While those 7 words explain my sentiments to a T, a more in depth explanation of the PGR is that it honors and shows due respect those who serve this country to protect the freedoms we as Americans enjoy every day of our lives. I spent 12 years in that position, and now my sons are doing the same. It takes a special kind of person to volunteer to make your job such a big part of your life, the military is not a 9-5 job. These are people whom go where they are told to go, when they are told to go, how they are told to go and for how long they are told to stay. Civilians, even first responders can quit, move to a new location and get a new job, the military can not do that, sometimes they have to endure a location or duty they aren't necessarily their cup of tea. Standing with the PGR allows me to show them and the rest of America that I care what sacrifices and journeys these people have made for me as an American. They can stand a post for 12 hours in the extreme heat/cold on daily basis for 6 months, 6 days a week; I can stand for 2 hours to honor them!
Thursday Sgt Koehler was returned to Ga via Chattanooga TN aboard a chartered plane. The PGR standing by to escort him to GA, 20 or so strong, flags flying and pride flying as well. It wasn't pride in themselves but pride in Sgt Koehler. Police were present to provide escort along side the PGR. We ventured out onto the highways, traveling mainly I-75 for about 5 miles to the funeral home. I am amazed at the response by some bystanders, unsure if they knew who or what was going on we saw people on the opposite side of the Interstate stopping their vehicles. All of the emotions well up in me during this escort ride: sorrow;pride;honor;sympathy;courage;scared;dedication. I know some of those aren't traditionally considered an emotion but there are limited words on how to describe the feelings. While traversing the streets off the Interstate all vehicles stopped and waited for the procession to pass by, I noticed 3 gentlemen who exited their cars and respectfully stood silently as we passed. This day and age that isn't what you normally see much of any more, good for them.
Saturday, the day of the funeral, we were bound to a cage as the bike has engine troubles. We loaded up in the truck and headed out the meet with other PGRs on their way north. We had roughly 70 miles to travel, the last stop being a gas station about 2 miles from the funeral home. This way the bikes can ensure a full tank of gas prior to any activity during the actual mission for the day. The last biker is completing his fill up, the cages and lead bikes are getting ready to form up for the last 2 miles, the skies grow dark quick and a thunderstorm emerges. Ok, everyone under the awning and let's wait it out, luckily this group was scheduled to be 30-45 mins early so we had time to wait out the storm. We arrived at the funeral home with some other PGR members there already. Standing the flag line (which is PGR members holding 3'x5' flags in a line) were approximately 50 total, extending out from the doors, down both sides of the driveway. Family members and friends milled about outside the funeral home waiting for the services to start. Once the service started, a little more than 2/3 of the PGR members put their flags away and headed for the cemetery. At the cemetery another flag line was setup on both sides of the main entrance road, where the funeral procession would enter. A horse honor guard waited at the road entrance to the cemetery, the Army honor guard standing by to present military honors for this fallen hero. All those emotions are back again as the procession is led in through the flag line, which is moved so the family and friends can walk in between the flag line to the gravesite.
A 21 gun salute and taps being played, the grave side service concluded, the PGR silently broke down the flag line and flags, heading to their respective vehicles. Mission Completed.
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