PGR_NTX Patriot Guard Christmas Message

[Mission Information For North Texas PGR]

(OK - It's not a mission related posting.  I know the password so I get to
post.)

 

Fellow Riders,

 

The holidays are in full swing, families are repositioning themselves all
over the country and the world to enjoy time together, shoppers are
panicking (me included) and children everywhere are entering various states
of frenzy.

 

In North Texas, anyone who rides a motorcycle has every piece of riding gear
they own laid out on the floor, a spare bed, somewhere in the garage, or
slung over bushes in the back yard because one day it's 82 degrees and sunny
and the next day it's 18 degrees and the weather is calling for more
freezing fog.  What in the world is freezing fog, anyway?  Does it hurt when
you run into it?  And while I'm at it, has anybody ever met Christmas Carol?

 

Toys are wrapped up under trees or are being packed in Santa's sleigh, or
are in the saddle bags of you and 80,000 of your closest friends as you
chase Santa to Arlington in the Big Texas Toy Run.  Also known as "Shivering
can be fun."

 

Please let me take this opportunity to thank all of you for what you do
every day of the year.  Whether you are on a mission that day or not, you
are a Patriot Guard Rider.  There is no group in the country that does the
same job the Patriot Guard Riders do.  Nobody.  We are unique.  Just by
being a Patriot Guard Rider you are offering your hand, your heart and your
soul to support family members of a deceased service member, veteran, police
officer, firefighter or emergency medical first responder on the worst day
of their lives.  You do this as you honor their loved one.  If you are
present at a particular mission, you are able to do that in person.  And you
do it over, and over and over again.  Nothing stops you.  I have seen you in
freezing cold with sleet and snow coming down on you.  I have seen you in
blistering heat.  Rain or shine you are there.  I have seen you in wind so
strong that it was almost impossible to hold flags.  I have seen you stand
tall at ceremonies that seemed to last forever.  I have seen you not only
help your fellow rider when overwhelmed by the elements but I have seen you
rush to the aid of a family member or guest and share with them your water
and help them get aid and relief.  I have seen this and much more.  I have
seen you limp, walk with a cane, a walker, in a wheelchair, and I have even
seen you fall to the ground.  And I have heard many of you speak a universal
sentiment, that no matter how bad a day you might be having, the family you
are there to serve and honor is having a worse one.and they're here aren't
they?

 

Wow!

 

Thank you all for allowing me privilege of serving alongside you.

 

So keep plenty of egg nog and cider handy, one hand on the air conditioner
and the other on the firewood, put snow tires on the scooter, lots of
sunscreen and hand warmers in the saddlebags and hope for the best.

 

>From Jo (that's my wife!) and I please accept our most sincere wishes for a
joyous, safe and happy Christmas and holiday season.

 

Steve Lucas

 
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