PGR_NTX Patriot Guard Info. on the 2-149th

[Mission Information For North Texas PGR]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Many of you recall when the North Texas PGR escorted the 2-149th Aviation
Regiment from their armory in Grand Prairie northbound on the first leg of
their deployment toward Fort Sill to Iraq last year.  Many of you also
remember the very sad duty we had as we received back home 3 members of that
unit after the tragic helicopter crash in Iraq that claimed the lives of the
7 crew members of "Red River 44" during a mission there.  Those honor
missions will remain fresh in many of our minds for a very long time.  Those
present at the airports as the transport plane arrived will, I'm sure, not
soon forget the sight of the plane landing and the Texas flag emerging from
the top of the plane as it came down the runway bringing its precious cargo
home to the waiting family and friends.  I know that we all look forward to
the time, hopefully in the not too distant future, when we can once again
mount up and meet those busses and escort them back to the armory for the
reuniting of those troops and their families.  The North Texas PGR has come
to have a sort of special connection with that unit and its Rear Detachment
Commander, Captain Randy Stillinger.  Captain Stillinger has sent an e-mail
and given me permission to post it to all of our riders regarding a memorial
park they are planning for the crew members of Red River 44.  This is for
your information only and any action you take is strictly voluntary.  The
North Texas PGR has already committed to donating $200.00 for a park bench
for the project and a check has gone out for the contribution to this
worthwhile project.  His e-mail was addressed to "2-149th Soldiers, Families
and Friends" and I'm sure glad he included us in that group.

 

Thanks to all of you for all you do each and every day to support the
ongoing mission of the PGR.  Without you, nothing happens.  Without you, the
mission stops dead in its tracks.  Without you, we don't exist.

 

Captain Stillinger's message is below and the attachment to which he refers
is attached to this message.

 

Steve Lucas

Deputy State Captain

North Texas PGR

 

2-149th Soldiers, Families and Friends,

 

When we lost seven soldiers on September 17th, we faced several challenges.
As we get closer to the end of the deployment for the 2-149th, we are faced
with another challenge:  How to celebrate the return of the battalion while
remembering and honoring the sacrifice of the crew of Red River 44.  

 

We've come up with a plan for a very special weekend that will take place in
September.  Right now we are coordinating a special homecoming celebration
on Saturday the 12th and a Red River 44 memorial service the following
Sunday morning.  We are hoping that the combination of events will
accomplish our dual mission of honoring both service and sacrifice.  Look
for more information on this weekend in the near future.

 

We also want to build a memorial park here in Grand Prairie in honor of our
seven soldiers.  It will be situated in a location that overlooks the
flightline and will be a concept that is simple yet symbolic.  There will be
seven park benches under seven trees that surround a memorial marker and
bronze Soldier's Cross.  The benches and memorial marker will sit on top of
Tuscan style pavers, which you will have the opportunity to engrave a
message upon.  Flowers, shrubs, and mulch will be used to add to the feel of
a park.  See the attached sketch of the proposed park.

 

I have attached a concept sketch so you can get an idea of what we are
looking at doing.  We are also consulting with the Red River 44 families to
ensure that their soldiers are honored appropriately.  We are hoping to have
this complete by the September 13th memorial service so we can dedicate it
at that time, but we need your help now so construction can begin.

 

Although Home Depot and Pavestone are helping us defray costs, we are doing
a fundraiser in conjunction with the 2-149th FRG to pay the costs of the
memorial park.  We are hoping to raise over $15,000 in the next month or so
to pay for this fitting tribute to our fallen heroes.  The amount of money
raised will determine what type of memorial marker centerpiece we can
afford.  Our goal of $15,000 will take care of all park expenses and ensure
a fitting marker dedicated to the crew of Red River 44.  

 

For this fundraiser, the FRG is accepting donations for the following items:

 

. $200.00 for each of the seven trees
. $200.00 for each of the seven park benches
. $70.00 for one 12x12-inch Tuscan paver with the words of your choice
engraved on it
. $25.00 for one 12x12-inch Tuscan paver with no engraving

 

While we have listed prices of individual items, donations of any amount are
always appreciated.  Cash and checks made out to the "2-149th Family
Readiness Group" can be sent to: 

 

2-149th Family Readiness Group
c/o CPT Randy Stillinger
1013 Lakecrest Drive
Grand Prairie, TX 75051

 

You can also go to any Bank of America to make a donation.  The FRG has an
account named "2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Family Readiness Group."  It is
account #004797451337.  If you do this, please let us know via e-mail so we
can track your donations.

 

While the FRG is accepting donations right away, please reply to let me know
if you would like to pledge a certain amount or donate a tree, bench, or
paving stones.  Please reply or send an e-mail to
randall.stillinger at us.army.mil if you would like to make a pledge.  For
those that would like to have a paving stone engraved, we will have more
information on how to do that in a future e-mail.  

 

I appreciate any and all donations that you can make to this very worthy
cause, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the dedication ceremony.
 

CPT Randy Stillinger

Rear Detachment Commander 

2-149th Aviation Regiment

512-782-3617

 

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED 

 
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