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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
When Lines explained to her that the Patriot Guard Riders “can make that happen,†she was taken aback.
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.
To the family of Sgt Ulloa: I am so sorry for your loss, but I am forever grateful for your sacrifice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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