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Hi;

I have been aware of the great work of your organization at military funerals and want to thank you for the great work that you do. I volunteer with the USO in Ohio and we had the protestors show up in Cleveland when we had a service for 13 Marines that died in a single IED attack. Some of your people helped us there. As the dad of two soldiers serving I can't imagine if we had a son lost, having this scum show up. I can't understand how you guys restrain yourselves from inflicting serious bodily harm to this scum. I'm not sure that I would have the same restraint.

I was able to get to the Mt Pleasant homecoming at the last minute. I heard about it on the radio while working in Ohio and managed to run over. I was the guy on the overpass waving the flag. I spent an hour with your photographer on that overpass and was very impressed as I learned about what you guys do.

Thanks again, job well done.

Don Boal

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11/10/06

I truly would like to Thank everyone who took a part in C.J. SGT Charles John McClain mission. This was something very new to me, as I was only informed about the guard from my brother Terry. To see the men and women who took time away from their families to be here today. What a wonderful selfless act you have all taken for a family you knew nothing about. No words will ever thank you enough for the special day that was given to C.J. on his last journey before being laid to rest with our Father. It was also a great pleasure to have a blanket from the many veterans, who like C.J. would have had given themselves for this great nation.

I will be forever grateful

Ginny McClain Crabtree

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11/09/06

"SIR

I KNOW YOU AND ALL ARE BUSY WITH THE FUNERAL FOR SGT MCCLAIN BUT I HAVE A REQUEST

I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO PASS ON TO THE PGR RIDERS THAT ARE TAKING PART OF SGT MCCLAIN’S FUNERAL FROM ALL FAMILIES OF OUR FALLEN

WE WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR RESPECT, HONOR, PRAYERS, TO HELP US FIND STRENGHT

WITHOUT GREAT AMERICANS LIKE YOU WE WOULD BE LOST

TODAY ANOTHER FAMILY GRIEVES THEIR LOSS BUT YOUR PRESENTS GIVES THEM STRENGTH AS IT HAS TO SO MANY FAMILIES

WE JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR US

BILL TOMKO

UNCLE OF SGT NICHOLAS A TOMKO

DOD 11-9-03

FOUNDER OF THE W PA FAMILIES OF FALLEN HEROES FOUNDATION

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11/09/06

To Sgt. McClain

Thank you for your serving our country.

My deepest sympathy to your family as they mourn your lost. May you rest in peace as you have done your job.

God be with your loved ones in their time of deep sorrow. Our prayers are with them.

Eileen McCready

Betty's sister

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5/22/07

To All Who Came and Sent Wishes,

As Daniel’s Father, I wanted to thank all of you for being there for us in our time of grief. It is difficult to find the words of gratitude for the kindness you all have shown us during this sad time. We are grateful for all you have done for us. Knowing that we were not alone helped us bear our grief and sadness. Thank you all for being there for us.

With Sincere Thanks,

Daniel’s Dad,

Howard Mehringer

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7/24/07

Joe,

Thank you so very much for the Patriot Guard's wonderful tribute to and support of Mike Adams. I wish I could have expressed my gratitude in person, but I just did not have the opportunity to speak with you. It was an honor and a privilege to witness not only the reverence and solemn manner of the funeral proceedings itself, but also the patriotism and loyalty of the grand military family involved. Please extend my deepest appreciation to all of the Patriot Guard members for all they do everyday.

Thank you.

Barbara Jones

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7/24/07

Thank you so much Kim and John and all of the Patriot Guard for being there yesterday for all the guys/girls. I'm sure they all felt good having your escort. I know that was a very long day for all of you, and you sacrificed your time, money and strength for them. If this sh***y world was made of people like all of you and our soldiers, we'd never have to fight any wars.

I found out later they were driving straight thru to WI. They stopped west of Columbus at a church who fed them. My Mom and sister and their gang caught up with them on Rt 33 in OH. They waved and held up a sign with Richie's name on it and he saw them. I hope I hear from him today. Thanks again.

Love Wendy

Please forward my thanks to those in the Patriot Guard you have email addresses for.

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6/7/07

Sir I'm writing this to say thank you for all you do for my fallen brothers. My name is Sam, I'm 21 years old, and spent almost all my life in West Virginia. I'm currently a sergeant in the US Army Infantry, stationed at Ft. Campbell KY. Im part of the 506th Infantry. While we were in Iraq, I lost some of my brothers in arms. At one of their funerals, a group of "Christians" came and tried to dishonor them. While there are individuals like that living in our country, it does my heart no end of good to know that there are good people, former soldiers, and always brothers in arms like you good people who ALSO came to some of my friends funerals to honor and support them. I have no words to extend to you the gratitude and appreciation I have. I myself was wounded in Iraq. I returned with the rest of my unit last November. Soon, we will be returning to battle in Iraq or Afghanistan, or anywhere else we are called to go to, and will go with pride. I guess, all I wanted to say was thank you. Take care, and best wishes.

Jase Johnson

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8/27/07

Thank you for your message for the Reynolds family. We will be sure they
receive your message. We appreciate your participation in the service for
Mr. Reynolds and for your dedication to remembering those who have
sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

God bless each of you.

Sincerely,
Garfield and Shirley Kirk

Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home, Inc.

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8/26/07

I was watching the news near Princeton WV and saw some of you guys on there at a soldiers funeral. What you guys are doing is so amazing! My husband is currently serving in Iraq. Our men and women are making great sacrifices. Thank you for the sacrifice you are making to show appreciation for their service. The families left behind of those who are deployed and passed away go thru so much without there loved ones with them. It is so nice to see someone who cares and supports what they are doing. Thank you for loving people. May God Bless you as you seek to bless others.

Angie K.

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8/2/07

Dear PGR,

My name is Charles O'Roke from Martinsburg, WV. I learned about you from when my father, Chip O'Roke, became a member. I wanted to thank you all for what you are doing. I am a 21 y/o combat veteran of Afghanistan (OEF-7); about to leave for Baghdad in November. I feel honored for my father to be part of such a great cause. I know it's hard for somebody to lose someone they love and having protestors jumping down their throats at the funerals. Keep up the good work! I am behind you all 110%. When I get back from Iraq, I am planning on doing some missions with you all. Again, thank you so much!

Your friend,
SPC O'Roke, Charles
Delta Co. 2nd Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment
10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, LA

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11/27/07

To All the Patriot Guard Riders

I was so proud of you and standing with Old Glory. My beloved brother would have felt so honored.

I loved having all of you there at Arlington. I'm just sorry we didn't get to talk more.

I appreciate every one of you for coming so far to honor my dear brother, Sgt. Donald C. Trent.

I will always be so very grateful to all of you.

Mr. Joe Cumblidge & Riders

Gratefully acknowledging and thanking you for your kind expression of sympathy.

Mrs. Harriet R. Trent-Duran
Reginald D. Trent & families

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10/17/07

DEAR PATRIOT GUARDS.

I WAS SO PROUD TO DRIVE UP TO THE FUNERAL HOME AND SEE THE MEN AND WOMAN STANDING SO PROUDLY IN HONOR OF MY BROTHER, SGT. DONALD C. TRENT. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND YOUR GIVING OF YOUR TIME AWAY FROM HOME IN ORDER TO PAY YOUR RESPECTS TO HIM.

AT LAST, NOW HE CAN REST WITH THE OTHER BRAVE MEN AND WOMAN WHO PAID THE PRICE WITH THERE LIVES TO SERVE OUR GREAT COUNTRY. I CAN SAY HOW PROUD I WAS TO RECEIVE THE POW PATCH AND THE MIA/POW METAL. WHAT AN HONOR IT IS TO WEAR IT. HAVEN'T TAKEN IT OFF SINCE IT WAS GIVEN TO ME ON THAT SAD DAY.

PLEASE EXTEND MY FAMILIES LOVE FOR ALL OF YOU WHO HELPED SERVE MY DEAR BELOVED BROTHER, SGT. DONALD C. TRENT.

SINCERELY,

HARRIET R. (WILLY) TRENT DURAN

CAN NEVER THANK YOU ENOUGH. I WAS SO HONORED TO HAVE YOU THERE AND STANDING SO TALL FOR DON AND ALL THAT HE GAVE TO HIS COUNTRY.

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1/27/08

Joe, I want to thank you on behalf of Linda McCauley, myself, my future wife Denise (future member) and say that I deeply appreciate, as does Linda you showing up at the funeral home. I was unable to make it due to not being able to get into contact with the ***********. You did meet my mother who approached you on the back ramp. I am tied down right now because of this **, but would have been there, and I will be traveling with you all to as many occasions as I can after I get off this ***. If you can, please post it for me, I wanted to be there, Jim , even though not related, was my BIG BROTHER and I was his Little Brother, we all loved him, her was terrific man that would help anyone anytime. Again, Thank You So Much, Whoops (Charles Metz

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1/26/08

Patriot Guard,

This is a letter of appreciation being submitted by myself for the family of James Wesley McCauley. We deeply appreciate the attendance of the Patriot Guard. A special thank you goes out to Joe Cambridge. I was unable to attend due to difficulties with HC. But just the meer showing up of a veteran was something showing extream respect for another vet and it was deeply appreciated. Linda, the wife, was deeply touched. She has no contact with you and does not know how to contact you, so I am printing copies of the postings for her that she may put them with her photos and copies of the obituary for Jim. I know he would and is extreamly proud of you. Carry on....this is a great organization, and I hope to become fully active in support with you when my HC is up. Thanks again for a job well done.

On behalf of the family,

Thank You,

Charles Metz (Whoops)

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2/1/08

Dear Joe and all the Patriot Guard Riders,

What a moving moment and beautiful site when we first saw the Patriot Guard Riders, "Standing for Those Who Stood For Us" at Dad's funeral. It meant so much to our family for you to be there (on such a cold day too). The flag and plaque that you gave us are very special to our family.

Thank you all so very much for being with us and for what you are doing for our country.

God Bless You All!

Sincerely,

The Charles "Putt" Deaton Family

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3/15/08

Joe,
Please pass on a big thank you to the members of the West Virginia Patriot Guard Riders that attended visitation and interment for James Love, WWII Veteran. It meant a lot to family members and friends to see the Red, White and Blue waving at his services. It’s a wonderful thing when people that didn't even know this man still come to honor him for his service to his county over 60 years ago. His wife of 62 years was extremely touched by their presence. It will surely be a sad day when the Greatest Generation is all gone.
Thanks again and God Bless the Patriot Guard Riders
Tim Reynolds

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3/13/08

Joe and others

Thank you so much for you words of encouragement. Dad was very committed to his country and talked often of the times during the Korean War. He often said that being a “hunter who walked the hills of WV” helped him to get through the cold nights and long days in Korea. Dad spent his life fighting for what he felt was right both in and out of the Army. He served others first and always did the right thing. We miss him terribly.

My father was good friends with Ann Cumblidge, Joe’s mother, and he even talked about his childhood memories of Ann just days before he passed. Seems fitting that Joe was involved with honoring my father after his death.

Again, thank you very much – the family is very appreciative!

Lisa Leach (daughter of Robert "Bob" King)

Parkersburg, WV

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3/12/08

I can not begin to tell you how reading these sentiments on your website for my father has touched my soul. Thank you for everything that you are and everything that you have done for this great country that my father loved so dearly.

God Bless You and God Bless America!

Sincerely,

Beth (King) Tuttle

Sistersville, WV

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04/14/08

I would like to thank all you who honored my dad Eddie Mack Paugh the day I laid my pop to rest I don’t think I could have made it with out you all there. My thanks also goes out to THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE for sending their men to my dad’s gravesite also. I can’t remember all your names, but I WILL REMEMBER THAT DAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! AND MAY GOD BLESS ALL PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOVED ONES, PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE...FALLEN ONES, POW'S, MIA'S AND THOSE CURRENTLY FIGHTING IN OUR ARMED FORCES OF AMERICA!!! "ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL"

THANK YOU,

TROY ALLAN PAUGH.

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04/14/08

Patriot Guard Riders

Thank you for your kindness in honoring our husband, father and grandfather James E. Love for his service to our country.

We know he would have been so pleased. Your special attention is appreciated.

The Love family

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To the patriot guard riders,

My name is Suzanne Beaver. You were at my father George Smith's funeral this past week. I want to send my true thanks to everyone of you. My dad always said that when he came home from the Vietnam war, he did not get a welcome home or a hand shake or even a smile, he was spit on called names and etc. That bothered me and my brothers, especially since my oldest brother recently served time in Iraq. I sat the day dad past away and wondered what i could do for him to give him the final thanks and honor me and my family felt he deserved, and then i learned about the Patriot guard riders.
    Seeing you all there standing with flags waving in the breeze it was so beautiful, not that loosing my dad had any beauty, but i looked across the cemetery and I just knew that dad would have been so happy, and i know if he was looking down on us that day he would have had the biggest smile on his face. My dad was a good man, that just had lots of issues with being in the war and finally he is now at peace, and just as mom said he will never again be in pain .

    The plaque presented to my mother was so beautiful and words can't express how grateful we are to you all for your time and respect for my father.                                                                                            Thank -you
           
                                                                                                                         Suzanne Beaver
                                                                                                                      Daughter of George A Smith

 

4/25/08

 

 

7/19/08

Members of the Patriot Guard:

On behalf of 6,800 men and women of the West Virginia National Guard, I want to express my deep appreciation to your organization and Members for the outpouring of support that you provided to the 111th Engineer Brigade and the 821st Engineer Company for their homecoming from Iraq.

These men and women from our West Virginia National Guard units along with all of our National Guard members have served our Nation With distinction from the onset of this global war on terrorism. It is the support of their families,communities and outstanding organizations, such As yours,that are the strength behind our Nation's military.

We greatly appreciate the distinguished service of your members and the outstanding support that your organizations have provided to our brave National Guardsmen as they take on the challenges of protecting our Nation at home and abroad. Such efforts make me proud to be the Adjutant General of the most distinguished National Guard in the Nation.

Sincerely,

7/20/08

We received our son home safe and sound July 13th his 25th birthday. We thank everyone who kept him in their prayers. It was quite a site, seeing those planes land and the soldiers walking out. Emotions were high. I was bawling of course......but you know what I was thinking at that very moment? Of course I was thinking of how thankful I was to God for bringing him and his unit home safe, but I was also thinking about the 4100 Moms, Dads, sons and daughters who were denied this very feeling of joy that I was experiencing. It was as heart wrenching as it was joyful. I was thinking of the tens of thousands who got their loved ones back in pieces. Prayer is a strong force, these pictures are proof. Let me share this with you. It rained on and off all the way to Charleston that day. It stopped raining while we were at that hanger at the airport waiting for our soldiers. It rained mostly all the way home from Charleston. I prayed a selfish prayer, for it to stop raining so Richie could have a great day. It rained up to 1/2 mi from our house. We pulled in and it didn't rain another drop the rest of the day. We had about 20 people show up and more food than the law allows, games, golf and guitars. It was a wonderful day. Before we know it Brandon will be leaving so we might as well get started praying for his swift and safe return, and for him to return intact physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Keep Uncle Larry in your prayers while Brandon is away. Again thank you all for your prayers and please keep our country's service men and women in your prayers. Love you all.

Wendy

7/31/08

Hello Ron and Joe,

I am sending this letter a little late, but I wanted to let you all know how much we all in the military appreciate what you do for the Soldiers and this Country. The combined efforts with your help produced about 22,000 dollars in funding for the troops. This will greatly help Boatsie in her efforts to help take care of those soldiers overseas.

It has truly been an honor working with you all and look forward to seeing you all next year. Please tell all the riders we really appreciate them and all they do. It is a real commitment that they do voluntarily. We Salute you all. What you do for troop morale is wonderful. Thank you ALL.

Ron and Joe thanks for your coordination efforts and making this all come together.

8/12/08

 

8/22/08

On behalf of myself, sister and the rest of the Griffin family, I want to thank you for helping us honor our dad. It was a blessing to our entire family for you--who has already given so much for our nation--to give us this special honor. Thank for your service to our country and to our Dad. May God richly bless and keep you in His care.

 

9/19/08

There are no words to say how much we appreciated the Patriot Riders being at our father's funeral (James Pettit).

He would of been forever grateful and proud to know each and everyone of you.

He had no enemies. He loved people.

You've touched our hearts in so many ways. We will never forget.

 

9/29/08

 

10/01/08

Patriot Guard Riders:

Thanks for your support for LCDR Joseph Priestley; it is greatly appreciated.
God Speed and God Bless You.

 

10/8/08

Hello,

We would like to extend a very special thank you for your attendance to 1st Class Jamie Nicholas' funeral in Clay, WV.

Also, we would like to say that what you do is a great service to our country. Our community is small but full of people who live as close as family.

To all of you, Big Otter Volunteer Fire Department salutes you.

 

10/9/08

 

10/24/08

Reading all the beautiful messages on your website have been a comfort during long sleepless nights.. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the respect you displayed as we put Vic to rest.  Other than family, being a veteran and digging coal were what he held dear in life.. In the end the mines took him from us.. I am still full of the why's but time will perhaps giving me the answers I can accept.  Until then, thank you for making that cold trip on an October morning to lay him to rest.  It was deeply appreciated .

 

10/24/08

Susan,

That is beautiful!!! I cried and cried! I guess it was my turn to cry!!!

Was the trip Ok going home the other night? I was so worried about the guys. I know they were exhausted!!! We hated to see you all go! Kami, my daughter who was sick all weekend got upset because she had asked me to come get her when you were actually leaving. I didn't because she was resting. She made sure to tell me how upset she was.

Buddy came out Monday morning and finished the spindels on the stairs. It took him about 4 hrs. and at least one injury repaired with duct tape.

Bret can't help but "visit" his new "space" often. Today was a rough one at the VA and when we came home, he sat out on the deck for a couple hours, just watching traffic, I guess. I think he would still be there but the storm clouds rolled-in. I don't worry about him out there. I know there are still places where he could get hurt...or he could fall down the steps but somehow, it's like sacred ground to him. You just have no idea what a gift that is, not only to him, but to our entire family. The kids really have a tough time dealing with all his injuries and illnesses sometimes and the girls, especially, tend to hang-out in their rooms too much. While he was out there this afternoon, both girls joined us. I can't remember the last time we had that kind of time together. I am just amazed!!!

Susan, please keep in touch. You are family now!!! I hope to talk to you soon!!! Thank you for everything!!! Please send our love to all the "guys" and feel free to share my sentiment here.

Blessings,
Billinda

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10/24/08

I just wanted to voice my appreciation to you for the honorable things you do. Sgt Bret Chevalier is my brother-in-law (Billinda is my little sis) and the part you played in the recent upgrades on their home is MUCH appreciated. I am unable to do much to help them, other than an occasional shoulder to cry on - although if you know Billinda, there's not much crying, as she is one tough gal. Please pass along my thanks to the crew from Moundsville, as well. It was a special treat for me that they were from my birthplace.

 

10/25/08

I am Victor J. Goudy's youngest sister,Cathy. Thank you all so much for what you have done for my family & especially for Nila, Victor's wife. We felt so much love & respect from you all. God Bless all of you. You truly brought honor and respect with you, as we all had to attend a funeral that we did not want to ever be a part of in such a heart sickening way as Victor had to leave us.
Victor loved his country and his God and Family.
Victor truly was honored for the Man that he is.

11/9/08

 

11/16/08

 

First Name : Vicky

Last Name : Fairchild

Comments : I am Bret Chevalier's mother and I really want to tell you how much I appreciate everything that you'd done for my son and his family. I have not been able to visit much but Billinda has kept me updated with everything that you have done. May God bless each and every one who has been there for my son.

 

11/19/08

Dear Buddy,

Getting to know and appreciate the Patriot Guard Riders was an enormous honor, pleasure and surprise.

I will treasure the medal you gave to me “In Recognition of Superior Performance of CMSgt Palla”.  I know it meant a lot to you and I will keep and treasure it.  Also, I will put a copy, like the enclosed, on my framed combat WWII memorabilia and decorations.  The medal itself will be in my Bank Safe Safe Deposit Box, but will get it out to show my children’s families and friends.

Warm Personal Regards,

 

11/22/08

Dear Buddy,

In addition to the problem Abbott has with his hands, he also has a severe spinal problem, and so, I'm not sure when he will get around to writing his notes.

I want to take the opportunity to say a million thanks from both of us ~ Abbott walked on air for the rest of the week. Actually, Abbott is in constant pain, however, no one would have thought so on Tuesday.

Thank you so much, Buddy, you all gave Abbott and me a wonderful gift!

November 18, 2008

 

Dear Buddy,

 

This is Jamie's Mom.  I just read the Mission Complete, SFC Jamie S. Nicholas on the professionalsoldiers website.  I want to thank you and all men of the Patriot Guard who gave your support and honor to Jamie and your support and prayers to our family.  We too were humbled and grateful for all support that the community has given to Jamie and our family.  Michelle, Jamie's wife, was especially touched by the school children lining the streets.  I don't know if you heard on the news that evening, but they had interviewed some teachers and school children.  The teachers had explained that Jamie was a soldier and he died protecting our country.  They explained why they needed to be quiet to show respect when the funeral procession went through.  When the news reporter had interviewed one kindergarten boy he replied:

"He had to save the world everyday".  We laughed when we heard that on the news that evening.  He may not have been saving the world everyday but many days he did.

 

On November 2nd several family members walked through the woods to the cemetery.  It was beautiful.  The maple trees were so yellow that even the air looked yellow and where leaves had fallen on the road my daughter said it looked like we were walking down the yellow brick road.  There's a beautiful view from there.  Beyond the cemetery is a field and the family deer hunting group starts its hunt from there. 

 

Thank you for the plaque and condolence book.  We have been given so many medals, plaques, flags, and pictures that we need a room just to display everything :).

 

We miss Jamie, but our broken hearts are starting to heal.  We are very proud of what Jamie accomplished in earning his Green Beret. We are proud of all our children and their spouses. I am not sure if you know but, our daughter-in-law Stacy Nicholas is currently serving in Bagdad.  She is married to our son Jesse who spent 4 years in the Navy and 2 in the army.  He is currently in the reserves  and lives at Ft. Benning, GA where he is studying to become a LPN and takes care of their 22 month old daughter Emily while waiting for Stacy to return.  Our son Adam is with the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg and deploys the first week of December for Iraq. He is married to Linsey.  Cody (Juanita), Amanda(Michael) and Cathy live here in WV. 

 

Please check out the website www.claywestvirginia.com. It is a local newspaper on line. Click on the photos on the left side of the home page and you will see Jamie Nicholas photos.  There are 60 plus photos from the funeral.  I have also attached  the memorial service for Jamie, Gary and Captain Cliff that given in Afghanistan before they came home by Captain Aaron Bush.  I think you will appreciate what he say about a "good ole boy from West Virginia". Feel free to share it with others.

 

A final word concerning Jamie.  He believed strongly that we need to be in Afghanistan.  He too had major concerns about this 2nd tour of duty.  He came in May to visit with us before deploying.  As his sister, Amanda hugged him goodby she told him she did not want him to go.  He told her that he would like to stay here but this is what he signed up for and that we need to be there.  He said we could either fight them over there or in our front yards, you choose. I try to share his words with others because I think they need to know how he as a soldier felt.

 

I know that everyone who rides with the Patriot Guard is not a veteran but to those who are, thank you for all your service to our country and to all the Patriot Guard riders, thank you for your service to our soldiers and their families. 

 

Please pass on our thanks to the other members of the PGR.

 

Sincerely,

Karen Nicholas