I’m home from the funeral and burial of another too-young fallen Soldier — 19 year-old PFC Amy Duerksen of Temple, TX.
I’m emotionally and physically exhausted, but it was an honor to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders again — I am overwhelmed by their patriotism and willingness to pay honor to those who gave all defending us.
Fred Phelps and his “Church” were on hand to spread their hate, but fortunatley the church, the Temple Police Department, and the Patriot Guard Riders did an outstanding job of shielding the family from them.
From someone who knew Amy:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the incredible honor you gave Amy. I have never seen such a show of patriotism before. From early this week I followed your postings and was impressed by how many said they were coming.
I can’t adequately describe what I felt when I saw all of you there. Your flags were beautiful, your mission incredible and your presence comforting. I was proud of you and proud of our country today. This was a hard day for those of us who knew Amy but you gave us a priceless gift by honoring her with your mission. God bless all of you.
It was an honor.
______________
As with each funeral, and with each Patriot Guard mission, there are so many small moments that stick in your mind —
- On the way to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, there was one Suburban that pulled over on the opposite side of the road, and two young ladies got out and stood by the side of the road with their hands over their hearts as the long funeral procession rode by. As we were just outside the gates of Ft. Hood, I couldn’t help wondering if they were the wives of Soldiers.
- The Army Chaplain who walked our formation on his way into the church service, with a firm and sincere salute. When a man in uniform salutes a group who’s not, it’s humbling.
- After the burial service, the woman who grabbed my arm as I was walking back to my bike — she quitely thanked me, and asked me my name. She hugged me as she thanked me again, “Thank you, Robbie.”
***
From a fellow Soldier who was at the funeral:
My name is Rod Petersen and I am a CW3 with 4ID at Fort Hood. I have been friends with the Duerken family for years. Today I attended the funeral of their youngest daughter Amy. She was a 19 year old PFC who was killed in Iraq.
I was extremely upset when I found out that there were going to be protesters at her funeral. I understand that the freedoms we defend allow them to do this I just feel that that was an inappropriate forum for their protest. But today when I arrived at the church I saw the Patriot Guard Riders standing silently outside the church lining the drive where the funeral procession was. It seemed that everyone of them had a flag.
Seeing those bikers standing respectfully outside the church was an extremely moving site. I myself have been to Iraq twice and will soon be leaving for a third tour. I can honestly say that I was proud and honored to be there with those bikers. I don’t know if anyone said anything at the funeral, but I appreciated it. Every one that was there in uniform appreciated it. And I know the family appreciated it also. Thank you for your support and keep up the good work.
You’re welcome. It’s what we do.
Linked at Mudville Gazette and Samantha Burns
You will want to be sure youread UrbanGrounds posting regarding the participation of the Patriot Guard in the funeral proceedings of 19-year-old PFC Amy Duerksen. I am not sure of the circumstances or the timeframe in which PFC Duerksen lost her life as checking the usual sources has come up empty for
The Iraq-al Qaeda Connection – Case Opened Welcome To Andi’s World linked with The War Tapes: A Movie Filmed by Soldiers The Command T.O.C. linked with Operation Swarmer (Photo-OP) – A Bit Suspicous UrbanGrounds linked withMission Complete: PFC Amy Duerksen Stuck On Stupid linked with Full Moon Weekend Linkfest & Trackback Party Below The Beltway linked with Gay Marriage, Polygamy, And Individual Liberty Don Surber linked with Why CNN Cannot Draw Flies In A Manure Pile
The following articles have trackbacked this article: Dumb Move Of The Day [by Random Thoughts Of Yet Another Military Member] Druggies To Senator Kyl: No Fence Please… [by Freedom Folks]Mission Complete: PFC Amy Duerksen [by UrbanGrounds] Bush per la Democrazia e contro il nuovo Totalitarismo [by Camelot Destra Ideale] False Advertising [by Radioactive Liberty] Are Oil Companies Putting It To Us? [by Voteswagon]
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Having seen some news clips about the reprehensible activities of Phelps and the WBC, I thought I should learn more. It is now 2 AM in the morning on the 18th and I cannot seem to rest. I am physically incensed by the depravity of this organization that claims to know and love God.
I am proud to call myself both a Christian and a U.S. Army Soldier, and after reading for about the last three hours page after page about Phelps and his band of misguided and despicable protestors, I stumbled across the PGR page and read more about what you and the PGR do. More specifically, I came across what you did for PFC Duerkson just a few short hours ago a mere 4 miles away from where I live.
I have but one regret – that I did not read this earlier so that I could come out to the Veteran’s Cemetery and personally shake your hand, as well as those who rode with you today…and render an eager salute to you and what you guys do. Thanks – you have restored my faith in my country – for every crazed lunatic like Phelps, there are thousands like you but few willing to give of their free time to do what you do.
I too served in Iraq for a tour, have sent soldiers home in body bags and know that as I prepare for another tour over there in a few short months that I will regrettably still have to send more home in the same manner. And though seeing and hearing about appalling and disgusting acts performed by the likes of Phelps makes me take pause to question if I have foolishly pledged my life to defend even Phelps right to speak such vile things and take part in such horrible mockeries of the ultimate sacrifices that those who wear the uniform with me have made, I am now comforted by the homage and service that the honorable PGR heroes provide.
As I go back to Iraq, I will go knowing that though I am pledged to defend freedoms and our way of life even when it means tolerating people whose actions and words make my blood boil, that I, in fact, go to defend freedoms more for those like you who will choose what is right and good. Thank God for the PGR and thank you for your service to my fallen comrades in arms. Some day I hope to be able to shake your hand and salute you….for now, please accept my deepest thanks.
We in Kansas deplore Phelps and his clan. He’s been a thorn in the side of the good name of Kansas for as long as I can remember. I thought you’d like to know that the State is in the process of censuring him and his deplorable actions.
God will deal with him in due time.
You’ll be in our prayers, Major Taylor.
Being there for my 1st PGR mission was one of the most moving experiences of my life.
I am so proud of my brothers and sisters who where there. All of us combat vets share an unspoken bond of love and respect. We just look into the eyes and know..I feel the same kind of bond with ALL who where there. It has been many years since I lifted my arm to salute..I am honored to do it again to all of you..As the word of what we do spreads many more will join.
GOD Bless all.
Great work, and please accept my thanks.
Thank you so much. Trackback.
Thank you so much for what you have done & what you continue to do to honor those who make the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. And, moreover, for what you do to show their families how much we appreciate that sacrifice.
Dear PGR,
How blessed and thankful that you were there for my sister in Christ Michelle, mother of Amy Duerksen and the beautiful buffer you served as during the funeral. I am part of the Aberdeen Proving Ground Army community and in PWOC, a Christian women’s ministry there with Michelle.
I so wanted to be a part of being at Amy’s funeral to show my love and support for Michelle, CH Duerksen, and April but my husband is serving in Iraq and I have 4 children and could not go. But I was comforted ahead of time seeing your group would be there and serve as a covering and protection for the grieving family from the group who would be protesting.
Please know it is not a small thing you do. If it were my husband’s funeral, I would want you there too. I pray God supplies your needs to be able to keep doing this wonderful outreach and for your safety as you travel to do so.
Thank you for taking the time and doing what you do. God bless you and God Bless America.
Marian
Thank you for posting your account of this mission. From another PGR member.
Thank you all for what you are doing.. … My son (retired AF) rides with you out of SanAntonio….. I am a retired Msgt AF 29 years ago…. Please keep your good work….. Thanks again
Hello
My name is Amy. I work and volunteer with Soldiers’ Angels. I was PFC Amy Duerksen “Angel” I wrote to every week or sent a card and I just want to express my deepest and warmest sympathy to her faamily, friends and fellow soldiers. I also want to THANK her faamily, friends and fellow soldiers for the scarifices that they have made
G-d Bless you
Amy Hammonds
Soldiers’ Angels
I am Amy’s biological sister. Thank you so much for being there at the funeral. It upset me that there were protestors at the funeral, but I was glad to see that the supporters far out numbered the protestors. Your presence there was a great honor to Amy and to all of us who mourn her.
I just read the WBC account of the funeral.
Very light on substance, and very deep in needless insult and antagonism. I don’ tunderstand how people like that can continue to believe that they are doing the right thing.
Hi. I was saddend when I found out she died; I miss her a lot and I appreciate everything that the police, the patriot guard, and everyone else did to honor Amy. She ment the world to me, and I again thank everyone for the respect they gave the Duerksen family and to Amy.
I was one of Amy’s epals through the Soldiers Angels program. I really enjoyed the few emails that we got to exchange. I got her address in late February, so I was only blessed to know her for a little over a month. I just wanted to give my condolences to the family and let them know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. If anyone knows how to get in touch with them please email me at hannah.sergent@gmail.com
Hannah
Dearest Patriot Guard Riders,
I am Amy’s Aunt. I know my family and I can never fully express to you our gratitude for the comfort you provided during Amy’s service. It was something Amy herself, would have been extremely proud of, as she loved this country and the freedoms for which it stands. That day, as we honored Amy, you stood to ensure we were not disturbed or distracted, and it was truly a gift we will always remember.
Thank you for what you do, may God bless each of you,
Todd & Carolyn Duerksen
To the family of Amy, our sincere condolences on the loss of your daughter, sister, friend, and Hero.
As a PGR State Captain, I want to assure you all of one thing. We do not come unless we are invited. You all invited us to come, therefore, you are the ones to be thanked. We are ever so honored to be afforded the opportunity to pay respects at these tender times.
We leave, feeling a part of the family, truly a part of the family. We show in a very visible way how much we appreciate the LIFE of Amy. We celebrate that life with you.
Each of us feel it is the least anyone can do for the sacrifices you have all made in the name of our freedom.
I assure you, we don’t do this because of the protesters, we will continue our Missions of Respect, with or without them.
We do this out of respect for a young sister we never knew, until now. We all follow these forums, and through them, live, feel, and cry with you all.
How fortunate you all were to spend time with Amy in your lives. You must be very blessed in deed.
Just wanted you to know that your presence at Amy’s funeral was greatly appreciated. I was very impressed by your professional demeanor and mission dedication. Well done.
Your work is moving and important. Thank you for being there for so many families like the Duerksens.
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the PGR,
After a long journey and an even longer two weeks, my wife and I have finally arrived back at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. I checked my email knowing that there would be too many messages to respond to just yet. However, there was one message that had to be sent immediately and this is it. Thank you. Thank you for honoring our Soldier Girl – PFC Amy Duerksen with roaring bikes and saluting hands. Thank you for honoring our family with kind words and outstretched arms. Thank you for honoring God with bowed heads and prayers in His name. Thank you for honoring our country with pure hearts, good deeds, and American flags. Thank you for giving up your personal time and resources to ride miles upon miles and hours upon hours to honor, serve, and pay tribute to people that you have never met. Thank you to those whose names I know like David David, Eric Story, and Perry Jeffries. And thank you to the myriad of others who I would be proud to know by name. Thank you to each and every one of the PGR who came, or wanted to come, to Amy’s going-home celebration. Your presence was a comfort and shield for those of us who were in attendance. May our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, richly bless and protect you in all that you do. In grateful appreciation – Thank you.
In Him,
Doug and Michelle Duerksen
Sir, it was an honor.
Thank you, Chaplain Duerksen, for asking us to be there. We are all honored. God bless you & the Duerksen Family.
[...] The Washington Times article even used one of the comments left by the parents of PFC Amy Duerksen on my blog post about the PGR mission for their daughter’s funeral in Temple, TX last week: Thank you. Thank you for honoring our Soldier Girl – PFC Amy Duerksen with roaring bikes and saluting hands. Thank you for honoring our family with kind words and outstretched arms. Thank you for honoring God with bowed heads and prayers in His name. Thank you for honoring our country with pure hearts, good deeds, and American flags. Thank you for giving up your personal time and resources to ride miles upon miles and hours upon hours to honor, serve, and pay tribute to people that you have never met. [...]
God Bless You as you go around protecting these wonderful families from people who only wish to hurt others!! This is a great thing you are doing, and I know each and every family is comforted at the sight of you being there!! Keep up this terrific support!!
We are friends of the Duerken family and have enjoyed their fellowship at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. My husband and I were devestated to hear of Amy’s gun shot wound and then hear of her death. Michelle and Doug mean the world to us and it was extremly painful to watch them grieve.
I have never heard of PGR before Amy Duerksen’s funeral. You are a wonderful group of people and am so thankful of your presence at the funeral. At first my husband and I were leery of a motorcycle group being present. After reading all the comments, kind words and heart felt devotion to the military and their mission, I was overwhelmed. It is so nice to hear positive words about our men and women in uniform and even more thrilling to see the outpouring of support. May God bless you as you ride.
Chip and Sherry Fields
Hello, I worked with Amy on a daily basis. I want to thank the people who has honored her before,during, and after her funeral. I am so proud that there was a group of people willing to stand up and help the family honor her during her funeral. I want the family and friends to know that she was well loved by me and many people over here and here passing has caused a great loss to us. She has talked to me about many of the people that has put postings in here that knew her personnally. She knew who she was loved by. For her parents I wish I could have done more. I could say so much here but I would be echoing many things already said. Thank you
I just loss one of my soldiers last week, and I was cheking the list of names, I coulnd’t stop crying looking at so many pictures, I was there 15 months, and I am proud of this young soldier wich give her life in defense of our people, today she is an angel, and she is watching for me and you, today she just told me that we are save. I don’t even knew her, but I know that she spoke to me.
A tribute to all who Ride with Pride, respect and upholding the honor and dignaty of our fallen and the family.
http://www.soft-vision.com/guard/
God Bless All PGR.
Joe Oliver,(GED) Certified Gringo Editor (lol)
News & Views, Not Politically Correct, No Speil Chicker No Grammatics
(Got Gramm A Tic Colla) Not A Yes Man
Houston, TX USA and PROUD of It!
In Honor of The Patriot Guard Riders: http://www.soft-vision.com/guard/
+——————————————————————–+
| Col. Ted W. Guy, 4-18-29 to 4-23-99 – Never Forgotten |
| A New Memorial honoring Col. Guy in 2006 |
| http://www.soft-vision.com/we-remember |
| |
| Col. Teg Guy’s HANOI HILTON AND SURROUNDING VILLA’S |
| http://www.soft-vision.com/hanoi |
+——————————————————————–+
Working together, we find solutions.
As one, ALL give a forceful voice to people rarely heard.
In Memory of “Bouncer” – http://www.soft-vision.com/lrrp
Col. Gordon “Swede” Larson
http://www.soft-vision.com/hanoi/larson
http://www.soft-vision.com/hanoi/larson/game.html (ZAP Hanoi Jane)
Col. Lou Makowski http://www.soft-vision.com/hanoi/makowski
Wannabe Slayers: http://want2be.info
We must reserve the right not to tolerate the intolerant tollerant.
Joe Oliver, Houston, TX USA
PGR: In Memory of PFC Brian J. Kubik
Five days after I first became involved with Brian and his family, words still fail me to properly convey the emotions of I’ve felt over the last several days. Just know that Brian was laid to rest with every bit of respect, honor, love, sorrow, …
I just saw this sight and want to thank everyone for being so supportive and caring. I also wanted to thank the patriot guard riders for being there to support and honor my sister Amy. It was the most moving thing I had ever seen in my life. I want to thank everyone who was there for helping me and my family through this and for being there for my sister. She was a sweet tender hearted girl who was not only my sister but my best and closest friend. She died doing what she loved most, helping and defending the U.S.A. She was always the kind to reach out to those in need. She was always the one to help and defend the under-dogs while groing up. My sister was the perfect example of what people would think as the perfect kind of friend; kind, caring helpful, compassionate, generous, merciful, forgiving, loyal, and always there to help you when you are in need, even if you thought you didn’t need it. I will always love her and miss her but one thing I know without a doubt, I will see her again and we will play, talk and laugh together for eternity.
[...] Urbangrounds has an excellent first hand account of the Mission Completed by the Patriot Guard Riders for Pfc. Amy Duerksen. Military Families are deeply appreciative for the show of support. [...]