I am a member and thought you may want to join the ranks? http://www.patriotguard.org/ YouTube- They ride in respect YouTube- Patriot Guard Riders on NBC Nightly News
We had a mission Hermiston, OR to Stand in the Flag line and Honor Dean Reese,Saturday the 4th of April. It was cold/ freezing and 5 brave rider's went from across the state to be there.
RIDE REPORT *** RIDE REPORT *** RIDE REPORT *** RIDE REPORT *** Thirty-Two PGR Bikes and three cages turned out for Ray’s service under gray skies. We had a short ride from staging to the funeral home where we surrounded the building on three sides with our flag line. Shortly afterwards Ray’s daughter rode up on Ray’s Gold Wing trike escorted by her three siblings. We snapped to attention and presented arms as she passed by. Ray was a member of several bike clubs and had plenty of support for his send-off. Bikers and bikes from the Rose City Club, United Motorcycle Club Int, and Gold Wing Road Rider Assoc showed up. Sarge had things firmly in hand taking care of things all along the line. One new member joined us and we had 4 long riders from the Dalles. A military honor guard conducted a rifle salute and taps. Many thanks to all who attended. Also extra thanks to our road guards and crossing guards.
Six of them left Latus Motors to head for Salem to escort Ronald Huntly's cremains to Willamette National Cemetery. On the way we stopped at Wilsonville rest area and picked up one more so there were seven going down. We arrived at Harbor Freight at about 12:20 and only one bike was there. Some of our riders went to McDonald's to grab a bite. While they were gone riders from Salem started drifting in. We learned that the funeral home had made a mistake and sent Gunny's ashes to WNC rather than giving them to the people that were supposed to carry them. At this point this became a memorial ride to WNC. When we left Salem at 1:30, we had 49 bikes and several cages. Traveling north on I-5 with that many bikes, it was a real trick to make necessary lane changes to merge onto I-205 and then from 205 to the Foster Rd. exit. Somehow we pulled it off and got where we needed to go. Dirt, Fred and Bubba did a superb job road guarding getting us onto Foster and making it a smooth ride to WNC. When we arrived at WNC, Chris Keller had placed road guards at the entrance to the cemetery to expedite the flow of bikes and cages into it. We arrive at 2:25, in plenty of time to get PGR members in place for the flag line. Chris took over as RC at this point and will do the rest of the report. I would just like to say that although Ronald Huntley had no known relatives (although there may be a brother somewhere) he certainly had family in the motorcycle and veterans community of Salem. He was beloved by many people as witnessed by the turn out to honor him. From Chris: We set up a flag line with 24 member, just the right number for the area. The American Legion Chaplain was unable to attend, so Matt graciously agreed to step in and fill the need. Mr. Wiley, one of the regulars at the Homeless - No Family Services was given the honor of presenting the flag. Thank you Mr. Wiley. Mr. Huntley's flag was donated back to Willamette National to join the others that are posted with honor on special occasions. It was an incredible turnout and a wonderful tribute to Gunny, who has given so much of himself to honor the fallen over the years. Taking words from Kynda - Gunny's ashes will now finally rest among the fellow soldiers he proudly honored and respected. Thank you Gunny for your endless dedication to serve your fellow patriots. You were laid to rest surrounded by people who loved you. You will not be forgotten. It was an honor to stand for you. Respectfully submitted ~~ Chris ~~
On April 2, 2009, Craig Creed , a Desert Storm Air Force Veteran and Arizona Patriot Guard Rider, passed away on his motorcycle as he was returning home from an Honor Mission for a soldier killed in Afghanistan. Craig Creed, Desert Storm Veteran, Patriot Guard Rider, Mesa Arizona It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that we have lost one of our own today, April 2, while he was on his way home from a Mission. Today we lost our brother, Craig Creed. Craig was a Desert Storm Veteran and a Blue Star father who’s son is in the Arizona Army National Guard 158. Craig first learned of us when we did a send off Mission for his son. He was so moved by what he saw that he bought a motorcycle and he and his wife Cindy rode with us for practically every Mission while his son was deployed. We welcomed his son home when he returned from deployment. He was so happy that his son return home safely and we shared in that joy with him. We hadn’t seen Craig for a while and he recently had started coming back to Missions. Craig had a wonderful smile and a great heart. We will miss him dearly and that big black cowboy hat that he wore everywhere. Patriot Guard Riders! Stand Tall and Stand Proud! We will be riding for one of our own! The family has requested that in lieu of sending flowers to the family, please donate to the Patriot Guard Riders. Checks may be made payable to "Patriot Guard Riders, Inc." and mailed to: Patriot Guard Riders, P O Box 822513, Vancouver, WA, 98682.
Patriot Guard Rider Dies in Motorcycle Accident Accident Happened After Attending the Funeral of a Soldier Killed in Afghanistan Contact: Major Paul R. Aguirre Public Affairs Officer (602) 267-2550 / cell (602) 206-7659 For Immediate Release (PHOENIX ¾ Apr. 3, 2009) A Patriot Guard Rider died Thursday in Scottsdale, Ariz. Craig Creed, 50, of Mesa, AZ., died April 2, 2009 in Scottsdale, as result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. The cause of the accident is under investigation. He is survived by his wife of 23 years Cindy, his daughter Stephanie, son Justin and daughter in law Jessica. Creed was a pilot for UPS and a member of the military support group Patriot Guard Riders. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig’s family and loved ones during this time of sorrow, “said Louann Thomas, National Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders. “Arizona cries tonight, our hearts are broken.” “The Arizona National Guard has lost a friend,” said Major General Hugo E. Salazar, The Adjutant General. “The Patriot Guard Riders are amongst the greatest supporters of our Soldiers and Airmen; he will be missed.” The Patriot Guard Riders are a volunteer group whose main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each ‘mission’ has two basic objectives: to show sincere respect for fallen heroes, their families, and their communities; and to shield the mourning family and their friends from the interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors strictly through legal and non-violent means. Funeral arrangements are pending. The family has requested that in lieu of sending flowers to the family; please donate to the Patriot Guard Riders or Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley. Checks may be made payable to "Patriot Guard Riders, Inc." and mailed to: Patriot Guard Riders, P O Box 822513, Vancouver, WA, 98682 or BGCEV, 1405 E. Guadalupe, Suite 4, Tempe, AZ 85283 Note to news media representatives: At this time, the family has requested that they not be contacted at their home for comments or interviews. Craig Creed’s family would also like to add the following: Craig loved his family and country. He joined the Patriot Guard after seeing them attend the deployment ceremony for his son’s Justin (Rusty) unit, the 158<sup>th</sup> Infantry of the Arizona National Guard. He shared their sense of patriotism and became a frequent rider attending funerals, departure and homecoming ceremonies. He would want the country to support the troops and stand behind each servicemember. He would also want to dispel negative myths about people who rode motorcycles as he knew the community to be a patriotic, selfless and caring group. Craig was born on July 24, 1958. He graduated from Arizona State University and was a Desert Storm veteran having served in the United States Air Force from 1986-1992. He was a pilot for Mesa Airlines prior to joining UPS where he has flown for the last 16 years. ________________________________________________________________________ Updated 03 Apr 09 1440 edt S Sturgis Craig Creed, Desert Storm Veteran, Patriot Guard Rider, Mesa Arizona It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that we have lost one of our own today, April 2, while he was on his way home from a Mission. Today we lost our brother, Craig Creed. Craig was a Desert Storm Veteran and a Blue Star father who’s son is in the Arizona Army National Guard 158. Craig first learned of us when we did a send off Mission for his son. He was so moved by what he saw that he bought a motorcycle and he and his wife Cindy rode with us for practically every Mission while his son was deployed. We welcomed his son home when he returned from deployment. He was so happy that his son return home safely and we shared in that joy with him. We hadn’t seen Craig for a while and he recently had started coming back to Missions. Craig had a wonderful smile and a great heart. We will miss him dearly and that big black cowboy hat that he wore everywhere. Patriot Guard Riders! Stand Tall and Stand Proud! We will be riding for one of our own! The family has requested that in lieu of sending flowers to the family, please donate to the Patriot Guard Riders. Checks may be made payable to "Patriot Guard Riders, Inc." and mailed to: Patriot Guard Riders, P O Box 822513, Vancouver, WA, 98682.
We salute you , My Friend Final Inspection The soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining. Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now,soldier. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?" The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who carry guns, Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough. And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough. But, I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep.... Though I worked a lot of overtime. When the bills just got too steep. And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place, Among the people here. They never wanted me around, Except to calm their fears. If you've a place for me here, Lord. It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don’t, I’ll understand. There was a silence all around the throne, Where the saints had often trod. As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God. "Step forward now,soldier you’ve borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets; you’ve done your time in Hell."
Thank you Craig Creed for your sacrifice to this great Nation of ours. God Bless you My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to this Veteran and his family.
