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April 15, 2023 at 5:22 pm in reply to: LtCol Martin Dourte (Ret), 64, USAF veteran, Cedar Park, TX, 15 Apr 2023 #6802keithlongacreModerator
9 riders stood proud for LtCol Dourte. Family made a special request & we were honored to accommodate. Prior to the service, his remains were placed on WL’s trike. Then both daughters went 2 up on his & my bike with Tom in escort & we proceeded to provide a last ride. Upon return, the ern was received by the Air Force Honor Guard & moved inside for his memorial service. Then, as we stood at attention, a rifle volley was done followed by taps & flag folding. We then fired up all bikes for a last rev.
The ride part was a first for us and judging from the family’s reaction, it meant a great deal to everyone. We wear a patch ( Semper Gumby ) always flexible, & this was a very special use of that capability.
Thanks everyone for making a sad time for family a very very special & remembrance time. U all are super.
YBIC, Keith
“To the world U might be one person, but to one person, U just might be the world”December 22, 2022 at 4:21 pm in reply to: Wounded warrior home presentation, Liberty Hill, TX, 22 Dec 2022 #6665keithlongacreModeratorBTW How great it was to see an old friend & PGR member that had moved to IOWA but is here for the winter. Welcome back Mr. Kelly Rowe. Hope we see U again.
December 22, 2022 at 4:18 pm in reply to: Wounded warrior home presentation, Liberty Hill, TX, 22 Dec 2022 #6664keithlongacreModeratorWow, what a COOL event. tee hee. With temps starting out in the 40’s, it warmed up to low 50’s, then half way through the presentation, the front came in like a freight train & temps dropped like a rock with winds to match. The 4 of us were still very glad we came to assist in honoring this hero. SGT Aaron Cabrera, welcome home soldier.
keithlongacreModerator9 PGR braved the super cold morning, WELL, maybe It was not a typical winter day. 70’s in Dec. was pretty nice. Even warm actually. Organizers wanted our presents to be a surprise so we waited in a parking lot unseen by them till they came around the corner & saw our big flags. We, along with the PPD, then led the family to the surprise event.
Rounding the corner of their street, the family was greeted by hundreds of well wishers cheering & waving American flags. What a site. We then parked & joined the ceremony. 2 of our members even held the ribbon that was cut by William M. presenting he & his family their new home.
How awesome it is to be able to be a part of such a wonderful event.
PS KVEU videoed event.September 14, 2022 at 7:38 am in reply to: James Ray Cook, 68, USMC veteran, Georgetown, TX, 13 Sep 2022 #6556keithlongacreModeratorWith the parking lot nearly full, 12 PGR stood the flag line, with one at the drive entrance. With great emotion & tears, Mr Cook’s wife & children took the time to walk the flag line to thank each of us & tell us how much it meant that we were doing what we were doing. Don staged flags so that it gave a much bigger flag line appearance.
Thank U all for the giving of your time & service. It truly does make a difference.
Semper Fi Marine, Guard the gates well.July 8, 2022 at 6:18 pm in reply to: Eric A. Blomberg, 99, US Army/WWII veteran, Elgin, TX, 08 July 2022 #6484keithlongacreModeratorIn oppressive 100 plus heat, 9 incredible patriots, 5 on their MC’s, stood to honor Mr. Bloomberg. His son stopped & related how special it was to them that we were doing this for their father. U MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Among our group was Patti from Liberty Hill & long time member Keith A. from right there in Elgin. Flag Wrangler Max from Kyle, brought & staged flags. The cold drinks he supplied hit the spot. Thanks to U all for what U mean to the family.
Rest in peace Mr. Bloomberg & thank U for your service.May 11, 2022 at 8:50 pm in reply to: Wounded warrior home groundbreaking, Liberty Hill, TX, 11 May 2022 #6401keithlongacreModeratorWhat a treat it was to escort Sgt Cabrera to the ground breaking event for his new home. The four outstanding PGR members that gave of their time on a HOT day to show him respect & honor are super. Thanks guys. Sgt Cabrera’s son, Jac got to ride on the RC’s MC & was seen grinning from ear to ear. Welcome Home Arron & Jac. Glad we could be a part. We look forward to being back for the house warming once it’s finished.
Thank U to Ronnie Lyles, of Operation Finally Home, for inviting us to be a part.
Keith Longacre USMC 63-67 Ride Captain Austin Area Patriot Guard Riders.April 20, 2022 at 4:44 pm in reply to: David W. Betak, 64, US Navy veteran, Taylor, TX, 20 APR 2022 #6383keithlongacreModeratorOn a very windy day, 10 patriots stood the flag line at the church for David Betak. The new entry landing on the front of the church made for a great visual of the flag line. Many showed their respect & gratitude of our being there. At the end of the service, Taylor PD & Fire held traffic & PD led us to the cemetery where we reformed a flag line.
Don did his usual fantastic job of pre staging flags both at the church & at the cemetery. Super thanks Don.
We were joined by New Mexico PGR RC transfer, Bob Shuttles. Welcome aboard “Chiefy”.
David’s son came to the flag line after the interment service to express how much our being there meant to him & the family. You guys are the best. On a lighter note. The donut holes Jimmy brought were amazing.February 12, 2022 at 4:56 pm in reply to: Dana (Danny) M. Becker, 75, USMC/Vietnam veteran, Austin, TX, 12 FEB 2022 #6318keithlongacreModerator7 Loyal patriots showed up today to brave the cold wet rain & wind. Max staged several flags early & made a very patriotic image. Mr. Becker’s daughters took pictures & thanked us for showing such honor & respect for their dad. Thanks guys for being there for our fallen. U are special.
January 11, 2022 at 8:57 pm in reply to: George Ramon, 60 , US Navy veteran, Austin, TX, 11 JAN 2022 #6265keithlongacreModeratorPatriot Guard Riders were again honored to be invited to be a part of the funeral service by standing a flag line at the entrance of the church. Then at the family’s request, stand an honor guard at the hearse as Mr. Ramone was transferred into the church. As we departed, a card was left with the family that the 5 of us signed showing our respect for him, his service & for the family.
November 3, 2021 at 5:17 pm in reply to: SFC Jessie Gastelum, 68, US Army/ANG (Ret), Georgetown, TX, 03 NOV 2021 #6164keithlongacreModeratorWhat a downpour today as 4 brave patriotic Americans stood with pride to show Honor & Respect for Jessie & his family. During staging, we gathered under the hearse’s canopy to stay reasonably dry & did the same in front of the FH. As folks arrived, we were warmly thanked for braving the elements to stand in the flag line for Jessie.
I had Don, back under the H’s canopy to off load flags and that really helped. j
Rest in peace loyal & trusted servant & thank U for your service.September 25, 2021 at 6:37 pm in reply to: MSgt Michelle Gattey, 44, USAF (Ret), LEO, Georgetown, TX, 25 SEP 2021 #6095keithlongacreModeratorToday started at the Georgetown Service Garage with the PD superbly forming a procession line with the PGR right behind the lead car. Several LEO’s stopped to chat with all of us & to comment on how super it was to have us there in our special way of showing honor & respect for Air Force MSgt. & fellow police officer, Michelle Gattey. As the procession proceeded to the church, every oncoming vehicle pulled over with some folks even getting out to show honor & respect. There were also many people standing on the side of the road doing the same.
At the church, we joined other PGR to form flag lines at both entrances. In addition to the many US flags, an Air Force Flag, an all First Responders Flag & a Law Enforcement Flag were proudly held by the 22 PGR patriots.
We were joined by 2 new members & 2 riders all the way from Houston.
We always feel proud & honored to be invited to be there for the family but this was extra special because of her being a member of our own Georgetown Police Department.
None of us know what happens after death, but most of us believe that the tragedy of your 2 dogs dying in the fire last week, they are now with U. Rest in peace Michelle.
Keith Longacre, Ride Captain Austin PGR. “To the world U might be one person, but to one person, U just might be the world.”July 27, 2021 at 8:11 pm in reply to: Jim Giles, 53, USMC veteran, LEO, Georgetown, TX, 27 Jul 2021 #6006keithlongacreModerator12 fellow patriots stood in the heat today to honor this Marine & Williamson County sheriff’s officer. A very large contingent of LEOs was present as well. Family came out to personally thank each one of us & to tell me more about Mr. Giles. We all knew he was born at a Marine base but what we did not know. was his dad was also a Marine. (a drill instructor) Guess we now know how he came to be a Marine & a decorated member of the Sheriff’s Department.
RIP Sir
Respectfully submitted by PGR Ride Captain & fellow Marine, Keith LongacreJune 25, 2021 at 10:19 pm in reply to: MSG Carmen Velasquez, 54, USANG (Ret), ODS veteran, Taylor, TX, 25 Jun 2021 #5979keithlongacreModeratorThe morning was hot as 6 members stood to honor MSGT Velasquez. The FH advised us there would be a large turn out & there was. We moved our bikes to parallel an exit curb which was much better for everyone.
Taylor PD led the procession to the cemetery where we stood another flag line. Full military honors were rendered including a live Taps. Thanks to all for your tremendous patriotism. U are the best.April 10, 2021 at 4:10 pm in reply to: TSgt Donald L. Heckman, 88, USAF (Ret), Georgetown, TX, 10 APR 2021 #5946keithlongacreModeratorOn a refreshingly cool morning, 8 members stood proudly for Mr. Heckman & his wife & family. In speaking with Mr. Ramsey of the FH, he related how the wife personally requested the PGR far ahead of time. Mrs. Hechman, it was our total honor to stand for your husband. Thank you for allowing us to be with all of you today.
Keith Longacre, Ride Captain of the Austin Area PGR. -
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