North Texas PGR Calendar

Video By Jerry Castillo - USFallen.org

World War II Patriot To Return Home
Details Of The Hero's Welcome Are Tentative - Watch For The Final Itinerary
05/13/2012

Corporal Wayne Richard Erickson, born May 24, 1924, was a member of the United States Marine Corps Bomber Squadron VMB-423 during World War II. On the evening of April 22, 1944, Corporal Erickson was a crewmember (Gunner) on a PBJ-1D (B-25 Bomber) that took off in a rainstorm on a night training mission from Luganville Airfield on the Island of Espirtu Santos. The aircraft failed to return from the mission and was reported missing. Efforts to search for the missing aircraft and crew the following day proved unsuccessful. In 2007, a search team that included family members of one of the other crewmen were able to locate and identify the crash site of the missing PBJ covered in jungle on a mountainside on the opposite side of the island from Luganville Airfield. Evidence recovered by this team was provided to JPAC for further investigation. During the summers of 2009, 2010 and 2011, JPAC was able to recover remains and identify all six members of the crew. After 68 year, these brave Marines are now coming home. Corporal Erickson will be buried in DFW National Cemetery on Thursday May 24th, on what would have been his 88th birthday.

Corporal Wayne Richard Erickson

A Belated "Thank You" From 2009!
05/12/2012

I am Robin Hefner mother of LCPL Shawn P Hefner KIA 11-13-09 I was looking through some websites and came across your notice to your PGR group I just wanted to take this time and say THANK YOU for all that was done for Shawn and his family. I watch the "Bring Home a Hero" often and prayers are always said for the PG - many thanks today and every day for what you do have done and will do to honor the fallen and their families.

From a grateful mother

Robin

Proud Gold Star Mother of
Lcpl Shawn P Hefner
Afghanistan 11-13-09

Robin was asked to write Shawn's story for a book that a group of Marine mom's are putting together. Just about how it feels to be a marine mom from being drafted to... Click the following link to view the full article: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-449090?ref=email

LATEST CASUALTIES - MAY 2012

6 AMERICAN PATRIOTS DIED THIS MONTH DEFENDING OUR FREEDOM
Branch: ARMY	Age: 30	Country: Afghanistan	Information Released: May 08, 2012
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Thomas K. Fogarty, 30, of Alameda, Calif., died May 6, in Ahmad-Kheyl, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
Branch: MARINE	Age: 25	Country: Afghanistan	Information Released: May 07, 2012
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. John P. Huling, 25, of West Chester, Ohio, died May 6 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Huling's death was originally reported by the International Security Assistance Force, which characterized it as the result of gunshot wounds inflicted by an individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform. This incident is under investigation.
Branch: ARMY	Age: 38	Country: Afghanistan	Information Released: May 07, 2012
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Master Sgt. Gregory L. Childs, 38, Warren, Ark., died May 4, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Childs is assigned to Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va.
Branch: ARMY	Age: 32	Country: Afghanistan	Information Released: May 04, 2012
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Zachary H. Hargrove, 32, of Wichita, Kan., died May 3 in Bagram, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 84th Explosive Ordnance Disposal, 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Branch: ARMY	Age: 43	Country: Afghanistan	Information Released: May 02, 2012
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Capt. Bruce K. Clark, 43, Spencerport, N.Y., died May 1, in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. Clark was assigned to A Company, Troop Command, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas.
Branch: ARMY	Age: 23	Country: Afghanistan	Information Released: May 02, 2012
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Nicholas M. Dickhut, 23, of Rochester, Minn., died April 30 in Zharay, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

MSgt Neal Francis Sparks
United States Air Force
Photos By James Carlile And Bobby Short

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CPL Roy Lawmaster
United States Army
Photos By James Carlile And Bobby Short

A1C Dewaine Nelson
United States Air Force
Photos By James Carlile And Bobby Short

SA Erwin Franks, Jr.
United States Navy
Photos By James Carlile

SPC Tyler J. Timms
United States Army
Photos By James Carlile

Cpl Frank S. McCoy
United States Army
Photos By James Carlile

GySgt Gene Gadd
United States Marine Corps
Photos By James Carlile

HM3 Donald Tubbs
United States Navy
Photos By James Carlile

Troy McVay
United States Navy
Photos By Bobby Short

SP4 John Bailey
United States Army
Photos By Dan Mathys

1st Sgt Kevin Brown
Full Time National Guard Support
Photos By James Carlile and Rock

MSG Tommy E. Money
United States Army
Photos By Mary Hooten And Bobby Short

LTC Arthur Baumgardner
United States Army
Photos By Bobby Short

SA George Smith
United States Coast Guard
Photos By James Carlile

Sgt Kevin Jones
United States Army
Photos By James Carlile

Air Quality Index
Dallas / Ft. Worth Metroplex, Texas

Current Highest Ozone Level In The DFW Area

The Number Above Indicates The Current Highest Level In The Metroplex.

Color & Level (ppb)	Actions to Protect Your Health	Air Quality
0 to 79	None necessary.	good
80 to 89	Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.	moderate
90 to 114	Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.	unhealthy for sensitive groups
115 to 139	Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.	unhealthy
140 to 300	Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion.	very unhealthy

MISSION REPORT 05/01/2012 Sgt Kevin Jones
United States Army
Sgt Kevin Jones served as a heavy construction engineer for five years with tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany and Hawaii
DFW National Cemetery

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	11	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	15	Approximate Number Of Cages:	3
Weather Conditions:

It was a beautiful day at DFW National Cemetery for the interment service of Sgt. Kevin Jones. The temperature was in the high 80s and the wind was strong enough to keep the flags full, providing a beautiful setting for the arrival of Kevin, family, and friends. Two big flag bikes and a big flag trike provided escort for the procession to Shelter C where the PGR was standing tall and silent in honor. Several family members and friends gave testimonials in a celebration of life for Kevin.

The PGR would like to thank the family for allowing us to be part of this service.

Respectfully,
Rusty McNab
Ride Captain In Training

MISSION REPORT 05/02/2012 SA George Smith
United States Coast Guard
DFW National Cemetery

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	12	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	15	Approximate Number Of Cages:	3
Weather Conditions:	A very nice day, cloudy, just a bit humid.

We honored SA Smith with the customary flag line at the inurnment ceremony. Five big flag bikes joined the procession from the DFW National Cemetery staging area to pavilion B. At the request of the family we also gave SA Smith, a biker too, a symbolic final ride--his urn held by a close family friend on the back seat of James Carlile's trike.

The PGR thanks the Smith family for letting us be a part in honoring is this patriot.

Respectfully,
Darl Easton
Ride Captain

MISSION REPORT 05/03/2012 National Day of Prayer - Waxahachie
Waxahachie

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	10	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	15	Approximate Number Of Cages:	2
Weather Conditions:

It was nice and shady on the lawn of the historic Ellis County Courthouse as the Riders of the PGR set out the flags brought to this event by Gregory Carr. This event was a welcomed break from our usual duties and our Riders were recognized by Texas State Representative Jim Pitts (as well as many individual citizens in the crowd). After the noon-to-one o'clock event, some of the Riders were able to gather at the College Street Pub for a late lunch. My thanks to all who attended - especially our two newest PGRs, both from the Ennis Chapter of the CMA.

Our thanks to Judy Nelson of the Farley Street Baptist Church, and church-member/PGR Virgil Curry, for requesting our presence at this, the 61st Annual National Day of Prayer. Indeed, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD."

Respectfully,
Mark "BluHog" Ingersoll
Ride Captain

MISSION REPORT 05/04/2012 CPT James Stanford
United States Army
DFW National Cemetery

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	9	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	11	Approximate Number Of Cages:	2
Weather Conditions:	It was a beautiful day, very warm and humid with a slight breeze.

Family and friends of CPT James Stanford were escorted by a big flag bike from the visitors center to shelter C where the PGR was standing the flag line in honor of CPT Stanford's service to our country.

The PGR would like to thank the family for allowing us to be a part of this service.

Respectfully,
Rusty McNab
Ride Captain In Training

MISSION REPORT 05/02/2012 LTC Arthur Baumgardner
United States Army
Restland Funeral Home

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	15	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	17	Approximate Number Of Cages:	1
Weather Conditions:	It was partly cloudy with slight winds and temps in the 80's.

The PGR stood a flag line prior to the funeral service at South Garland Baptist Church followed by a procession to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery. Flags were in place at the cemetery upon our arrival. We stood a flag line at the interment followed by furling the flags and a quick debriefing. After that we were dismissed.

I would like to thank the family for inviting the PGR to be a part of this service while they deal with the loss of their loved one. It was a great honor and privillege to allow us to participate in the service.

Respectfully,
"BikerBruce" Lowe
Ride Captain

MISSION REPORT 05/08/2012 GySgt Gene Gadd
United States Marine Corps
USN WW II Korea Vietnam
DFW National Cemetery

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	9	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	22	Approximate Number Of Cages:	8
Weather Conditions:

We staged at the visitors center of DFW National Cemetery at 0845. A riders brief was held at 0900 and we departed to establish a flag line at Shelter A at 0915 to welcome relatives and friends of GySgt Gadd. The Marine corps ceremonial team paid honor to GySgt Gadd. A debriefing was held at 1015 and the riders were released.

We thank the family for asking us to attend the ceremony and render honor to GySgt Gadd

Respectfully,
J.P. "Rev. Jake" Jakubowski
Ride Captain In Training

MISSION REPORT 05/08/2012 SSG Ronnie Lee South
United States Army
SG South served in the United States Army for 16 years. Two tours Vietnam 1968 and 1969. As a result of combat action in Vietnam, SSG South received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
First Baptist Church of Sanger / DFW National Cemetery

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	12	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	18	Approximate Number Of Cages:	5
Weather Conditions:	A Mostly Cloudy Day Was Interrupted By A Short Rain Shower

This mission was in honor of U.S Army Vietnam Veteran SSG Ronnie Lee South. The PGR staged at the First Baptist Church of Sanger, Texas, at 09:00. Flags were set, and after a short briefing, riders stood tall and silent as family and guests arrived for the memorial service. Before the memorial service began, Mrs. Jean South, Ronnie’s mother, was presented with a PGR plaque in appreciation for Ronnie’s sixteen years of military service that included two tours in Vietnam. After the memorial service began, the flag line was taken down, flags furled, and preparations made for the procession to DFW National Cemetery. The procession was escorted the fifty-five miles to the cemetery by two units from the Denton County Sheriff’s Office.

After arriving at the DFW National Cemetery, four pre-selected big flag bikes led the funeral procession to Shelter A for the interment service at 13:00. An advance team of riders had already set the flag line and was standing tall and silent as the funeral procession arrived at the shelter. The honor guard folded the flag, taps were played, the flag was presented SSG South’s oldest son, also named Ronnie.

We would like to thank the members of the South family for inviting us to attend this service and allowing us to honor their soldier who served his country honorably to keep America free.

A special thanks to the Denton County Sheriff’s Deputies (Ken and Robert) for providing the outstanding escort support that helped to make this a safe and successful mission.

Respectfully,
Mike "Hawkeye" Upchurch
Ride Captain

MISSION REPORT 05/08/2012 SPC Tyler J Timms
United States Army
Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Duncanville, Texas

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	17	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	29	Approximate Number Of Cages:	10
Weather Conditions:	It was a beautiful day. Cloudy with a slight breeze. Temperature in the mid 70s.

The PGR formed a flag line on both side of the entrance to the courtyard of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for the arrival of SPC Timm’s Family and friends. Several members of the military were in attendance. Six members of the PGR had the honor of escorting SPC Timm’s casket into the church where it was placed for viewing. After the start of the service, the flag line was broken down, flags furled and stored, and a rider’s briefing was held. At the conclusion of the service, the PGR formed an honors line in the courtyard for the transfer of SPC Timm’s casket to the coach. At the completion of the transfer, the PGR formed the escort of two big flag bikes in the lead, a big flag trike in tail gunner position and the rest of the bikes and cages following for the procession to DFW National Cemetery. The procession went very smoothly with four motor escorts leading and blocking. Two big flag bikes and a big flag trike provided escort from the visitor’s center to the shelter for the service where the flag line was fully staffed and beautiful.

The PGR sincerely thanks the family for inviting us to be a part of this service.

Respectfully,
Rusty McNab
Ride Captain In Training

MISSION REPORT 05/09/2012 SA Erwin Franks
United States Navy
DFW National Cemetery

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	7	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	13	Approximate Number Of Cages:	4
Weather Conditions:	Hot and clear.

The riders staged at the visitors center and, after the briefing, went to Shelter A and established a flag line and waited for the arrival of the family of SA Franks. After the service, the flags were furled and stored. A brief debriefing and the riders were released at approximately 1445.

We wish to extend our thanks to the Franks' and express our condolences to the family. We were honored to be asked to stand tall for SA Franks.

Respectfully,
J.P. "Rev. Jake" Jakubowski
Ride Captain In Training

MISSION REPORT 05/10/2012 SP4 John Bailey
United States Army
Palmer, Texas

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	4	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	6	Approximate Number Of Cages:	1
Weather Conditions:	Overcast but pleasant.

Riders arrived and prepared the flag line. Family members arrived to flags flying and riders standing tall. Nearly every family member stopped to say thank you to the riders as they entered.

The family had determined that Mr. Bailey's pick up truck would be used as the coach. When the time came to move Mr. Bailey into the truck, riders rendered honors and prepared for the short procession. Palmer PD provided two cars to secure the short route to the cemetery.

As the family approached the grave site, the military honor guard awaited. The flag was folded, taps played, and the flag presented to the oldest son.

After the service, one family member asked if they could have a flag. The senior ride captain and his wife folded a flag and presented it to the family

I want to thank Gladys Stokes for requesting the PGR presence and to be a part of their day. We hope that we contributed to their comfort.

Respectfully,
Dan "Mad Russian" Mathys
Ride Captain

MISSION REPORT 05/04/2012 2nd Lt Walter B. Vincent
United States Marine Corps
DFW International Airport

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	6	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	17	Approximate Number Of Cages:	8
Weather Conditions:	It Was A Beautiful North Texas Day

This was a DFW International Airport Plane Side Honors Mission for 2nd Lt Walter B. Vincent whose PBJ Bomber and its crew went missing on April 22, 1944, during a training mission off the Island of Espirtu Santo, South Pacific, during WWII.

2nd Lt Vincent arrived at DFW International Airport on AA Flight 102 from Honolulu at 07:15 and departed on AA Flight 1632 to Tulsa at 11:05. Escort for 2nd Lt Vincent was provided by his niece Kim Anderson and Kim's daughter (Lt. Vincent's great-niece, Brooke Desrochers, a lieutenant and flight officer in the United States Navy).

Prior to 2nd Lt Vincent's transfer to Flight 1632, Patriot Guard Riders had the pleasure of visiting with Kim and Brooke who expressed their appreciation for our presence. Riders told both Kim and Brooke what a privilege it was to have this opportunity to honor 2nd Lt Vincent on his long awaited journey home.

At the appropriate time, all Riders accompanied Kim and Brooke onto the ramp with VMERG members and provided Honors while 2nd Lt Vincent was loaded onto the aircraft.

We would like to thank 2nd Lt Vincent's niece, Kim Anderson and great niece, Lt. Brooke Desrochers, for the time we had to visit, and allowing us the opportunity to honor their uncle for his service and sacrifice to keep our country free.

Respectfully,
Mike "Hawkeye" Upchurch
Ride Captain

MISSION REPORT 05/11/2012 PO1 John David Fawks
United States Navy
Funeral Service was at Greenwood Funeral Home in Ft Worth and then followed by a procession and Interment Service at Benbrook Cemetery.

Approximate Number Of Bikes:	6	Approximate Number Of PGR People:	9	Approximate Number Of Cages:	2
Weather Conditions:	Thunderstorms were all around the area before and after the mission segments. However, God had blessed this mission with clearing skies and no rain during the memorial service and also the procession to the cemetery. Once the grave side service was completed and everyone disbursed, the heavy showers continued.

Riders battled heavy thunderstorms on their travels to Greenwood Funeral home but were awarded with clear skies while we posted flags. After which we stood tall & silent as family and friends came to honor this American Hero. Once the service began and after safety briefing was completed, I realized that my motorcycle has a flat tire. But, with help I was able to repair the flat and rejoin the mission at the Benbrook Cemetery.

I would like to thank Cindy Collins, Granddaughter of PO1 John Fawks, for inviting the Patriot Guard Riders to be a part of this service.

Respectfully,
Ken "Chigger" DuBois
Ride Captain

MAY 2012
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
April 29	30	May 1 Kevin Jones (Interment) Staging: 09:45 DFW Cemetery Dale Brown (Funeral, Procession, Interment) Staging: 11:50 Frederick, Oklahoma	2 Arthur Baumgardner (Funeral, Procession, Interment) Staging: 10:00 Garland George Smith (Inurnment Service) Staging: 12:30 DFW Cemetery	3 National Day Of Prayer (Community Event) Staging: 11:30 Waxahachie Tommy Money (Memorial Service) Staging: 10:00 Palmer / DFW Cemetery Gus Schumann (Interment Service) Staging: 14:30 Vernon, Texas	4 James Stanford (Memorial Service) Staging: 14:45 DFW Cemetery Walter Vincent (Planeside Honors For A MIA / KIA From World War II) Staging: 09:15 DFW Airport	5 Donald Tubbs (Visitation, Procession, Interment) Staging: 09:15 Ennis
6	7	8 Ronnie South (Memorial Service, Procession, Interment) Staging: 09:00 Sanger Gene Gadd (Interment Service) Time Change Staging: 08:45 DFW Cemetery Tyler Timms (Funeral Service, Interment) Staging: 11:00 Duncanville	9 Erwin Franks (Interment Service ) Staging: 13:15 DFW Cemetery Frank McCoy (Visitation) Staging: 17:00 Desoto	10 Kevin Brown (ADD Interment Service) Staging: 08:30 DFW Cemetery Frank McCoy (Funeral Service) Staging: 10:00 Desoto John Bailey (Funeral Service, Procession, Interment) Staging: 15:00 Palmer	11 John Fawks (Funeral Service, Procession, Interment) Staging: 14:05 Fort Worth	12 Troy McVay (Funeral, Procession, Interment) Staging: 09:00 Dallas
13 MOTHERS DAY	14	15 PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY Flags At Half Staff	16 Dewaine Nelson (Funeral, Procession, Interment) Staging: 09:45 Dallas / DFW Cemetery	17 RUN FOR THE WALL Neal Sparks (Procession, Interment) Staging: 08:30 Corsicana Roy Lawmaster (Inurnment Service) Staging: 11:45 DFW Cemetery Orion Barrett (Interment Service) Staging: 10:00 Denton	18 RUN FOR THE WALL	19 ARMED FORCES DAY RUN FOR THE WALL ARRIVES GRAND PRAIRIE War Memorial Dedication (Community Event) Staging: 09:15 Scotland, Texas Dustin Dean (Funeral, Interment) Staging: 09:00 Iowa Park, Texas Run For The Wall (Community Event) Staging: 17:00 Grand Prairie Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Windy, with a south wind 15 to 18 mph increasing to between 23 and 26 mph. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph. Wichita Falls
20 RUN FOR THE WALL LEAVES GRAND PRAIRIE Run For The Wall (Community Event) Staging: 08:00 Grand Prairie SPC Philip C.S. Schiller Memorial (Memorial Service) Staging: 12:45 The Colony	21 RUN FOR THE WALL	22 RUN FOR THE WALL	23 RUN FOR THE WALL Wayne Erickson (Active Duty Death - WWII - Arrival - 4 Riders Only - Preselected ) Staging: 06:00 DFW Airport	24 RUN FOR THE WALL Wayne Erickson (Active Duty Death - WWII - Procession, Memorial Service, And Interment) See Changes To Final Itinerary Staging: 11:00 Fort Worth / DFW Cemetery	25 RUN FOR THE WALL	26 RUN FOR THE WALL
27 RUN FOR THE WALL	28 MEMORIAL DAY Memorial Day Remembrance (Holiday Celebration) Staging: 07:00 Wichita Falls Dallas Memorial Day Celebration (Mission Pending) Staging: 12:00? Dallas? Memorial Day Event (Mission Pending) Staging: 09:00? Terrell?	29	30	31	June 1	2
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

Best Viewed With Internet Explorer At 1024x768 Resolution
Color Legend:	KIA-Killed In Action	Active Duty Death	Veteran	HOTH	Other Missions	Red River Mission	Information Only

Key To Missions On The Calendar Above For Internal Use
If The First Line Of An Entry Shows A Name And It Is Underlined	A Final Itinerary Has Been Released. Clicking On The Link Will Display The Final Itinerary
If The First Line Of An Entry Says "Presence Requested"	We Have Received A Request But A Ride Captain Has Not Yet Been Assigned Or Has Not Made Contact With The Requestor
If The First Line Of An Entry Shows A Name But It Is Not Underlined	This Mission Has Been Tentatively Approved By Leadership And A Ride Captain Has Been Assigned
("Mission Pending") In The Second Line	The Itinerary Has Not Yet Been Finalized
(Mission Segments) In The Second Line	The Final Itinerary Has Been Received
Staging Time Is Followed By A "?"	This Is An Estimate Based On Information In The Request
If All Information For The Mission Looks Complete, But The Name Is Still Not Underlined	The Final Itinerary Has Been Received And Is Being Formatted For Publication And Notification