Bummed

[X Ring]

It's been a sad couple of weeks for me.  Nothing involving me personally.  As some of you know, I'm a member of the Patriot Guard.  I've put 1200 miles on Sandman in the past couple of weeks riding to and in Patriot Guard Missions.  Two Saturdays ago, we escorted US Army SSgt Johnny Polk from a funeral home in Biloxi to a church in West Gulfport and then back to The VA Cemetary in Biloxi.  Even though they aren't in the same service, over 300 USAF personnel from Keesler AFB showed up to honor his sacrifice.  The people of Gulport and Biloxi really showed their respect by standing along the procession route holding signs and flags.  As we neared the entance to the cemetary, I glanced at the side of the road and in the crowds saw people openly crying.     My eyes had teared up several times during the ride but the tears really started flowing then. 

The next day I rode to Mobile, AL and helped escort USMC LCpl Bruce Ferrell from the Mobile Airport to Bay Minette.  The people of Mobile and Alabama were great.  There were over 200 motorcycles in the procession.  Mobile shut down Airport Blvd from the Airport to I65 and then Alabama shut down I65 north to the Bay Minette exit.  Entire church congregations were standing on the side of the roads.  The Mobile Fire Dept had a huge flag suspended between the raised ladders of two trucks.  The flag was so big it had vents in it.  Met two other Valk riders.  Radio is a VRCC member and was on his orange and black standard.  The other guy, Tom, was riding a black Interstate.

This past Friday, I rode to Meridian, MS and helped escort US Army Sgt Matthew Ingram from the Meridian Air National Guard Base to Newton, MS about 20 miles west down I20.  His widow and family were there to meet him also.  I almost started crying when I saw his 10 month old daughter and his widow told us she was pregnant again.  Those poor kids will never know their dad except for the stories from their family and friends.  Meridian PD shut down I20 and people were standing along the highway waiting for us to pass.  People on the other side of the Interstate even stopped and got out of their cars.  The Mississippi Highway Patrol escorted us to Newton where crowds were standing along the roads waiting.  The next day, we escorted Sgt Ingram to his hometown of Hickory for his funeral.  At the funeral, we learned  18 year old US Army Pfc Matthew Wildes from Hammond, LA was killed last Thursday.  Sgt Ingram and Pfc Wildes were both assigned to the 4th Infantry Division in Fort Carson, CO.  If his family wants us there, I will be.  It's really important that we honor the sacrificies of these young men and women who are fighting for us.

       

[valkmc]

God Bless them, they are the real heros of today!!!!

[FLAVALK]

You are a good man!

[woefman]

Great Work X Ring ,   you get an Honorable Mention for Sure. 

[Disco]

+1 from Frisco, X Ring.

I am reminded of the dedication and sacrifices made on our behalf every time I get the txpgr.org emails.  I ride missions when I can, but that's not often enough. 

Thank you for your service.

[X Ring]

Got an email from the MSPGR State Captain last night.  PFC Wildes will be returning to Hammond, LA today.  Unfortunately, that's too short of a notice for me to be there; however, I will be there Thursday for his services.  If anyone wants to join us shoot me a message or check the Patriot Guard board, http://patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/1228668/view/topic/Default.aspx 

Marty

[sugarbee]

You're a good man, Marty.  We got your text message last night.  Beekeeper has to work today, but he might be available Thursday.  Thanks for giving us the heads up.

[Rowdy]

  know what you mean - it tugs at your heart 

I've been involved in several in Ohio - riding with the Leathernecks & Patriot Gaurd honoring fallen Marines

[buffalobill]

Marty,
 After my first mission with the PGR, I was hooked. I have recruited alot of riding friends as well. I feel it is my least reasonable service, since I did 7 1/2 years Navy and am here today. I've done probably 40 missions already, and I've cried thru many miles escorting as well. One mission I will never forget, we escorted Raymond Earl Baylor from Rochester, NY to Warsaw NY in a driving rain. We all knew it would, but even the LEO on bikes braved it out in short sleeves. We rode about 45 miles at 30 mph and not one car would pass us. We were on a 4 lane super HWY with the whole side to ourselves. As we exited onto 2 lanes, for the last 20 miles, I seen old men outside their vehicles, drenched immediately, saluteing this fallen soldier. There were people all over and lawns and intersections full of signs and flags. We welcomed home a hero, albeit a very long awaited return as far as his family is concerned. His sister headed up a search that took over 50 years of effort. See, Raymond was killed in action Nov 2, 1952 in Korea. He was a 19 year old who shed his blood on a foreign soil for us, and every one of the men with him were killed as well. His remains were unearthed a few years ago and I.D.d finally.
 Thank you Marty for all you do for the Heros that truly are super,
buffalobill

[X Ring]

Buffalobill, I, too, am former military and feel this is a continuation of my service.  I spent two years in the Army National Guard.  I joined the day I turned 17.  Two years later, I went AD Air Force and served 9 years and change, getting out in Sept. '92.  I was one of those caught in the draw down at the end of the 1st Persian Gulf War.  In December '89, I went to Panama for Security Augmentation and participated in Operation Just Cause.  Little did I know that in less than a year I would be wheels down in Saudi for Operations Desert Shield, Storm and Calm. 

I participated in my first Mission in January '08 for Major Michael Green, US Army Special Forces.  Froze my butt off that day.  At one point while we were waiting, I was lying on top of the tank of my 1100 Shadow Ace Tourer with the engine running and my hands on top of the heads trying to keep them warm.  The temp was in the low to mid 30s with 15-20 knot winds and foggy/rainy conditions.  Since then I can't tell you how many missions I've done for retired military and vets but I've tomorrow will make my 5th KIA mission.  We're nervous in this state because the 155th Brigade Combat Team and elements of the 20th Special Forces Group of the MS Army National Guard is deployed.  Lot of praying going on in this state.       

Hey BB, Thanks for your service to the country and to our troops.

Marty