Search

Archive for the 'Patriot Guard Riders' Category

PGR: Riding in Memory of Cpl. Michael Craig Ledsome

Posted by Robbie Cooper on December 4th, 2006 | Trackback

Tomorrow morning, despite below freezing morning temperatures, I’ll put on my leathers and cold weather gear and join my fellow Patriot Guard Riders to ride in honor of this fallen hero, and to pay our respects to his family, friends, and community.

Cpl. Michael Ledsome: Austin Marine Killed in Action

Posted by Robbie Cooper on November 28th, 2006 | Trackback

Cpl. Ledsome joined the Marine Corps a couple of years ago with his younger brother, Brad. My brother Marty and I joined the Army together back in 1990 — on a rainy Saturday we went to visit a Recruiter instead of going surfing like we had planned. I understand the bond that these two brothers must have shared, and the conflicting feelings of pride and pain that Brad must be feeling.

PGR: Mission Complete: Lance Corp. Luke B. Holler

Posted by Robbie Cooper on November 12th, 2006 | Trackback

The outpouring of love and respect from this young Marine’s local community was overwhelming — the large church parking lot was filled to overflowing…which included a chartered bus of Marines who came to say goodbye to their brother.

How Will You Spend Your Veteran’s Day?

Posted by Robbie Cooper on November 10th, 2006 | Trackback

Whatever your plans tomorrow, take a few minutes to think of and thank the Veterans of this country — and know that whatever activity you are enjoying tomorrow is in part because of the sacrifices of these brave men and women.

Vietnam Veteran Killed for Disability Check

Posted by Robbie Cooper on September 6th, 2006 | Trackback

Police say the 57-year-old Baytown resident succumbed over the weekend to a brutal robbery, one that left him beaten and clawing his way out of a Liberty County creek before dying at a local hospital.

PGR: In Memory of PFC Brian J. Kubik

Posted by Robbie Cooper on August 16th, 2006 | Trackback

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, dignity, and patriotism that he deserved

PGR: Granting a Soldier His Final Wish

Posted by Robbie Cooper on August 14th, 2006 | Trackback

When Lines explained to her that the Patriot Guard Riders “can make that happen,” she was taken aback.

PGR: Escorting PFC Brian J. Kubik

Posted by Robbie Cooper on August 14th, 2006 | Trackback

The following 77-mile ride to Harker Heights was simply amazing. I’ve been on escort missions that were anywhere from 2 to 20 miles, where Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) have shut down interesections and sections of the freeway. But on Friday night’s ride the LEOs shut down I-35 northbound lanes between Austin and Harker Heights. All the way to Harker Heights. 77-miles of freeway shutdown.

PGR: SGT George M. Ulloa Jr.

Posted by Robbie Cooper on August 13th, 2006 | Trackback

To the family of Sgt Ulloa: I am so sorry for your loss, but I am forever grateful for your sacrifice.

Remembering PFC Tina M. Priest

Posted by Robbie Cooper on August 7th, 2006 | Trackback

One of the things I realized that afternoon is that my emotions are so much closer to the surface since I joined the PGR and started riding on these missions. When I saw the #1 Sister necklace — a gift from her Tina’s twin sister — hanging at the grave, I was brought to tears.

PGR: In Memory of SFC Kenneth Pugh

Posted by Robbie Cooper on July 31st, 2006 | Trackback

For me personally, this funeral was especially important as it was the first time that my brother, a Sergeant First Class (SFC) in the US Army, was able to attend a Patriot Guard Riders mission with me.

PGR: In Memory of SSgt Forrest D. Baker

Posted by Robbie Cooper on July 15th, 2006 | Trackback

As with all military funerals, it is especially difficult to see the young widow and the children and their deep, deep grief. The Gold Star Mothers were on hand to present SSgt Baker’s mother with a Gold Star flag — one of the mothers presenting the flag to Mrs. Baker couldn’t stop her own tears from falling as she read the symbolism and history of the Gold Star flag.

Riding in Memory of PFC Kristian Menchaca

Posted by Robbie Cooper on June 27th, 2006 | Trackback

I feel an urgent sense of responsibilty to bear witness to the passing of this young hero. I shall not let his death pass unnoticed. I cannot let his death pass unnoticed.

Thanks

Posted by Robbie Cooper on June 26th, 2006 | Trackback

Their kindness has extended well beyond the normal expectations of the Employer/Employee relationship. And for that I am extremely thankful.