Veterans unite to insure a fallen comrade is rendered the proper respect of
a grateful nation.  Just so happen this group of Veterans also rides
motorcycles like many of us.



Gentlermen,

Here is the AAR (After Action Report) from Brigadier General Varney
concerning the Hillsboro Baptist Church (an extremist group) attempt to
infiltrate and disrupt a soldier funeral in MO.


From: Warner, Volney BG CGSC CMD GRP

Sent: Monday, August 08, 2005 6:02 PM
Subject: RE: GO Representative for SPC Myers' funeral (UNCLASSIFIED)

 Many thanks to all of you who made this event special.  It is always
difficult but is the most important thing we can do for a deserving family.




Below is my account.
VJW

  The support from all corners was extraordinary.   Casualty and survivor
assistance to the family was well done and much appreciated.  The ceremony
was a celebration of a young man.  His scout leader and youth minister
talked of his faith and his desire to one day be a soldier.    His High
School Junior ROTC leaders spoke of his commitment, leadership and
abilities.  His comrades in arms spoke of his leadership.  The Army family
was evident.  His grieving widow was flanked by an NCO sent to represent the
platoon, the parents of the company commander and the parents and siblings
of his buddy in theater.  They sent a Video of the Unit Memorial Ceremony in
Iraq.   That young soldier called to the ceremony to ask his Dad to make
sure the tribute was appropriate.  It was.   Four soldiers from his previous
unit in the 82nd were there to aid the family and to grieve with them.  In
short, leaders around the Army recognized the importance of a proper tribute
to a fallen soldier.  His widow expressed unfathomable heartbreak at loss
she and two young children would bear.   But she reported that her husband
died with people he loved, doing what he loved.  Soldiering was what he
always wanted.

  There were two unusual groups present.   First was a protest group who had
publicly announced their intent to be at the ceremony.  Second was an
uninvited motorcycle group.   When I arrived an hour before the ceremony I
noticed 25 Harley Davidson motorcycles lined up in the corner of the parking
lot and 30 appropriately attired riders in engaged idle conversation with
the local police.  About that time a group of protesters arrived and began
to deploy along the street.  Amazingly, the motorcyclists moved as one to
become their black leather shadows.  I went inside to the ceremony. The
ceremony was a fitting tribute to a great soldier but I confess to worrying
what we might find outside.

  When we emerged there were no protesters.  As the funeral procession
departed, we passed between two lines of leather clad cyclist at rigid
attention and present arms, or with hands over their hearts.  There were
more than a few tearing eyes. They quietly mounted their motorcycles and
followed the procession to Leavenworth Veteran Cemetery, where they stood
solemn watch over rendering of full military honors.  Afterward, I thanked
one of their leaders. There was no violence, but the presence of these men
spoke volumes about respect and honor. Their presence was both powerful and
to some, I'm sure, intimidating. The leader's comment to me: "its an honor
sir. Call us any time. Sometimes we can do things that the police can't."

  Indeed.

  They were the combat veteran's cycle club of St Joe Missouri.

God Bless.

Jim Warner







Dave "Hedge" Gilbert
XL883C 2003 Taxes Paid (Stage 1)
http://sportsterchronicles.blogspot.com/