[markwells]

“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 unflenching 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”

[markwells]

Thank you to Keith Alexander for this clip from the Midland news about the Service held on 9/15/09
tinyurl.com/qe3hkv

[markwells]

Please try to make the POW / MIA event on Friday. There will be water provided for us at the cemetery.

We will probably go eat after the ceremony.

thanks for all you do.

[markwells]

The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the annual POW/MIA ceremony on Friday, 18 September 2009 at the Texas State Cemetery near downtown Austin.

We have been asked to ride into the Texas State Cemetery from the north entrance precisely at 11:00 am to open the event. Please fly your bike flags if so equipped.

Date/Time: Friday, 18 September 2009. Ceremony scheduled to begin at 1100 hrs (11:00 am)

Staging Location: Old Safeway parking lot, located on the north bound IH35 frontage road between 11th and 12th street. Map link: tinyurl.com/rck4z6

Timeline:
1000-1030 hrs staging (10:00-10:30 am)
1030 briefing
1040 KSU to cemetery

Wx: Partly cloudy, Low of 68, high of 92. Please bring your own drinking water.

Notes:
We will depart the staging heading east on 11th street and ride in formation to the north entrance of the State Cemetery. We will turn left (east) and park on the sidewalk and dismount. We will then form a flag line for the duration of the event.

Ride Captain: Steve von Roeder, svroeder@sbcglobal.net, work phone 512-972-7746; home phone 512-837-3843; cell phone 512-466-5769
Flag Wrangler: Lyn von Roeder

[markwells]

From Gerry (tripod)…..Riders – Dion Mills, Bennie's son (retired USAF), sent this note thanking you for honoring Bennie at his final resting place in Lockhart Tx on 2 Sep 09. Bennie will indeed be missed by his many friends, comrades in arms, and family.

“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”

[markwells]

Change in Staging from the National Site.

Updated 14 Sep 09 1755 edt S Sturgis

Change of staging area – now need to be at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring Street, Midland, TX at 1:00 pm.

Capt. Meadows will now be escorted to the CAF.

Dick Galloway
Deputy State Captain
West Texas
Teresa Galloway
ASC
432-638-475

[markwells]

“Please relay to your members our deepest gratitude for their presence on Saturday at the funeral of SFC Ronald Sawyer. It means a lot us that people care, and would take the time to come out and show the quiet respect for a fallen soldier. I know the preacher said Ron wouldn't have liked all of the fuss, but he was wrong. I was in the car with Ron's dad and brother on the way to the cemetery and we all commented on how cool he would have thought it all was. We were bursting with pride for Ron, especially at the display of respect put on by the people of Florence and all the citizens along the way who stopped and saluted. Words can't express the depths of our sorrow about losing Ron, but I can tell you that the Patriot Guard Riders of Central Texas made the day more bearable. Please keep doing what you do. NO soldier should be just a 5 second blip on the news about the latest casualty count in Iraq or Afghanistan. Your riders make people pay attention when they drive by, and hopefully the observers will take a minute think about and appreciate the sacrifices made by the men and women in our military. Thank you again, and God bless you all.

Barbara Thompson, Stepmother
Marty Thompson, Father
Judy Thompson, Mother
Tommy Thompson, brother
Joey Thompson, brother
Amber Thompson, sister”

[markwells]

yaw be careful,wish i could be with you

[markwells]

I saw the representation in the American Statesman of the funeral being led by the Patriot Guard. Although I was not able to participate Saturday and will not Monday, both because of work schedules, I would like to thank, support , applaud, and let it be known how much I appreciate the ones who were able to make the mission and stand tall for those of us who couldn't. What a great group of guys! God Bless the whole bunch of you!

[markwells]

The following info copied from the Capt Meadows thread on patriotguard.org

Updated 13 Sep 09 0812 edt S Sturgis

Memorial Services will be Tuesday Sept. 15th at the Commemorative Air Force Museum, (CAF) at 2:00 PM, Wright Drive, Midland International Airport.

Staging- kick stands up at 1:15 pm at the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Dick Galloway
Deputy State Captain
West Texas

Teresa Galloway
ASC
432-638-4475
________________________________________________________________________
Airport Arrival:

Capt. Joshua Meadows will arrive at Midland International Airport at approximately 10:00 AM Sunday Sept. 13th. He will be arriving on a military flight, subject to be 30 minutes early or late.

Staging – Kick Stands Up at 9:15 am at the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial ( Midland International Airport, Wright Drive.)

Dick Galloway
Deputy State Captain
West Texas

[markwells]

TV news report on Saturday's funeral by KWTX in Waco:

tinyurl.com/mnpe9q

[markwells]

amen,a true man puts himself in harms way for his fellow man.god his story ate deep in my heart.

[markwells]

Strong words Dave. Thanx for expressing what we felt today…….Gerry

[markwells]

It was fitting that the Angels wept, today, throughout the funeral.

[markwells]

Due to work schedule on Saturday, I am sad to say I can't make the mission to honor this fallen heroe. Please Stand Tall for me and give my prayers and support to his family.
My tears of sorrow and pride are with them.
Michael Giddings

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