I am attaching words of appreciation that have been recently received. Once again, reinforcing the importance of our words and actions.
What amazing people the PGR are! I was just checking to see if the mission was posted and it has been. I looked at the comments...so touching and kind! Choked me up! Thanks again for your help! We recently provided a bit of financial help for a young Fort Carson Soldier so that he could get his motorcycle back on the road as his primary mode of transportation. I have heard from him a couple of times, most recently after he received our check. He said he would get his bike back on the road within the next day or two. He may need to rent a trailer and get a few friends to help get his bike to the shop. He said that whatever money might be leftover, he would return to us. He added that it was very gracious of our members to help him out. He appreciates our support and our kind hearts. He ended his call by asking us to be safe out there. I would like to add a big "thank you" to Colorado PGR member Albert, from Lamar. He found this young Soldier, Tyler, broken down, at the side of the road. Albert drove home and hooked up his trailer and took Tyler and his motorcycle to Colorado Springs.
On Sunday, August 2nd, we stood in honor of US Navy and Vietnam Veteran Roger Brunelli in La Veta. The following was passed along to us via the American Legion Post 16, from the family.
"The Brunelli family will never be able to thank you enough for the beautiful ceremony that was presented for Roger. It truly was a blessing for our family to say 'Good-bye" to the man we loved. Cleo and Family."
The Legion Post also stated their appreciation for our support.
On Saturday, September 12th, the Colorado Patriot Guard Riders stood for the dedication of the National War Dog Memorial in Colorado Springs. This evening, I received a visit from Ruby and Wade Ridpath, the driving force and founders of the War Dog Memorial. They asked me to pass along their deepest appreciation for our participation in the event to all who were in attendance. They were very impressed with our Flag Line and all we do in general and wanted to be sure I let everyone know how much it meant to them.
Here are words of appreciation from two family members for a Service in which we participated on September 3, 2020.
These words reflect sincere appreciation for our standing in honor and for the condolences that are written by our members.
Richard Allen Sep 24 Kind words from all we thank you. To my dad I will always be your name sake, I sit here at work missing you, keeping fond memories close to my heart. Dad loved to fly model airplanes, we shared the passion together. I will miss him always! Richard F Allen Jr. Lori ( Allen)Orr 2h ago Thank you so very much everyone for all of the heartwarming condolences for the passing of our father Richard F. Allen. Our family appreciate everyone who took a stand in honor at our fathers service. We know that he was with us that day and would have been beyond grateful and very proud for the tribute that you gave him as a Coast Guardsman. It was so very moving and beautiful. We would also like to take this time to thank each and everyone one of you for your service to our country and for the support and kind words that you expressed to our family. It was greatly appreciated! Sincerely, The Allen Family Rest In Peace Dear Daddy! We love and miss you!!! Until we meet again!
Words of appreciation:
I wanted to take a minute to thank you and your team for representing at my husband's memorial service on November 16, 2020 at Ft. Logan National Cemetery. My husband had a sudden death, which has left me in total shock. I value all the respect paid to his military experience, as it was what he was most proud of.
Again, thank you all for your support.
Sincerely,
Donna Cannon
It is our priviledge and honor to.do what we do, Ma'am.
I stopped by our PO Box, today. Included with our mail was a letter and a very generous donation. The letter reads:
Please let the enclosed check serve as a charitable donation for year 2020. My Uncle, EW Thomas, represents your charity in eastern Colorado. I am proud of his commitment and of his own military service and would like to honor him with financial support for your organization. My father is a veteran, as well. We thank all that served and continue to do so with the honorable and dignified farewell that you provide.
Thank you very much.
God Bless each of you,
Teresa Riemenschneider
My apologies in the delay in posting this.
On December 11th, the Colorado Patriot Guard Riders stood in honor of Clyde G. Wilkinson at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. I received the following note of thanks from the family, as well as a generous donation.
"My family and I would like to Thank You All for honoring my dad, Clyde G. Wilkinson, on Dec 11th. The Flag Line was beautiful and brought tears. You all are amazing and very appreciated. We can't Than You enough!!"
The note was signed by multiple family members.
Late in 2020 we participated in a Service for Joseph Dejohn.
We received the following note of thanks along with a donation:
PGR of Colorado,
Thank you all for honoring my brother, Joseph Dejohn, during his funeral services. Also, thank you for all the things you provided to me for the family.
You all touched my heart and I hope this contribution to your organization helps you to help other veterans.
Thank you, so much.
Barb Dejohn
Note of thanks from the family of Colonel Bagwell:
Thank you to all who participated in Colonel Bagwell's beautiful service. We were very touched by your messages of sympathy, as well.
Gratefully,
The Bagwell Family
This note of appreciation relates to a Southern Colorado service that was held on December 11, 2020. A donation was included, as well.
My family and I would like to thank you all for honoring my dad, Clyde G. Wilkinson, on December 11th. The Flag line was beautiful and brought tears. You all are amazing and very appreciated.
We can't thank you enough.
The attached note of appreciation was in response to the successful Colorado PGR Toy Run, held in late 2020, that benefitted Families of the Fallen through the Survivor Outreach Services Program at Fort Carson. The letter was sent by Nathan Springer, Garrison Commander.
Sincere appreciation to Jim Balcerovich who has taken the lead on this event for the past seven years. Thanks, as well, to all who assisted Jim and to those who have participated over these many years.
Jim
At an Interment Service, last month, while we were staging at the Visitors Center at Fort Logan National Cemetery, our members did as they always do, stood in honor and showed their respect, as the family and friends passed by while being led to a Committal Shelter. After we moved to the Pavilion for our service, a Cemetery Representative stopped by to personally thank us for standing in respect as his procession drove past us. He said that the Military Honors team did not show up for that Service, so, the only honors rendered for the Veteran, was this simple gesture from our members.
On Friday, February 5th, a Fort Logan Representative thanked each of our members, individually, for their support. He said that he does not tell us that often enough.
When we were advised that there would be no "Bi-Monthly" Service in February, one of the Fort Logan Assistant Directors thanked us for all we do, and everything that we WOULD do were we allowed.
I am certain that this is the sentiment, in general, whether it be in the Metro Area, Southern Colorado, the Western Slope, up North and out East. Our participation seems to be appreciated as much as it ever has been. With the limits on attendees, particularly at the National Cemeteries, the support that we provide seems to have added meaning.
Sincere thanks. Jim
On September 19, 2020, in Strasburg, our members stood in honor for WWII Veteran, Gene Thorson. We just received the following note of thanks from his family:
Thank you to the Patriot Guard Riders that came to honor our father, Gene Thorson, at his memorial service on September 19, 2020. Our dad was a proud WWII Veteran and your tribute to his service filled our hearts and made us so proud.
Gene Thorson Family (Beverly, Clifton and Debra)
The following note was posted by Southern Colorado PGR Member Jim "Rockettman" Rockett, following the March 18, 2021 Service for David and Jenifer Browne at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.
I had a chance to speak with the daughter later in the day at the memorial service at my church after the cemetery mission. She made it a point to express to me how appreciative her family was at our presence at the cemetery. She said she started to cry as they rounded the corner and saw our flag line standing and thought how much her parents would have appreciated having us there. She wanted me to thank all of us for attending, and wanted to pass on how much the presence of the PGR means to all of the families we stand for. On a personal note, I just wanted to say thank you to all my PGR family who were able to take the time out of their busy schedules to attended today's mission for my friends, David and Jenifer. It is truly my honor to stand with you!
On October 14, 2020, I was honored to attend three Interments Services at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction. Today, I received the following note from the Cemetery Administrator:
Mr. Herstein,
I wanted to send a belated "Thank You" for the Challenge Coin that was sent after your visit to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, last year. I am truly honored to be the recognized recipient of such a dedicated organization, as the Patriot Guard Riders. This Coin sits on my desk as a constant reminder, not only why I do what I do, but, of the importance of what I do.
As I am sure you are aware, the current pandemic situation has been difficult for us at the Cemetery. We have had to work with a consistently changing and unpredictable schedule, as well as confining restrictions to keep our volunteers, families and staff as protected as possible. I wanted to let you know that the Patriot Guard Riders, here in Grand Junction, have not allowed these restrictions to compromise the honorable services they provide. Their dependability and unwavering dedication has allowed us to honor our veterans above and beyond, what many National Cemeteries have been able to provide. Families consistently relay their appreciation and recognition of the PGR purpose. Art Edwards and his fellow Riders have served their comrades admirably during a very difficult time.
Thank you, sir, not only for the Coin, but, for leading a group who, not only displays an honorable purpose, but, allows others to recognize their own purpose in serving veterans.
Angela Ingalls
Cemetery Administrator
Nicely done Jim. Doing what you do can make someone’s day, for a full year. Nice to be reminded why we do what we do. Thanks Jim.
On March 10th, the Colorado Patriot Guard Riders stood in honor for Robert Slack, US Army and Vietnam Veteran. Received the following message today:
" We would like to send a sincere heartfelt thank you to all of those who attended the funeral and burial services. A special thank you to The Colorado Patriot Guard Riders and Michael Starks from the Mississippi Patriot Guard Riders and The American Legion Riders of Post 38, the Fort Carson Honor Guard, Nurses Nikki and Courtney from New Century, Dr. Patrick Miller and Staff and family friends Willian Coleman and family, Mrs. Maria Calar and family, Vanessa Florez and family, Deacon Rudy and Father John Stearn of St. Dominic's Catholic Church. All of you made Robert's final journey honorable. Sincerely, Isburg Slack, widow and children Linda, Mike, Rick, grandkids and great-grandkids."
On April 9, 2021, the Colorado PGR stood in honor, in Colorado Springs, for US Marine Corps Veteran, Tim Cravens. We received the following note of appreciation, along with a generous donation, from his family:
Dear Patriot Guard Riders,
Thank you so much for honoring the Service of our brother, Marine Sergeant, Timothy Adam Cravens. Our family thanks you,
Mark Cravens