Click the jet just above this to hear, see and shake as some jets that you choose do a flyby. If you want to know about the Patriot Guard, Click Here
How to use my mission log
The PGR organizes "missions". The term is not meant to be disrespectful or insensitive. You can check out my notes on the missions that I have attended by clicking a mission link on the left side panel. They are listed in chronological order.
My 1st mission was on 24 Jun 2006, Sgt. Clarence D. McSwain of Laurel MS. I will never forget him and pray for his family often. If you're interested in joining the Patriot Guard and wonder what the first time is like, then you should read this mission first.
Mission Date: Tue 13 Oct 2009
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He died Oct. 2 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire.
Pfc. Brandon A. Owens, 21, of Memphis, Tenn He was assigned to the 118th Military Police Company, 503rd Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Since I live just outside of Memphis, I heard about PFC Owens death on the local news. He was only 21 years old and was killed in Afghanistan. I haven’t been able to go and show my respects and support for over a year now. Our military deaths have slowed down, Thank God, and most funerals in the last year were either during the week and I couldn’t take off, or too far away. When the Patriot Guard was invited, I knew I would try my hardest to attend PFC Owens’ funeral.
The funeral was scheduled for a Tuesday. I was going to take off but my co-worker had already asked off for that day. So I talked to my boss and asked him if I could leave around 9:30 for an early extended lunch so I could at least go to the church and participate in the flag line prior to his service. They said yes so that was my plan.
Tuesday morning came and I loaded up my stuff and headed to work early. The forecast was rain later and mid 60’s. I did some work and a little after 9:30 I left for the church. Brandon’s funeral was at First Baptist Church on Broad St., less than 10 miles from work. It didn’t take long to get there. As I pulled up I saw that other PGRs had already started a flag line in front of the church. I hung a U-ee and parked across the street. I grabbed my flag and crossed the street. It was about 9:45.
As I got closer, I saw Doc Lee from Jackson. We’ve been on a few missions together and it was good to see him. I fell into the flag line next to him as it started to drizzle. As we stood there, Brandon’s friends started filing in. There was a big crowd. Then steadily streamed in for almost the entire hour before. A few of his friends walked past by us and we exchanged hello’s. I talked with Doc Lee and another gentleman that had riden from Atlanta. He said he left around 2 AM. He is a Navy veteran and his devotion to honor our fallen heroes is inspiring. I tried to keep my flag up close to my head. It was helping to keep my partially dry. I always were the same thing. Some jeans, my 9/11 "We won’t forget" T-Shirt, a Mark Martin Go Army cap and my leather vest. I bought it to "fit in" with the group, since most are bikers. I know one thing for sure, they are all Freedom loving Americans who honor and support our military and their families, no matter what.
Around 10:30 the Sheriff’s motorcycle escorts brought the family to the church. They pulled under the covered driveway and got out. I felt so sad for them. I heard a couple of interviews of Brandon’s mother over the weekend. She was proud of her son and he was doing what he wanted to do. That’s wonderful. Brandon was doing what he wanted, which was serving to defend us. Thank you Brandon.
Over the next 20 minutes or so, the mourners continued to park and walk in. A young man came out and told us thank you. I later saw some news photos and saw that he was Brandon’s brother. I have a sister, 10 years older. I can only imagine the bond the two of them probable had. His grief must be terrible. I pray for him and his family often. Only God and family can get you through a loss like that.
As we maintained our flag line, the drizzle changed to a light rain. I guess it comes down to a personal choice, no one left the flag line. I knew it was going to rain. That didn’t matter at all in my decision to go. We did have a few that were under a big tree. I guess they were organizing or something. I counted somewhere between 35 and 40 of us that I saw. I’m so proud to belong to the PGR. I really love our slogan, "Standing For Those Who Stood For Us". That’s why I’m there, to show up and hold my flag and show his family that someone noticed and cares about their loss. That’s the least I owe Brandon.
As the service got ready to start, Merlin, this mission’s ride captain, called us over for a briefing. He started with prayer and then started discussing the remainder of the day’s activities, the ride to West Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery. Even though I wasn’t going, I hung around to listen. Since it was raining, safety was the biggest concern. I’m a cager so that’s something that doesn’t really affect me.
Earlier I saw Rep. Steve Cohen, TN 9th District which is most of Memphis. He paid tribute to Brandon on the floor of House a few days before. He came over to the group and asked to speak. He thanked us all for coming out to honor Brandon and his family. He really appreciated the Patriot Guard and what we do. We all said nodded and said "you’re welcome". It feels weird being thanked for coming out. I know for me, the honor is all mine. Just to be invited to attend and show our gratitude and thanks is something I can’t get into words. I’ve tried, words just minimize it.
A couple of Deputies came over and talked about the route and that they’d be passing on the left at around 100 MPH. They told everyone to stay to the left. My thoughts were, 100 MPH in the rain. Are y’all crazy? But that’s their job. They went over the route that was to be taken, all interstate. Once they finished, Merlin finished his part and we broke up until after the service.
I said my goodbye’s and headed back to work. Thank you Brandon for volunteering to defend our country. I will not forget you and your sacrifice. Thank God for American’s like Brandon.
WE ALL MUST REMEMBER, FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! THANK YOU VETERANS!
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He died Oct. 2 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. 
Since I live just outside of Memphis, I heard about PFC Owens death on the local news. He was only 21 years old and was killed in Afghanistan. I haven’t been able to go and show my respects and support for over a year now. Our military deaths have slowed down, Thank God, and most funerals in the last year were either during the week and I couldn’t take off, or too far away. When the Patriot Guard was invited, I knew I would try my hardest to attend PFC Owens’ funeral.
Tuesday morning came and I loaded up my stuff and headed to work early. The forecast was rain later and mid 60’s. I did some work and a little after 9:30 I left for the church. Brandon’s funeral was at First Baptist Church on Broad St., less than 10 miles from work. It didn’t take long to get there. As I pulled up I saw that other PGRs had already started a flag line in front of the church. I hung a U-ee and parked across the street. I grabbed my flag and crossed the street. It was about 9:45.
Over the next 20 minutes or so, the mourners continued to park and walk in. A young man came out and told us thank you. I later saw some news photos and saw that he was Brandon’s brother. I have a sister, 10 years older. I can only imagine the bond the two of them probable had. His grief must be terrible. I pray for him and his family often. Only God and family can get you through a loss like that.