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What a beautiful Saturday morning at the Restoration Ranch. Mike Jackson and I set up the awning with flags and banners representing the Austin Patriot Guard. The event started at 11:00am with the playing of our National Anthem while 3 horse riders presented the US flag, State flag and the Restoration Ranch flag.
We had a good crowd of people and handed out over 100 Patriot Guard pamphlets. We may be gaining a new member as well. Many of the veterans that showed up thanked us for our service. We had some that even shared some stories of experiences they had with the Patriot Guard in supporting their loved ones. They were all very positive and grateful that we supported them.
There were many venders and good food throughout the day. They had door prizes at the end of the day.
We started taking everything down at 3:50pm and packed up to depart.Thanks to Mike Jackson for all his help.
Thanks to Restoration Ranch for inviting us to this event.
On this beautiful morning 6 patriot Guard Riders showed up to honor MSG Roger Wayne Sassman.
This was a very small ceremony with family members only. A few words were said about Roger and many pictures were taken. This is the first mission that I have been to where they put the ashes into a small vault to go into a small burial plot. Members of the family went up to shovel dirt into the hole to cover the vault.
Rogers’s daughter Stephanie visited each Patriot guard rider to thank them for being there to honor her dad.
We pulled the flags and quietly departed. I thanked all the riders for making this mission and to have a safe trip home.
Honor to a 37 year veteran. Roger is laid to rest beside his Mother and Father. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.
The Patriot Guard was invited to participate in the funeral and interment services for Marine Corp Corporal Jose Pena Cervantes. It was a warm but wet day. We had 4 Patriot Guard riders at the Sta. Julia Catholic Church to stand with honors for Mr. Cervantes. After the Service started we broke up the line and retired the colors.
The procession would follow the service. One motorcycle made it into the procession. It rained most of the 13 miles so got a little wet. Once at the cemetery 3 of us formed another flag line. We had a light rain and a long wait as the bugler was late due to the Cemetery listing the interment for 1:30 and we were there before 1:00.
The service included playing of Taps and folding of the flag to be presented to the widow. Many family members and friends thanked us for our service.Thanks to Calvin and Keith for setting up the flags at the church and cemetery.
Thank you Jose for your service to our country.
Today 10 Patriot Guard riders met at the Elgin Funeral Home to stand and pay respect for MSG Mickey Wayne Summers. Mickey served in the Army for 27 years. We formed the flag line prior to the service and Mickey’s daughter walked the line thanking everyone for their service. Once the service started we retired the colors and stood by for the procession to the Oak Hill Cemetery for the interment.
Three riders joined the procession to McDade. Five riders formed a second flag line standing as the pallbearers carried the casket to the grave site. A Navy chaplain held the service followed by a 21 gun volley, folding of the flag, and playing of taps. Several family members thanked us for being there along with the funeral director.
After the interment we struck the flag line. I thanked all the riders for being there.
Thanks to Max for taking care of the flags and providing water to the riders.MSG Mickey Summers RIP
On a cold and windy day two Austin Patriot Guards joined the five Central Texas Patriot Guard at the CTSVC in Killeen. We were there to honor Captain Dial, longtime friend of Soup and Nicki Campbell.
Central Texas ride captain Ingrid “LilDragon” Ruble briefed us on this mission. We set up 50 flags on both sides of the drive. That was very impressive. A friend shared life experiences they had with Dick and Cindy. Soup Led all in a prayer and thanked everyone including the Patriot Guard for being there to show our support for Cindy, family members and friends.
RIP Captain Dial
What an honor it was for the Austin Patriot Guard Riders to take part in such a historic event.
TEC 5 Frank Alvarado 23, US Army WWII KIA. For the past 75 years Frank was unknown and had only a blank headstone. After years of research by the family they are finally able to have a headstone to identify him.
Seven Patriot Guard Riders including two from San Antonio gathered on a rainy day at the Austin Memorial Cemetery to stand a flag line for Frank’s family and friends. Two Patriot Guard Riders unfolded and refolded a casket Flag, and a bugler sounded live taps. We presented 3 flags to the nieces for their uncle’s honorable and faithful service.
Many Family members thanked us for being there to support them and to pay honor to TEC 5 Frank Alvarado
RIPThe Patriot Guard Riders were invited to set up a booth for Vet Fest at the San Gabriel Park in Georgetown. It was a cool morning for a ride. As soon as we arrived we were met by the Junior ROTC ready to help unload and set up. They even helped set up the shelter. Lance and Patty were there to help set up and were there all day. Patty ended up with a dead battery so her husband came out and put in a new one so she could make it back home.
We had 8 riders from the Central Texas riders that came to our booth. Throughout the day 8 patriot Guard Riders from the Austin Patriot Guard riders came to visit and Support us. Was a good turnout with many people asking what we do and some thanked us for what we did for their families. One lady thanked us as the Patriot Guard stood a flag line for her husband when he passed.
We may get some new riders as some didn’t know that they could join and not have a motorcycle. One veteran from Fredericksburg that had a booth was interested in joining and took some of our pamphlets to take back to Fredericksburg to hand out at events they have there.
At 3:30 we started to take down the booth and the Junior ROTC was right there again to help. Several of our riders were there to help pack things up so a big thanks to all that came out to help and to visit. Even Don came out to visit, was nice seeing him.Was a wonderful day to honor all our Veterans both living and those that have passed giving their lives for our freedom. A special thanks to my wife Stephanie for coming out with all the supplies so that I could ride my trike, she was there all day.
Happy Veterans Day to all our Brothers and Sisters
Gary Mayers
Ride CaptainFive Patriot Guard riders met at Los Angeles Funeral home to honor Gustavo Natalio “Ned” Arcides. We met up with Sean McPhee also a Patriot Guard Rider, and son-in-law to Ned. He thanked us for being there for the family and his father-in-law.
We finely had a cool morning for the ride. We formed a flag line at the funeral home. Once the service started we retreated and put up flags and stood by till the service was over. We stood in line to Honor Ned as they were bringing the casket out to the hearse. We mounted up for the ride to the cemetery, about 5 miles with LEO escort.
We formed a second flag line at the cemetery for the graveside service.
The funeral director thanked us for being there along with the law enforcement escort and the veterans who folded the flag, gun salute, and playing of taps. Several family members thanked us for being there in support of their loved one Ned.
Thanks to Max for setting up the flags for display, for the flag lines, and providing water for the riders.RIP Gustavo Natalio (Ned) Arcides
On a rainy morning 3 patriot Guard riders made it to the Memory Lawn Memorial Park to pay honor to Mr. Cisneros. The flag line was standing tall when the hearse and family arrived. Thanks to Max for taking care of the flags and providing water. Many thanks from the family for being there to support them. Riders have a safe trip home.
RIP Daniel Cisneros
Today 12 Patriot Guard riders met at the VFW in Bastrop County to honor Rodney Barilleaux.
Our group grew to 60 motorcycles with American Legion riders from Elgin, Bastrop, Austin, and San Marcos. We had 21 flags in the flag line to honor Rodney. Wish we would have had about 30 more flags.Rodney entered the Army in 1968 as a paratrooper and served in Vietnam. He re-enlisted twice.
There was a color guard from Maxwell TX that played TAPS and folded the flag.
After the military part of the service we struck the flag line and departed.Many family members and friends thanked us for being there to honor Rodney.
To Rodney, I hope you are riding that Harley in Heaven
RIPOn a Hot Saturday morning Mark and I went to Cameron to honor Michael Lee Kempf who served in the Navy aboard the USS Hancock. He served in Vietnam and was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation during the Vietnam Conflict.
The parking lot was full so glad to see so many people there to support this family. Michael’s wife thanked us for being there in support of her late husband. Several family members and friends thanked us for being there. Shortly after the service started we retreated. I thanked Mark for being there and told him to be safe going home as he was on two wheels and it was very hot.
RIP Michael Lee Kempf
Today is the day the Lennar home builders will be turning over the key to Cpl Sebastian Gallegos. Back in December just 6 months ago the Patriot Guard riders were invited to a ground breaking ceremony for USMC Cpl Sebastian Gallegos (Ret) who was wounded by an IED in Afghanistan in 2010.
Today 4 riders showed to lead the procession from the model home to the now finished home for Cpl Gallegos and his family. It is a very hot day with only breaks when the clouds moved in to block the sun. At 10:05 Grayson McGovern gave us the go to lead out, along with one law enforcement vehicle, two fire trucks followed by the two golf carts. The first cart was for Charlie Coleman Division President and colleagues from Lennar Austin. The second cart was for Cpl Sebastian Gallegos (Ret), and his family.
Rounding the corner to the home site was a big surprise because when we were here in December the whole area was bare land and now completely filled with new homes. As we approached a line of people packed both sides of the road waving flags and clapping to show support to Cpl Gallegos. We dismounted and joined the ceremony. After the first guest started to speak they had to stop the ceremony because the fire trucks had to pack up and respond to a fire call. The high school color guard presented the colors. A 9 year old girl sang the star spangled banner. Following all the guest speakers a 13 year old girl sang God bless the USA. The key to the home was presented to Sebastian and he stood at the podium to talk about his family life and thanking all who attended. Thanks to Lennar for building the home and to Cabela’s for donations to build the home.
To Cpl Gallegos, and family. Enjoy your new home.
God BlessOn a Blistering 96 degree day 7 Austin Patriot Guard riders set out to honor the life of Chief George (Mitch) Mitchell. The 17th of June would have been George’s 90th birthday but he unexpectedly passed on April 4th. Today is a celebration of his life. We had a short ride from the Manchaca Baptist Church to the VFW.
As we arrived we unfurled our flags and two members of the Austin retired chief’s society volunteered to join the flag line. We moved the flag line inside the hall due to the heat. At 2:00PM the San Antonio Air force color guard stood tall outside the building. One soldier entered carrying the casket flag and another followed walking through our flag line to the stage. With doors open they did a 21 gun salute followed by the playing of Taps. The two soldiers proceeded to unfold the flag and refold it to present to Mitch’s sister and two nieces. I have never seen a flag folding like this one, so professional so meticulous.
Following the folding of the flag and passing off to the Sister the two soldiers departed and we followed. That ended the military portion of the celebration. There were several guest speakers that told of Mitch’s military service as well as his dedication to family. He was a very generous man and donated a lot of money to help build homes for wounded veterans.
I thanked all the riders for attending and wished them a safe trip home in the heat. A thanks to Max as always taking care of the flags and making sure there is water for the riders. What a celebration with about 125 in attendance. There was live music and refreshments and plenty of dancing.
Rest in Peace Chief George Mitchell from a brother chief
You will be missed by all.Five Austin Patriot Guard Riders met at MasFajitas for dinner and socializing. Food was great. After eating everyone met at the American Legion for the Memorial.
Today’s mission was like no other we have ever done. On Saturday April 6th, 23 patriot Guard Riders stood a flag line for Staff Sergeant Cloud. District Ride Captain Mark Wells and I were approached by members of the family and asked if we knew of any organization that would set up a site to display the casket flag in honor of SSG Leroy Cloud’s memory. I Told Mark that I would contact the American Legion Post 39 in Taylor.
Coordinating with Commander Scott Dean has led us to today’s mission. Commander Dean opened their monthly meeting with the pledge of Alliance followed by a prayer from the chaplain.
Commander Dean called on Mark to make some comments. He opened with a little history of how the Patriot Guard came to exist. He then explained about how they could become members if they chose to do so.
Mark called on Ride Captain Gary Mayers. I recognized great niece Paula Cloud and she came forward to present the casket flag to Commander Dean. I presented a Picture of SSG Leroy Cloud to be displayed with the flag. Paula started to read SSG Cloud’s Obituary and I read the second part. I then thanked Commander Dean and the American Legion for providing a place to display this memorial in honor of a great hero SSG Leroy Cloud. We know now that SSG Cloud is home where he belongs and that his family finally after 80 years has closure.
What a Great Day and what an honor it was to take part in this mission.
R.I.P. Leroy C. CloudToday March 9th 2024 was a trying time for everyone. 20 Austin Patriot Guard riders set out with 25 mile an hour winds and 45 degrees to Taylor to honor Cadet Burton. There were 16 riders on motorcycle of which 9 were first time riders. We came to pay respect to 21 year old Cadet 2nd class Tristen R. Burton. He was attending the US Air Force Academy in Colorado. On 29 February 2024 Cadet Burton’s life was cut short in a motorcycle accident.
I think every Cadet from the academy was there to honor Cadet Burton. The Parking lot was full and the Funeral Home was standing room only. 20 Riders stood for an hour in honor of Cadet Burton. The flag line retreated once the service started.
When the service was over, 16 riders joined the procession to the Taylor Cemetery where we stood a second flag line. The internment was with full military honors: a 21 gun salute, playing of taps, and the folding of the US flag to be presented to the parents. At the end of the service we retreated where I thanked everyone for attending and to have a safe trip home.
I met with the parents of Tristen, Jeffery and Marjorie and told them that we were sorry for their loss. The father responded with many thanks to all the riders that attended in honor of their son. He said his son would have loved what we do.
Cadet 2nd Class Tristen Burton
Rest in Peace
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