RFTW 2009-Day1 (Doug)

Wed, May 13, the beginning of the Run, of the Healing, of the Welcome Home, of one of the most memorable and emotional things anyone, ANYONE, can do or experience. Be warned about two things - I do not remember what I wrote yesterday, and I write from the heart.

Last nite, the last thing before I crashed, I said "see you later" to Rick Pittman. A very special friend and who came down to this event because I asked him to. Very fitting for a veteran of his stature, and our era, to see these many people heading out on this Mission.

0 Dark 30 (somewhere around 5:30 AM - to dark to see the time). The Road Guards met in the Base Camp parking lot, finished insuring tight bindings on everything on our scoots, and headed over to the staging area at Victoria Gardens Mall. Hot food and drinks, fruit, cereal milk, you name it - all donated! Even though you know we had a mess of sign ups, you don't see the magnitude until this. As both Routes stage initially at the same location, its awe inspiring - about 550 scoots, some with passengers, and many cages that will accompany us on this years Run. Over 40% are FNG's. Rider's from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britian, and half of our States. The patches tell the stories - patches honoring our Fallen from all of our conflicts, some names, unfortunately new. Some of the vests actually tell the story of this persons life. Some, are bare as they might not have "traveled" the world. Old, young, and in between. All ages. And the scoots !! Every brand and probably every model. And of course the bulk are Hogs (we know because our chase truck driver meets most of them!!! I had to squeeze that in there.) The conversations at this point center around last years Run, who brand of bike is best, this years ride, old friends seeing each other for the first time in many many years. And, of those that have left us. We know that this year the Central Route will not see Robley Rex - he died 4 days short of his 108th birthday. A lot of us will seek out the FNG's - FNG's keep the Mission alive.

Morning prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem and then the morning meeting. Welcomes all the way around. All the FNG's are spot lighted so we can hug and welcome them. Then everyone reports to their assigned platoon. The lead element has the Route Coordinator and 4 other bikes. This is our Missing Man formation - 5 bikes - two in front, two in back, and the middle bike rides on the left keeping the right side vacant. The Mission is ready. Its 54 degrees. We start the engines - do you know what 500 (counting both Routes) roaring engines sound like!? The Road Guards go out to block traffic with the help of the LEO's, all the way onto the freeway. Behind them comes the pack - 7 platoons with the 7th being the scoots with trailers, trikes, etc. We have a few hundred people waving at us, cheering, flying the colors of our nation, military flags, signs applauding us, you name its there. And for many of us, the first of the tears and chills. As we pull out to head for the freeway, I actually relax. As the bikes pick up speed the engine noise becomes a thing you can actually feel. We start on to the freeway at 8:00 AM (0800) - and its shut down for us with many civilians and LEO's standing at attention saluting along with members from the local military organizations, service organizations, Motorcycle Clubs, and the Patriot Guard. You feel good and some emotion as you realize you are being honored. Once on the freeway, we increase speed slowly as we cover close to 3 miles. Road Guards start earning their keep - keeping the scoots 2 seconds apart regardless of how they are riding - side by side or staggered. Making sure that there is no loose gear. Things flying off into a pack of motorcycles at freeway speeds is not good. And a couple of RG's take off with the fuel crew to get them set up at the gas stop in Coachella. This you have to see and experience. We put 300 plus bikes thru the gas station in 20 minutes. Cruising on the freeway is different than normally. We have people along the sides of the road waving, holding flags, banners posters, cheering, etc. And on the overpasses, and on the balconies of some of the highrises, in the windows of passing vehicles. 94 miles later, a short break with head call and visiting the hydration team for our free water and cooling scarves, and of course, fuel. The latter occurs at every stop. Then we're off - Advance Team (Fuelers) and then the RG's, about 5 minutes in the lead, then everyone else. We already have some RG's out, posted at intersections, gore points, etc. Everything to make it easier for us to get the Riders to and from. Along the way, more people on the overpasses sides of the road,etc all waving flags etc. Saluting us, cheering us, reminding us that we are not forgotten, that the veteran means something. Amazing it seems, I'm in the company of vets and civilians, old and young - all with one purpose - Never Forget. The patriotism is something you can feel and is shown over and over again. At almost every stop - Pledge of Allegiance. No one has to be told to stand, to remove their covers, to be quiet. The Pledge, over and over again. And when they play the National Anthem, same thing. And many are teary eyed.

RG's job while underway consists of many things - the scout stays out ahead and looks for vehicle issues, traffic jams or congestion, lane closures, traffic entering the freeway (we get in front of those cages to slow them down). We make sure the cages don't pull into any gaps in our formations. We make sure all the bikes are registered with RFTW.

On the road again, and heading for Blythe - roads are wide open. People sporadically along the freeway and on the overpasses. At one over pass - 200 plus bikes from the Patriot Guard and American Legion Riders. On some, civilians and LEO's. On some, bikers. And kids all over the place waving the flag so vigorously you're afraid they'll lose them. American's who remember what America means and is. American's that remember the sacrifices made by our vets.

Stop in Blythe (101 miles) for lunch paid for by one of the SO's, gas virtually free. Free lunch at the parking lot we stage. Greeted by a crowd waving flags and then into the Fair Grounds for lunch. We walked thru an Honor Guard (with Swords) with non stop applause. A little decompressing and then the ceremonies - Salute, sing, prayer, dedications, listing the names of the local Fallen Hero's. Then back on the road, this time to Tonopah (94 miles) for gas and fluids, before heading into Phoenix ( and its now 110 degrees ) to meet vets at the VA Center and to drop off Karoni Forrester. All the way with hundreds cheering us on.

Finally into Phoenix - with the LEO's supplying traffic closures for us. Dinner served at the Radison - free. We are the hero's for doing what we've done and what we are currently doing. The veteran's are being remembered as they should always be remembered. We are all drained physically and some emotionally. Wait.

Never Forget.

The Mission Rules
Doug

Community turns out to support soldier

Rick Lemyre
Published 01/08/2009 - 2:34 p.m. PDT

When locals discovered over the New Year holiday that an Iraq veteran and his family needed some help, it touched off a response full of shock and awe, East County style.

Cpl. Billy Hyder returned last May from a 10-month deployment to Iraq, where he moved supplies and built troop housing with the 1-143 National Guard. Hyder, an Oakley resident who had previously served with the Navy and the Marines, said that as “a reward for working hard,” he was given the opportunity he wanted: to get out from “behind the wire” and escort convoys in Baghdad.

Manning a 50-cal. gunner position in an armored Humvee on one of his 10 missions, his vehicle triggered a pair of IEDs. “It rung my bell, but I wasn’t bleeding or anything,” he said, adding that he was able to complete that, and subsequent missions.

Upon his return to California, however, he was found to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and in early November he checked in to The Pathway Home, a nonprofit transition center for combat veterans in Yountville.

Back home on Dutch Slough Road, his wife, Cheryl, and daughter, Jolene, 13, were just getting by. Scrimping on groceries so they could afford gas for twice-weekly visits to Yountville, Cheryl said the home’s cupboards got pretty bare. Not wanting to add to her husband’s stress, she kept the problem to herself.

“I’m not a complainer,” she said. “I was keeping my mouth shut and visiting Mom for dinner.” But when Hyder got a pass and came home for Christmas, he learned the truth.
“It was pretty depressing for him,” Cheryl said.

Hyder said he asked the staff at Pathway if they could provide some food for his family. “They gave me $30 cash right then,” he said, “and then all hell broke loose.”
Hyder said Pathway staff contacted Army Lt. John Adams and Warrant Officer Spiro Mitsanos of the State Military Reserve, who immediately brought food for the family from their office in the South Bay. Word spread to Mark Harris, a ride captain with the Patriot Guard Riders, who e-blasted whomever he could think of on New Year’s Eve.

On New Year’s Day, support began arriving in volume. Throughout the day, visitors brought so much food that it was difficult to store it all in the Hyders’ tiny home. The supporters filled propane tanks, dropped off gift cards, fuel cards and Christmas presents – and the deluge was only beginning.

Oakley City Councilman Bruce Connelley arranged for a donation of hundreds of dollars through the Oakley-Delta Lions, and began contacting local veterinarians who could use the funds to cover fees for looking after a family dog, which is ill. Connelley contacted City Manager Brian Montgomery about city housing assistance programs that might help relocate the family to more comfortable quarters. Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher checked in by phone, and reservists continued to bring aid.

Then came Saturday. Dozens of motorcyclists from the PGR, the Legion Riders, the Dirty Dogs and other veteran biker organizations from around the Bay Area and beyond, rallied nearby, then descended en masse on the Hyder home bearing cash, presents, debit cards and, most of all, emotional support.

“It was incredible,” said Hyder, who could only stand misty-eyed and speechless outside his house as the leather-clad convoy rolled up. “To see all those motorcycles, people who didn’t even know me coming long distances just for me, made everything I’ve ever done in the military worthwhile. I don’t even feel I rate; I didn’t save anybody’s life. I’m just lucky the Army let me back in, and let me go on patrol. There are a lot of people who deserve it more than I do.”
Harris said that in addition to escorting members of the military to and from home (including one earlier in the day on Saturday) and participating in funeral processions for “fallen heroes,” Help on the Homefront missions are what the groups are all about. This one, he said, was especially gratifying.

“All I can say about this mission is ‘Outstanding,’” said Harris. “The response and life-changing support occurred within 24 hours, on a holiday. The power of personal relationships, coupled with the unconditional determination that any veteran will never be abandoned, is overwhelming.”

Hyder said that knowing that local support is so strong will make it less difficult for him as he goes through the recovery program at Pathway. “It’ll be a thousand times easier,” he said. “I was afraid I would have to drop out.”

As he stood on the side of the road on Saturday, with veterans first saluting, then hugging him and his family, he also discovered something he wants to do once his recovery is complete.
“I’ve been a biker all my life, and I want to do this,” he said of the support mission. “I want to pay it forward, and this is how I’m going to do it.”Hyder asked that anyone wishing to provide additional support consider a donation to The Pathway Home, P.O. Box 3930, Yountville, CA 94599.

To learn more, log on to www.thepathwayhome.org.

SPC MARCUS LAND HOMECOMING

I did not attend this Homecoming because of the time of day it was we could not get there but I wanted to share it anyway. Please note that the riders drove 35 miles + to get to the airport & then it was 29 for escort to take this young Soldier home...in the rain. The Patriot Guard Riders are an awesome group & I fell very blessed to have them in my life....they truly support our troops. Check out their site & maybe you might be interested in joining.

Photo's from Cory's Homecoming

Here are some photo's...hope you enjoy

WELCOME HOME SPC CORY LOOB!

Saturday nite the son of one of my BFF's returned after serving 10 months in Afghanistan. He is an MP in the US Army Reserve. It was very short notice but the Patriot Guard Riders came thru once again...some came directly from another homecoming in Pleasanton to San Jose Airport which is where Cory came in. We then did an escort down the freeway 18 miles to the family home. Absolutely awesome...here is video from the airport.....I will do a slideshow of photo's later. Hope you enjoy. Leave him a thanks & welcome home in my comments & I will print out for his scrapbook!

PICTURES FROM 4TH FORCE RECON CO HOMECOMING

I've collected photo's from a few of my friends & put together a slideshow of this escort from Camp Pendleton to Alameda. Hope you all enjoy it & if you ever get a chance to be a part of a Welcome Home no matter how many of our Hero's are coming home you must participate...you will never forget it. If you have a loved one coming home no matter if it is from Basic Training, Training, Christmas, R&R, Deployment, etc get ahold of the Patriot Guard Riders to be a part of it. They also do escorts when they leave. It will be something you & your Hero will never forget.



Pictures taken by Barbara, Don, Spike, Rich, Tess, Mark, Sherry, Diane & I.

Welcome Home 4th Force Recon Co.

Getting ready to head out to to a big homecoming for 110 Marines returning home from Iraq. Some members of the Patriot Guard Riders headed down to Camp Pendleton yesterday morning & will be escorting the buses all the way back to the Bay Area with bikers & other vehicles joining along the way. They are estimating that about 500 bikes will be involved in this escort tho maybe not all at the same time. We have been trying to get people on overpasses along the route with signs & flags too. I am so excited to be a part of this. We welcomed the advance group 2 weeks ago when they go in at 3:00 am. Will let you know all about it when we get home!

Welcome Home Abraham!

Today we had the honor of welcoming home a young Soldier after his graduation from Basic Training. He joined the Army under the Split-Training Option so he will either finish his Senior Year of High School or pass the GED soon. After Graduation or getting his GED he will go on to AIT for his training. His MOS is Infantry. He was very happy to see the flag line when he came off the plane. Lots of hugs & handshakes after he was saluted by the Vets among us. There were 15 bikes & our pickup truck to escort his family to their home about 20 min away....we look pretty impressive going down the freeway with flags waving! The neighbors can hear the rumble of the pipes while we are still out a bit. We were all very impressed with this young man...please keep him in your prayers.

WELCOME HOME MATTHEW!!

We participated in the Welcome Home for a Marine who had served 7 months in Iraq. We staged at local Harley Dealership & headed to the airport to wait for his flight along with his parents. He was very surprised to see us all but it wasn't over yet. We then did an escort (28 bikes & 2 vehicles) to his home about a half hour away where neighbors, friends, family, local Veterans Groups, Military Family Support Groups & local dignitaries all were waiting. It was awesome! If you know any service men or women who are coming home this is a great way to honor then for all they have done for us.

Good Morning Sailor...Welcome Home!

This was definitely one the more interesting Missions for me since being with the Patriot Guard Riders. There have been alot of delays with the airlines of late and shortly before we were to head out to this one we were notified that the 9:00 pm time was changed to 1:30 am (O Dark 30). Well we both decided to take a bit of a nap as this is just a tad past our bedtime. We got up, put on warmer clothes as it was a bit chilly out & headed to our staging area. The night crew was there...Spike even brought coffee to warm folks up (and keep em awake). 6 bikes & our pickup is pretty impressive for that hour. We headed to the airport to wait for his arrival. The airport was empty except for people who work there. He had no family waiting as his wife is out of country...he will be meeting up with her at a later date.

He came thru the gate to meet with us....very surprised. We were supposed to escort him to Naval Center so that he could pick up his car but he was just too tired. He requested to just go to his motel so that he could get some well needed sleep....not sure how long this guy had been traveling but I know he had put in many hours in the air. After getting some photo's we headed out. Spike had called ahead to Alameda PD to let them know we were coming thru because of the hour & as we were riding thru there was a police car on a side street. As we drove by lights started flashing....an honor for the IC1 (INTERIOR COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRICIAN). It was very kewl for sure. As we pulled in front of the motel a woman was at the drivers door of the pickup. She yelled "YOU GUYS ROCK!" She asked what was up & we told her. It turns out she was retired Navy. She went up to Mario & invited him to stay out her place...she had food, pool table & beer. We all could come too. Maybe back in the day but we were all too tired for such an invite. We thanked her & she gave Mario her number in case he changed his mind. I can't wait to do this again.

Welcome Home Robert!

It was a long trip for this Spc & his family. After 15 months in Iraq he returned home to his wife & son in Italy which is where he is stationed. For his leave they were to fly back to the USA to spend time with family & friends whom they hadn't seen in over two years. A normally long flight was made longer by delays so he arrived a day later than expected. So the planned Homecoming Celebration had to be split up during the day & evening. His flight arrived early afternoon & a few of the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) were there to meet him along with many members of his family. The PGR escorted Soldier & family to parents home about 50 min away without traffic. There was a large crowd waiting for him when he arrived. Did I mention this was a surprise? I was unable to be at the airport or do the escort but we picked up the party later in the evening.

We left the house right after Steve got home & headed to the address we were given which was the sister of the Soldier. A large crowd was already there....friends, neighbors, family, Blue Star Moms, Operation SAM, VFW, American Legion plus the Lafayette Flag Brigade had the giant flag up. And the Vice Mayor from the city too as well as TV reporter. It was absolutely awesome to see the fire truck pull up. Then we heard the bikes....here comes our Hero! He was totally shocked when he got out of the SUV to see that more people were there to honor him. He either hugged or shook the hang of everyone there. Another great Mission! You really should do one of these...you'll be hooked too.

This weekend brought 3 of our Heroes home but I was unable to attend this third one...I still felt it an important one to share. She is a chief warrant officer with the Army Reserves who shipped out with a unit from Southern California & just returned home after a 15-month Army tour in Iraq AND Afghanistan. During her deployment she missed her oldest son's high school graduation. The Patriot Guard Riders (approx. 40 bikes with 50+ riders) arrived in Santa Rosa to escort her to a surprise welcome home party at the Veteran’s Memorial Building she was greeted by a smiling, flag-waving crowd of nearly 100 friends, family and supporters. On display there were many tables displaying pictures and mementos of Terry’s 25+ year career with the United States Army, and Army Reserves. She was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service during her recent deployment.

It is because of people like the 3 that we welcomed home this weekend that we all enjoy the freedoms we have and they all volunteered to do what they do. Next time you see a man or woman in uniform as well as any other of our Veterans please take the time to thank them for all they do for our families & our Country! Here are a few photo's from her homecoming.







More photo's & a video from one of our Patriot Guard Riders for you to look at.

THE SGT RETURNS

About 2:00 pm I received an email about another homecoming...VERY SHORT NOTICE. An Army Sgt., a Medic, was returning from 15 months in Iraq. The staging will be at 6:30 pm in Oakland with KSU at 7:20pm. Her flight will arrive about 7:40 pm & then escort home. We realize that we can't make that as we are working on a project at home but will able to just go straight out to the final destination...her parents house.

When we drove up we found the house easily......all decked out....


and people everywhere with flags...a good group for such short notice.


About 8:25pm we hear the rumble of the bikes. I don't usually see them coming in as we usually follow the escort. Hard to photograph them as they come at me but it sure is impressive....




Spike & Sloopdog bring up the rear...




Saluting the flag...





Welcome home Sgt!!





Hugs....



The Vice Mayor of Pleasanton, CA


Tom, the Ride Captain of this mission talking to the Sgt.


The Sgt & Debbi


When we left the party was going strong....


As I've said before....these are the best.

WELCOME HOME MARINE

I have been asked to share some of the homecomings that we have been a part of so I will start now & possibly go back to a few of the others. We do these homecomings as members of the Patriot Guard Riders. If you ever have the opportunity to welcome any of our Heroes home I strongly suggest you do it. It really is the best thing ever. Supporting Our Troops is more than sticking a magnet or bumper sticker on your car. Welcome Home's are the best ever...something I could do 24/7 if I had the chance.

We arrived at the staging area about 6:15 pm....we left the house early as the traffic was supposed to be horrible....the Marine was expected abut 7:30 pm or so. When we got there there was already a good group in attendance.


"The Chaplain" wanted his picture taken.


More riders coming in...

This was a group shot we took tho more riders showed up afterwards....

Getting ready to ride.....

Waiting.....

They finally arrived at 9:15pm. They had driven up from Camp Pendleton & took longer than anticipated due to traffic.... Mom was really ready to burst waiting at home.

The LCpl was seriously surprised...


Welcome Home, Marine!! We love you......

"Hey! Can I check out the bikes?"

LCpl checking out the bikes. Poor Mom & Dad waiting at home....

KSU (Kick Stands Up) & ready to roll...

Escorting the LCpl home....

A whole lot of people waiting....

Bryan Weldon of Lafayette Flag Brigade & Sgt Major of PGR shaking LCpl's hand...

Sloopdog & Spike of PGR with LCpl....

Steve, LCpl & Debbi....

Was an absolutely awesome nite tho a very long one. Watch for more postings....

LCDR Sumrall Homecoming

We had 25 bikes & 4 cages for this welcome home. This is the first time most of us had attended one that no one knew who the returning hero was. We quickly figured it out & it was a great time. We escorted him to the NOSC center in Alameda where they had pizza & soda for us all. He was very appreciative as his wife was out of country & no one would have been there to greet him. Below is a video of us greeting him at the airport...that's me getting in a hug at the end.

A Hero's Welcome

We staged with the Patriot Guard Riders at Harley dealership in Oakland where the parents, Peggy & John stopped by on their way to the airport to say hello. KSU (Kickstands Up) was at 1630. Bikes lines up & we followed em on to the airport. We had a very large group to welcome him upon his return from Iraq. Was he ever surprised when he stood at the top of the escalator & saw us all...salutes & cheers. Handshakes & hugs followed. Then we all headed out to line up for the escort our Hero home. 25 bikes & 8 cages escorted his Parents vehicle the 14 miles home. What a ride!! When we got there the Lafayette Flag Brigade had done there best to decorate the place & the East Bay Blue Star Mom's of which Peggy is a member had a wonderful spread set out to feed everyone. It was a great celebration. Welcome Home Matt & Thank you for your Service to our Country!!

Below is a video of Matt being welcomed at the airport....

Update on my life....

Hello there! I hope someone is still out there to read this as I've been gone so very long. Guess you could say I have been living life instead of writing about it. Have been very busy.....many events the past few months. We joined the Patriot Guard Riders (hubby more so than I as I was still representing Operation: MOM at funerals & homecomings) and participated in many, many homecomings which of course are absolutely my most favorite things to do. Thankfully I have not been to many funerals which are my least favorite things to do. We visited the Vets at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto for Christmas & Valentines. Celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day, Easter & Mother's Day. Steve & I have both had birthdays as have some of our good friends. The biggest event & most life altering was that my husband had a heart attack on March 26th. We were at the airport in San Jose to welcome home a soldier when he collapsed in the flag line. Luckily 2 of the people who were with the welcome group were nurses & took over. EMT's were there in moments & we were 5 min from O'Connor Hospital. He had an angioplasty that evening (by Dr. who is only in ER 2x's a month) .....and all is well now. Our son came home for 2 weeks on emergency leave which was great. We are slowly getting back to business as usual & life is getting busy again tho we are taking it a little slower....at least for awhile....trying to only do 1 event a day.



Major changes happened with Operation: MOM too in that time I was MIA. Back in March both the President & VP resigned due to health/personal reasons so positions were filled by the co-founders of the group. March packing was postponed so I mailed Easter cards out to contacts I had in Iraq & Afghanistan. I packed up Mother's Day cards to a Marine unit, a hospital & other contacts in Iraq & Afghanistan to be distributed. Shortly thereafter I was told that Operation: MOM felt that they needed their focus to be on family support & would not be doing large packings anymore. They would send packages of cards for me tho but it would be bulk mailings. I felt that our cards couldn't take that....so I looked for another way to get the cards overseas & to individual soldiers/marines/airmen/sailors. A couple weeks ago I went to a packing for Operation: Care & Comfort I decided it would be a good fit for this project. They send packages every month so I can send out as I get the cards in....this way I won't have them around my house for 3 months or so. I also will be able to send out special holidays in packages....I have been sending some out myself as there wasn't a packing at the time. I will start sending cards out thru them in July. Father's Day cards will go this week thru Operation: MOM.

I'm sure there will be more I need to tell you as I think of it but for now this will be my 'getting back into the groove' post. Next week I will begin posting for a friend who is heading cross country on his motorcycle to DC on the "Run for The Wall" (RFTW)....he will send me posts daily...not sure if I will have photo's or not yet. I also want to tell ou all about a run we attended in memory of Cpl Michael Anderson, Jr.....photo's too. Hope everyone has a great Mother's Day.

WHAT A WEEK

Well this has been an interesting week for sure. This past Wed. we had a busy day planned & it got even busier. It was to start out with Diane & I going to lunch & shopping at Jack London Square....a nice girls day out. About the time I was getting ready Steve came home from work with bad case of heartburn. He felt he would be ok but was supposed to meet us later in Oakland for a photo exhibit by a friend of ours....he would let us know. When Diane arrived she tried to get Steve to go to Dr. but he said he was fine....we took off.

Arrived at Jack London Square...it was a gorgeous day.

After we wandered around a bit we had a fabulous lunch at Kincaid's....complete with Margarita's of course. I had a Hot Crab Sandwich which was to die for & Diane had French Onion soup & Salad. We finished up with Key Lime Pie at the suggestion of our serverAfter lunch we did a little more sightseeing & shopping & decided to stop in to Cocina Poblana for a final Margarita before we needed to go to the photo gallery. The Restaurant was very nice tho not the best Margarita I've ever had.

After we finished up at JLS we headed up Broadway to the College of the Arts for the first gallery showing of Sean Donnelly's photo's. There was absolutely no parking so we had to park in the lot of a nearby shopping center & walk up the hill to the college. Steve met us there. Also attending were 2 members of East Bay Blue Star Mom's...Tami & Michelle. The show was great...we loved his work. After about an hour or so we need to leave as we still had to stop off in Fremont to pick up Sonja & then head to to San Jose Airport to welcome home the daughter of one of the South Bay Blue Star Mom's. We said our goodbye's to all and left.

We flew down the freeway...making a quick stop in Fremont to pick up Sonja & got back the freeway & headed for the staging area...a Chevron station near the airport. A nice group was there when we arrived...some of the usual attendees plus a new Motorcycle club from the area. They asked me to take their photo. Time came to head out...

Shortly after that last photo was taken Diane grabbed me & told me that Steve was down....at first we thought he was having a sugar drop (he's diabetic) ....luckily we had 2 nurses in the group that took care of him til the EMT's arrived. After the EMT's did their thing they said he was most likely having a heart attack & needed to go to hospital. They started getting him ready for transport. When all this started happening the Patriot Guard moved the flag line to shield the view of Steve so that the soldier would not see him when she arrived.

When the SSgt arrived everything went off without a hitch....lots of hugs from Mom

Got a pix of her with Diane & gave her a Challenge coin before Diane & Sonja took me to the hospital.

More to follow....