puckmedic
09-18-2006, 17:54
I awoke at 0430. I took a long shower, and finally made it to the truck. I had to mix up four gallons of rehydration fluids and ice it down in my cooler. I then had to take off and get gas and more ice. I had to meet a couple in Dyersburg TN an hour away. Then we rode to Hyati (HI TIE) MO just a few minutes up the road. We staged and waited for four riders coming up 55 from Memphis. There were six from AR and a guy who lived locally who also joined us. We rode to VFW Cape Girardeau MO for staging and final ride brief.
VFW had coffee and donuts ready as well as plenty of more cold drinks. After a quick cup and visiting with some MO PGR folks, I headed out and began passing water out to folks. We left and proceeded to the funeral home. Normally we do not esort from funeral home to service but this was a family request and we are there for the family. Over 200 bikes and PGR support vehiclesrode between the hearse and the family vehicle.
As we rode through town, nearly every inch of side walk was covered with people out there staning in honor of Jeremy. I misted up at the sight. As we pulled into the church parking lot, more folks were there. The VFW ladies auxillary provided us with sandwiches and cookies! Towns people stood with us and others came out and brought fried chicken, sodas, all sorts of snack foods and made sure we were taken care of.
Local EMS coordinated woith the ride captain and identified those of us with medical skills. Two PGR folks were treated on scene by myself and an active duty Army medic home on leave from a post in Europe. One family member and another PGR member were treated for heat casualty type issues and one case of high blood sugar.
As we prepared to stand back on line as the family departed, I filled a hole and was eye to eye with the parents as they waited while Jeremy was loaded in the hearse for the trip to the cemetary. I stood there, holding my salute (our veterans all salute, and it is odd to see civilian clad folks salute,but by golly Jeremny and the others deserve that and I earned the right to so I do it) and letting the tears flow.
His father patted me on the shoulder and told me PGR was a great group an dhe was so thankful for us. I gave a slight nod and whispered a reply.
As we rode to the cemetary, I was the last support vehicle. The hearse was at the head of the procession and the family vehicle was behind me. I could see nothing but motorcylces for nearly two miles as I climbed a hill and crested it.
The cemetary portion was very short, the family spokesperson thanked us all. The order was given "Patriot Guard Riders Mount up, Mission Accomplished". Friends and family walked among us, crying and shaking hands. Townsfolk not associated with the family praised us all and thanked us for being there.
It always gets to me when some one thanks us. I'm still not used to it. After a brief time, our travel group made the return trip and a stop for dinner. The waitress asked me what type of bike I rode and I sheepishly had to admit "Red F 150"
This brought laughs from all. Two and a half hours later, after running into rain nearly all the way I arrived home. I arrived home at 2100. The staging time was early to faciltate the funeral home to church escort at 1100. The funeral started at 1430. Lot's of down time on this one, but it went very well. All were in good spirits, and we weathered the weather with out any complaints.
Mission number 7 (First one out of TN) for me is accomplished. Jeremey, rest well my friend, you will not be forgotten.
Notable memories: The highschool flag at half mast, the USMC League members in hteir dress red jackets standing along the route, coming to attention as we passed and saluting. All the folks taking care of us and the VFW Auxillary just smiling and thanking us and insisting we all take at least one full sandwich! The view I got of the procession from the last slot. I normally take charge of the cemetary end, so it was a different role being cover vehicle.
I will never forget looking right into Jeremy's family's eyes as they waited for him to be placed in the hearse. Folks that reaffirmed my resolve to do this til they all come home. Gthat family, looking around at all of us for a moment felt not remorse but thanks for all the support. One second or two, at least they were not thinking of their loss for that brief moment. THATS WHY WE RIDE, to show support and respect.
Mission Accomplished
VFW had coffee and donuts ready as well as plenty of more cold drinks. After a quick cup and visiting with some MO PGR folks, I headed out and began passing water out to folks. We left and proceeded to the funeral home. Normally we do not esort from funeral home to service but this was a family request and we are there for the family. Over 200 bikes and PGR support vehiclesrode between the hearse and the family vehicle.
As we rode through town, nearly every inch of side walk was covered with people out there staning in honor of Jeremy. I misted up at the sight. As we pulled into the church parking lot, more folks were there. The VFW ladies auxillary provided us with sandwiches and cookies! Towns people stood with us and others came out and brought fried chicken, sodas, all sorts of snack foods and made sure we were taken care of.
Local EMS coordinated woith the ride captain and identified those of us with medical skills. Two PGR folks were treated on scene by myself and an active duty Army medic home on leave from a post in Europe. One family member and another PGR member were treated for heat casualty type issues and one case of high blood sugar.
As we prepared to stand back on line as the family departed, I filled a hole and was eye to eye with the parents as they waited while Jeremy was loaded in the hearse for the trip to the cemetary. I stood there, holding my salute (our veterans all salute, and it is odd to see civilian clad folks salute,but by golly Jeremny and the others deserve that and I earned the right to so I do it) and letting the tears flow.
His father patted me on the shoulder and told me PGR was a great group an dhe was so thankful for us. I gave a slight nod and whispered a reply.
As we rode to the cemetary, I was the last support vehicle. The hearse was at the head of the procession and the family vehicle was behind me. I could see nothing but motorcylces for nearly two miles as I climbed a hill and crested it.
The cemetary portion was very short, the family spokesperson thanked us all. The order was given "Patriot Guard Riders Mount up, Mission Accomplished". Friends and family walked among us, crying and shaking hands. Townsfolk not associated with the family praised us all and thanked us for being there.
It always gets to me when some one thanks us. I'm still not used to it. After a brief time, our travel group made the return trip and a stop for dinner. The waitress asked me what type of bike I rode and I sheepishly had to admit "Red F 150"
This brought laughs from all. Two and a half hours later, after running into rain nearly all the way I arrived home. I arrived home at 2100. The staging time was early to faciltate the funeral home to church escort at 1100. The funeral started at 1430. Lot's of down time on this one, but it went very well. All were in good spirits, and we weathered the weather with out any complaints.
Mission number 7 (First one out of TN) for me is accomplished. Jeremey, rest well my friend, you will not be forgotten.
Notable memories: The highschool flag at half mast, the USMC League members in hteir dress red jackets standing along the route, coming to attention as we passed and saluting. All the folks taking care of us and the VFW Auxillary just smiling and thanking us and insisting we all take at least one full sandwich! The view I got of the procession from the last slot. I normally take charge of the cemetary end, so it was a different role being cover vehicle.
I will never forget looking right into Jeremy's family's eyes as they waited for him to be placed in the hearse. Folks that reaffirmed my resolve to do this til they all come home. Gthat family, looking around at all of us for a moment felt not remorse but thanks for all the support. One second or two, at least they were not thinking of their loss for that brief moment. THATS WHY WE RIDE, to show support and respect.
Mission Accomplished