[markwells]

Great turnout.. Thanks to everyone! Special thanks to Lyn for the photos.. The museum was thrilled !

[markwells]

*Updated 17 July*

Confirmed mission

SPC Joshua R. Farris, 22, of Smithville, Texas, died on 9 July in Wardak Province, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. His family has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to help honor his service and ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Airport Recovery portion: Thursday, 16 July

Complete. Thanks to all who were able to participate.

Funeral Service and Interment portion:

Date: Saturday, 18 July 2009

Location: All Faith of the Pines Funeral Home, 110 American Legion Dr., Smithville, TX. Map link: tinyurl.com/n5zuhc
Directions: Smithville is located approx. 11 miles east of Bastrop, TX. Traveling eastbound on Hwy 71, exit at Hwy 95S/Loop 230, travel south approx. 1 mile. Funeral Home is on the left (east) side of the road. Proceed to the rear of the property behind the building.

Timeline:
0845 – 0915 hrs staging (8:45 – 9:15 am)
0915 hrs briefing
0925 flag line in place
Funeral Service begins at 1000 hrs
Procession to the cemetery near Johnson City following the service

Austin Staging:
For those wishing to ride together from Austin, mission RC Steve von Roeder and Assistant RC Terry Ayers will depart from the 290 Cafe in Manor no later than 0745. The 290 Cafe is located two miles east of the SH130/Hwy 290 intersection on the south side of the road. All are welcome to join in the ride to Smithville.

Weather forecast: Low mid-70s., high upper 90's, 20% change of thunderstorms. Sunscreen recommended. Bring a sufficient amount of drinking water. Hydrate the night before and in the AM. A small non-perishable food ration is also highly recommended.

Notes:
Parking: Bike parking at the funeral home will be behind the building on the un-paved portion of the property. The area is grass/compacted dirt and is fairly flat. Please follow local ride captain instruction so that there will be room for all bikes and mourner vehicles on site, as parking is limited
Procession: Arrive at the funeral home fully fueled, as the procession to the cemetery is 80 miles with no intermediate stops. Closest fuel is approx. 1/2 mile east of the Hwy 95/71 intersection. This will be a hot 2 hr plus ride, so please consider the condition of yourself and your bike before committing to do it.

Ride Captain: Steve von Roeder, svroeder@sbcglobal.net, cell 512-466-5769, home phone 512-837-3843
Asst RC: Terry Ayers, mototerry@texreb.com cell 512-925-6101
Flag Wrangler: JC Clausen

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Cemetery Staging:
For those who plan to go directly to the cemetery, we will have a flag line in place prior to the arrival of the procession. Thank you Centex PGR for the support.

Location: Miller Creek Cemetery, located 2.7 miles east of the Hwy 281/Hwy 290 intersection SE of Johnson City. Map Link: tinyurl.com/nebu2p
Directions: The cemetery entrance is on the north side of Hwy 290 on a curve and at the bottom of a hill approaching from either direction. It comes up fast and is not very well marked. We will have a bike or Marebare's green jeep at the entrance to help identify it as you approach. GPS coordinates of the entrance are: N 30deg 11' 43.8" and W 98deg 20' 01.6".

Timeline:
1215 – 1245 hrs staging
1245 briefing
After the briefing we can get some shade as we await arrival of the procession. Once notified that the procession is a few miles out, we will get the flag line up and have people ready to assist in parking the arriving bikes.

Ride Captain: John "TC" Wiley, johnboy@281.com, cell 325-423-2220.
Marebare, maddog & JR Hill From Centex assisting.

SPC Farris gave all defending our country, it's time for us to stand tall & silent with respect and gratitude for his sacrifice.

[markwells]

Great HOTH mission today, we donated 38 TX flags for our TNG soldiers to fly at their post in Afghanistan. It was great to welcome some new folks as well.

Here's a link to some photos provided by Steve Von Roeder's better half Lyn.

tinyurl.com/l7j2am

[markwells]

Austin Area Patriot Guard Riders :: Missions :: Confirmed Missions

Track this thread Texas Flags for TNG troops
cannonball #1 Posted on 06/15/2009 13:47

Member

Posts: 12
Joined: 05.03.09

**Updated 29 June**

Austin area Meet & Greet and TX Flag donation

Texas National Guard Troops stationed at Forward Operating Base Ghazni in Afghanistan have requested 65 TEXAS FLAGS so that one can be flown over the base for each soldier posted there to take home as a souvenir of their service overseas. We think the Austin PGR will be proud to help provide our soldiers with this symbol of our great state.

We are combining this effort with a Meet & Greet event. The plan is for individual riders to purchase a 3×5 or 4×6 Texas Flag and bring it to breakfast. After breakfast we'll ride over as a group and onto Camp Mabry, where we'll present our flags at the Texas Military Forces Museum.

If you know anyone who might be interested in joining the PGR, bring them along. We have purchased a PGR flag which can be signed by all in attendance and presented to be flown in Afghanistan.

Here are the details:

Date: Saturday, 11 July 2009

Location: Waterloo Ice house, 1106 W. 38th St., Austin, TX
Directions: Waterloo Ice House is located at the NW corner of Medical Parkway and 38th Street.
Exit Mopac Expwy (Loop 1) at 35th street, go East approx. 1 mile. 35th St merges onto 38th St, restaurant on the left. map link: http://tinyurl.co…

Timeline:
0830 meet for breakfast, sign PGR flag, and collect TX flags
0930 approx. depart for Camp Mabry with flags flying, approx. 2 miles.

Wx: Partly Cloudy, high temp mid 90's.

Notes: It is a "drill" weekend so there will be lots of troops on post to see us ride in. Fly your big flag if equipped. Also, take some time to tour this unique museum, I promise you will thoroughly enjoy it. The usual DoD restrictions have been relaxed for us. However they will require you to show a photo ID to enter the post.

A couple local stores which carry TX Flags. (Prices are about $20 ea for 3×5 nylon):
Austin Flag & Flagpole, 8407 South First, Austin, 512-292-0999 http://www.austinflag.co…tactus.cfm
Cook Advertising, 5908 Aurora Dr., Austin, 512-454-5203, http://www.cookadvertisi… (Identify yourself as PGR and get 10% off)

Or shop on-line at http://www.united-states… or elsewhere.

If you can’t make it on Saturday but are interested in donating money or a flag, you may make a donation of $40.00 per flag. Please make checks out to Texas Military Forces Historical Foundation and mail to:

Texas Military Forces Museum
2200 West 35th Street #6
Austin, Texas 78303.
Call 512-782-5659 for more information.

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

Thank you for helping make these soldiers’ request a reality. See you on July 11th!!
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Edited by markwells on 06/29/2009 17:41
IP: 198.214.232.10

cannonball #2 Posted on 06/23/2009 09:43

Member

Posts: 12
Joined: 05.03.09

We are a go on the 11th of July. You have cleared it for the PGR to come on post and they have waived the helmet requirement. This will be a "drill" weekend so there will be lots of troops on post to see you guys. I cannot express how much we appreciate what you are doing for us. together.

IP: 198.214.232.10

grizzlebear #3 Posted on 06/24/2009 18:19
Member

Posts: 13
Joined: 12.03.09

cannonball…keep us up to date and where we need to go for this…sounds like a great cause…putting more Texas flags over there…If we put-em over there does that mean we can claim the territory and plant mesquite and cactus on it…..
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THOSE WHO CANNOT REMEMBER THE PAST ARE CONDEMNED TO REPEAT IT
IP: 66.45.66.70

cannonball #4 Posted on 06/25/2009 10:22

Member

Posts: 12
Joined: 05.03.09

yep Grizz.. actually let's send them all those damn cedar trees back … and keep the mesquite for fire wood
IP: 198.214.232.10

olsarge #5 Posted on 06/25/2009 20:44
Member

Posts: 7
Joined: 22.05.09

ok, I'm a newbee. where is this meet and greet?
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'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'- Ronald Reagan

Dennis Falk
Taylor, Texas
IP: 72.177.29.237

scooterjr #6 Posted on 06/25/2009 21:37

Administrator

Posts: 71
Joined: 18.02.09

Dennis,
It is not all set up yet, just keep checking back here and Steve will post the information as it is finialized.
Thanks for your interest and staying in touch,
Frank
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Life is way to short… Enjoy every minute of it !!
Frank James
Georgetown, Texas
IP: 71.114.248.125

markwells #7 Posted on 06/30/2009 07:33

Administrator

Posts: 69
Joined: 24.02.09

To clarify, you don't have to donate a flag to attend the meet & greet. All are welcome, regardless of size, shape, gender, IQ, fuel type (rice or oil, ha), or flag givingabilitiness…
IP: 75.63.5.19

Texas Coyote #8 Posted on 06/30/2009 10:20

Member

Posts: 25
Joined: 05.03.09

Phew, I feel a lot better since reading Mark's post. I was afraid the Size,Shape and IQ thing would get me culled at the gate….
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Edited by Texas Coyote on 06/30/2009 10:22
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"I never believe anything until it has been Officially Denied!"

C Co. 2/22 Inf. (mech) "Tripple Deuce" 25th Inf. Div. Vietnam 1968

Proud 2 Blue Star Dad…One just back from Korea
PGR ID#8488….Ride Captain…..Hill Country…..

We are each just a pixel in the "Big Picture." Together we bring it into focus. Hopefully the image we create will leave a positive and lasting impression on each Family and Community that we have the Honor of serving..
TC
IP: 67.21.179.194

scooterjr #9 Posted on 06/30/2009 12:37

Administrator

Posts: 71
Joined: 18.02.09

If any of you are interested, I just got off of the phone with Austin Flag and Flagpole Inc. Tel. 512-292-0999
I ordered a Texas flag from them and they said it will be in Georgetown tomorrow, that's pretty good service.
Their Address is:
8407 South First Austin, Texas 78748.
Tel. 512-292-0999
Fax 512-292-0099.
Toll Free 888-464-FLAG (3524)
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Life is way to short… Enjoy every minute of it !!
Frank James
Georgetown, Texas
IP: 24.153.179.98

mototerry #10 Posted on 07/06/2009 16:36

Member

Posts: 5
Joined: 12.03.09

I stopped in at Cooks Flags in North Austin today and picked up a couple of Texas flags for me and my son Chris to donate. With the 10% PGR discount, two flags including tax was $39.94. 3×5 Nylon made in the USA with a Cook Flag/ Austin Texas label. They're great local folks that have been in bidness 50 years!

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cooks+flags,+austin,+tx&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=51.443116,76.640625&ie=UTF8&ll=30.329879,-97.728066&spn=0.027633,0.037422&z=15&iwloc=A

Yeah, I know.."What the heck will that get me?"

T.
IP: 71.145.174.24

bonesdaddy #11 Posted on 07/06/2009 21:03

Member

Posts: 16
Joined: 12.03.09

see yaw there
IP: 72.177.124.217

Andyman #12 Posted on 07/07/2009 01:07

Member

Posts: 34
Joined: 05.03.09

Hey Terry, does Cook's give PGR a 10% discount all of the time or just for this event? I go through a lot of US flags at the airport and get mine in bulk (20 or more at a time) from USFlags.com. I'd rather buy local if the price is comparable…

Andy
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Honored. Privileged. At your service.
IP: 66.68.14.33

markwells #13 Posted on 07/07/2009 07:37

Administrator

Posts: 69
Joined: 24.02.09

Andyman wrote:
Hey Terry, does Cook's give PGR a 10% discount all of the time or just for this event? I go through a lot of US flags at the airport and get mine in bulk (20 or more at a time) from USFlags.com. I'd rather buy local if the price is comparable…

Andy

Andy, I talked to Paul Connely at Cooks to set up the 10% PGR discount deal. At the time it was good only on TX flags purchased through 11 July. Suggest you call him about your airport effort, he may be agreeable.

In case ya'll don't know it, Andy has seen to it that a US flag is flying 24/7 above gates 9 & 11 at ABIA since that fateful day.
IP: 75.63.5.19

cannonball #14 Posted on 07/07/2009 23:55

Member

Posts: 12
Joined: 05.03.09

Everyone is welcome to attend the meet & greet and come with us to Camp Mabry. You don't have to ride or donate a flag or money. Please come and sign our PGR flag that will go to our TNG troops in Afghanistan. There may be several museum Foundation members come over to the Waterloo for breakfast.

To date: I have received 100.00 to donate to the flag cause. Check the details at the top of this post. Please call me or email me with any questions.

meet at the Waterloo at 38th and Medical Parkway at 8:30

Cannonball
IP: 198.214.232.10

Waveband #15 Posted on 07/08/2009 22:03

Member

Posts: 9
Joined: 14.05.09

I'm on duty, but I will try to swing by since it is in my service area. Dispatch willing, et al…

Waveband

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"Anything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger."
Nietzsche

It's the JOURNEY, not the Destination…
IP: 72.177.25.204

cannonball #16 Posted on 07/09/2009 06:56

Member

Posts: 12
Joined: 05.03.09

The museum staff will be available to conduct a tour for us. to learn more you can check them out at http://www.texasmilitary…museum.org

Thanks for supporting our National Guard troops.
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Edited by scooterjr on 07/09/2009 07:15
IP: 198.214.232.10

marebear_56 #17 Posted on 07/09/2009 22:36

Member

Posts: 36
Joined: 13.03.09

Somebody please touch the PGR Flag for me? I'll say a prayer on this end that it keeps guard over all those around it as it is flown in Afghanistan.
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Click HERE for Mission Pictures

Click HERE for Mission Clips

[markwells]

I recieved this e-mail from Arthur Bacque… Thanks for standing for this Veteran.

“We were so proud to see the Guard at the funeral; the family, friends and neighbors thank you for your support!
Aurthur Bacque ”

[markwells]

Thanks to all who made it to the mission today and stood in the heat. Your display of respect was noticed by all and deeply appreciated. I had some come by my house afterwards and some called to express their feelings.
You are the best!

Sam

[markwells]

Sergeant Major, Texas National Guard (Ret)
markwells #1 Posted on 07/05/2009 20:05

Administrator

Posts: 70
Joined: 24.02.09

Gilbert Bielss, 59, passed away on July 2nd 2009 at 7:25pm. His family has requested the PGR to attend the service and burial of this soldier.

Gilbert achieved the rank of Sergeant Major and served for 36 years in different areas and was with the Aviation Support Facility here in Austin. His son is a Blackhawk pilot and just returned from Iraq.

It looks like visitation will be Monday Evening, July 6th with services on Tuesday, July 7th at 1pm. His family will let us know the final details when they are set. Funeral home is Cook Walden Capital Parks in Pflugerville.

Please make plans to stand tall for this veteran.
IP: 24.174.83.77

Samhwk #2 Posted on 07/05/2009 22:54
Administrator

Posts: 23
Joined: 04.02.09

SHORT NOTICE SHORT NOTICE
Gilbert Bielss, age 59, passed away on July 2nd at 7:25pm. He was retired from the Texas National Guard where he served for 36 years, and retired as a Sergeant Major in 2007. His son, Justin Bielss, is a Blackhawk pilot and just returned from Iraq.
The family has requested the PGR attend Gilbert's funeral service and interment at Cook Walden Capital Parks, 14501 N. IH 35, Pflugerville, Tx.

Map: http://tinyurl.co…

Visitation: Monday, July 6th 2009 5:00pm

Service: Tuesday, July 7th, 2009, 1:00pm

Austin Staging:
Date: Tuesday, July 7th
Time: 11:45am – 12:15pm
Location: 14501 N. IH 35, north side of parking lot just inside the cemetery.
Briefing: 12:15pm
Flag Line: NLT 12:30pm

Wx: Forecast temp range of 76-98 deg. with 20 % chance of rain

Notes: Bring at least 2 bottles of water, use sunscreen, and begin hydrating the day before.
Interment will be next door to the Funeral Home so we won't be riding anywhere.
Please make plans to stand tall for this Austin soldier who served his country well.

Ride Captain: Sam Warren 217-4191
Flag Wrangler: Sam Warren
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Edited by scooterjr on 07/06/2009 06:47
IP: 71.145.149.168

grizzlebear #3 Posted on 07/06/2009 21:33
Member

Posts: 14
Joined: 12.03.09

I will not be able to stand for this Honored Veteran……those who make it….please stand in my place to honor this great American…Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends for his service to this Great Country
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THOSE WHO CANNOT REMEMBER THE PAST ARE CONDEMNED TO REPEAT IT

[markwells]

Sorry I had to leave before the funeral mass ended, I was a bit over-committed (again).

Thank you to the 9 riders (I mean 10, sorry Hunter) who made it down to Bastrop to honor Mr. Rick today. The editor of the local paper (Bastrop Advertiser) came by and talked with us and took some photos for an upcoming edition. She also a rider and has been on a few missions, so that was pretty cool.

Thank God for men such as Mr. Donald Rick. May he rest in peace.

[markwells]

Austin Staging for Mr. Donald Rick Funeral, Bastrop

Mr Donald Rick, 80, passed away on Wed., 01 July. He served our country in the Korean and Vietnam Wars during a 27 year career in the USMC & U.S. Army. His family has requested the presence of the PGR at his funeral on Monday. Burial will be Thursday at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, TX..

Location: Ascension Catholic Church, 806 Pine St., Bastrop, TX. Service begins at 1000 hrs. Map link: tinyurl.com/o6qtav

Austin Staging: 290 Cafe in Manor, located on Hwy 290, two miles east of the SH130 toll road. Map link: tinyurl.com/qhpbk9

Staging Time: 0800 – 0815 hrs, KSU 0820 for the 45 min ride to the church.

Directions: The 290 Cafe is located two miles east of the SH130/hwy 290 intersection on the south side of the road. Good place for breakfast, fuel is available next door. If you decide to go directly to the church instead, see address & map link above.

Wx: 30% thunderstorm chance, high temp mid 90's. Please bring two bottles of drinking water.

Notes: We will send at least two big flag bike over to the funeral home to join in the procession from there to the church at approx. 0940. Flag line to be in place at 0920.

Ride Captain: Mark Wells, 512-470-0380, mwells2@austin.rr.com
Flag Wrangler: Bob Binkley

Please make every effort to honor the service and sacrifice of Mr. Rick and his family on our behalf.

[markwells]

The Family of Donald Rick has requested the participation of the Patriot Guard Riders at his funeral service on Monday. Mr. Rick has earned our gratitude and recognition for his service to our country.

Current schedule is for a 10 am funeral service at Assumption Catholic Church in Bastrop, with interment on Thursday at the National Cemetery in El Paso.

Please stand by for staging details and make plans to attend if at all possible.

[markwells]

Guys – Maybe ya'll know about the ride tickets Disneyland used in the 50s and 60s? Depending upon how much $ you had rides were priced A thru E. E-ticket rides were the primo. Rumor then was 'Pirates of the Caribbean' mite be an E+ ride. Thanx to Frank today was definitely an E-ticket ride. Do it again, anytime:)
Gerry

[markwells]

Frank, you & Gerry know how to make semper gumby look easy.

[markwells]

Many, Many thanks to Gerry for picking up the ball and running with it…

[markwells]

Final Itinerary:

Austin Staging for: Jessie R. Berron, PVT, US Army, WW II Veteran

Jessie R. Berron passed away on June 25th. 2009. Mr. Berron's family has requested the Patriot Guard Riders attend his funeral to honor him for his military service to our country. He served his country with distinction during WWII and was a member of VFW post 8925 in Austin.

Date: Monday, 29 June 2009

Staging Location:
Angel Funeral Home
1600 South 1st Street & West Monroe Street, Austin, TX
Directions: Funeral home is located on South 1st Street approx. midway between Riverside and Oltorf. Map link: tinyurl.com/l3vn7y

Timeline:
0845- 0915 hrs: Staging
0915 hrs: Flag line briefing. Form flag line no later than 0930
Service begins at 1000 hrs.
Procession to Assumption Cemetery following the conclusion of the funeral service. Safety briefing for ride to cemetery after the route has been determined.

Weather forecast: 0900 hrs. 85 degrees. 1200 hrs. 96 degrees. Dress accordingly. Sun screen highly recommended. Bring a sufficient amount of drinking water.

Notes: Ride to cemetery approx. 2-3 miles. Come fed, fueled and hydrated. As always, Semper Gumby.

Ride Captain: Terry Ayers mototerry@texreb.com hm (512) 251-5366 cell (512) 925-6101
Flag Wrangler: Gerry Lowrey

http://www.auspgr.org

[markwells]

I will not be able to stand tall for this Great
American Veteran, please send condolences to the family and stand For me to honor him…

[Author]

Posts