[markwells]

Nice turn out to honor Mr. Williams on a drizzly Saturday morning. We had 11 in the flag line, and with the flags Don posted in advance, it was a fine view of patriotism. It went on a bit longer than expected as the congregation milled around outside the funeral home well past the scheduled start of the service.

Thanks again to Don Ferguson for bringing the flags and water. It was great to see Juan Gonzales at the mission, too.

RIP, Mr. Willie L. Williams. Thank you for serving our country.

[markwells]

Confirmed Mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral service for Mr. Willie Leon Williams. Mr. Williams served four years in the US Army. Additional information about his military service is unavailable.

More about his life can be read here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/georgetown-tx/willie-williams-9900351

Date/Time: Saturday, 21 November 2020. Service begins at 11 am.

Location: Cook Walden Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Dr, Georgetown, TX 78628. We will stage at the funeral home.
Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/ECVgGcnp7M2oTLYS6

Timeline:
9:50 – 10:20 am – Staging
10:20 am – Briefing
10:30 am – Flag line

Wx: High 78 F, partly cloudy

Notes: This is a flag line only mission. All riders must wear a face covering in compliance with local health directives. Maintain social distancing protocols. After the start of the service we will strike the flag line and depart quietly.

Ride Captain: Mark Wells, atxpgr@gmail.com, 512-470-0380
Flag Wrangler: Don Ferguson

Please attend to honor this soldier's service to our nation.

[markwells]

Confirmed mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral and interment services for SGT Lucio Martinez Sanchez, Jr. SGT Sanchez enlisted in the US Army in 1974 and served 25 years total between active, national guard, and reserves. He was deployed to Vietnam, the Gulf War, and OIF.

More about his life can be read here: https://www.mblfuneral.com/obituary/lucio-sanchez-jr

Date/Time: Friday, 06 November 2020. Funeral at 2 pm.

Location: Marek Burns Laywell Funeral Home, 2800 N Travis Ave, Cameron, TX 76520.
Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/4nake56SmmhG2MnQA

Timeline:
12:45 – 1:15 pm – Staging
1:15 pm – Briefing
1:25 pm – Flag Line

Austin area staging: For those wishing to ride out together:
Shell Station (Food Basket), 3600 E University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626. SW corner of SH130 & Hwy 29 on the east side of Georgetown.
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/VNzWjg55XEMojdh16

12:00 pm – Briefing
12:05 pm – KSU for 1 hr ride to the funeral home.

Wx: High 78 deg, partly cloudy.

Notes: Bring water for yourself and a friend. Follow pandemic protocols including face covering. Be advised there is a visitation prior to the funeral service. Friends and family will be arriving during our staging period. After the start of the funeral we will strike the flag line and stand by to join the law enforcement escorted procession to the nearby cemetery where we will form a second flag line for the interment service.

Ride Captain: Keith Brown, kbrownl1b@yahoo.com, (512) 422-6310
Flag Wrangler: Don Ferguson

Please attend to honor the long service of this soldier to our country.

[markwells]

Confirmed mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral and interment services for Mr. Glenn Hansford Walker, Sr. Mr. Walker served three years in the US Navy, entering in 1943 on his 19th birthday. He served 28 months at sea during WWII, leaving the service as a Gunner's Mate 3rd Class.

More about his life can be read here when published: https://www.beckchapels.com/obituary/glenn-walker-sr

Date/Time: Tuesday, 03 November 2020. Funeral at 2 pm.

Location: Beck Funeral Home, 1700 E. Whitestone Blvd. Cedar Park, TX 78613. We will stage at the funeral home.
Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/uUEiaM78twRPhepJ8

Timeline:
12:45 – 1:15 pm – Staging
1:15 pm – Briefing
1:25 pm – Flag Line

Wx: High 78 deg, mostly sunny.

Notes: Bring water for yourself and a friend. Follow pandemic protocols including face covering. Be advised that a visitation is taking place prior to the funeral service. Friends and family will be arriving during our staging period. After the start of the service we will strike the flag line and stand by to join the law enforcement escorted procession to the Cook Walden Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville where we will have a second flag line for the interment service.

Ride Captain: Keith Longacre, keithlongacre@att.net, (512) 751-8955
Flag Wrangler: Don Ferguson

Come out and honor the service of this sailor to our nation many years ago.

[markwells]

Confirmed Mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral service for MSG Charles Edward Lightfoot, Jr. MSG Lightfoot was drafted during the Vietnam war and elected to join the Army. He ended up making it a life-long career and retired as a Master Sergeant in December 2010. He did multiple tours throughout the world during his career.

More about his life can be read here: https://www.ramseyfuneral.com/obituary/charles-lightfoot

Date/Time: Wednesday, 28 October 2020. Funeral service begins at 10 am.

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

Timeline:
8:50 – 9:20 am – Staging
9:20 am – Briefing
9:30 am – Flag line

Wx: High 56F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Notes: This is a flag line only mission. Cage it if weather dictates. All riders must wear a face covering in compliance with local health directives. Maintain social distancing protocols. After the start of the service we will strike the flag line and depart quietly.

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

Please attend to honor this soldier's long and faithful service to our country.

[markwells]

Confirmed mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral and interment services for SFC Luciano S. Garcia. SFC Garcia served in the US Army for 22 years, 6 months, including deployment to Vietnam.

His many commendations and awards include the Purple Heart (1st OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1st OLC), Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (4 Bronze Stars), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation With Palm, Overseas Service Bars (2), Driver and Mechanic Badge, Driver- W Driver and Mechanic Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Advance Level), Army Service Ribbon, M-16 Rifle Qualification, Marksman Qualification Badge, and Expert Qualification Badge

More about his life can be read here: https://www.thomasonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Luciano-S-Garcia?obId=18665020#/obituaryInfo

Date/Time: Friday, 23 October 2020. Funeral mass begins at 10 am.

Location: St. Anthony Marie de Claret, 801 Burleson St, Kyle, TX 78640. We will stage at the church.
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/Ku7dNQ3ThiHwwX3k6

Timeline:
8:45 – 9:15 am – Staging
9:15 am – Briefing
9:25 am – Flag line

Wx: Hi 87, partly cloudy

Notes: Bring water for yourself and for a friend. Mind social distancing protocol, including face coverings. After the start of the funeral service we will strike the flag line and standby to join the LEO escorted procession to the San Marcos Cemetery where we will have a second flag line for the burial service.

Ride Captain: Jim Callison, hotp2t@yahoo.com, (907) 321-3854
Flag Wrangler: Max Vasquez

Please attend to show honor and gratitude for this soldier's long service to our nation.

[markwells]

Confirmed Mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral and burial services for MSgt Gilbert S. Newfield. MSgt Newfield entered the US Marine Corps in 1961 and served 20 years. He is a charter member of the Williamson County Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

His obituary can be found here once posted: https://www.beckchapels.com/obituary/gilbert-newfield

Date/Time: Wednesday, 21 October 2020. Funeral begins at 10 am.

Location: Beck Funeral Home, 15709 Ranch Rd 620 N., Austin. Texas 78717. We will stage at the funeral home.
map link:https://goo.gl/maps/1TWJmJ9BVP42

Timeline:
8:50 – 9:20 am Staging
9:20 am – Briefing
9:30 am – Flag Line

Wx: Hi 86 deg. Partly cloudy

Notes: Mind social distancing protocol. Following the start of the funeral we will strike the flag line and stand by to join the law enforcement escorted procession to the Palm Valley Cemetery in Round Rock where we will form a second flag line for the interment service.

Ride Captain: Russ Miller, navyvetad2@gmail.com, (512) 636-9692
Flag Wrangler: Don Ferguson

Please make plans to honor this veteran's long and faithful service to our nation.

[markwells]

We had 10 for the flag line today to honor the US Army service of Mr. Harvey. Thanks much to the Centex folks who joined us from "up north".

Many folks came up to us during our staging to thank us, and our short ride to the cemetery had an impromptu LEO escort. Thank you, Florence PD! Gotta love small town Texas.

Don had staked some flags at the gravesite in advance, and the cemetery ceremony was brief. We were on our way back out in 20 minutes.

RIP, PV2 Samuel Harvey.

[markwells]

Confirmed mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral service for Mr. Samuel Harvey. Mr Harvey served in the US Army and Army Reserves for four years, leaving as a PVT2.

An obituary has not yet been posted.

Date/Time: Friday, 09 October 2020. Graveside Service begins at 1 pm at the Florence Cemetery.

Staging Location: D. Boones Country Store & Cafe, 713 E Main St, Florence, TX 76527. NW corner of FM487 and SH195.
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/W2SmBTZyckRKLVx88

Timeline:
12:00 – 12:40 pm – Staging
12:40 pm – Briefing
12:50 pm – KSU for the short ride to the cemetery

Wx: Hi 85 deg, partly cloudy

Notes: Bring water for yourself and for a friend. Maintain social distancing protocols including face covering. Upon arrival at the cemetery we will form a flag line for the duration of the graveside service.

Ride Captain: Mark Wells, atxpgr@gmail.com, 512-470-0380
Flag Wrangler: Don Ferguson

Please attend to show honor and gratitude for this soldier's service to our nation.

[markwells]

Confirmed mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral and interment services for Retired CW4 William S. Zett. CW4 Zett served for 38 years with the TX Army National Guard.

Information about his life can be read here: https://www.harrellfuneralhomes.com/obituary/508887/William-S.-Zett/

Date/Time: Friday, 09 October 2020. Service begins at 10 am.

Location: Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin 78745. We will stage at the funeral home.
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/Aqbymw88HiYrRRw59

Timeline:
8:50 – 9:20 am – Staging
9:20 am – Briefing
9:30 am – Flag line

Wx: Hi 90 deg F, partly cloudy

Notes: Bring water for yourself and for a friend. Maintain social distancing protocol. Following the start of the funeral service we will strike the flag line and stand by to join the LEO escorted procession to the nearby Assumption Cemetery where we will form a second flag line for the interment service.

Ride Captain: Soup Campbell, robertsoupcampbell@yahoo.com, (512) 925-2104
Flag Wrangler: Nicki Campbell

Please attend to show honor and gratitude for this soldier's long service to our nation.

[markwells]

Confirmed mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral services for Mr. Justin "Corbin" Hunt, 51, served with the Austin Fire Department for 19 years. Corbin is a friend and coworker of Austin PGR Ride Captain Keith Brown.

Information about his life can be read here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pflugerville-tx/corbin-hunt-9385541

Date/Time: Tuesday, 06 October 2020. Funeral service begins at 2 pm

Location: Great Hills Baptist Church, 10500 Jollyville Rd., Austin, Texas 78759. We will stage at the church.
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/fgQEZb7aVKG7Gmtq9

Timeline:
12:45 – 1:20 pm – Staging
1:20 pm – Briefing
1:30 pm – Flag line

Wx: Hi 87 deg F, sunny

Notes: Bring water for yourself and for a friend. This is a flag line only prior to the funeral service. Following the start of the funeral service we will strike the flag line and depart quietly.

Ride Captain: Keith Longacre, keithlongacre@att.net, (512) 751-8955
Flag Wrangler: Don Ferguson

Please attend this mission to honor the long, brave service of this firefighter to our community.

[markwells]

Confirmed mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral and interment services for Retired SSG Roberto Bruciaga. SSG Bruciaga served in the US Army for 28 years including a two year deployment to Vietnam.

Information about his life can be read here: https://www.harrellfuneralhomes.com/obituary/506413/Roberto-G.-Bruciaga/

Date/Time: Thursday, 01 October 2020. Funeral service begins at 10 am.

Location: Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin 78745. We will stage at the funeral home.
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/Fzikg3vpZgFnajrf8

Timeline:
8:50 – 9:20 am – Staging
9:20 am – Briefing
9:30 am – Flag line

Wx: Hi 88 deg F, sunny

Notes: Bring water for yourself and for a friend. Following the start of the funeral service we will strike the flag line and stand by to join the LEO escorted procession to the nearby Assumption Cemetery where we will form a second flag line for the interment service.

Ride Captain: Soup Campbell, robertsoupcampbell@yahoo.com, (512) 925-2104
Flag Wrangler: Nicki Campbell

Please attend to show honor and gratitude for this soldier's long service to our nation.

[markwells]

Confirmed mission: The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the funeral service for MSgt Charles Martin Turner. MSgt Turner served in the US Air Force from 1958 to 1978, including deployment to Vietnam.

More about his life can be read here: https://www.harrellfuneralhomes.com/obituary/503678/Charles-Martin-Turner/

Date/Time: Friday, 09 October 2020. Funeral service begins at 11 am.

Location: Harrell Funeral Home, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640. We will stage at the funeral home.
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/SNMdcfYtvmx5rkSf9

Timeline:
9:50 – 10:20 am – Staging
10:20 am – Briefing
10:30 am – Flag line

Wx: Hi 88, partly cloudy

Notes: Bring water for yourself and for a friend. After the start of the funeral service we will strike the flag line and standby to join the LEO escorted procession to Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio where the interment will take place at 1:30 pm. SAPGR will be in attendance.

Ride Captain: Soup Campbell, robertsoupcampbell@yahoo.com, (512) 925-2104
Flag Wrangler: Max Vasquez

Please attend to show honor and gratitude for this airman's long service to our nation.

[markwells]

We had six big flag bike riders for this mission, which worked out quite well. Four of us met up at the MickyD's and Keith Brown and Charles met us at the staging site near the cemetery. It was a very foggy ride down!

At the staging site we unfurled our flags and then rode the final mile to the cemetery. We used our bike flags to stand the flag line. When the visitation portion ended and the casket was closed we struck the flag line and departed. Luckily we were able to park far enough from the pavilion as to not be a distraction to the funeral service.

Thanks to Keith Brown, Charles Franks, Keith Longacre, Russ Miller, and Mike Matthews for honoring this veteran. His family was very appreciate.

[markwells]

Very Short Notice confirmed mission: The family of Mr. James Michael Faust has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend his graveside service. Mr. Faust served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971, including one year in Vietnam. He left the service as a Sergeant.

As this is so short notice, and we have another mission early Saturday afternoon, I am calling on Big Flag bike riders only. We will use our flag bikes to stand a flag line prior to the start of the graveside service.

Date/Time: Saturday, 26 September 2020. Service begins at 10 am.

Location: Birch Cemetery, near Somerville, TX
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/RcdiD9osYvckmBXC9

Austin staging location: McDonald's, 608 W Hwy 79, Hutto, TX 78634
map link: https://goo.gl/maps/TGCgDZQvKZDBg2zaA

Timeline:
7 – 7:45 am – Staging
7:45 am – Briefing
8:00 am – KSU for 1 hr 15 min ride to the cemetery.

Notes: No flag truck! Bring your big flags and water. Upon arrival at the cemetery we will form a flag line with flags off our bikes until just before the start of the service. We will then strike the flag line and depart.

Ride Captain: Mark Wells, atxpgr@gmail.com, 512-470-0380

Please reply to let me know if you can make it. You are also welcome to go directly to the cemetery if that is simpler for you.

[Author]

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