Reply To: (Centex) Sergeant Mark A. Simpson, US Army, KIA

[markwells]

CONFIRMED MISSION
Sergeant Mark A. Simpson, US Army, KIA

THIS IS A THREE-PART MISSION

The family of Sergeant Mark Simpson has requested the presence and participation of the Patriot Guard Riders in the Recovery, Visitation, Funeral and Interment of their loved one on Thursday and Friday, the 7th and 8th of October, 2010.

Sergeant Mark A. Simpson died on 26 Sep at Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his military vehicle with an improvised explosive device on 25 Sep at Forward Operating Base Frontenac, Afghanistan. SGT Simpson was assigned to the 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Please let us join together to honor this Fallen Warrior!

PART I – AIRPORT RECOVERY

Date: Thursday, 7 Oct 10

Staging Time: 0930

Staging Location: The SW corner of Hwy 190 & Clarke Road, across the street from Victory Corner and right outside the entrance to West Fort Hood.

Briefing: 0945

KSU: Approximately 1100

WX: Sunny, with a high near 84. West wind around 5 mph becoming south.

Notes:

1. Wheels Down is expected to be at 1030. As always this may change, so be flexible. We will keep the website updated of any time changes and send out an email notice if time allows.

2. Once the procession comes through the West Fort Hood gate to Victory Corner, the Patriot Guard Riders will fall in before the coach and all will continue to the Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen, TX.

3. Please bring water for yourself and a buddy and consider bringing yourself some snacks.

Ride Captain: TBD
Airfield Coordinator & Asst RC: Mary "Marebear" Gregory; MGregory2@hot.rr.com; 254.458.2120

PART II – VISITATION

Date: Thursday, 7 Oct 10

Staging Time: 1730

Staging Location: The SW corner of Hwy 190 & Clarke Road, across the street from Victory Corner and right outside the entrance to West Fort Hood.

Briefing: 1735

Immediately following the briefing, we will establish a flagline and await the arrival of Sergeant Simpson's family and friends. The flagline will be maintained throughout the hours of visitation (1800-2000)

WX: Clear, with a low around 53. South southwest wind around 5 mph.

Ride Captain: TBD
Asst Ride Captain: TBD
Flag Wrangler: TBD

PART III – FUNERAL & INTERMENT

Date: Friday, 8 Oct 10

Staging Time: 1100

Staging Location: Harper-Talesek Funeral Home, 506 N 38th St, Killeen TX 76543 tinyurl.com/yctptck

Briefing: 1115

Immediately following the briefing we will establish a flagline and await the arrival of Sergeant Simpson's family and friends.

When the Funeral Service is completed, we will participate in the procession bringing Sergeant Simpson to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

For those members able to participate only in the Cemetery Portion, the following is submitted:

Date: Friday, 8 Oct 10

Staging Time: 1305

Staging Location: The Cul-de-sac between the Walk of Heroes and the Memorial Shelter inside the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, located on Hwy 195 just south of Killeen, TX.

Briefing: 1310

Immediately following the briefing we will move to the shelter to set up, then await the arrival of the procession bringing Sergeant Simpson to his final resting place.

WX: Sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Ride Captain: TBD
Asst Ride Captain: TBD
Cemetery RC: David "MarineMajor" Dunn, 512-818-2531, marine9678@aol.com
Flag Wrangler: TBD

NOTES FOR ALL MISSION SEGMENTS:
Ensure you are hydrated and bring water for yourself and a buddy. Dress appropriately for the expected weather conditions.