This is a view I took from Ron's, PGR member, bike as we were escorting Sgt. Schuyler Patch's body to Kewanee Il. Schuyler was killed in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device). On Thursday there were almost 100 bikes, the hearse, family members and other PGR members in their vehicles to escort him from the Quad Cities Airport to home.

All along the route each town had people on the side of the road with flags or quietly standing to pay their Respects for this Fallen Soldier. It is hard to explain the emotions that you experience when others show a Hero this much Honor. When we reached Kewanee there was a ceremony with the local bands, Veterans groups and his unit.

On Saturday a large group of PGR went back to Kewanee and stood the Flag line outside of the high school for visitation and then the funeral. We then had 6-8 motorcycles lead the motorcade to the cemetery. When the funeral started most of us went to the cemetery to set up our Flag line and wait for them to arrive.

Some of the members of the PGR are Gold Star families themselves. These are wives/husbands/mothers/fathers/siblings of a soldier that was killed in action. We try to keep a good eye on them. It is amazing to watch how they comfort the newer GS Families while still grieving (some a few years or months) themselves.

I am PROUD to be a part of the PGR and to know some amazing men and women who volunteer to show our military how much we are grateful for everything they do or have done for our Freedoms.

A Marine

Subject: A MarineI like the fact that if you are a self-declared enemy of America, Running into a Marine outfit in combat is your worst nightmare... And that your health record is either about to get a lot thicker, or be closed out entirely. I like the fact that Marines are steadfast and consistent in everything they Do... Regardless of whether you agree with them or not. I like the fact that Marines view the term 'politically correct' with Nothing but pure disdain.I like the fact that Marines stand tall and rigid in their actions, thoughts, And deeds when others bend with the direction of the wind and are as confused as A dog looking at a ceiling fan. I like the fact that each and every Marine considers the honor and legacy of The Corps as his personal and sacred trust to protect and defend. I like the fact that most civilians don't have a clue what makes us tick. And that's not a bad thing. Because if they did, it would probably scare the Hell out of them. I like the fact that others say they want to be like us, but don't have What it takes in the Pain-Gain-Pride department to make it happen.I like the fact that the Marines came into being in a bar, named Tun Tavern. And That Marines still gather in pubs, bars and slop chutes to share sea stories and Hot scoop. I like the fact that Marines do not consider it a co-incidence that there are 24 hours in a day and 24 beers in a case. Because Marines know there is a reason For everything that happens. I like our motto... SEMPER FIDELIS, And the fact that we don't shed it When the going gets tough, the battlefield gets deadly or when we hang up our Uniform for the last time. I like the fact that Marines take care of each other... In combat and time of Peace.I like the fact that Marines know the difference between 'Chicken Salad' and 'Chicken Shit' and aren't afraid to call either for What it is. I like the fact that the people of America hold Marines in the highest esteem And that they know that they can count on us to locate, close with, and destroy Those who would harm them. I like the fact that people think we are cocky.... Yet we know that we have Confidence in everything we do and the fact that they don't know the taste Of that makes them look at us as if we are arrogant. I like that fact that we know the taste of freedom and would give our very Lives for it. And that it is a taste the protected will never know.I like the fact that Ronald Reagan said... 'Some people spend an entire Lifetime wondering if they made a difference... Marines don't have that Problem!' I like the fact that we are brothers to the end... And that no matter what Happens in life, we know that we have one another's 'six'. I like the fact that an elected member of congress felt compelled to Publicly accuse the Marine Corps of being 'radical and extreme'. And I Also like the fact that our Commandant informed that member of congress that she Was absolutely correct and that he passed on his thanks for the Compliment.I like the fact that Marine leaders - of every rank - know that issuing every Man and woman a black beret - or polka-dotted boxer shorts for that matter - Does absolutely nothing to promote morale, fighting spirit or combat Effectiveness. I like the fact that Marines are Marines first... Regardless of age, race, Creed, color, sex, and national origin, or how long they served, their former Rank, or what goals they achieve in life. I like Marines...and I love the fact that I am humbled to walk among the ranks Of other Marines.I like the fact that you always know where you stand with a Marine. With Marines, there is no middle ground or gray area. There are only Missions, Objectives and Facts. In closing...if you aren't a Marine, the next best thing is to have a Marine for a husband, wife, and father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, best friend, or friend. SAEPE EXPERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATRES AETERNI (Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever)

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A friend shared this letter with me and I wanted to share it with you. I was blessed because Dad was a Marine and always shared the Pride he had in being one. I also have a few cousins and some very special friends who served. The above letter completely sums them all up. If you ever meet a Marine make sure you say THANK YOU for your Service and give them a BIG HUG!! For that matter-anyone that has served deserves the same reaction.

God bless them all-

Annette 'Patches' Wood

Proud daughter of a US Marine Veteran

We laughed, cried and hugged-WHAT A DAY!!

SPC. Philip Pannier was Killed in Action in Iraq on January 8, 2008. He was part of the 101st Airborne out of Ft. Campbell Ky. There were 9 members of that unit that gave the 'Ultimate sacrifice' for our Freedom. The picture is of his mother and the guys in the unit.

On Sunday, February 8, 2009 we had the opportunity to meet with many of men in his unit for a Memorial. We met with his parents and other Gold Star family members. I have described some of our day for you.
All the PGR met at McDonalds in Knoxville (even without our McNailer) then went to pick up the Panniers, Palmers, Gayle Tharp and Jeff Baumgardner. We then went to the Super 8 to pick up the 17 or so guys from the 101st Airborne out of Ft. Campbell Ky to go to the gravesite of SPC. Philip Pannier. I started through the line for hugs and the others were like 'Hey, do we get our turn to hug them.' Told them to get in line. One of the guys (Mike) had a big truck that he used as a 'dirt bike' in Ky on Thurs or Friday. It was covered in dried mud/dirt from roof to tires. Took a pic of him proudly standing next to it. They also had signs written on ALL the vehicles describing their very colorful and thought provoke nickname.
We then went to the gravesite. The guys all stood around it with tears in their eyes. Cowboy, Terry and Pastor Rob spoke. They told us to let the guys know how much we loved them and to thank them for their sacrifices. I don't think there was one over 21 and hardly any THAT old. Looking at all of them you just wanted to hug them until the hurt went away. We took several pictures of them behind Panniers tombstone-which included Mrs. Pannier and Phillip's girlfriend.
We went on to AJ's Bar for dinner. Part of the bar had tables and the food. The other part had the bar with only a doorway between them. After they ate the guys decided to continue their socializing. Terry joined in one shot of a Keigerbomb (sp) and then decided NO MORE! I joined them in one shot. We had 3 Wise Men (Jose Cuervo, Jim Bean and Jack Daniels). They then thought of trying the 4 Horsemen (add Jimmy Walker Red-I think) Deb and Mrs. Palmer heard all the cheering and hollering and said they were having a good time and wondered what was going on. Then Lola said 'hey where's Annette?'
Mrs. Palmer told me 'I thought you were a nice girl. I have lost all Respect for you now trying to corrupt those young little boys'. Then she roared with laughter.
There were LOTS of hugs and cheek kissing by the guys. I tried to resist but it was hopeless....hahaha
One of the poor guys had quite a few shots. After I finished talking to a few of them and was walking back to the table he yelled 'PATCHES I love you!' and kept hugging me and wouldn't let go. I said 'Honey, I love you too. Now sit down.' Several of the others kept echoing the same phrase. One of the guys is going to mail me a patch from their unit if I promised him I would put it on my vest. I had given a few of them my card in case any wanted pictures. He even told me the spot he wanted it placed and pointed it out. (no more need added.... ;D ) PATCHES is my PGR ride name which is on my vest. I will tell you, if you ask, why that is my name.
Ron and Lisa came in with their karoake machine and they were all ready to sing. The guys did a few songs, not very well and booed each other most of it, and then it was the PGR member's turn. We did 'God Bless the USA' and they started singing with us. I rode up with Deb and Ken so I left with them after that. Before we left we went back and gave each of them one last hug. We told them 'Thank you for your Service and remember we love you.' They were VERY appreciative of all of us being there. They said the PGR is great and wished they had this much support back home. I went up to one of the guys and told his girlfriend 'I only want to borrow him for a moment.' ;) I told him thank you and we loved them. He was so emotional and hugged me so tight even when I loosened up he didn't let go. His knees almost buckled as he cried. Deb rubbed his back and eventually she got to hug him as he cried.
It was FUN and REWARDING and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I can't even imagine what the other guys we know have gone through. It takes a special person to CHOSE that life for our Freedoms. These young men already have scars that will take alot of time to heal-if ever.
We will have several more Memorial runs this year, as well as, the 'All Eras Veterans Healing Field' in August to honor our men and women in the Armed forces.

A Little Updating

WOW! I can't believe it has been since August that I have blogged. I guess when I tell people I am a 'little busy' I mean it. haha

A good friend of the family was killed in action in Iraq. The PGR carried the honor of standing a Flag line during the visitation and funeral services. It was very moving to see the amount of members present to pay tribute to 'NA NA'.

We also spent ALOT of time doing 'Welcome Homes' and 'Send Offs' with escorts for many of our Armed Forces. Our Ride captain made a plan for whoever was available to stand a Flag line and greeting arriving military over the weekend before Christmas. In total there were over 230 men and women we got to say 'Welcome home, Merry Christmas and THANK you' in just five days. The weather was not cooperative so we ended up seeing ones the day after they wanted to be home. Most were not in uniform but we got really good at 'spotting' them. We greeted a local Marine unit on Sunday and then did a 'Send Off' for most of them and some others on January 7th. Lots of hugs for all. Many were so moved that we took the time to be there. I feel really blessed to be able to volunteer with such AMAZING men and women. On January 11, 2009 Eric (our Ride captain and friend) and I were both honored with a plaque for our continued support for the Troops. We both were at the ceremony thinking we were going to help present the OTHER ONE with a plaque. We were duped and enjoyed every minute. We received the plaque and a personal letter from the MajGen of the Rock Island Arsenal. I know neither of us do this for recognition. But, again, I am blessed to have people who appreciate what is done. There will, however, be PAYBACKS for Wayne who was the instigator in this elaborate plan.....LOL

The end of last year was not without drama. We had rumors that hurt not only myself but a very dear friend. As rumors are-there was just the tiniest bit of truth that was stretch so thin NO ONE recognized it. How sad that some have nothing better to do than spread untruths about others.

I am still praying and torn with where my life should go now. I have decided THIS year that I will not allow things to get to me like they did last year. Life is too fleeting to let petty things rule it. At times I feel I need to 'run away' anywhere and start over. I know wherever I go my family will visit. The hardest thing that I have not admitted to my family is that THEY are not why I stay. I would miss my OTHER family more and all that we do for the Veterans. They have told me I could start over anywhere and with my enthusiasm it wouldn't take long. Eric said 'I know people' and could get me connected. Somehow I never doubted that..HAHA

But, I will continue to pray and know God will tell me when He is ready. He does NOT run on our timeline.

On a fun note. We spent the week after Christmas and New Year's Day in Branson. Joanna and I, along with a bunch of old and new friends, went to the Haygoods concerts and their FAN NITE. We also went to see Dirty Old Towne and just spent time with friends and tried to relax a little. I think 'relax' has been eliminated from my vocabulary now. HAHA

This year my resolution will be to try and concentrate more on what I need to do and not as much on what others THINK I need to do. I hope that doesn't come across as selfish. I am still going to continue all my PGR/MARINEMOM/NAVYFAMILY/ALLVET work. I am just going to not allow so much 'drama' to invade my life. Or at least try not to........LOL

When you figure out how to do that let ME know. ;)

To end on a good note. Seven of my eight nieces and nephews now live close to me. Sooo, Aunt Annette is very busy giving hugs and letting them know how much I LOVE all of them.