[markwells]

A beautiful day to participate in this patriotic celebration of our veterans. We kicked off the parade following a sheriff dept vehicle with lights and sirens going. Once parked at the field, the 14 PGR opened the ceremony by carrying the 28 historic US Flags one by one to its location on the field.

Thank you to all who enjoyed this fun event.

[markwells]

The poet Robert Burns said it best. Best laid plans…
The travelling wall truck was significantly delayed coming out of Tyler, and we had to scrub the mission. Thank you to the riders and all the law enforcement help from the Wilco SO and Georgetown PD who were on hand.
The trailer is supposed to arrive this evening, so come out tomorrow morning to help assemble the wall.

[markwells]

What a wonderful get together to remember Paige at his home in Sun City. There was quite a crowd there when the 15 of us arrived by bike and cages. We enjoyed meeting Paige’s wife Kay and many of his friends from recent and way-back times.

Turns out Kay and Paige used to ride motorcycles (Kay on her own BMW) all over the US and would even fly to Europe and rent bikes for some legendary touring. Fun!

So long, Paige, thank you for serving our country and sharing the flag line with us.

[markwells]

11 Patriot Guard members attended the memorial service for Mr. Dix. The very hot weather was a challenge for a couple of members but they stuck to it. Thanks for those that attended, very good showing.

[markwells]

11 Patriot Guard members attended the memorial service for Mr. Dix. The very hot weather was a challenge for a couple of members but they stuck to it. Thanks for those that attended, very good showing.

[markwells]

We had seven riders today to honor the service of LCpl King. Family friend and PGR rider Pat from Iowa was down for the weekend and stood the line with us.

Keith Longacre & Matt Kappel folded and presented the flag to LCpl King’s mother. Live taps was provided by a bugler from Bugles Across America. There was a large turnout of friends and family.

Thank you Don for posting the flags in advance, they worked out great.

RIP, Mr. Hershel Heath King. Thank you for your service.

[markwells]

Posted on behalf of RC Warren Longacre whose computer is in the shop.

We had 12 patriots standing to honor MSG George Gott. It was a warm day, but thankfully we had some clouds and a breeze to keep us comfortable. Nicki posted flags at the cemetery in advance, and the rest of us road the short distance from the staging to the cemetery and formed our flag line about 10 minutes prior to the start of the service.

There was a substantial turnout of friends and family. The USAF honor guard did a fine job as always, and MSG Gott’s sons shared some funny and poignant stories about their dad. You’ll enjoy reading his obituary.

We welcomed new rider (new to us, anyway) Bob Watson. Thanks to all who took time out of their Saturday to honor this long serving USAF veteran.

RIP, MSG George Gott

[markwells]

A typically warm summer afternoon for the 10 patriots who stood for Col Graves. It was a well attended service, and we received many appreciative comments from family and friends.

Thank you again, Don, for doing a nice job of staking the flags in advance and leaving them in place for the fly over salute at the conclusion of the service.

RIP, Col Lee Graves. May God receive you with open arms and bring comfort to your family.

[markwells]

Riders, the rain has caused this event to be cancelled.

[markwells]

Cool and sunny for the six patriots who stood for TSgt Miller. His son came by during our staging to thank us for honoring his father. We learned that his father was a Vietnam veteran as well.

RIP TSgt Miller.

[markwells]

It was a beautiful spring day for the seven patriots on hand to honor the US Navy service of Mr. Zrubek. We stood the flag line in front of the historic church and at attention as he was moved into the coach for the trip to the cemetery. We were moved when his wife spoke to us briefly.

On the short procession to the cemetery we were met by the sight of probably 100 Atmos Energy service trucks lining both sides of the road with Mr. Zrubek’s compatriots standing next to them, hard hats over their hearts. What a stirring testament to his 27 years with the company and the respect and admiration he earned there.

The graveside service was also one for the books, with traditional Czech musicians honoring him on euphonium, accordion, guitar, and an expertly played alphorn. (yes, had to look up the name of that). The accordion player also yodeled beautifully!

We are so grateful to have been invited to participate in this mission. RIP, Darwin Zrubek. Gone too soon.

[markwells]

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[markwells]

Riders, we need a 4 motorcycles to accompany the procession from Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown to Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

There is no LEO escort.

Veteran: Dr. Thomas G. Beall, 95, US Navy/WWII veteran.  He entered the Navy in 1943 and served three years, leaving as a Petty Officer 3rd Class.  One of his sons is a veteran and motorcycle rider and will likely ride along to the cemetery.

https://www.ramseyfuneral.com/obituary/thomas-beall

Date/Time: Wednesday, 16 December 2020.  See timeline below

Staging Location: Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78633
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/Q7knuupyUP72

Timeline:
1:30 – 1:50 pm – Staging
1:50 pm – Briefing
2 pm – KSU for the ride to CTSVC for a 3 pm interment service

Wx: Sunny, high 54 deg F

Notes: Wear your face covering and practice social distancing at the staging.  As there is not an LEO escort the procession will comply with traffic control devices.  We are NOT road guards do not perform law enforcement traffic control duties. Centex PGR will have a flag line at the cemetery.  Austin riders will enter the gate and pull to the side to allow the procession to proceed to the commitment shelter.  We will then depart.

Ride Captain: TBD

Please email me back if you can be part of this procession.  

Thank you for all you do for our departed veterans and their families. 

Mark Wells
Deputy State Captain
Austin Area Patriot Guard Riders
512-470-0380

[markwells]

Riders, back in August we participated in the ground breaking for a new house to be provided for US Army SGT Kristopher Biggs by Building Homes for Heroes, a charitable organization which provides custom-built homes to America’s wounded military heroes. That home is now complete, and the PGR has been invited to help welcome SGT Biggs and his family to their new home.

SGT Biggs served for seven years in the military, including two tours in Iraq. During his second tour in Iraq in 2007, Sergeant Biggs was severely injured in an explosion that would eventually cost him a leg. While driving through a checkpoint on a mission, a nearby vehicle-borne explosive improvised device was detonated, setting off a blast that knocked Sergeant Biggs unconscious.

Sergeant Biggs spent seven years trying to rehab and salvage his left leg before it was finally amputated by doctors in 2014. He has since become heavily involved in athletics, particularly adapted surfing, as a form of therapy.

For his service to his country, Sergeant Biggs was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, USA/ USAF Pres Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, South West Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star and the Combat Action Badge.

Date/Time: Thursday, 17 December 2020. Dedication ceremony begins at 11:00 am

Staging Location: The Den Wolf Ranch Amenity Center, 129 Canyon View Rd, Georgetown, TX 78628
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/pJCfBF6zXZY3n7d9A

Timeline:
10:00 am – 10:40 am – Staging
10:40 am – Briefing
10:45 am – KSU for the short ride to the home site.

Wx: High 61 deg, sunny

Notes: Fly your big flags! Please wear your mask and follow social distancing protocol. Upon our arrival at the staging location we will have a chance to visit with the SGT Biggs and his family. We will then accompany him and his family in a short law enforcement escorted procession to the home where we will form a flag line for the approximate 30 minute ceremony.

Ride Captain: Warren Longacre, longacre@austin.rr.com, (512) 755-4163
Flag Wrangler: Don Ferguson

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