Patriot Guard Riders of

NEBRASKA

     First of all, I would like to introduce myself to all of you. My name is Cliff Leach, I live in Elkhorn Ne, have lived here for over 30 years, and have been married to the same woman (Pam) for a little over 40 years. I have two children, a son Sean Leach who lives in Omaha with his wife and 3 children, and a daughter Michelle Leach who lives in Oklahoma (she still loves Nebraska). I am a Crew Leader for the Nebraska Dept of Roads in Elkhorn Ne. I have been actively involved in the American Legion Riders since it’s inception about a year and a half ago here in Omaha. Pam and I love to ride (empty nest syndrome),and try to involve ourselves with motorcycle activities and people as much as possible.

     I took on the position of State Captain for the PGR Memorial Day week-end, and much to my surprise, everything went crazy from there. We had funerals with full escorts to and from airports to mortuaries to churches, to graveside. I have to say, that working with PGR people is probably the greatest thing we have done with our lives. I have seen so much generosity from people that it’s unbelievable. People have come from all over the Midwest to attend the funerals of Hero’s they don’t even know. The time they have spent standing in the HOT sun to honor these folks, holding flags, traveling miles in sometimes adverse weather conditions, and dealing with sometimes confusing details, as most of our missions have come as “Late Notice Missions”. I consider my position to be  one of great honor, so that I can continue in doing the right thing for our troops and the families that are still here. I, being a Viet Nam vet know that I don’t want any of these people to experience what we came back to---I’ll let you fill in the blank_________!!

      I have signed on some new Ride Captain’s, Jim Turner of Lincoln, Darryl Price of Bellevue, Norman Green of York, and finally got Bob Selzer on in Lincoln. I am privileged to have these new folks along with all the others I have in Omaha and surrounding areas. As Ride Captains, they are responsible for setting up routes, escort details, formations we ride in and etc. They have all been wonderful at doing just that.

     I am looking for some people who live out west that might be able to help in setting up  rides etc, when it calls for it. The previous Captain told me about someone by North Platte, Kearney, Grand Island, that was interested, but he couldn’t remember who it was. If you’re out there, please write me and let me know ok.

     As of today ( 6-24-06 )we are at 475 members in Nebraska. The number keeps growing daily, and just goes to show me that Patriotism is still alive in Nebraska. We have a great bunch of people here, and from Iowa that really “gel” together when it comes to working together.

     Well enough about me, but I just wanted to formally introduce myself and my wife, so you know a little about us, and where we want the PGR to go here in Nebraska.

      Welcome to all of you that have just joined, glad to have you with us, in our continuing efforts to “Do the Right Thing” in welcoming back our servicemen, and women. This is just so important to not only support our troops, but to honor them and their families in time of need.

      I am attaching a “WHYWE RIDE” letter that was given to the PGR from a Mrs. Dinsmore, which pretty much sums up why we do what we do. It is a very powerful letter I think

      Thank you all again for your support, and hope to meet with all you sometime in the near future.

Cliff Leach, Nebraska State Captain, PGR

Why Do We Ride?

PGR Member Laurel B. Dinsmore May 8, 2006

Why do we do this, you ask?

Why bother to stand out in wind and rain for someone unknown?

Why do we ride through torrents chilled to the bone?

The answer is simple: “Because, Never Again!”

Never again will they return home in shame,

Never again will wearing their uniform cause them pain.

Never again will we forget why they serve.

No, Never Again.

But still I hear you say “Why does it matter to you?”

“They aren’t your friends,

your brothers, your sisters,

your father, your mother.”

War is a sad time for many; it is sad but true.

So, why do you gather in the gap between their families and their foes?

The answer is simple: “Because, Never Again!”

Never again will grieving parents, families and friends alone bear mourning’s toil.

Never again will hard-won freedom of speech be used to debase and destroy.

Never again will their sacrifice be dishonored upon their home soil.

No, Never Again.

Why do we gather, why do we ride?

Why travel this country far and wide?

We remember our grandfathers, fathers, brothers and others yet to come.

We stand proud through tears reflecting their courage and pride.

Because, Never Again.

That’s why we ride.

Written in memory of:

Henry C. Barrows ~ Army, WWI (Great-Uncle)

Cecil A. Bray ~ Army paratrooper, WWII (Father)

In honor of:

Garrett C. Bray ~ Navy, Viet Nam (Brother)

Donald A. Dinsmore ~ Marines & Army (Husband)

and

All Patriot Guard Members

Laurel B. Dinsmore May 8, 2006

 From Bob Swanson on Friday,  June 30th, 2006

Just in case anyone else had been planning to attend this funeral service in St. Joseph, Mo. today. The service has been postponed for 1 week.

Order to "Stand Down"

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Thank you, Patriot Guard Riders

All:

A heads up regarding the funeral in Beatrice, Ne. on Tuesday, June 20,2006, @ 1500  (3 PM) of Army Pvt. Benjamin J. Slaven. This 22 year old warrior who served with the Army Reserve 308th Transportation Co. out of Lincoln, was killed in Iraq by an IED. Some of you will recall that we attended their send-off ceremony in Lincoln last fall.

Omaha area riders will assemble at the bp station, south of I-80 on Hwy 50, and leave @1100 (11:00 AM). We will meet up with Lincoln area riders @ 1200 (12:00 noon) @ the Shell Gas Station @ 1200 Saltillo Rd., Roca, Ne. This is actually south of Lincoln on Hwy 77, on the East side of the hwy. (about 8 miles south of I-80@ exit 397) From there, we ride to Beatrice.

This is our way to show our appreciation to the family and community for the sacrifice they made and our true respect and appreciation for the service of this young man who gave all for our country.

Hope to see all of you at the bp station on Tuesday June 20. take care,

 bob swanson

Memorial of a fallen soldier

Army Reserve Specialist

Benjamin "Ben" James Slaven

Even though this was a work day for many, app. 100 riders from many eastern counties of Nebraska were there to honor this fine young man. Close to the same time, other riders were gathered for a second memorial at Clarks, Nebraska.                                                                                              

E-mail sent 6/4/2006

E-Mail sent 5/25/2006

Mission Time:
Assembly at 3:00pm Sunday, May 28
Rider's meeting: 3:30 pm
Clutches out at 3:40pm
Service will be held at 4:00pm at the Capehart Chapel.

Assembly:
Riders will meet at the Kwik-Shop on Capehart Road in Bellevue (South Omaha.)
Driving directions: From Omaha, take Highway 75 South past the Bellevue 370 exit, then exit on Capehart Road.  Turn right (east, away from Offut's South Gate)  The Kwip-Shop is on the left on Capehart Road, still within sight of 75, about a half-mile.  Rider's Meeting will start at 3:30 exactly; all riders must attend.

Mission Ride:
Formation will depart the Kwik-Shop at 3:40pm for the ride to Capehart Chapel.  For this mission, the riders will ride staggered except for a short section of four-lane.  Be prepared to run slowly and carefully; the entrance for parking is tight, and we will be in single file. Pending approval from the Chapel and depending on the number of attendees for the service, the PGR may be asked to park on grass, so bring your kickstand helpers (flat peice 'o wood...?) of you have them.  Parking will be determined shortly before the service.
The family may ask us to escort them after the service also.  If there are more than 450 people in attendance, the PGR Riders will stay outside to provide entry/exit honors and allow as many family and friends as can to get inside the Chapel.

Mission Family:
Calvin Allen's family has really had stress over the last week, but they are deeply appreciative of the PGR's effort to honor him.  Adding to their stress is the fact that Sallie Allen, his Mom, had not heard specifics from Army Casualty as of this morning, and she was still unable to set a firm schedule for the memorial service.  I have to convey my thanks to Senator Ben Nelson's office for straightening this out.  They responded to my call about her problem with a direct call to Senator Nelson's Washington office, and ten minutes after I hung up from that call, Sallie had her schedule details from Army Casualty.  Senator Nelson also assured that Nuru, Calvin's brother, would be flown to Arlington for the internment with the rest of the family, and made sure that Sgt. Allen's remains would be transported from Omaha to Arlington on time and at Government expense.  I can't thank Senator Nelson enough for helping the PGR help Calvin's family.

For the Army vets, Calvin was an 'Eleven-Bravo;' and a true soldier in every sense of the word.  Sallie made sure that Cliff Leach and I took a tour of his room, and I saw something I'll never forget.  Calvin had a large stuffed "Scooby-Doo" dog at the foot of his bed.  The "I'm afraid of Everything" dog wore a black knit cap that had crossed rifles on it, topped with the word "MADMAN."  The dog pretty much said it all - the sheer terror of war, along with a full determination to get the job done.  Sgt. Calvin Allen was one 11-B who got it done.  He was awarded TWELVE sports letters during his high school career, and carried the same drive and determination with him when he went into the Army's 10th Mountain Division.  He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on the Tuesday following his memorial service in Omaha.
His mother, Sallie, and his wife, Birgit (pronounced 'Brigit,' she's from Germany) both fought tears as the Army Casualty First Sgt. went over the arrangements with them.  They are doing their best to be strong, but it's hard.  Sallie will pick up Calvin's remains at Epply Airfield Friday Night.  We'll have a small contingent of PGR Riders escort the hearse from Epply to the Bellevue Memorial Funeral home at Sallie's request, and our Western Iowa PGR Riders are putting together another group to escort the hearse to the church on Sunday.

Mission Politics:
Yep, it's ugly, but it's always there. Offutt AFB Public Affairs will do their best to handle the press, but the press is already looking for something to bleed.  Calls from TV stations and other media in the area have asked about the "Counter-Protesters" who are going to attend - meaning the PGR.  Please be aware that reporters will try to corner PGR Riders and ask you "How do you feel" about people who desecrate soldier's funerals.  First order of business is to refer them to yer State Captain; if you're cornered and can't, the PGR answer is "What Protestors?  We're here to honor Sergeant Calvin Allen and his family for their sacrifice, that's all." This will guarantee that the reporter will leave disgusted, having failed one more time to generate the controversy he or she wants to cause so they can report on it.  Don't give them the chance  Everything we are, and everything we say on Sunday is for honoring a fallen hero and his family.  Period.  If you think your head will explode if you can't express your opinion of protesters, come to me or a fellow Rider; DO NOT APPROACH A REPORTER.  One of us will take you away from the church, wrap your head in a sack, and let you scream out of camera range.

This one, and the others going on now, really hurt.  It's Memorial Day Weekend, and I'm sure we'll all feel it deeply.  Honor is what Calvin deserves; honor is what we will give him and his family.
Ride Safe;

Mike Smith
Nebraska State Captain, PGR

E-Mail sent May 24th, 2006

Upcoming Mission: Lonnie C. Allen

All;
This will be a tight schedule.  On either Saturday or Sunday, the PGR will ride to honor Sgt Lonnie C. Allen of the 10th Mountain Division, who was killed in Iraq by an IED along with two others in the same vehicle.  We're working with DOD and the family to get the schedule, but still awaiting word on the day, place and time.  Cliff Leach was able to talk to the family about what we do to honor the fallen, and the mission is a go; awaiting word.

 Thanks, Cliff!

E-Mail sent May 20th, 2006

Clayton;
I've contacted the family, and we're waiting to see when Lonnie's body will arrive in the 'States.  Will keep all informed; we should have a mission put together sometime next week for Sgt Allen.

Sgt. Lonnie C Allen, Jr, 10TH Mountain Division, survived by his wife, Birgit, hometown Bellevue, NE

I've gotten lots of notes from PGR members.  Thanks to all.
More to come...
Mike Smith
NE State Capt., PGR

In Memory of  Sgt. Lonnie Calvin Allen, Jr.

Sgt. Calvin Allen Jr. as he was called by his family, friends, and relatives was born on March 7th, 1980 and lost his life by an I.E.D. in Iraq on May 18th, 2006, while serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed at Fort Drum, New York. He deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo and on his return to Germany, married Birgit Hoermann on Oct. 28th, 2004. She moved to Bellevue, Ne. when Calvin was deployed to Iraq.

Calvin spent much time in school, graduating from Bellevue East High in 1998. He loved art and especially liked to draw cartoons and loved electronics. Calvin was an individualist but loved people. He made friends easily and had the ability to establish long lasting relationships. He was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Bellevue, Nebraska serving in the Youth Choir, the Young Men's Group, and ushering.  He played sports in schools he attended and many of his classmates were there to eulogize him at the service. Calvin also was a Cub Scout and received the Arrow of Light award. He was a Boy Scout and received many badges and awards. He participated in community cleanups and food drives. He had a special place in his heart for Senior Citizens and gave them his attention and respect. He was also a role model for the D.A.R.E. program at Bellevue East. Calvin attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado where he studied Criminal Justice. He joined the Army in 2001 to finish his college career.

The service was conducted at Capehart Chapel at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska the Rev. Herman Brown of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Officiating. Rev. Brown stated that this Old Baptist Minister was there to celebrate this Great going home of this courageous and generous  soldier. He said Calvin loved children and was honest and had integrity. He also reminded the congregation that the Lord may not come when you call him, but he is always there. He admonished the family that they should always keep his memory alive. The Reverend Brown, at the conclusion of the service, sang the well known hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul". Calvin is survived by his wife , parents, and older brother and many of his relatives and friends.

The Capehart Chapel was full to overflowing. Over 400 members of the American Legion Riders and the Patriot Guard stayed outside as there was no room in the Chapel. They were there to honor Calvin and his family. After the service, the A.L.R. and the Patriot Guard joined in the processional.

I was just inside the door taking notes wearing my motorcycle vest when a Sergeant in Uniform approached me and said he appreciated the thoughtfulness of all the motorcyclists who was there to honor our fallen hero, Calvin. That Sergeant made my day. All of the Riders should be very proud of that appreciation. It makes our efforts worthwhile.

 Left - Some of the Riders who attended the Memorial Service.

Right - The first line of Motorcycles.

Left - The second and third line of Motorcycles.

Right - The forth line of motorcycles.

Left - The casket and procession progresses through the lines as our Riders honors Calvin and Family.

Right - The casket is escorted by Rev. Brown before being placed in the hearse. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia on Tuesday, May 30th, 2006 at 3:00 p.m.

Before closing it is only fitting to include a poem written by Lonnie Calvin Allen, Jr. from his Seventh Grade English Class and I quote:

God's Miracle

Birds love to sing.
Beautiful songs of grace,
to tell of the many things,
God has put in place.

Lovely small creatures,
Soar through the sky.
To show the precious features,
of the Man on High.

E-Mail sent May 17th, 2006

From the Editor:

Sorry this e-mail was posted late. I have been out of town.
 

E-mail sent on 5/4/2006

Hello Fellow Patriot Guard Riders,

            This e-mail is sent to you at the request of Keith Callaway the Iowa State Captain, his information is listed below. This service is provided at the request of the listed State Captain, I merely forward the information this State Captain sends me. He can answer any follow up questions you may have.

Thank You,

Ronny “BEAR” Awtry

National Contact Coordinator

Patriot Guard Riders

www.patriotguard.org

Keith Callaway
MSgt, USAF (Ret)

State Captain, Iowa Patriot Guard Riders

District 7 Adjutant, American Legion Department of Iowa

President, Western Iowa American Legion Riders

712-527-2898
 

From: Helen Wall
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2006 1:56 PM
To: 
Subject: SSgt Wall's family

We have just found out from the Hardin County Sheriff that the Kansas protest group has been granted a permit to demonstrate at our son's funeral. We respect the situation you may be in at the loss of your close friend, but should it be possible for some of your group to attend we would be honored and grateful.