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From Mark Gil, (Paul Gil Sr. Grandson) 3/3/10

“Patriot Guard Riders,
Words will never express the pride and honor bestowed upon our family by your presence during our Grandfathers final tribute. Please know, you fine men and women of The Patriot Guard Riders will forever be in our hearts and prayers. God bless and keep each of you out of harms way with your ministry.”

Sincerely,
Mark Gil, Code Enforcement Officer II
Code Compliance Department
City of Austin
1520 Rutherford Lane
Austin, Texas 78754
APD (Ret.)

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From a friend of Raymond Koopmann 2/20/10

“It was amazing that 30+ of you would give up a beautiful Valentine's Day afternoon to drive for an hour out to the middle of nowhere on such short notice. It was quite an impressive display and I'm sure Ray's family appreciated it a great deal.

I've also seen you at ceremonies at the Fallen Warrior Memorial here in Pflugerville. You people are wonderful!”

Blake Krass
Pflugerville TX

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From Vicki Young (Alton’s Wife) 2/12/10

“I apologize for the delay in sending this note, but please express my personal appreciation and respect for those in the Patriot Guard who braved the weather to pay tribute to Alton. I was deeply touched to see your members standing at attention as I walked into the funeral home and again as we drove so many miles to gather at the cemetery. So many of my friends and family shared the same emotions as I experienced as we witnessed the respect your group shows to someone such as my husband.

Alton felt a tremendous pride when he was able to join your group on a ride. I only wish he could have joined your membership sooner in life. Thank you for allowing him the privilege of serving as a fellow Patriot Guard Rider. The PGR was one of the highlights of his life.

Thank you again, and may God bless you all and keep you safe as you continue to ride.”

Sincerely,
Vicki Young

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From Madeline De Long, Alumni Director 2/5/10
San Marcos Baptist Academy

“To the ladies and gentlemen of the Austin Area Patriot Guard:
Words cannot express my appreciation for the support you show to the family of our slain soldiers. Though I have seen the Patriot Guard in action on previous occasions, I have never been so touched as I was when on of our own SMBA graduates was honored by your presence. Thank you for your service to our country, to families of the fallen, and specifically for your support of the family of Captain Paul N. Pena.”

Madeline De Long
Alumni Director

This letter was a hand written letter from Ms. De Long

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From Dave Kinnaman, Veteran’s Day Coordinator 1/16/10
Hutto High School, Hutto Texas
Sent: January 16, 2010

Chuck Murphy
Austin Area Ride Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
210 Almquist St.
Hutto, Texas 78634

“Dear Mr. Murphy,
Enclosed is the letter Paul Lister and I sent to individuals who participated in last year's Veteran's Day at Hutto High School. We apologize for not sending and expressing our sincere appreciation for your contribution; however, since you attended our assemblies and air show, it must be noted that teachers, students, and citizens alike still recall how the "Patriot Guard, the motorcycle guys were here on Veteran's Day." Our business communities gave you a "thumbsup" then, and speak highly of you today.

I do not know if you understand the significance of your presence at our Veteran's Day ceremonies. Students get to see and hear and feel, and, if possible, collaborate in ways, strangely enough, with you what civic pride involves, and how individuals like you embody exceptional virtues, for example patriotism on a high school campus. I would be remiss if I did
not add that teachers treasured your presence too. Mix together a Harley, a flag, and a handful of men and women clad in patches and denim who stand at attention and salute those who currently serve our nation, well, can you think of anything more "American" than that?

Once again, "Thank you" and God Bless You. I look forward to working with you next year, our seventh Veteran's Day.”

Dave Kinnaman
Economics, Psychology, Sociology Teacher
Veteran's Day Coordinator,
Hutto High School, Hutto, Texas 78634
(512) 759-4700

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From the Family of Warren Proctor 11/21/09
Members;
A thank you note was received at Gabriels Funeral Home from the family of Warren Proctor. It was sent to you in thanks for what you did for their family. It reads:

“Dear Patriots,
Thank you so much for participating in our Dad's funeral service. It was beautiful and Dad would have loved it. We are a patriotic family and love our country as we know that you do.”

Proctor Family

It was accompanied by a donation to the Austin PGR.

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From a Cousin of LCpl Cody R Stanley 11/6/09
Sent: 11/6/2009 10:24:02 P.M. Central Standard Time
Subj: Well Done!

“Sir,
I am a cousin to LCpl Cody R. Stanley, whom your riders helped us lay to rest today in Lockhart, Texas.
I wanted to thank you all and tell you that they did a fantastic job. Well done.”

My eternal thanks,
James Sites

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From a Marine Mom 11/08/09
A thank you note sent to Keith!

“Hi Keith,
I found your information on the Patriot Guard Riders when I was trying to find funeral information for Cody Stanley. I am a Marine mom and my son is currently in Afghanistan. As I search the news each day, I obviously come across the fatalities and it always breaks my heart.
I just wanted to pass along my sincere thanks for how you support our military families. There are no words to explain how much your support means when our sons, husbands, brothers, etc. are sacrificing.
Thank you for taking time to honor our fallen.
Please pass my sincere thanks on to the others in your group.
God bless you!”

Judy Bode
Magnolia, TX

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From a friend of Lcpl Stanley 10/30/09

“Dear sir,
I know you don’t know me, but I would like to personally thank you for your support to the military men and women, if it wasn’t people like you out there we couldn’t fight for our freedom. I knew Lcpl Cody Stanley, my mother and father taught him in school, we both came in the marine corps just bout the same time, he came in about a week ahead of me, and was a good hearted kid, but most of all i just wanted to thank you for everything.”

Cpl Dickerson
aka Zane Dickerson

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From a friends of Deputy David Black 10/07 and 08/09

“My name is Philip Gero. I am a police officer with the Pflugerville, TX Police Department. I was a friend of Deputy David Blake of the Burnet County Sheriff's Office. I want to personally thank the Patriot Guard Riders for attending his funeral and showing their support of a fallen brother. Many times it feels like nobody cares about what we do and the sacrifices that sometimes have to be made. Your support has helped in this troubling time and shows that there are Americans that still care. Please pass on this message to any of your members that attended. Thank you.”

Lou Freitas wrote:
Please sent this out to all involved, and thank you again.
The PGR touched the Family and a lot of other people on this mission, especially Deputy David Blake's fellow Law Enforcement Family.
Lou

"Bagger Lou"
Lou Freitas
Patriot Guard Riders
Texas State Captain

Pete,
The PGR was honored that David's Family asked us to be there in their need of support for this Hero that protected our Country in the Military and the home front in Law Enforcement.

Thank you for caring,

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From a Pallbearer at CPL Sevier’s service 9/28/09

“I was one of the military pallbearer's at CPL Jay Sevier's funeral on Saturday in Yoakum,TX. It was a very touching funeral and and all his family and friends were very appreciative of your services for Jay and his family. You guys do great work and perform a wonderful service for Veterans.”

Thank you,
SPC Michael Mastin

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From a friend of 2LT Darryn Andrews 09/19/09

“Hi Mr. James,
I was very good friends with Darryn Andrews. I am not certain which of these guys showed up, but THANK YOU so so so very much. I honestly didn't know what you guys did until this funeral- I know sad, huh? Anyhow- I now know and absolutely LOVE you guys. When I saw you I almost started crying there knowing that you have fought for my freedom as well. May God bless every single one of you.

I was just in awe of all of you- standing in the rain, at attention. I noticed though, when anyone walked by you gave a simple nod. It was such a humbling moment for me. I know, for a fact, that Darryn would love to do that for another fallen soldier- he would have been out there in the rain with you. Heck- it could have been a lightning storm and he would have been there. Let me just say to you- thank you. Thank you for what you did while you were in the service and thank you for what you do today. You are such an inspiration to me and make me so proud to be an American. If there is anything I can do for you guys, please let me know. I would be honored.”

Stacey

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From a friend of 2LT Darryn Andrews 09/17/09

“Thank you so much for the time your group gave to come to College Station and Cameron this weekend. Darryn was a wonderful man who gave his life for our Country. People like you that volunteer their time to help make this sad occasion more dignified and meaningful are a special type of person also. Many of the kids that were waiting at the high school were very impressed with your escort. The video of the escort is breathtaking. The only sound we hear is the motorcycles – it was amazing. At the end of the funeral as we heard the motorcycles start up again it was very moving to know that Darryn would be in good hands in his final journey home.”

God Bless you and your group

Teri Adcox
Friend of the Andrews Family
Cameron, TX

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From the Darryn Andrews Family 09/16/09
From: gandrews
To: Lou Freitas
Sent: 9/13/2009 7:24:33 P.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: 2LT Darryn D. Andrews – KIA Afghanistan – September 4, 2009

“Lou,

I am not sure if any of the Patriot Honor Guard attended my cousin's funeral in Cameron on Saturday, September 12th, but wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to any who may have, and to the organization in general.

I understand that most of the guys came out of Killeen, but some may have come from elsewhere, including Montgomery. These guys stood in the rain for hours, and I was touched by their unflinching devotion to honor our fallen heroes, especially my Cousin Darryn. He left behind a two year son, Daylan, and a pregnant wife, Julie, who is expecting their daughter in December.

You guys are also my heroes, and I just wanted to let you know.

God Bless you, and God Bless the USA.”

Sincerely,
Guy D. Andrews

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From the Bennie Mills Jr. Family 09/15/09

“One behalf of my family, please thank the members of the PGR who attended and served as the honor guard for my father’s graveside service. From the formation of flags to the presentation of the flag, the entire service was more than we ever could have expected. Being a former commander and having attended too many of these type of events, I can tell you the PGR brought a personal and professional touch to my father’s service that could not be duplicated anywhere, including Arlington. As we said goodbye to our father, my family and I felt surrounded by an extended family who understood and shared the meaning of honor, service, integrity and family.”

Once again, thank-you.
Dee Mills and family

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