**Update**
Austin Staging for: Sgt. Matthew Thomas, US Army
Sgt. Matthew Thomas, US Army active duty, 23 yrs old, was killed in an automobile accident on 12 June 2009 in North Carolina. Sgt Thomas is from Lockhart, TX and was part of the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg. Sgt. Thomas previously served a tour of duty in Afghanistan and was preparing to embark on his second tour. His family has requested the Patriot Guard Riders attend the funeral service in Lockhart, TX and accompany them to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio for interment.
Date: Monday, 22 June 2009
Staging Location: Signature Shell Convenience Store # 26, 6500 S Hwy 183. Located SW corner of Hwy 183 & FM 812.
Directions: Travel 4 miles south on Hwy 183 from the Hwy 183/Hwy 71 intersection near ABIA. Map link: tinyurl.com/nfw3ej
Timeline:
0830 – 0900 hrs staging
0900 hrs safety briefing
0915 KSU for Lockhart
Funeral Service: McCurdy Funeral Home, 105 E. Pecan Street, Lockhart, TX 78644
Time: 1030 hrs
Weather forecast: Lockhart and San Antonio a high of 98 with less than a 10% chance of rain. Dress accordingly. Sun screen highly recommended. Bring a sufficient amount of drinking water. A small non-perishable food ration is also highly recommended.
Notes: PGR will proceed south on US 183 approx. 20 miles to McCurdy Funeral Home in Lockhart. PGR will form a flag line at approx. 1000 hrs. Immediately following the funeral service the PGR will join the procession to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. Route to be determined but plan on a minimum of 60 miles. The San Antonio PGR will participate and provide flags at Fort Sam Houston.
Come fed, fueled and hydrated. There will be no stops between Austin staging and Lockhart. There will be no stops between Lockhart and Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. As always, Semper Gumby.
Ride Captain: Terry Ayers, mototerry@texreb.com
hm 512-251-5366; cell 512-925-6101
Please make every effort to honor the service and sacrifice of Sgt Thomas and his family.