Bill Olsen, 69, USAF/Vietnam veteran, retired Austin PGR RC, Burnet/Killeen, TX, 14/15 OCT 2016

[markwells]

[markwells]

Bill and his granddaughter from 2008

Many of you remember Bill Olsen, one of the original ride captains here in the Austin region. Bill lived in Bertram for many years, but back in 2008 he retired due to health issues and moved in with his daughter near Oklahoma City.

I found the email sent by Bill back in 2008 when he resigned his post. In part, it reads:
“
"I also must say, that, I have never, in my whole life known a finer, more loyal, more caring, more patriotic group of people than the heroes of the Patriot Guard Riders. Yes, we honor the KIA's and the veterans, but you folks are the ones who consistently climb onto your bikes, no matter the weather, nor the distance, to stand in a flag line and show the people of this country what true patriotism and caring for veterans' families looks like. I am proud to have ridden with all of you and, and am proud to call you brothers and sisters. I will be hooking up with the Oklahoma City area PGR as a rider, so will not leave these fine roots behind.

My last ride with Texas PGR, until you ride for me, will be the Veterans Day ride up Congress Ave. So God Bless you all, God Bless America, and God Bless the heroes of the Patriot Guard.

Bill Olsen"”

RIP, Bill Olsen. You were a friend and patriot.

[markwells]

Rev 1, updated VFW Burnet map link.

Confirmed Mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral service for Derek "Bill" Olsen. Bill is a US Air Force and Vietnam veteran. He also served as one of the original Austin PGR ride captains until 2008.

This is a two part mission.
Part 1 is procession bearing Bill's remains leaving on Friday, 14 Oct from Moore, OK, at 8 am, eventually arriving at the VFW post in Burnet, TX at approx. 5 pm (could be earlier), where we will have a flag line waiting. Bill lived in Bertram and was an active member at this VFW post. The conclusion of Part 1 in Burnet is an Austin mission.

Part 2 is a ceremony honoring Bill's life which will take place at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery (CTSVC) in Killeen on Saturday, 15 Oct, at 3 pm. Part 2 is a Centex mission.

Part 1 itinerary:

Date/Time: Friday, 14 October 2016

Location: VFW Post 6974. We will stage at the VFW post. The listed street address does not match up with Google Maps. This revised map link is the correct location.
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/TJLH3zS47EC2

Timeline:
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Staging
4:00 pm – Mission Briefing
Flag line at RC discretion

Wx: Hi 88 degrees, partly cloudy

Notes: Bring water for yourself and a friend. This is a flag line only mission. Following the arrival of the procession the VFW will be serving dinner in the hall. All are welcome.

Ride Captain: John "TC" Wiley, johnboy78643@outlook.com, (325) 388-4698
Flag Wrangler: Don Ferguson

Part 2 itinerary:

Date/Time: Saturday, 15 October 2016

Location: Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542. Stage at the cemetery near the committal shelter, following the direction of the Centex ride captain.
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/BLaBtUAV2KJ2

Timeline:
2:15 pm – 2:30 pm Staging
2:30 pm – Mission Briefing
Flag line at RC discretion

Wx: Hi 88 degrees, partly cloudy

Notes: This is a flag line only mission. Upon arrival at the cemetery you will fall under the direction of the Centex RC.

Please attend to honor this Vietnam veteran and Patriot Guard Rider and show our gratitude to his family for his service to our country and cause.

[texas coyote]

Part 1 of this mission was completed as planned on Friday (14th) at the VFW in Burnet. The group carrying Bill's cremains from Moore, Oklahoma were met in Jarrell by members of the Austin PGR. Two Austin RC's, Mark Wells and Terry Ayers, led the group on it's final leg from Moore and arrived at the Burnet VFW right on time as scheduled at 5:00pm. The group consisted of 9 bikes and 2 cages. They were greeted by a Flag Line of 8 PGR members upon arrival. Once Bill and his Family were inside, the Flag Line was dismissed and invited to join Bill's Family and friends for stories of Bill's life and a nice meal furnished by the VFW. On several occasions the Family expressed their appreciation for the PGR and told us how much it meant to Bill. He meant a lot to the Patriot Guard as well.

I want to thank everyone who was there to show your support for Bill's Family and friends, and to the Family for inviting us to help make sure that Bill got the "Final Ride" he requested. Thank you Don for doing another great job of "Flag Wrangling". I hope all made it back home safe and sound.

Bill was a great man and was loved by all that knew him. He will be missed. May god Bless.

TC

[markwells]

A note from Scott Olsen, one of Bill's sons.

“Thank you so much for this and for all you do. Pop said it right, there is not a finer bunch than the Patriot Gaurd riders. There were over 75 folks that signed our book along the way for Pop. Most of which never knew him. I know he is still smiling from the last ride you all made great for him. Take care and ride safe!

Scott
”

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