A write up I did of my experience:

http://www.baileytactical.com/home/2...ican-hero.html


Thursday, October 21, 2010

Today I had the honor of escorting an American hero home after being killed in action in Afghanistan. As part of the Patriot Guard Riders we met the Kalitta Air jet, carrying the body of Army Sgt. Carlos Benitez (Carrollton, Texas), at the DFW airport. After transfer of the casket to the hearse was complete, the DFW Airport Police and the Irving, Texas, Police Department escorted the hearse and family to the road where approximately 60 motorcycles and 10 vehicles had staged for the escort. The Irving Police Department’s motor units led the way for the entire 15 mile trip to the funeral home. They did an absolutely perfect job in watching traffic and blocking roads, where needed, to ensure that this hero did not have to stop enroute to the funeral home. Along the way I noticed many people looked puzzled as to why the police and all these motorcycles were there. Hopefully they figured it out as the hearse approached. It was certainly noticeable when we saw people pulled over to the side of the road or standing on the side of the road and saluting out of respect for this fallen soldier. One of the most memorable moments was as we were driving down the freeway and at each overpass at least one Irving PD unit had stopped and the officer was out of the vehicle saluting our hero as the procession passed. On a couple of the overpasses there were citizens doing the same thing. This was an appropriate showing of respect for a fallen soldier’s final trip home.

Once we arrived at the funeral home all of the Patriot Guard Riders parked our bikes and stood tall and silent by the hearse while they prepared to take the coffin into the funeral home. The Funeral Director asked our Ride Captain if we could assist with bringing the coffin into the chapel. Six of us were chosen and we lined up at the rear of the hearse to receive our hero. It was my honor to carry this soldier the last few feet of the day.

Seeing his young wife, two young children and small extended family standing there as we started to walk away drove home the fact that while we get to go home, to work or wherever we may want to go, his family will be living this tragedy for the rest of their lives and will never truly be able to ride away from it. As we left, an older lady that I believe was his mother thanked each of us for honoring him in this way. It was our honor to be able to do it.

While I hope that the need for us to be called upon again never arises, I know that it is likely that it will. I will be honored to escort any of our soldiers and American heroes whenever called upon.

May God be with the family, friends and colleagues of Sgt. Carlos Benitez.

David Bailey

 

I was there as well and also helped with the casket. I was also honored to shake the General's hand

 

Good for the both of you. Although we, as PGR, don't need to be thanked, it does the heart good to know that our work is appreciated.

It does get difficult to stand a flag line with a huge lump in your throat but we do it anyway.

 

Please pardon my ignorance on the use the Patriot Guards on motorcycles. I think it is great that these men and women are honored. My questions are, Who ask the Patriot Guards to do a motorcycle escort? Is this time honored tradition or something started recently? I saw the story about Army Sgt. Carlos Benitez and his family on the news.

 

We go when invited by the family.

 

Thank you for what you are doing. I have to admit I got a lump in my throat just reading that and my eyes got a little damp.

 

God bless the PGR.God bless our troops as well.

 

The honor of rideing in an escort is worth your effort every time. Good to hear members efforts from accross the country. These military personel deserve our respect and their familys deserve our support. I hope you ride as often as you can.

 

Prostar,

To better answer your questions, yes we only ride when invited by the family. PGR was started in response to a wacko "church" group that started picketing at the funerals of soldiers who were killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The PGR started in Oklahoma. The purpose is to block the families from these nutbags and pay respect to the soldier. It is non-confrontational.

Here is a link to the FAQ from the PGR website: http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForum...c/Default.aspx

Since you are in North Texas you can get on the mail list at www.TXPGR.org for upcoming "missions" or to just look at the calendar. Feel free to come to anything on the calendar. There is no membership, just a desire to pay respect.

David

 

As a vet, I raise my glass to all of those who honor my fallen brothers.