American Legion Riders
Post 104PGR Ride for PFC Jody Missildine
21 April 2006, Plant City, Florida
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Friday
morning, 21 April 2006, American Legion Riders Jerry
"Krash" Parnall, Lowell "Saint" St. Cyr and Jane St. Cyr accompanied by
ALR Prospect
Charley "Karoaketpa" and FLGCHOG member Les Glass made the trip to
Plant City to
honor and show our respect for fallen hero PFC Jody Missildine who
sacrificed his life for his country in Iraq on April 10,
2006.
Services were held for PFC Missildine in his hometown, Plant City, Florida |
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Patriot Guard Riders met at the staging area on Thonosassa Road before
riding to the church.
Local Law Enforcement was there in force and gave us every assistance in accomplishing our mission of honor. An escort was given from the Publix parking lot to the church. |
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We parked our machines in front of the First Baptist Church and set up
a flag line to honor the family when they arrived. The Missildine family and friends came down the line and shook each of our hands. We were honored by their invitation and humbled by their sacrifice. Each of us felt as though we had lost one of our own. |
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The Local Law Enforcement again escorted us through town. This time we
led the funeral procession to PFC Missildine's final resting place
where a large crowd of grateful citizens waited to say their goodbye to
this local hero. Again we formed a flag line that embraced the mourners and with heads bowed said farewell to PFC Missildine. |
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I want to give my personal thanks to the Law Enforcement Officers who
provided their support and escort to this service. Their
professionalism was top notch. I was deeply touched by their salutes as
the procession passed by. Standing at attention, hats in hand they made
up for the poor welcome home many of us old Vietnam vets received when
we came home. Their conduct did a lot not only for the mourning family,
but also helped in the healing of many of us old vets. Thank you. |
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To any of PFC Missildine's comrades out there who may be reading this
tribute to their fallen friend I want them to know that their sacrifice
is not going unnoticed. They now stand on equal ground with all those
brave American Warriors who came before them. It is comforting to know
that the sword has not been dropped, it has simply been passed on to a
new generation of patriots. Thank you for your service. |
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| © 2006 ALR Post 104 | Last updated: Friday April 21, 2006 16:50:07 |