On 09 Sep 11, Navy Petty Officer Brian Lundy died while on a dismounted patrol in Marjah, Helmand province (Afghanistan). Lundy, a Navy Corpsman, was assigned to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force.
This morning, around 10:00 am, his remains arrived home to his family in Austin, TX via a chartered jet from Dover Air Force Base.
I joined about 30 fellow Central Texas Patriot Guard Riders at the Atlantic Aviation terminal at ABIA airport to help welcome home this fallen hero, to stand in support of his mission, his sacrifice, and to show our respects to his family.
Our bikes lined up on the flight line, awating the arrival of PO Brian Lundy's casket.
We ride our bikes out onto the flight line and form a welcome line, with the waiting family at the front end. There are usually a flock of onlookers in the terminal windows wondering why a gang of bikers with massive US Flags flying from their rear fenders is being allowed out onto the tarmac. As we line up in formation with our flags, followed by a black limousine and hearse, our mission soon becomes apparent to all who are paying attention.
It’s obvious that someone very important is making their final journey home.
When the plane touches down, it passes under a water cannon salute from the local fire department, and then slowly rolls to a stop in front of the military Honor Guard, the waiting family, and the stoic PGR riders.
It seems like an eternity passes with the plane sitting on the tarmac, with nothing more than the sound of other planes taking off and landing at other gates, before the leader of the Honor Guard barks his orders and the six man formation moves in unison to the side of the plane. And an eternity longer before the cargo door slowly opens to reveal its precious Flag-draped cargo.
Unloading the casket of Petty Officer Brian Lundy in Ausitn, TX
I think these airport recovery missions are always the most emotionally gut wrenching for me, more so often times than the funeral. It’s usually the first time the grieving family actually sees their beloved fallen Soldier. And whatever gut-wrenching emotions they felt when they first heard the news seem to flow again anew upon seeing that casket for the first time.
Carrying the casket of Petty Officer Brian Lundy from the plane to the hearse
It was no different today. PO Lundy’s sister came over to our group before her brother’s plane arrived to thank us for being there to honor her brother. There was no media to mark this moment in time. No crowds to acknowledge the family’s immense loss and sacrifice. If not for the PGR, nobody would have born witness to a fallen Soldier coming home. Which is why I’m thankful for the PGR riders for being there to show these families that their sacrifice has not gone unnoticed.
She told us that her brother rode motorcycles, too, and that it would mean a lot to him having us here today.
Here’s the video I took of the chartered jet landing in Austin, and being greeted by the Navy Honor Guard, the PGR, and Lundy’s family:
We stood silently at attention as the family walked toward the waiting casket holding their son and brother. Instinctively reaching out to touch the casket for the first time…His sister was barely able to walk across the tarmac, having to be helped and supported by a family member, and then watching her breakdown into loud painful sobbing when trying to walk away…collapsing to the ground in tears, and being helped back to her feet and walked slowly back to the waiting family car.
And we stood a few feet away, at solemn attention, all of us grieving, praying, and searching for our own strength.
We then led the procession, escorted by at least 20 motorcycle cops, through downtown Austin to the funeral home about 20 miles northy. It’s always an amazing site to see the 4th busiest stretch of interstate in the United States completely shut down to traffic other than our procession. Very appropriate for the solemnity of the moment. I hope his family felt how important their son and brother was today, and that their loss did not go unnoticed.
Every local television and news agency in Austin has teams of reporters digging through Gov. Rick Perry’s garbage on behalf of Team Obama/Soros. But not one of them could bother to send out a single reporter or camera crew to cover the homecoming at the airport of one of our city’s fallen sons during a time of war. Shame on you, Statesman, Tribune, KEYE, KVUE, and KXAN. Shame on all of you.
The funeral for Petty Officer Brian Lundy will be held a week for today, in Round Rock, before his burial at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery near Ft. Hood.
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God Bless PO Lundy, his family and his friends.
A big thanks to Robbie and the PGR riders for taking time out of their lives to be there to honor the life of one our nations finest young men, a young man who paid the ultimate price in honor of our nation.
I can’t begin to express the sadness I feel when I read or hear of these accounts from when the family first are confronted with the physical proof that their beloved son and brother is gone.
Kind of at a loss for words here….cannot imagine what that realization of him being gone is like…..but thank you, Robbie and the PGR riders for what you do.
At least there are enough drivers there in the middle of Austin to show respect by stopping.
Thank you to all the riders that came out.. My brother loved motorcycles and I know he is smiling down at the entire ceremony.. It was hard for me but all of you showed such love and support.. thank you from me and my mom and my second family that was there with me.. We love you
PGR, Thanks for what you do to honor our fallen military service personnel. What a touching tribute for Brian’s family. God Bless your organization.
It was an honor to meet you and your family yesterday. It was exceptionally emotional for all of us, but know that when you were struggling with your emotions when Brian’s casket was unloaded yesterday, that you were being lifted up in prayer by each and every one of us.
A lot of us riders have what we call a “Guardian bell” hanging from beneath our motorcycles, that is supposed to help keep us safe while riding. After learning that Brian loved to ride, too, I feel like I now also have a Guardian Angel up above to look down on us while we ride, to keep us safe.
Robbie – From here in Iowa I have been following Brian’s final journey since the Dignified Transfer took place early Monday morning @ Dover AFB. My thoughts and prayers are with Brian’s family. May the support of their friends, the PGR, and the community give them comfort at this very trying time.
You may wonder why someone from Iowa is following Brian so closely. I do not know Brian, or his family. However, I do know Brian’s military escort, HM3 Dan Cady; my son. I can tell you he is very honored to be there. As a fellow Corpsman, he can fully appreciate Brian’s sacrifice. Dan spent 7 months last year in the same Afghan province where Brian paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Keep up the great work you do. If you get an opportunity, please tell Dan we’re all very proud of him.
To Brian’s family – don’t hesitate to talk with Dan. He’s there for you and Brian.
I remember seeing your son when he got off the airplane in Austin. Fine young man you’ve raised. I’ll be sure to find him on Wednesday to say hello.
Joslyn I am sorry for your lost. I met your brother out in 29 palms when we were out there for some training for our deployment to afghanistan. i am currently here in afghanistan and I just found out about your brother yesterday and it had me lost for words and feelings. it is hard to believe it. i have some photos of him while we were out training if you would like them you can email me at earias87usmc@gmail. God bless you ma’am
ellie
Robbie I can not thank you and the PGR Riders enough for what you did today. The presence of the PGR Riders was heartfelt and sincere and frankly awesome. Brian loved motorcycles so the idea of having you all lead the procession was nothing short of amazing and I appreciated the kind words spoken to us (the family) as some of you passed. We are comforted by the fact that Brian lost his life doing what he loved but our hearts are still heavy. We will never forget what the PGR Riders did for us today.
Hope to see you all next Wed. as we lay Brian to rest.
Long live the Patriot Guard Riders!
Robbie, I forgot to also thank you for posting the pictures and video so quickly. This will be a great keepsake for us.
When I took the video and posted it, it wasn’t for me or anybody else. It was for you and your family. I hoped that you might find it, and that you would find it comforting to have to remember this day.
Karen,
It was our honor to be there with you and your family yesterday. My deepest sympathy to you and your family, but I am greatly humbled by your Biran’s ultimate sacrifice.
I found out about Brian after he was gone, from a crew mate that he had on the USS Ronald Reagan that lives in NY now..I am a Harley lover myself and the guardian bell that you talked about really hit home with me tonight..MY stepson who is 14 wrote a paper about Brian for school and it touched my heart. He has touched so many lives and here we are in NY who have never met him and he will forever be in my heart! LOVE to his family and friends who were blessed with actually knowing him..forever touched my heart Angela
If you want to see his paper please email me and I will send a copy
[email protected]
This post is very well done Robbie. I am glad PO Brian Lundy’s family have seen this post. Thank You to you and all the other PGR riders across the country.
I appereciate all who participated in the homecoming of one of my best friends from college. Unfortunately i had just left austin and moved back to Houston, but I do plan on making the funeral on wednesday. To pay my final respects before he makes his way to the ft hood. At least by watching the video provided by Robbie i felt like i was there to pay my respect as he touched home. R.I.P. Brian Lundy a.k.a Peanut.you will be surely missed,, and the world seems to haved dimmed since your passing.
Thank you for what you do, Robbie. This post had me in tears. I recently joined the Blue Star Mothers and have been receiving notices of funerals to attend. In addition to my schedule not often permitting this, I’m afraid my inevitable loss of composure would make my presence a distraction, rather than an honor as intended.
In our small town of Cameron we have had the unfortunate circumstances of having the Patriot Guard bring home our beloved young men. This group of riders is a blessing to all involved and helps make the occasion a special rememberance for all involved.
Robbie, as tough as yesterday was, the presence of the PGR help to make it bearable. Brian loved riding his motorcycle, and having all of you there was truly fitting. I was riding in the limo with Brian’s sister Joslyn, and my wife Karen, and was amazed at the sight of you guys leading the procession. Even more amazing was the fact Brian had IH-35 N shut down. My hat’s off to the PGR, AFD, APD, and the other law enforcement agencies represented. You all made me proud to be a military retiree.
Robbie, thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute to Brian. I hope you know how much this write up, pictures, and video mean to everyone that knew Brian. The PGR are a true blessing to all the families they touch. It takes very special people to do what you all do. God is working through you all.
Had the best privilege to serve with HM3 Lundy on the USS Ronald Reagan. This is a true devastating loss to all that knew him and worked with him, as well as the US Navy. He will be truly missed <3
Thank you to the PGR for your support for all our fallen military warriors who have answered and paid the
Ultimate sacrafice for our Nation. Your fellow brothers and sisters who wore the unifrom and stationed with you at Naval Hosp 29 Palms will forever miss you Brian. RIP warrior…rest in peace.
Your smile lives in my heart. Brian increadibly sweet and honest. Rest in Gods arms. Petty Officer Lundy god bless the ones who remain. NHTP has lost one of our finest. Save a place for me.
Dear Lundy family,
I was so saddened to see that another hero was brought home. I want to let you kbow that people appreciate the greatest sacrifice that Brian could give. My sons best friend was kia on June 11,2011. The Marines were wonderful with the family during this heart wrenchibg time. I know the Navy will be there for you.Please kbow that many people are embracing you in their hearts. Hugs and prayers are coming your way. God Bless…The Craig family in Murrieta California