VERY sobering day. 23 year old Soldier arrived "home" in Dallas today. He was KIA just 2 weeks short of coming home. Left behind parents, infant brother he's never met, a wife and 5 mo. old baby.

I joined the PGR about a month ago after Shumacher's post about doing the same. I started tearing up as soon as we pulled out of the parking lot. It was quite a sight...about 50 bikes, flags, police escort, citizens standing along the road. I cannot tell you the mix of emotions I felt. I was overcome by the realization this young "kid" went "to work" one day and ended up making the ultimate sacrifice - for you, for me, for this country. It was an honor and priviledge to ride as a show of respect and support - such a small thing in comparison.

We waited at the airport when his transport plane touched down and were there to salute as his flag-covered coffin was brought out. The family gathered around their loved one as a priest made his blessing. More tears. I couldn't help but think that he'd probably never seen, touched or held his infant son.

We then escorted them to the funeral home, with the LEO's completely shutting down the Freeway. Again, I teared up as I crested a hill on a curve and got a good look at the long line of flags and bikes. Once we arrived at the funeral home, we all lined up in silence as his coffin was removed from the hearse. Again we saluted. More tears.

Tomorrow is the funeral and Internment. We will meet at the funeral home for a flag line and after the mass, we will escort this Patriot to DFW National Cemetary.

Please say a prayer for this man and his family. May they find comfort in knowing there are MANY who appreciate his sacrifice. I really have no other words...I feel so small right now.

MaryO

 

May this young man rest in peace and A Thank You to him and his family. And yeah a chill is always felt at every mission, some are good chills, but unfortunately too many cold chills.

 

thank you for standing for this hero. I don't know anyone that can go on a mission and not feel the emotion and honor of being there. too many of my missions have been for our fallen warriors, and not enough of them just welcoming them back home.

 

Great write-up and very moving. I'll be doing my first PGR mission soon and look forward to honoring our fallen heroes.

RIP Spc. Peter J. Courcy of Frisco, Texas.

 

They NEVER get easier.

Thank-you for sharing with us.

Respects,
Ed

 

Been told that will happen to you. Haven't had any missions in this area yet since I have joined, and hopefully there won't be any.

 

From one PGR to another, Thanks for being there for this Hero and Never Forget. Riding them home is the least we can do.

My signature pic says it. The TRUE cost of war, a necessary evil sometimes, is large. A young boy accepting the Flag of our Country from a Marine Officer while never taking his eyes off the casket of his Hero daddy who died for us all. We can NEVER repay that hero or that little boy who must now go through life without that daddy.

 

Heartfelt story, God bless his soul and strength to his family.

 

Thanks for sharing. I went on my first mission last month for a fallen Marine. There is no way to repay our heros who have given the ultimate sacrifice. All we can do is stand for them and honor them.

 

You are a better person than you were yesterday......and thank you for your effort!