puckmedic
01-16-2008, 17:30
Just a couple of weeks ago, I was checking the details for a local mission here (Milan TN, LCPL Daniel Tatum) which I was going to be assisting the RC with.
I spotted an email refrence about a member of ours here in TN being killed (murdered). I inquired and was suddenly thrust into the Ride Captain slot for a mission 2 hours away.
I had the honor of being PGRs representation for the family. Mark Wayne Estes was killed stepping in front of a gunman. The gunman was trying to shoot his son Josh. He died saving his own son's life on Christmas Eve.
I have been somewhat withdrawn since the holidays. I had two funerals in five days, have quit my full time job, and moved onto being a full time student.
It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I had to ride one last mission with Mark. I don't know if I ever met him, but I know he and I were on at least 2 missions together.
His bike led the procession sitting in a pickup truck. Only way it would have looked better was to have him on it.
The Tatum funeral took place in 9 degree weather!!! I have now stood in rain, snow, extreme (105 degree) heat, and extreme cold. The wind made it seem like it was 20 below zero. There were a lot of folks from the local community that joined us on that flag line
Today in Public Speaking class, I met CPL Tatum's fiancee. She says she's doing ok, but I told her I'm PGR and will be here for her any time she needs to LIG (Let it Go).
This now makes 25 missions total. I continue to feel the sting of each one. I just wonder what will happen as we continue? Many of our leaders step down, but someone always stands up. I question whether or not I have the resolve to do this as long as it takes. Pray my heart never goes hard, that I do this until there is no more need. This last month has been hell on me.
Good note- school started and I am acclimating very well. I'm like the oldest freshman around!!
I spotted an email refrence about a member of ours here in TN being killed (murdered). I inquired and was suddenly thrust into the Ride Captain slot for a mission 2 hours away.
I had the honor of being PGRs representation for the family. Mark Wayne Estes was killed stepping in front of a gunman. The gunman was trying to shoot his son Josh. He died saving his own son's life on Christmas Eve.
I have been somewhat withdrawn since the holidays. I had two funerals in five days, have quit my full time job, and moved onto being a full time student.
It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I had to ride one last mission with Mark. I don't know if I ever met him, but I know he and I were on at least 2 missions together.
His bike led the procession sitting in a pickup truck. Only way it would have looked better was to have him on it.
The Tatum funeral took place in 9 degree weather!!! I have now stood in rain, snow, extreme (105 degree) heat, and extreme cold. The wind made it seem like it was 20 below zero. There were a lot of folks from the local community that joined us on that flag line
Today in Public Speaking class, I met CPL Tatum's fiancee. She says she's doing ok, but I told her I'm PGR and will be here for her any time she needs to LIG (Let it Go).
This now makes 25 missions total. I continue to feel the sting of each one. I just wonder what will happen as we continue? Many of our leaders step down, but someone always stands up. I question whether or not I have the resolve to do this as long as it takes. Pray my heart never goes hard, that I do this until there is no more need. This last month has been hell on me.
Good note- school started and I am acclimating very well. I'm like the oldest freshman around!!