PGR_NTX Patriot Guard FW: Please Plan Ahead

[Mission Information For North Texas PGR]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

I met last night with the planning committee for Snowball Express IV, which
is coming to Dallas December 9-13, 2009.  I invite everyone to please to go
their website at www.snowballexpress.org and spend a little time there to
see what they do for the families of our fallen military personnel.  It is
quite simply unbelievable and it is a truly massive undertaking.  These
surviving spouses and children will be coming, quite literally, from all
around the world, expense free, to spend time in North Texas to be with
folks who, like themselves, have lost a family member in the military since
9/11.  These kids will be here to have a good time, reunite with the kids
they've met over the last few years, and see once again that they are not
alone in their world.

 

The planning that goes into this is monumental.  American Airlines will be
moving airplanes all over the country and to other places in the world to
bring them here.  There is an entire division of experts for food
procurement.  A retired Air Force Wing Commander (and above) is in charge of
ground transportation logistics.  There are static and mobile command posts.
Everyone who comes into contact with the children has to have a background
check done on them and there are literally hundreds if not thousands of
volunteers.  The family participation is limited this year to 2000 persons.
That's about 40 buses.  At least 9 hotels are being used.

 

The North Texas Patriot Guard Riders have been given the great honor of
being asked to participate with this event.  The President and CEO of
Snowball Express and the Director of Operations had a positive experience
with the PGR in California, where the Snowball Express has been for the last
3 years at Disneyland, Universal Studios, etc., and they have seen the North
Texas PGR in action first hand as well.  They liked what they saw, they like
what we do, how we do it, and what we're all about.

 

The PGR was there for many of these families when they placed their loved
one to rest.  I, and many of you, have told those family members that we
would be there for them any time - any place they need us.  These families
are still learning how to live their lives without their loved one and these
children are perhaps affected most of all.  Nobody will argue successfully
that they have earned the right to a few days of recreation and recognition
once a year.  The loved one that they lost paid for that ticket in full.
These families know the Snowball Express.  It is familiar and comfortable
for them.  Many of these families know the Patriot Guard Riders.  They know
the motorcycles, the flag lines, the Tall and Silent, and the shared tears.
They want us there.

 

Our role will be an escort one.to help get them from point A to point B and
to show them smiling faces of people who genuinely care about them and want
to see them have a good time in North Texas.

 

Exactly what they are going to be doing is being kept close to the vest
right now so the kids don't find out about it until just the right time.
The red carpet is really coming out, though, and it's going to be great.

 

I have told the Snowball Express that they can count on us.  PGR from far
and wide are welcome to plan on joining in because there will be a LOT of
riding to do.  There will be at least 1 occasion where we will be moving the
entire mass from one place to another all at one time.families, volunteers,
the whole shooting match going down the highway.  What a show!!!  Think
about moving a 20 car funeral procession.  Now think about 40 buses plus
volunteers plus whomever else plus PGR.

 

Anybody want to buy a tan hat.cheap?  Just kidding!  I can't wait.  It's
going to be an outstanding adventure and all for a great cause, the kids and
the families of the military personnel lost since 9/11.

 

Please mark your calendars with a big Semper Gumby for that week.  It could
be 80 degrees or 8 degrees or both.all in the same day.  I don't remember
the cause that used the phrase that goes; "No man stands so tall than when
he stoops to help a child." but I believe it applies here.  These are some
very special kids who have paid a big price in their young lives and we can
help.

 

I hope to see as many of you there as can make it.

 

Steve Lucas

Deputy State Captain

North Texas PGR

 
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