Those of you involved with the Patriot Guard have probably seen this already, I got it last night... Those of you who haven't ridden with the Patriot Guard, this is one way to ACTUALLY support our troops and their families. I guarantee it will be an experience you'll never forget, it means a lot to the family to have us there. These small towns really get involved too when they lose one of their own.
If I understand correctly, this ride is for a memorial service at the town square, there will be additional missions to escort CPL Hilbert's body from the airport, and for the funeral.
Planning on being there myself, assuming I can get things squared away at work in time to get out there by 7:00.
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Friends,
Venus, TX is a small town south of Mansfield and they have lost their first
son in the Global War on Terrorism. The CPL Thomas L. Hilbert Mission is
going to be a difficult one for many of us. Glen Carlisle, who grew up in
Venus, will serve as the overall Mission Ride Captain. He and I were at the
parent's home today, assisting them with the details of his memorial. The
whole town wants to make sure that the family knows that the sacrifice that
Thomas made was appreciated. So on Wednesday, September 12th, there will
be a tribute to him on the town square and the PGR has been invited to be
there. We will stage at the David's Supermarket, on the SW corner of Hwy 67
and FM 157, from 6:30-7:00, KSU at 7:15. The program will last about an
hour. CPL Hilbert arrived at Dover AFB Saturday, so he could be landing at
any time. Probably by tomorrow night we'll have the details of his arrival,
visitation, funeral and internment. Right now, the only thing we know for
sure is that he will arrive at Spinks Airport, 450 Alsbury Ct Burleson, TX
76028. Bill "RotorHead" Holcomb is RCing that portion of the Mission.
Visitation will be held at Midlothian Funeral Home, 200 E Avenue E
Midlothian, TX. Internment will be at Venus Memorial Park, East 5th Street,
Venus, TX. The location of the funeral and all the dates and times are
pending. The family wants us there for every moment and we will do our best
to fulfill this request. If you have not attended a Mission in a small
town, brace yourself, as it is a very emotional event. We ask for your
support and prayers, this one hurts more as it is "family" for us.
God bless all as we ride to Stand Tall and Silent,
Rick
Deputy State Captain
North Texas
