Ride report- PGR mission to ride for Andrew Knight, PGR Rider, USAF Veteran and friend, November 19, 2007
This was my first ride captain gig, so I was a bit nervous regarding what to expect. Helldog, our local Fresno area RC, had emailed me and said she would try to make it, and a couple of her sisters from the SOS club confirmed that they would be there, but other than that, I had no idea how many riders would turn out.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, riding a borrowed bike once my wife and I got to the Sacramento area, I didn't make it to Roseville Yamaha, the staging area, until 1235 hrs. The sight that greeted my eyes was a vision of support and camaraderie. It seemed like a sea of richly-painted and gleaming chrome bikes and a crowd of leather-clad PGR members. I didn't get a hard count, but there were more than 20 bikes besides my own, not to mention at least 20 more from the sport-touring crowd, there to ride together in support of this great man, who was a contributing member of several internet motorcycle forums.
With some help from Helldog and the local area riders, we quickly verified the shortest direct route to the Memorial site, then I gave a quick class on flag protocol (Thanks, Chief!), the route, and ride safety. Speaking of safety, we decided to split the groups, with the PGR leaving ahead of the sport touring crowd, so our flag line would be in place for the arriving motorcycle and other guests. Since I was unable to establish contact with the local American Legion post prior to the mission, we offered some alternate ideas for a post-ride destination.
We took off from Roseville Yamaha in a "missing man" formation, once we safely negotiated a left turn across two lanes of heavy traffic, with no other issues I noticed on the way to the cemetery. Although there was no escort from law enforcement, the general public seemed to be respectful of our group, and cage infiltration was kept to a minimum.
Upon our arrival at MT. VERNON Memorial Cemetery in Fair Oaks, I was surprised to see the riders heading up the sidewalk, to park their bikes between the main building and the chapel. I later learned that they are usually welcome to park there on PGR missions. Local knowledge is priceless to these missions, so if you're from the area and have some, don't hesitate to approach the ride leaders early and make sure everyone's on the same page, so to speak.
We set up a great-looking flag line along the approach to the chapel from the parking lot, and, based on my knowing and being able to identify the widow, we were able to come to attention when she approached and walked by.
This mission was a first for me in several aspects, from the simplicity of the duty (Hero already inside and no procession to interment site) to the complexity and pain of the fact that the person being honored was a close friend. It was especially hard, and especially uplifting at the same time to be a part of that line of respect, while watching several other friends pass by us on their way into the service.
Another first for me was that I had to abandon my post in the line and go in to attend the service of my friend Andrew. I gave the keys to my wife's car to Helldog, so the riders could help themselves to the water supply I had packed in advance.
Due to being inside during the service, I was unable to fulfill the duty of meeting all the riders and asking each to sign a roster so they could be emailed a personal note of thanks. I thank you all, and apologize for any of my mission shortcomings, but it's been a tough week and I trust you will forgive me. You all made me very proud to call myself a Patriot Guard Rider, and it was great to meet you and share some brief conversation.
The service itself was very cathartic, as it was a true celebration of Andrew's life, with several of his family and friends from all the many avenues of his rich life sharing their fond memories and unique perspective of the way they were touched and enriched by this extraordinary human who passed from our company much too soon. The Air Force Honor Guard representatives performed a very moving flag ceremony to begin the service and pay tribute to Andrew's family and friends for his service to our great country.
After the service, I exited the chapel a bit early to resume my position in the respect line for departing guests. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to see that Chief, our regional RC, had shown up while I was inside. Emotions, over logic and reason, were doing their best to "run the show" for me yesterday and, as a funeral participant, I was unable to join the PGR for any post-mission debriefing that may have occurred. I know Chief would not consider himself a VIP, but his presence at any event is monumental for me. I consider him a true living unsung hero and American Native, among Native Americans and all those who pledge allegiance to our great nation.
At this point, I dismissed the PGR and made the ride to the funeral reception, along with my lovely bride, who took a break from driving to join me for the short hop.
Another first for my PGR experience was my opportunity to interact with the non-PGR participants after the service. It was during this time that I fully realized the impact our respect has on the families and friends of all the fallen heroes we ride for. To a person, each and every member of Andrew's family, and several friends, made a point to thank us for our attendance. We were even publicly thanked during the service itself, so I want to pass that along to all those who attended. Although we don't do it for thanks or notoriety, I want to affirm to our membership that we are providing more than respect when we show up. It really helps the grieving process turn to healing for the family and loved ones.
Special thanks also go out to Zac and the staff at Roseville Yamaha, who provided a staging point, as well as coffee & bagels, to all those who rode in honor of a Knight named Andrew, and all those who sent prayers and kind words of respect to this great fellow American and PGR member.
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