Friday Flashback

It was my honor to be a part of the Patriot Guard Riders when I was in G-Burg. Born out of the wars in Iraq-Afghanistan and tempered by the insanity of the Whitesboro Baptist Church, the PGR was a big deal and rightly so.

I was involved in about four escort rides, if memory serves, from the Sterling-Rock Falls area in a hand-off from Chicago riders. We would assist escorting fallen soldiers back to the local funeral homes. After that we would stand guard at the venue, followed by an escort to the cemetery. They were very draining, emotionally difficult and by-and-large I hated those duties.

But the PGR also welcomed troops and companies back which were very fun. Celebratory homecomings and everyone would be happy and hugging and crying. Those were nice. We also did veterans who had passed away. Again, appreciable families and nice warm feelings after those.

Escorting from Sterling was grueling hard work as a biker: always after dark, organizers wanted closed ranks, and they drove fast. Rovzinski, Miller, Tharp and Lufkin. I hope I never forget those names.

Can you spot me? Third head to the right in back row from the middle phone pole.

Welcoming back the Beardstown/Macomb National Guard unit after a tour in Iraq.

A fallen soldier's escort in Galesburg. I'm sorry, I've forgotten who this was.

I think this was the one where Whitesboro Baptist Church members showed up and so many PGR bikers also showed to make sure the crazies wouldn't bother the family.

My bike was equipped with a flag-holder, so I had to ride up front.

We always bivouacked at the old Wal-Mart.

This is the Tharp escort to Greenmound Cemetery in Keithsburg. His wife requested a PGR Honor Guard at the house before the day of the funeral and I volunteered. I drew the 4:00 am to 6:00 am duty, and glad I could have lent my small services to ease her pain.

I am proud of my contributions and ability to help out. I am just as glad to be out of it. It was tough, draining volunteerism and as we close up (hopefully) the War it will be nice to ride solely for old Vets who die of old age.

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