Orginially posted by by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Monday, September 5, 2011 at 6:20pm
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I am a resident of Naugatuck CT.

Today, by sheer chance, I happened to drive past the Alderson Funeral Home just at the hour your members were assembled outside to honor the fallen hero inside. I had not yet opened the local paper, so I had no idea who was being honored or why you were there, but it was indeed an awesome and stirring sight. The bikes lined up, the flags with their various sentiments, the respect that was so obvious – it was all very inspiring.

My daughter asked me what was happening; she assumed the funeral was for a motorcycle enthusiast. I explained that I wasn’t sure but I thought it was because the funeral was for a veteran and the motorcycle clubs were there to protect the family from protestors (in my opinion, despicable protestors). It was quite a teaching moment, as we discussed the issue as we drove along.

Upon reading the local paper, the Citizen’s News, this afternoon, I now know Matthew Tooker’s story, and that indeed, the flags and motorcycles we saw were from your organization. I took a moment to read your mission on your website – to honor and respect our veterans and to peacefully protect their families from unwanted intrusions — and I wanted to send you this SINCERE THANK YOU for what your organization does.

Sincerely,
Melinda

Orginially posted by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Monday, September 5, 2011 at 6:15pm
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From: Andrea Pavia Garrison

Hi, I was a proud friend of CPO Brian Bill and I have to tell you that I was so moved when my husband and I pulled up to St. Cecilia’s Church for his funeral, we were simply moved to tears by you support and devotion to the family, friends and memory of CPO Brian R. Bill. I am so grateful to you all who were there (both physically and mentally). There should be more good, kind-hearted people like yourselves who make the choice to just do what’s good and right. God Bless you all!!! My most sincere Thanks, Andrea Pavia Garrison (Stamford, CT).

Orginially posted by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 4:54pm
Fron Michelle Turner
re: Nathan Turner
Thank you to all who were able to attend the service for my brother Nathan. Your presence meant a great deal to my family and his fellow soldiers. Nathan made every one around him a better person and he would have been honored that you were there.

Orginially posted by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 6:24pm

Bob, just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the honor you showed my brother, Paul Protzenko last week. I am his oldest sister and feel such a sense of loss with this horrible tragedy. It was very impressive to see all of you there to honor him.

My deepest thanks, sincerely,

Colette (Protzenko) Sparks, Bailey Island, ME.

Orginially by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 5:58pm

Dear Bob, and fellow Patriot Guard Riders,

We have just returned from my step-fathers service, and I had to write you.

My family was so impressed with the Patriot Guard today. They knew that I had been involved with missions, but never understood why strangers would attend a funeral for fallen servicemen until today.

I can not tell you how many drove up to St. Lawrence Church with tears of joy in their eyes. My step-father was proud to have served his country during WW II, and anyone who truly knew him knew that his Navy past was one of his most honored memories.

On behalf of my mother, his children, and step children, grand children, and great grand children, I must thank the Patriot Guard for their steadfast tribute to these men and women of our Nations military. Being on the opposite side of the honor guard was different for me, and I now know the honor felt by the service we as members provide.

Today the Patriot Guard touched four generations. I pray the the youngest of his great grand children remember this day for the rest of their lives.

It has always been an honor to stand for those who stood for other.

Today I was honored to call all the Patriot Guard my friends, brothers and sisters.

I have always said Bob that you do more than you realize. Today you helped 4 generation see why we should always honor our military veterans.

I thank you for that.

Respectfully

Pete Wood

Orginially by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at 2:41pm
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My sister and I were honored to have all of you there for our Dad’s memorial service. Thank you and please convey our thanks to all who were there.

Pam Cutrone

Orginially posted by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Monday, June 20, 2011 at 11:02pm
To the Directors and Members of the Ct. Patriot Guard Riders,

On behalf of Veteran Angler Charters I would like to thank you for your very generous donationof $500 made on June 7,2011.

Capt. Kathy Granfield

Founder, Va. Charte

RE: Tom Duba.
Originally posted by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 12:24pm
Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders
Let me thank you again for the honor that your group bestowed upon my father at his funeral. It was a pleasure to meet the people of your group and to talk with them my sons and myself relieve some of the sadness.

God bless You & All of Your Organization
Tom Duba & Family

Orginially by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 12:22pm
From: Emil Senger Post No. 10
The American Legion
37 Bank Street
Seymour, CT 06483-0137

06/13/2011

The Post thanks The Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders for all you do to honor and respect our veterans. Please keep us in mind for your activities because our membership 100% behind you.

Thank you for all you do, it DOES NOT go unnoticed.

For God and Country
Micheal Kearney
Commander, Post 10

Orginially posted by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Monday, June 13, 2011 at 5:36pm
Thank You Everyone
For an outstanding day yesterday for SSgt Jeffrey Smeriglio. I think he will remember his Welcome Home for a very long time, and each and everyone of you can take a bow for your part. Thank you so much. Greenwich Military Covenant of Care is getting it’s name out there slowly but surely. Now we must work on a website for people to be able to go into.
George, please thank your wonderful son for all the help he gave me in cleaning up, Guy and others for helping set up.
To my favorite Mascot of the Patriot Guard Riders, Jackie.
To all the Patriot Guard Men and Women for their participation and the amazing sight they make on bikes and on land holding the flags!!! Wow it takes one’s breath away and is such an honor to be part of.
Jim, Thank you for always being there with all the help you and the police can muster. You are a fantastic Captain that really cares about this community.
John, For all the great pictures and publicity you give us now and looking forward. I will take you up on helping design sighs for the bridge for our next Welcome Home. And any other artistic avenues you wish to help us with.
Livvy, Thank you for all you do for us every day and for being there on Sunday.
Jack , for always wanting to help.
Jim and Sharon Capparelle for the building and grounds that we do the “welcome Homes and their support.
Tod, for giving us the backup of the St. Lawrence Club in case of rain and he and Jane’s support.
David, For your dedication and love of this town, more than anyone will ever know. For loving people the way you do.
Mary Jane, One of the founders and Vice President of GMCOC who works so hard and is amazing at putting all the right touches to our events and affairs.
Martha, A board member of GMCOC thank you for all your support and being there for us when you needed to be home.
Bruce, President and founder of GMCOC, man extraordinaire, your help with the PR, and all you did was what brought so many people to this wonderful “Welcome Home” by the Greenwich Military Covenant of Care. You truly are fantastic.
I am so proud to be part of all we do. Thank you so very much.
We missed those of you who were away or had other commitments.

Kerrin Coyle
Associate Agent
1455 EAST PUTNAM AVENUE
OLD GREENWICH, CT 06870
DIRECT:
203-409-7062
MAIN:
203-637-5436
FAX:
203-637-8291
www.valeriewilsontravel.com
kerrinc@vwti.com