[markwells]

This was a wonderful, well attended Memorial Day event, and it is a privilege to be a part of it. Seven PGR stood a flag line behind the Granger War Memorial monument for the 30 minute proceeding.

The program included heartfelt speeches, reading of the names of Granger’s fallen since WWI, prayer, and music. The National Anthem and God Bless America was beautifully performed, and a Granger high school trumpet player delivered a flawless rendition of Taps to close the program.

May our warriors who lost their lives in service to our country be always remembered in gratitude and respect.

• This reply was modified 1 month ago by markwells.

[markwells]

It was a pleasant, overcast morning for the five of us who honored Mr. Paul Laberge. It was great to see Russ Miller in the flag line again! We were in place for the arrival of the family and urn. Calvin dipped the Army flag as they past by us into the church. They thanked us for us for showing gratitude and respect for SGT Laberge’s military service.

RIP soldier.

[markwells]

The five us PGR enjoyed this event. There were so many stars present, like the WWII Stearman bi-plane, the pilots, the JROTC honor guard, and most importantly, the veterans from Touchmark Senior living in Georgetown. One of those was a 104 yr old WWII veteran who was as sharp and lively as someone 30 yrs younger.

We adjusted our flag line three times, pre-planned to coincide with the progression of the event. All went smoothly. We departed before the first flight as the low ceiling was causing a delay. A fun mission.

[markwells]

Perry reports 6 PGR in attendance

[markwells]

We had a nice turnout today with 11 in the flag line to honor SP4 Edwards, or “Budman” as he liked to be called. His nephew told us the nickname was a result of his love of Budweiser. His daughter came out to thank us with tears in her eyes, not having been told we would be there. The funeral director told me later that Mr. Edwards and a friend pre-planned his funeral and asked Ramsey FH to invite us. It was a privilege to be included.

[markwells]

A cool, cloudy day in Thorndale for the seven of us honoring the US Army service of 1LT John Kincaid. It was nice to be in a small town again for a mission, the traffic rushing by on Hwy 79 notwithstanding.

We visited briefly with the family and friends who stopped by to speak to us at our staging, and heard thank you from many of the mourners entering the church.

Thank you Gary Mayers for again bringing flags.

RIP, 1LT Kincaid.

[markwells]

It was a pleasant spring day for the five of us in the flag line to honor the US Army and National Guard service of Howard D. Hudgeons. Many attendees thanked us as they entered the church, and his daughter-in-law took photos.

Thank you Warren and Ray for help with the flags we staked at the two street entrances. And thank you to all who attended.

RIP, Captain Hudgeons.

[markwells]

Four PGR stood the flag line on a cold but sunny morning in Georgetown to honor Alice’s service in the US Navy. Her family came out to visit with us prior to the service start and even had us pose for pictures with them. Three of those in the photos were her uniformed active duty grandchildren serving in the US Army, US Navy, and US Coast Guard. That was cool! We were honored to join them.

RIP, PN3 Alice Dell’Acqua

[markwells]

Today we had the honor & privilege to serve the family & friends of Air force veteran Joe Woodward. We first staged at the FH, then Gary led us to the interment site to stand a flag line. We posted the four riders at the corners of the site so as to be visible & show respect.
Upon arrival of the veteran, family members walk the line to thank each one of us for showing such honor & respect. At the end of the service, I broke the flag line & we retreated to the flag car. After thanking everyone for being there, we departed quietly. RIP “Joe”
Ride Captain Keith Longacre

[markwells]

We had 10 patriots in the flag line today to honor the service of Cpl Ralph “Corky” Granzin, Sr. Two flag holders stood at the entrance near the busy street and were occasionally saluted with approving horn honks.

Cpl Granzin’s son spoke briefly with us briefly to the flag line and related a story from his dad’s USMC service. In 1962, at the height of what we know as the Cuban Missile Crisis, Cpl Granzin found himself among other marines aboard a ship heading for Cuba. Thankfully they were ordered to turn around.

Following the conclusion of the service, four riders accompanied the LEO escorted procession up to CTSVC in Killeen for the interment service.

RIP Marine.

[markwells]

On what started out as a very cool early morning, 15 patriots set out for Elgin VFW to stand a flag line to honor a fallen Marine. Sgt. Joseph Gore. A 9 year veteran that served in multiple locations including OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom ) This being a weekday, we were all very pleased with the PGR turnout. Thank you so much for showing up & showing your patriotism. It meant a great deal to the family. You guys are the best.

In talking with the family, we learned he was a valued friend & fellow Marine. Folks came from as far away as Florida. And a Marine unit showed up to preform Taps & flag folding. They even helped set up the chairs for the service.

RIP Marine, Semper Fi

[markwells]

Thank you to the eight patriots who stood the flag line today to honor Ed Morgan’s service to our country. Short notice was no problem for our riders!

Our flag line in front of the funeral home was about 50/50 sun/shade, but as it was early in the day, we managed fine. Mr. Morgan’s son and a number of his American Legion compatriots thanked us for our presence. It was our privilege to be there.

RIP Edward Albert Morgan.

[markwells]

13 PGR gathered at the Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown to form a flag line in honor of 1LT Charles “Woody” McCook who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWII. He and his family were escorted from ABIA by about three dozen LEO motorcycles and additional police vehicles from various agencies. The procession included a US Army honor guard team which moved the casket into the funeral home while the LEO and others saluted. It was a moving sight.

Afterward, Patti joined me inside where we met with his niece and nephew and presented them a gold plated PGR challenge coin reserved for the families of our KIA. We also gave them the PGR condolence card we all signed, including first time rider, Nick.

1LT Woody McCook was lost in battle 82 years ago. It was a great honor and privilege to participate in his return to Texas.

[markwells]

Thank you to the eight riders who took time from their Memorial Day holiday to help honor the war fighters from Granger who gave the ultimate sacrifice. All went according to plan until we arrived at the school where the threatening weather prompted the decision to move the event indoors at the parish rec center. We relocated there and carried our flags inside just as the heavens opened for an hour long downpour.

After the ceremony ended we enjoyed coffee and donuts with the friendly Granger folks until the rain subsided, rainsuits were deployed, and we departed.

Thank you Gary Mayers for the help today.  We had three first time riders join us. Welcome Terry, Fred, and Mike! We are blessed to participate in this heartfelt event.

[markwells]

We had eight in the flag line to honor USMC Corporal Charles Levy today. Two flag bearers stood at the entrance from the road, and the rest in front of the church. USMC veteran Keith Longacre carried the USMC flag. It was a comfortable but breezy day. A few of us enjoyed lunch at the nearby Andice General Store afterward.

A special thanks to Calvin Story for bringing the flags and water. RIP Charles David Levy.

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