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..
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, July 29, 2011
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.
"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.
PGR Missions June 2011
Junie 2011 was a slow month for PGR in the Ne Oklahoma, NW Arkansas area, with only 2 missions I attended. the first was for Paul W. Hafner, in Fayetteville Ar. We had been to this funeral home once before, in fact it was where I lost a camera. It was a basic mission with Escort to Fayetteville National. A lady walked up to me and Introduced herself as Sandra Easley, who is one of my favorite Facebook Friends. It was an honor to meet her and I will always remember our first meeting. She is always there with a good response when I need it.
https://picasaweb.google.com/Proudnamvet/9PaulWHaffner?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Two days later we were on a EXTREME Short Notice mission in Siloam Springs AR. for John Brown the second, The son of The founder of John Brown University in Siloam Springs. He was also a WWII US Navy Veteran. It was at the beautiful Chapel of the Ozarks on campus, and there were 8 of us that made it to stand in his honor.
https://picasaweb.google.com/Proudnamvet/JohnBrownJrUSNavyWWIIVet?authuser=0&feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/Proudnamvet/9PaulWHaffner?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Two days later we were on a EXTREME Short Notice mission in Siloam Springs AR. for John Brown the second, The son of The founder of John Brown University in Siloam Springs. He was also a WWII US Navy Veteran. It was at the beautiful Chapel of the Ozarks on campus, and there were 8 of us that made it to stand in his honor.
https://picasaweb.google.com/Proudnamvet/JohnBrownJrUSNavyWWIIVet?authuser=0&feat=directlink
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