Today was a long and hot day here in Central Texas, where I joined my fellow Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) as we paid final respects to 23-year old Sgt. Matthew Thomas of Lockhart, Texas.
From the PGR announcement:
SGT Matthew Thomas, US Army active duty, 23 yrs old, was killed in an automobile accident on 12 June 2009 in North Carolina. SGT Thomas is from Lockhart, TX and was part of the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg. SGT Thomas previously served a tour of duty in Afghanistan and was preparing to embark on his second tour. His family has requested the Patriot Guard Riders attend the funeral service in Lockhart, TX and accompany them to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio for interment.
The funeral services for this young Soldier were held in his hometown of Lockhart, about 30 miles south of Austin, in the BBQ capitol of Texas:
You can see Blacks BBQ across the street from the funeral home
About 25 Austin-area PGR riders rode down to Lockhart to stand a Flag line for Sgt. Thomas. If you ever think patriotism is dead in this country, spend a few days or even just a few hours in Small Town, Texas.
After the local funeral, we escorted the hearse, the family, and the friends down to San Antonio, where SGT Thomas was interred at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Just a few more pics I snapped before we left Lockhart:
PGR bikes staged in the front of the funeral home in Lockhart.
The young lady standing in front of the blue chopper is Rita, and today was her first PGR mission. She’s not a Veteran, as most of us in the PGR are…she’s just a citizen who “wants to do my part to honor these Soldiers.”
Members of the PGR form a Flag line before the friends and family arrive for the funeral
Thankfully, there were some amazing Live Oak trees in front of the funeral home to shade us from the 103 degree heat of the day.
Bikers, flags, and Veterans.
Our PGR Ride Captain talking with two of the Soldiers from the Honor Guard
A biker waits in the background as we wait for the honor guard to load the casket into the hearse
PGR riders mounted and ready to roll
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of SGT Matthew Thomas.
Matthew, thank you for standing for our country and defending our freedoms and interests. Rest in peace Soldier. I salute you.
I also want to send my condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Matthew Thomas. Thank you for your service and sacrifice in the service of our country. As you rest in peace may the Lord watch over you.
Robbie, I want to thank you and the PGR riders for standing watch and escorting a fallen hero to his final resting place. God bless you all. Great pics. also.
Amen Robbie!
I enjoy your posts on the PGR and the soldiers/veterans they honor. I did not know anything about PGR before I started reading your blog, but I am grateful to all the people who donate their time and efforts to honor those who serve/served. You can rest assured that the familes very deeply appreciate it and that the deceased themselves would feel honored and appreciated if they knew so many strangers were willing to ride to their final resting place and form a flag line in their memory. Many thanks for helping to uphold the dignity of deceased men and women who have served our country.
May Sgt. Matthew Thomas rest in peace. My condolences to his family, his friends, and his brothers in the 82nd Airborne Division.
Hello all.
I was a close friend to Matt and a fellow soldier. I spent a lot of time down range with him. It made my life to see you all ride beside us once again. I don’t know how to express the meaning I am trying to pursue but I think anyone who reads this will have a better understanding if they put it into their own words. I never felt taller for a instance then when I had so many veterans standing behind me holding the same flag they saluted years back and the same flag I salute everyday. Matt would have been proud. Thank all you so much again from all the guys back in Fort Bragg 82nd DSTB and the United States ARMY. good bye and good day, Spc Jeremie L Philips
Thank you Robbie Cooper for your service to our country and your service to my son Sgt. Matthew Thomas. As SPC Jeremie Philips commented, Matt would have been proud that so many “brothers” stood with us at this most difficult time. Sincerely, Cathy Thomas