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standing by in Red Rock Texas

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amen,i will also be attending,ive been out but im back as much as i can now to honor these fallen heroes.

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Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and
keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home
and abroad, especially SGT Mario Rodriguez Jr and his family, for who we pray. Defend them day by day with your heavenly
grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give
them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant
them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

cap'n cannonball

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Thoughts & Prayers inbound From My Family to the Family of SGT Mario Rodriguez Jr. May He Forever Be A Hero in Your Heart, Because to Us, He Is A Hero In Our Heart. God Bless and Godspeed, Third Star To The Left.

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The story in the Smithville Times about SGT Rodriguez's death.

http://smithvilletimes.com/2010/06/14/smithville-soldier-killed-in-afghanistan/

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I am standing by in La Grange, if my work schedule permits.

Tommy "Copperhead" Mueller
La Grange PGR RC

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Updated 21 June 2010

SGT Mario Rodriguez of Smithville was killed in action in Afghanistan on 11 June 2010. We were honored to join his family in receiving him home to central Texas on Sunday and will join them again as this American hero is laid to rest.

Funeral and Interment Itinerary

Date/Time: Tuesday, 22 June 2010. Services scheduled to begin at 10:00 am

Location: First Baptist Church, 300 Hudgins St, Smithville, TX. The church is located at the intersection of Hudgins and Loop 230 (N 3rd St). Map link: tinyurl.com/FirstBaptistSmithville

Interment to follow at Waelder Cemetery, Waelder, TX

Austin Staging Location: Valero station, located at the southwest corner of Hwy 71 & FM 1209. This is approx. 13 miles east of the Hwy 71 & SH130 intersection. Map link: tinyurl.com/Valero71-1209. For those going directly to the church, see location info above.

Staging timeline:
7:55 – 8:25 am staging
8:25 am briefing
8:30 am KSU for the 20 mile ride to the church

Notes: Upon arrival at the church we will park in the annex parking lot across the street from the church. We will establish a flag line by 0920 hrs. At the conclusion of the funeral service we will join the procession to Waelder Cemetery, approx. 25 miles south of Smithville, for the interment service. Parking at the cemetery will likely not be paved, so a side stand puck is advised.

Wx: Mostly sunny, high 97 degrees. Arrive fed, fueled, and hydrated. Bring plenty of drinking water, and drink it. Riding through the heat will dehydrate you quickly. Sunblock highly recommended.

Ride Captain: Russ (Ghost) Miller, milinscon@suddenlink.net, 512-863-9692
Flag Wrangler: Johnny Hughes

SGT Rodriguez gave all he had to give in service to our Country and the cause of freedom. Please make plans to stand tall and silent in gratitude for his sacrifice.

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From Shelley Leicht 6/8/10

“As the Aunt of Marine Cpl. Jacob Leicht, I would like to express my gratitude to you for honoring and supporting our nephew and his immediate family and widow (the poor little thing is so young for such a title).

You cannot know the impact you have had on our family – we felt like we had angels guarding us. It was so moving to arrive at the church and see your membership standing in that horrible heat to honor Jacob, and support and protect his family. I will try to forward to you a note written by Jacob’s brother Jonathan which expresses his family’s gratitude much more eloquently than I am able.

I just wanted you and your wonderful band of brothers (and sisters!) to know how very much appreciated and respected you are. It is not over stating the fact to say that you changed lives and hearts that day – thank you. Would that other Americans would follow your example; I plan to.”

In sincere appreciation,

Shelley Leicht
Greenville, NC

God Bless America!

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From Ron Marcil and Barb Bowers 6/6/10

“Hello Frank,

My Wife and I drove out to Kerrville, TX on Saturday for an art show at the old post office. We were completely unaware of the Funeral of Cpl Leicht.

As we were headed out back out of town, the proceedings were winding down at the cemetery. I wanted to stop and thank you folks from the Patriot Guard for what you do for the families and for the troops but it would have been unsafe for me to do so. Take this as my official hand shake and thank you. Please pass this thought along to the others you ride with.
Thank You Very Much for what you do.”

Ron Marcil and Barb Bowers

p.s. it stuns me that some folks think it's ok to protest at a funeral and it scares me that we've gotten to that point.

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From Vicki Young (Alton’s Wife) 5/1/10

“Please accept my appreciation – even as belated as it is – for the wonderful flag presentation in Alton’s memory. That event will forever hold a special place in my heart, as will your entire group and its mission. May your membership grow even after the passing of someone as dedicated as my husband.
You are extraordinary and very well-respected, and I am indeed honored that you would publicly remember Alton as you did. May God bless each of you and your families.”

Until we meet again,
Vicki Young

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From LTC Wempe 4/15/10

“Mr. Gonzales:
On behalf of the 741st MI BN I just wanted to express my thanks to you and the Patriot Guard Riders for the professional, and inspiring, support you provided to the funeral of SPC Noelle Pagliaro, a Soldier from our Battalion. It is humbling to witness the intense patriotism and loyalty that your members display as you watch over grieving family and unit members.

The loss of a Soldier is always cause for great sadness, and is felt even more acutely when the soldier is young, with a promising military career and life ahead of her. Your Patriot Guards provided enormous comfort as you allowed loved ones and fellow Soldiers to pay tribute to SPC Pagliaro and mourn her loss.

I'm attaching a poem and photo which describes the poignant and powerful display common to military tradition at the passing of one of our own.

Again, thank you, and best wishes to you and the Patriot Guard Riders as you continue your mission.”

Pat Wempe
LTC Patrick J. Wempe
Commander, 741st MI BN
Fort George G. Meade, MD

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From a First Cav Soldier 4/14/10
Subj: Hey, Soldier from First Cav Here.

“Hey Lou, I'm a soldier from First Cavalry Division.. I was watching videos of the Patriot Guard, protecting our families from the Westboro Baptist Church.. I have the utmost respect for you men and women who, after we guard you in life, you guard us in death. Thank you, so very much, for paying your respects to our families, friends, and loved ones when our time on this Earth is over. Words can hardly explain the emotions I felt, seeing all those American flags, held high, proudly, by some of the most honorable men that aren't even in the military.. It means a lot to us, and our families. And we will never forget your patronage and respect. What you guys do truly is amazing, for the nation that forgets it's defenders will itself be forgotten, and America will only remain the Land of the Free so long as it is the Home of the Brave. ”

Much Love and Respect,

Private First Class Darian Browning
B Company, 1st Battalion 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

Loyalty And Courage, America's Hammer!

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From Mr. Sykes Daughter 4/4/10

“Terry,
You and several other members of the PGR honored my father (Jim Sykes). I wanted to pass along to you and the others how honored we were that you came to help us say good bye to a man who loved his country so much. I know he was proud when he saw you there, over the past few years he watched the TV reports and was proud of what you all stand for.

My family was grateful and proud to have you all , we are sending photos for your site (via Vandewalle) and a donation has been made (via Murray) to help off set some of the cost and if you need anything feel free to ask, you will always have a place in our hearts for not only what you did for my dad but what you have and will do for all of our hero's.

Thank you so much again for taking time from your lives to honor my father, You are our Hero's”

Rene'

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From the Family of Charles Maxey 4/3/10

“The Family of Charles Maxey would like to thank the Patriot Guard Riders for their precence at the funeral service. Charles was very patriotic and proud of the time he served his Country. Your organization emphasizes the brotherhood that is held in the armed services”

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From a Friend of EJ Johnston 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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