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Patriot Guard member writes
discusdad
Member Posts: 11,427 ✭✭✭✭
his thoughts about his recent duty for PFC Lubelt's funeral procession. very touching
Got up this morning and got on the bike before the sun came up. 26 degrees out. Met some brothers for a quick bite and a cup of coffee and got back on the bikes after wiping the frost off my seat that had accumulated in the 20 minutes we were in McD's, picked up another brother up the road and headed to Scott AFB to help escort a young soldier home to a nearby town after he gave his life in service to this great country of ours in Afghanistan.
We met and staged with about 60 other riders by the entrance of the base in the early morning sun and prepared for the cold, somber ride back south. The Air National Guard came out with a big pot of hot coffee which really lifted the spirits of a parking lot full of very cold bikers. Then the PGR ride captain announced that the plane carrying the remains of 20 year old PFC Tyler Iubelt was landing and we should get our gear on and get ready to head out. Moments later first responders rolled out of the base then the hearse which stopped to let us out to lead him home and we hit the highway.
The first leg was I64 east and probably 60% of westbound traffic stopped for the procession. Most sat in their vehicles (it was still very cold), some got out and placed a hand over their heart and several stood and saluted. There was even a gentleman on the right shoulder in a tractor mowing the brush who scrambled to get out so he could stand by the highway. Every over pass we passed under was occupied by patriots wanting to honor this sacrifice. At the Okawville exit we saw school busses near the overpass and it was filled with students of all ages waving flags alongside local police and firefighters.
The second leg was down 127 through Nashville, Tamaroa (his hometown), and finally DuQuoin. The streets were filled with people waving flags, hands over hearts, saluting or some tear jerking combination. A long coal train even came to a stop as we rolled by. As the ride went on it got harder and harder to see clearly.
We stopped and parked across the street from the funeral home and hustled over to grab a flag out of the truck to stand near the hearse and the family as they moved the flag draped casket into the home. Then as quickly as we rode into town, we dispersed. Mission accomplished. Tyler was home. Off to lunch to reflect on the day.
If you've read this far, thank you. My story from today was was way too moving and raw to keep to myself. This country is filled with great people who love their country and their fellow man, let no one tell you otherwise. Stand by each other, stand up for each other, love each other.
Thank you Tyler. Thank you veterans. Thank you active duty. Thank you MIA and POW. Thank you to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the family who is left to pick up the pieces of lives torn apart by men and women paying to keep us safe. We owe you all a debt we can never repay.
And thank you, Southern Illinois, for coming out and showing what we're really made of today. This experience broke my heart and warmed it all at the same time. Dan Rocky Tiftt from his facebook page
Got up this morning and got on the bike before the sun came up. 26 degrees out. Met some brothers for a quick bite and a cup of coffee and got back on the bikes after wiping the frost off my seat that had accumulated in the 20 minutes we were in McD's, picked up another brother up the road and headed to Scott AFB to help escort a young soldier home to a nearby town after he gave his life in service to this great country of ours in Afghanistan.
We met and staged with about 60 other riders by the entrance of the base in the early morning sun and prepared for the cold, somber ride back south. The Air National Guard came out with a big pot of hot coffee which really lifted the spirits of a parking lot full of very cold bikers. Then the PGR ride captain announced that the plane carrying the remains of 20 year old PFC Tyler Iubelt was landing and we should get our gear on and get ready to head out. Moments later first responders rolled out of the base then the hearse which stopped to let us out to lead him home and we hit the highway.
The first leg was I64 east and probably 60% of westbound traffic stopped for the procession. Most sat in their vehicles (it was still very cold), some got out and placed a hand over their heart and several stood and saluted. There was even a gentleman on the right shoulder in a tractor mowing the brush who scrambled to get out so he could stand by the highway. Every over pass we passed under was occupied by patriots wanting to honor this sacrifice. At the Okawville exit we saw school busses near the overpass and it was filled with students of all ages waving flags alongside local police and firefighters.
The second leg was down 127 through Nashville, Tamaroa (his hometown), and finally DuQuoin. The streets were filled with people waving flags, hands over hearts, saluting or some tear jerking combination. A long coal train even came to a stop as we rolled by. As the ride went on it got harder and harder to see clearly.
We stopped and parked across the street from the funeral home and hustled over to grab a flag out of the truck to stand near the hearse and the family as they moved the flag draped casket into the home. Then as quickly as we rode into town, we dispersed. Mission accomplished. Tyler was home. Off to lunch to reflect on the day.
If you've read this far, thank you. My story from today was was way too moving and raw to keep to myself. This country is filled with great people who love their country and their fellow man, let no one tell you otherwise. Stand by each other, stand up for each other, love each other.
Thank you Tyler. Thank you veterans. Thank you active duty. Thank you MIA and POW. Thank you to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the family who is left to pick up the pieces of lives torn apart by men and women paying to keep us safe. We owe you all a debt we can never repay.
And thank you, Southern Illinois, for coming out and showing what we're really made of today. This experience broke my heart and warmed it all at the same time. Dan Rocky Tiftt from his facebook page
Comments
Brad Steele
http://thesouthern.com/news/local/updated-southern-illinoisans-pay-respects-as-body-of-tamaroa-soldier/article_3d589de3-3710-5a11-bf89-5688c0cbd3c9.html
The PGR are unsung heroes. I attended a service recently for a homeless vet who died with no family. The PGR were there in force, and treated this man as though he was an old friend. They have my greatest admiration.
You should know, you were given a very moving and respectful homecoming. Kudos to all who helped make it happen.