ESCORT FOR SPC. K. R, ROOKEY

[grumpybob]

60 + bikes - 1 spYder escorted the remains of Spc. Rookey last night.

At our little airport the plane was so close to our line, we watched in grief as the casket was unloaded. My first time as a PGR to witness everything on arrival of a fallen soldier. As a Vet. it was terribly hard for me. I took a glance up & down the line and could tell everyone was having as hard a time as I was. The agony of missions like this is close to unbearable, IT has to continue by myself so the families of our lost military members continue to see we suppoort our troops!

Will be leaving the house at 3:00 pm today to stand a flagline at the funeral home.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Teddy & I Thank them (our military) all the time, but Thank You also for what YOU do!

The agony of missions like this is close to unbearable, IT has to continue by myself so the families of our lost military members continue to see we suppoort our troops! Will be leaving the house at 3:00 pm today to stand a flagline at the funeral home.

:bowdown::agree::bowdown:

 

[Erags]

PGR missions

This is hard to say, but I enjoy doing the PGR, I just don't enjoy the reason we are riding together. DocRags and myself are usually the only Spyder, but it isn't about us it is about the great people we are honoring. We was told that the Pensacola PGR has done 86 missions so far this year. The PGR riders here are some very great people, if we could only get them off HD, Goldwings, and various other types. You do not have to be a Veteran to be part of the PGR, so look and see if your area has a group you can join, if you can only make one mission a month, it will still be worth it, to you and the Family. http://www.patriotguard.org/

 

[CyncySpyder]

You do not have to be a Veteran to be part of the PGR, so look and see if your area has a group you can join, if you can only make one mission a month, it will still be worth it, to you and the Family. http://www.patriotguard.org/

Believe me, I've thought about it many times. But I never leave Teddy and I just don't think this type of atmosphere would be conducive for the lil guy as its such a solemn & respectful event and he's usually the Life Of The Party and I don't want to disrespect nor disrupt such a service, if that makes any sense:dontknow: Plus, I honestly don't know how he would react, as dogs are very keen to others emotions and this would put him in a position he's not familiar with at all

I've been thinking about seeing if our local VA would allow us to pay visits to wounded soldiers and vets, cause we (as a nation) are getting more and more every day, and this would be one way where Teddy could shine and we could give back, maybe just a little, to those that put it all on the line on a daily basis for our freedoms:bowdown:

 

[Adirondack Mik]

Thanks Bob

Thanks for being part of the escort Bob. As another Vet I can think of no greater honor. I'm truly saddened that we have lost and maimed so many young men and women in another senseless war that can't be won:wrong:. Dave I'm sure the V.A. would more than welcome Teddy at their hospitals. There are young and old Vets that need all the help and support they can get.

 

[captblack]

Yes, those Angel flights are tough. Something about bringing the hero back and how respectful the crews of those planes are really brings home the finality of everything. The ones that I have done come into a Naval Air Station and no matter what day of the week it is or what time of day hundreds and hundreds of people come out and line the roadways to give respect to the fallen and to their loved ones. I'm always amazed that we can ride with them safely with tears in our eyes.

We can be proud that with all our faults we still stand and humbly thank those that have made the sacrifice for our freedom. It doesn't matter whether we are honoring a 20-year-old killed by an IED last week or 90-year-old who served in World War II, Korea and even Vietnam, I stand with the PGR, humbly taking pride as our flags wave for another hero who is relieved of his duty, grateful he can rest in peace for a job well done.

 

[rhansen309]

Ok, not to bring everyone down but we witnessed first hand the dignified transfer from the aircraft to the transpotation van at Dover. Our son was killedin Iraq 15 Sept 2010. The Patriot Guard stood for us and escorted us from the church to the cemetary. There must have been 200+ bikes - at that time no Spyders that I can remember. Since then we bought a 2011 RT and now have 6000 miles and joined the Patriot Guard. The first few missions were tough but we remember it is not for us it is for the families. I can tell you how much we appreciated the support of the PGR. Great organization!!!!

 

[shrubs]

Thank-you all for what you do. I'm a ride captain in the Ohio PGR. I have done many missions over the last 3ish years and each one touches my heart - If it didn't I wouldn't do it. Whether its a dignified transfer, visitation, funeral, deployment, or welcome home. I have built strong bonds with my fellow riders and with many Blue Star and Gold Star families.

rhansen309 - No words can describe your loss. I thank-you for your son's service and what he did for the freedoms we enjoy today. I promise you I will always do my part to ensure we Never Forget those who gave the ultimate for our Country.

 

[rhansen309]

Thanks - we appreciate it!!!

 

[Blue Star]

Thank You

Our son was killedin Iraq 15 Sept 2010.

THANK YOU to you, your family, and your son.

 

[btcherm]

My heart andray: go out to all the PGR and all service men woman....:thumbup:been their done that.

 

[Oldmanzues]

Believe me, I've thought about it many times. But I never leave Teddy and I just don't think this type of atmosphere would be conducive for the lil guy as its such a solemn & respectful event and he's usually the Life Of The Party and I don't want to disrespect nor disrupt such a service, if that makes any sense:dontknow: Plus, I honestly don't know how he would react, as dogs are very keen to others emotions and this would put him in a position he's not familiar with at all
I've been thinking about seeing if our local VA would allow us to pay visits to wounded soldiers and vets, cause we (as a nation) are getting more and more every day, and this would be one way where Teddy could shine and we could give back, maybe just a little, to those that put it all on the line on a daily basis for our freedoms:bowdown:

I would tend to agree with both ideas. I think Taps and three rifle volleys would realy upset a Teddy. Second idea might be a great idea.