American Legion Riders Post 104 and

the Patriot Guard Riders

Patriot Guard Ride for STG3 Demetrius McKinney
          The mettle of Florida’s patriots was tested, yet again, on Friday October 20, 2006.  An extremely short notice Mission had been called for that day.
          U.S. Navy Veteran Stg3 Demetrius McKinney had passed away suddenly and this man, a Desert Storm veteran, needed to be buried with honors.

          Riders started arriving before the 10:00 staging time.  Soon, in spite of it being a work day, there was a good representation of riders from all over west central Florida.

          The riders assembled in the shade of mature trees on the north side of the funeral home.  As there would no ride to the service a brief safety meeting was held.
 
          Because of the shortness of notice for this mission no Law Enforcement escort was available to shepherd the riders to the Burial Service at the
Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Therefore, in the interests of safety, no formation ride was planned.  Instead, the Ride Captain asked
for volunteers to ride, independently, to the cemetery.
          A flag line was set up after the Briefing in front of the funeral home. Family and friends soon began to arrive.  In spite of the sorrow they were
enduring they stopped to thank all of the riders, one by one, for their presence.
          Once all the family and friends were inside the funeral home, and the service had begun, those going to the cemetery gathered for another safety
briefing and they then departed.  Those remaining reset the flag line when the service was concluding.

          After the family left the funeral home the brother of Demetrius spoke, from the heart, to those in the line.  He thanked us for standing watch during the service inside.
          After Demetrius McKinney’s casket was placed in the hearse the family again walked the flag line to thank the riders.  It started out as handshakes and rapidly evolved to hugs.  They had kind words for each of the riders.  It was hard to determine who was more thankful, the family or the riders, who were honored to have been there.
          The riders said their goodbyes to their comrades, knowing all too well that they would meet again, soon.  They went their separate ways knowing that they had stood, in honor and respect, for a true Hero and Family man.

Photos and narrative provided by Tom and Jan of the §tär§híþ Ambulance.

          Those who had departed for the cemetery had the good fortune to be able to  stay together in a small, tight formation.   They stayed on the right in a good stagger formation.  As trucks and cars passed on the left many gave them a “thumbs up” or a smile.  It was a safe ride by competent riders.

          For one reason or another things were very busy at the cemetery.  A sign of the times, perhaps. The procession were finally escorted to the internment site after a wait of an hour or so.

           The family was greeted by a two man naval honor guard.  The riders formed small flag lines on both sides of the walkway leading to the shelter.
           A Minister said a few prayers, the Honor Guard performed the flag ceremony and Taps was played.  After Taps, a "Thank You" was extended by the family to all in attendance.
          As they departed the Internment site, the family stopped and talked to  each rider on the Flag Lines.
          The warmth and friendliness of Demetrius McKinney's family shown towards the riders during this difficult time will long be remembered.  It seemed as if they were trying to heal the riders’ sadness.
          As they said goodbye to their loved one, they took the time to comfort the riders.
          This was a Mission that those there will not forget.

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© 2006 ALR Post 104 Last updated: Tuesday, October 2, 2006 17:27


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