SPC EJ Johnston, 18, TX National Guard, Cedar Park, TX, 31 MAR 2010

[markwells]

[markwells]

Final Itinerary

SPC Elton J. (EJ) Johnston, a Texas National Guard soldier from Liberty Hill, was home from basic training and preparing to go to AIT (Advanced Individual Training) when he was critically injured in a vehicle collision on US 183 on March 13. He passed away on Thursday, March 25. His family has invited the PGR to participate in his funeral and interment services.

Additional information about SPC Johnston can be found at http://www.radiofreelibertyhill.com

Date/Time: Wednesday, 31 March. Services scheduled to begin at 10:30 am.

Location: St Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1101 West New Hope Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613. Procession and interment to follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery, west of Liberty Hill off Hwy 29.

Directions: From the Hwy 183 and New Hope Road intersection, go west approx. 0.8 miles, church is on the right hand (north) side of the street. Map Link: http://tinyurl.com/StMargaretMary

Timeline:
9:00 – 9:35 am staging
9:35 am briefing
9:40 am flag line established

Weather: Sunny, low 49, high 81 deg F. Please bring your own drinking water. Sun screen advised.

Notes: Arrive fed, fueled, and hydrated. Please park on the west side of the church. At the conclusion of the funeral service we will participate in the 15 mile procession to the cemetery, located on the south side of Hwy 29, 4 miles west of Liberty Hill, where we will establish a second flag line for the interment service. Cemetery map link: tinyurl.com/LibertyHillCem

Ride Captain: Keith Longacre, 512-751-8955, keithlongacre@att.net
Flag Wrangler: Bob Binkley

SPC Johnston's life on this earth was taken from him just as he was preparing to put himself in harms way in service to our country. Please make plans to stand tall and silent in gratitude for his commitment.

[markwells]

thanks for getting on top of this so quick mark and sam i will for sure be there

[markwells]

Man i'm sorry rookie i can't get off work, i'm there with you in spirit, God bless EJ.

[keithlongacre]

Ladies & gentlemen, Thank U all in advance for giving of your time, respect & honor at EJ's service Wed.
I talked to LH police Captain who will lead the procession. They want to take 183 to 29 so they can go by the LH high school.
At the church, we will inially park on the West side of the church (2nd dr).

[keithlongacre]

After mission report: What an outstanding turn out today. We had 40 plus folks there & even one from a mass that had just ended who stood with us also. We were able to establish flag lines on both sides of the church entry court yard for a very impressive display. The family was VERY moved at the sight. When the herase was unloaded, the 2 flag lines closed in & formed 2 solid lines to the church entrance. It was fantastic. U guys R absolutly awesome. We had 2 active duty who play a vital part by wearing their uniforms & standing out front where the family could see them.
The trip to the church was very s l o w. Several folks turned out along the road in Liberty Hill. The grave side service was well attended with several family going down our lines thanking us. Even the police officers involved thank us for what we do for these families.
Thank you all so very very much. God Bless Hope to see you Fri. in S. Austin.

[markwells]

This letter was posted on the National PGR site and thought I'd share with…
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3/31/10
Dear Patriot Guard Riders:

Today in the small town of Liberty Hill, Texas we buried a wonderful young man. SPC Elton J. (EJ) Johnston, a Texas National Guard soldier and High School student in our small town. My 17 year old son had been friends with EJ since they were both little boys.

I run a business and could not attend the funeral with my son. My business is on Hwy 29, the route of the funeral procession to the cemetery. I gathered employees and family and we stood at the road, with a flag, to honor EJ and his family.

I have to tell you that the sight of all those PGR with American Flags touched the very depths of my heart. What a wonderful way to honor a great young man.

After the procession I did some research on your wonderful group. What you do is the most selfless acts I think I have ever seen.

There are not words to define the kindness of the men and women (and 1 dog we saw in the group!). I showed my son the info on your group when he got home. In this day when people are not always as nice or giving or compassionate as they should be, it's an inspiration to know that there are people like PGR out there. You have inspired me and I may just become your newest member.

God Bless you all,
Laura Collins
Liberty Hill, TX

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