and Texas as they were moved in to place . Amanda's cousin Tim Howard was 1 of the riders helping to escort this family . There were a ride capt.Wesley Barnett and 2 riders from Little Rock , Arkansas . Clubs present AVMC , Legion Riders and Blue Star Mother's . Weather looked like it would storm at any minute but it did not cloudy and windy . There was 14 bikes ,1 trike and 6 cages . I would like to thank all riders who take time to be here for this family . Tommy "dragman" Johnson RC NE OKLA
It is hard to understand why anyone would do such a thing as this, and the death of innocent children always brings me to my knees. When Bob and I entered the chapel and saw the three caskets I was shaken to the bone. The thought of three coaches in a line s not a pretty visual in my mind, and I am kind of glad we had to leave early.
May Amanda and her children rest in peace and may the animal(s) that did this suffer in hell for enternity. God Bless the Family and Friends of the deceased!!!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Honor Flight NWA.
The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. We transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials.
Right now they are concentrating on the Veterans of WWII. I attended my first Honor Flight Welcome Home in September 2010. I was so impressed that I was anxiously looking forward to this event. Honor Flight XNA, had expanded their efforts from a single flight to 2 flights a year.
I was asked by NWA Senior Ride Captain Xray, if I would like to R/C this event, and I quickly accepted. When the day arrived Amanda had to work until 7:00 PM so I headed to XNA alone. I was the first one to arrive and went inside to report to security. I requested and received permission to park 2 support vechiles and the bikes in the delivery parking area. I made contact with the Honor Flight Ground Crew and talked about where we would like to put our Flag line (s) . They said they would like to divert the returnees around the corner in to another part of the lobby, and I suggested putting 2 flag line from the down escalator in an arch to where they wanted the group to go.
I then went out to get flags, and wait for the others to arrive. Fred and Curtis arrived and we discussed the plan. and after briefing we assembled our flag lines. With 25 flags and only about 16 PGR Members present i recruited members of the crowd to fill out the lines. With everyone in place, the Veterans started trickling down the elevator, and escalator. it was great to see the reunion of folks although they had only been gone a day, they were greeted like they were coming home from the war.
Little kids with flags and welcome home signs. Boy Scouts, ROTC Cadets. Wives, Sons & Daughters, and grandchildren. My friend Jen, had me acting as a cheerleader, waving my hands up to excite the crowd, As each Veteran or Group of Veterans came down the crowd would burst into applause and cheers. One small boy would try to shake each veterans hand. I was given a Honor Flight XNA Ground Crew Badge, which made me feel special. After the last Veteran made his decent, he was in his WWII wool uniform, full medals and all, he looked so grand with the bright red welcome home lipstick kisses lipstick on each cheek.. We broke ranks, put away our flags and went our separate ways until we gather again on another mission
Right now they are concentrating on the Veterans of WWII. I attended my first Honor Flight Welcome Home in September 2010. I was so impressed that I was anxiously looking forward to this event. Honor Flight XNA, had expanded their efforts from a single flight to 2 flights a year.
I was asked by NWA Senior Ride Captain Xray, if I would like to R/C this event, and I quickly accepted. When the day arrived Amanda had to work until 7:00 PM so I headed to XNA alone. I was the first one to arrive and went inside to report to security. I requested and received permission to park 2 support vechiles and the bikes in the delivery parking area. I made contact with the Honor Flight Ground Crew and talked about where we would like to put our Flag line (s) . They said they would like to divert the returnees around the corner in to another part of the lobby, and I suggested putting 2 flag line from the down escalator in an arch to where they wanted the group to go.
I then went out to get flags, and wait for the others to arrive. Fred and Curtis arrived and we discussed the plan. and after briefing we assembled our flag lines. With 25 flags and only about 16 PGR Members present i recruited members of the crowd to fill out the lines. With everyone in place, the Veterans started trickling down the elevator, and escalator. it was great to see the reunion of folks although they had only been gone a day, they were greeted like they were coming home from the war.
Little kids with flags and welcome home signs. Boy Scouts, ROTC Cadets. Wives, Sons & Daughters, and grandchildren. My friend Jen, had me acting as a cheerleader, waving my hands up to excite the crowd, As each Veteran or Group of Veterans came down the crowd would burst into applause and cheers. One small boy would try to shake each veterans hand. I was given a Honor Flight XNA Ground Crew Badge, which made me feel special. After the last Veteran made his decent, he was in his WWII wool uniform, full medals and all, he looked so grand with the bright red welcome home lipstick kisses lipstick on each cheek.. We broke ranks, put away our flags and went our separate ways until we gather again on another mission
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Been a Busy 2 months
I returned from my Vacation to California/Oregon on March 11, and had my first mission at Ft. Gibson on the 13th. Jump right back into things as they say. We Escorted and Stood for CPO Lloyd Don Moyer,
US Navy. We had about 15 riders, and after the ceremony we had the chance to visit with some of CPO Moyer's family at McDonalds in Ft Gibson.
On April 26th we had a 2 State Mission for US Army vet Charley Parmely. Starting outside of Jay Oklahoma, at the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, then Escorting Mr. Parmely to the Maysville Arkansas Cemetery a few miles away. Mr Parmely was involved in Alcoholics Anonymous giving talks all over the world. A Lone Rider came over to ask if he could ride with us and we welcomed him. He said he credited Mr. Parmely with saving his life. One of our regular riders also said that Charley had been his mentor during his battle with Alcohol.
In late April an accident in Tulsa claimed the lives of two members of the Patriot Guard Riders, Wanda McGhee, and Albert "Sugar" Winters Jr. They were thrown from the motorcycle they were riding and into the path of another vehicle.
On May 5th, Over 100 Motorcycles escorted Wanda Lou McGhee, from Tulsa Oklahoma to Ft. Gibson National Cemetery to lay her to rest. It was a beautiful ceremony and well attended.
On May 6th again well over 100 motorcycles escorted "Sugar" to Ft Gibson National Cemetery.
Bikes lined the long drive of the cemetery, and "Sugar" was Given Full Military Honors.
On May 7th we had a different sort of activity. About 20 bikes gathered at the Kwik Kountry convience store in Westville and staged to be in their Loyalty Day Parade. Westville Chamber had Presented the PGR with its "Organization of the Year" award at their annual awards banquet. Bob "Goatlick" Kiefer and I had the honor of accepting on behalf of all PGR Members in America.
I had arranged for our entry right after all the Police, Fire, Ambulance entries, but when Bob came to staging he had a surprise. The Police and other Emergency entries had choosen to let the bikes go first. What a sight it was to see Goat & Xray lead our friends around the corner to start the Parade...
WILL CATCH UP TOMORROW
US Navy. We had about 15 riders, and after the ceremony we had the chance to visit with some of CPO Moyer's family at McDonalds in Ft Gibson.
On April 26th we had a 2 State Mission for US Army vet Charley Parmely. Starting outside of Jay Oklahoma, at the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, then Escorting Mr. Parmely to the Maysville Arkansas Cemetery a few miles away. Mr Parmely was involved in Alcoholics Anonymous giving talks all over the world. A Lone Rider came over to ask if he could ride with us and we welcomed him. He said he credited Mr. Parmely with saving his life. One of our regular riders also said that Charley had been his mentor during his battle with Alcohol.
In late April an accident in Tulsa claimed the lives of two members of the Patriot Guard Riders, Wanda McGhee, and Albert "Sugar" Winters Jr. They were thrown from the motorcycle they were riding and into the path of another vehicle.
On May 5th, Over 100 Motorcycles escorted Wanda Lou McGhee, from Tulsa Oklahoma to Ft. Gibson National Cemetery to lay her to rest. It was a beautiful ceremony and well attended.
On May 6th again well over 100 motorcycles escorted "Sugar" to Ft Gibson National Cemetery.
Bikes lined the long drive of the cemetery, and "Sugar" was Given Full Military Honors.
On May 7th we had a different sort of activity. About 20 bikes gathered at the Kwik Kountry convience store in Westville and staged to be in their Loyalty Day Parade. Westville Chamber had Presented the PGR with its "Organization of the Year" award at their annual awards banquet. Bob "Goatlick" Kiefer and I had the honor of accepting on behalf of all PGR Members in America.
I had arranged for our entry right after all the Police, Fire, Ambulance entries, but when Bob came to staging he had a surprise. The Police and other Emergency entries had choosen to let the bikes go first. What a sight it was to see Goat & Xray lead our friends around the corner to start the Parade...
WILL CATCH UP TOMORROW
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