Airport Recovery, Capt Robert R. Barnett, 32, USAF Vietnam KIA, Austin, TX, 06 APR 2017

[markwells]

[markwells]

Confirmed mission: The family of Captain Robert R. Barnett has requested the participation of the Patriot Guard Riders in his repatriation to Texas. Capt Barnett, originally from Gladewater, TX, was piloting a B57 over Laos on 07 April 1966 and was killed when his plane was shot down. Only recently was the crash site found and explored, and Capt Barnett's remains recovered.

A local news report can be seen here: http://www.fox4news.com/news/229076400-story

This is a two part mission.

Part One: Airport Recovery

Date/Time: Thursday, 06 April 2017. Flight arrival at Austin Bergstrom Intl Airport (ABIA) via American Airlines scheduled for 11:58 am

Staging Location: Airline Freight facility, 3400 Spirit of Texas Drive, ABIA

Directions: From TX 71, take the ABIA CARGO exit and turn south onto Spirit of Texas Dr. Stay on that road all the way to the end. The facility parking lot will be the last one on the right before the gate.
Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/8rGcUjUb5H32

Timeline:
10:45 am – 11:15 am Staging
11:15 am Briefing
Recovery ceremony and departure to Weed-Corely-Fish Funeral Home on South Congress Ave in Austin at the direction of airport operations and law enforcement.

Wx: Hi 77 deg, clear skies

Notes: Start hydrating the day before and bring TWO bottles of water for yourself and one for a friend. Sunscreen recommended. Arrive at the staging fully fueled and fed.

1) Capt Barnett is being flown to Austin via an American Airlines commercial flight so be prepared for possible itinerary revisions.
2) Depending on airside operations requirements and the family's desire we might participate in the recovery ceremony plane-side. No four-wheeled vehicles will be allowed into the ramp area.
3) There are no public restrooms at the staging area. Plan accordingly.
4) We will join an LEO escorted procession to Weed-Corely-Fish Funeral Home on South Congress Ave.
5) Fly your big flags! Bike-mounted flags must be able to withstand highway speeds.

Ride Captain: Keith Longacre, keithlongacre@att.net (512) 751-8955
Flag Wrangler: N/A

Part Two: Interment service – preliminary information

Date/Time: Friday, 07 April 2017. Interment service scheduled to begin at 11 am.

Location: Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota St, Austin, TX 78702

Please stand by for details of this portion of the mission.

Check the website and watch your email for possible updates and part two mission orders. Please make plans to participate in this mission to honor the service and sacrifice of Capt Barnett and support his family as at long last he is returned home.

[markwells]

Head up, folks, the ABIA cell phone waiting lot is under renovation, and the restrooms are closed.

[keithlongacre]

18 super patriots showed up to receive Capt. Barnett home & escort him to the FH. The family presented themselves to each of us thanking us for showing such respect. Stories were swapped from some of us who were in VN ourselves. Due to tight space on the tarmac we did not go to plane side but rather met the procession just outside the cargo gate. We had 2 flag casualties in route but were handled wo negative consequences. At the FH, we dismounted & formed a line to rendered honors while the casket was carried in. Most said they will be at the internment tomorrow.

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