LagerHead
Well-known member
On Saturday morning I had the privilege of riding in my first Patriot Guard Riders mission. And fortunately this one wasn't to honor a fallen hero but instead to honor one who has risen back up.
SSG Heath Calhoun was seriously injured in an RPG attack in Iraq in 2003 resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee. He has since accomplished things that mere mortals only dream about, including placing in the top ten in two World Paralympics skiing events and riding 4200 miles across the country using only his arms just to name a few.
As far as ride reports go, this one would be uneventful if not for the honor of being part of this event. We met in Clarksville, TN at 10:00AM, kickstands went up at about 10:35. We were escorted by Clarksville PD and followed by the Calhoun family; Heath, his wife, and 3 kids. Upon arriving at his new home speeches were made by several VIPs, including the President and CEO of Homes For Our Troops and General Richard Cody, former commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, KY where Calhoun was assigned when he was injured. Other guests included the County Mayor, City Mayor of Clarksville, a representative from Calhoun's former unit, a couple of reps from the offices of Congressmen and Senators, and Calhoun's father and grandfather.
Overall, the weather was nice, the people were great, and the event and the event was one of which I was simultaneously humbled and proud to be part. And SSG Calhoun has gotten a little something back in return for all that he gave.
Here are a couple of pictures.
SSG Heath Calhoun at the rally point in Clarksville
The bikes at the Calhouns' new home
Clarksville PD did a fine job as the honor guard
And finally, a panoramic view of the new Calhoun home
SSG Heath Calhoun was seriously injured in an RPG attack in Iraq in 2003 resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee. He has since accomplished things that mere mortals only dream about, including placing in the top ten in two World Paralympics skiing events and riding 4200 miles across the country using only his arms just to name a few.
As far as ride reports go, this one would be uneventful if not for the honor of being part of this event. We met in Clarksville, TN at 10:00AM, kickstands went up at about 10:35. We were escorted by Clarksville PD and followed by the Calhoun family; Heath, his wife, and 3 kids. Upon arriving at his new home speeches were made by several VIPs, including the President and CEO of Homes For Our Troops and General Richard Cody, former commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, KY where Calhoun was assigned when he was injured. Other guests included the County Mayor, City Mayor of Clarksville, a representative from Calhoun's former unit, a couple of reps from the offices of Congressmen and Senators, and Calhoun's father and grandfather.
Overall, the weather was nice, the people were great, and the event and the event was one of which I was simultaneously humbled and proud to be part. And SSG Calhoun has gotten a little something back in return for all that he gave.
Here are a couple of pictures.
SSG Heath Calhoun at the rally point in Clarksville
The bikes at the Calhouns' new home
Clarksville PD did a fine job as the honor guard
And finally, a panoramic view of the new Calhoun home
Last edited by a moderator:
