[markwells]

I agree with you, Mark. Considering NO ONE at NG was there over the weekend, NONE of our contacts answered phones or returned calls, the gate guard knew NOTHING about the homecoming as little as 1.5 hrs prior (despite being quizzed throughout the day), everything fell together at the last minute and it turned out magnificently.

And as you mentioned, out of the one patch of blue sky came 20+ WolfPack riders and took on the flag line duty.

I think we'll have some new members soon!

It was cool.

[markwells]

We only had 5 PGR show up on Sunday, so it was looking at first like we were going to be a little short in providing the sort of welcome home these soldiers deserved.

Then about 20 riders pulled in from Bastrop, part of the "Wolf Pack" riding club. One of their members was a soldier on that bus, and they came out to welcome him home. Those folks joined us in forming a nice flag line, and Steve VR, Terry, and Andy rode out to meet the bus as it turned off Burleson and escorted it into the facility.

And not a drop of rain, either. So I can't help but think we had some help from above in making this a very fun and successful mission.

[markwells]

Bring your big flags if so equipped, we may try and do a short escort of the bus if conditions permit.

[markwells]

SHORT NOTICE – Welcome Home

The Patriot Guard has been requested to participate in a welcome home for a bus load of Texas Army National Guard soldiers who are returning from a year in Iraq. They are flying into Ft Sill, OK, and the Austin area soldiers are being bused down from there to Austin.

Date: Sunday, 24 May 2009

Staging Location: Austin Army Aviation Support Facility, located on the south side of Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA). We will stage in the parking lot in front of the facility. Note this is NOT the USPS facility where we staged for the Sgt Barnett mission this past week. See directions below.

Staging time: 1500 – 1530 hrs. Bus arrival is forecasted between 1530 – 1700 (3:30 pm – 5:00 pm).

Directions: Traveling south on Hwy 183, continue past the signs for Hwy 71 East/ABIA to Burleson Road. Turn left onto Burleson Road, travel east 1.3 miles to General Aviation Drive and turn left (north). The facility entrance is your next left. Proceed past the guard shack to the parking area.

Wx: Low 61 deg, high 81 deg, 50% chance of thunderstorms.

Notes: This is a flag line only, there will be no procession. Please bring drinking water.

Ride Captain: Andy "Andyman" Lough, ALough@Austin.rr.com 512-441-9297 (cell)

Folks, this is short notice and Memorial Day weekend. If you have not been to a mission in awhile this would be a good one to attend. These soldiers have been away from their families and in harms way for a year plus, so let's show them that average Americans appreciate their service and sacrifice.

[markwells]

All, Thanks for making Sgt Quentin Barnett's mission a huge success. Yesterday was a fine example of "Semper Gumby" and you all accepted it gracefully. I admire you all for what you did.
Juan "FILO"

[markwells]

As always, we really appreciate the support from our Killeen area brethren. Everyone handled the semper gumby aspects quite well despite being slow-cooked in the sun.

May the Lord bring His comfort upon Sgt Barnett's family, and may he rest in peace.

[markwells]

Beautiful arrival to the church. Thanks for welcoming everyone's participation in the flagline at the church and escort to CTSVC… And thanks for y'alls participation up in Kileen too.

Austin Rocks!

[markwells]

I hope we have a good turn out. The Mancahca Vol Fire dept will be cooking the catfish. There will be live music after the ceremony. A couple of antique cars, some WWII vehicles and weapons (happiness is a belt-fed weapon). In addition Jay Kimbrough ( Gov Perry's chief of staff) will ride a custom Medal of Honor bike. We will have a flag line to honor the WWII veterans. As well as the portrait presentation.

[markwells]

I have already visited with Juan, I will be honored to do this part of the mission.

[markwells]

I think the parking lot is in the "crotch" of the "Y", so guess we should say "west of the Y". That whole area can make you crazy at the wrong time of day.

[markwells]

Friday's funeral staging posted at top.

Also:
We are in need of three big flag (3 x 5) bikes to join Juan in accompanying the family and coach on Friday morning from their residence to the church. Volunteer riders will need to meet Juan at the McDonald's at I35 & 3406 (exit 254) for a KSU at 0830 on Friday.

Please contact Juan if you can do this at jcgonz13@yahoo.com or 512-466-8968

Thank you…

[markwells]

It was a great being allowed to ride through the fence and meet the plane at the gate yesterday. I think we all recognize this is a privilege not bestowed lightly by the airport authorities, and our hats are off to them and RC Andy Lough for making it possible. Our LEO escorts from APD and the sheriff's office were amazing again also.

You all did the right thing yesterday for Sgt Barnett & his family, hope to see you again on Friday. Stand by for updated staging info…

[markwells]

Great turn out today for SGT Barnett and his family. Hope everyone made it home safely.

We'll be standing by at CTSVC for your arrival on the second half of this mission scheduled for Friday. Ride safe!

[markwells]

Thanks to everyone who attended the Airport arrival of Sgt Barnett today. His dad came out to us after most had departed the funeral home and expressed his gratitude for your attendance and dedication to his son and all of our troops.
The Police Sgt who ran the escort from the airport also expressed his thanks for your safe ride and cooperation. It makes their job much easier.
Hope all got home in good shape, and will be able to attend the service on Friday.
Thanks for what you do!

[markwells]

The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Austin chapter, is holding a Salute to Veterans picnic in Driftwood, TX this coming Saturday.

A part of the day's events will be a portrait presentation by Phil Taylor of the American Fallen Soldier's Project to the parents of Sgt 1st Class Nathan Ross Chapman. Sgt Chapman, of San Antonio, was a Green Beret and the first American killed in the war in Afghanistan. He was KIA on 04 Jan 2002 and left behind a wife and two young children.

The event organizers have invited the PGR to participate. You may recall that we participated in two other such portrait presentations at the State Capitol. In this case, however, there will be Elgin sausage, catfish, side dishes, and dessert served! Here are the details:

Date: Saturday, 23 May 2009

Location: Driftwood, TX, 10:00 am

Staging: The old Albertson’s parking lot just southwest of the “Y” in Oak Hill.

Staging time: Briefing at 0900, KSU at 0915 for the approx. 12 mi ride to the picnic location.

Directions: From Austin take 290 W just past the 290/71 "Y" in Oak Hill. Turn right into the parking lot. There's a Jim's Restaurant there as well.

Notes: Lunch is provided by our gracious hosts as noted above.

Wx: High 92 F, Lo 66 F, Partly Cloudy.

Ride Captain: Steve von Roeder, svroeder@sbcglobal.net, 512-466-5769

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