by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 7:02pm
RE: ***Honor Mission*** Gerald Hecker USN
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 10:00am
Jordan Cemetery, Waterford, CT

Bob,

On behalf of my entire family, I am writing to express our sincerest appreciation to the Patriot Guard Riders for their participation in the services for my father, Gerald Hecker on September 1. It was a hot day, and the Guard had a very busy week.

As a member of PGR, I understand why we do what we do. Last week, I got a glimpse at the feeling it brings to families of those who have passed. It was an honor to have the PGR present to honor my father. I was filled with pride and appreciation that so many came to pay their respects to someone that none knew.

On Monday, August 29, I rode to the mission for SGT DeLuzio because I believed that, in a time of grief, I could find comfort in providing comfort to others who were dealing with their loss. It was an honor to stand with the PGR that day, just as it was an honor to have the PGR stand for my father.

Many of my family and friends commented at the commitment and dedication of those who stood in the hot sun, as we paid final tribute to a great man, a great father, a great friend, a patriot. Many don’t always understand the sacrifices that our service men and women made, and continue to make. They all left Jordan Cemetary that day with a better understanding by the example set by my Brothers and Sisters of the Patriot Guard.

Please extend my heartfelt appreciation to all who attended, and to those who extended their well-wishes and prayers to my family during this difficult time.

Rob Hecker”

Orginially posted by Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 6:55pm
Dear Bob,

Every so often, one’s opinion of the State of the Nation is bolstered by the kind and unselfish act of another human being. Such is the situation wherein the Patriot Guard Riders have seen fit to give of their time and treasure to assist another organization complete their mission.

This Post recently installed a 25 foot flagpole on the site of the Old Colonial Burial Grounds on Derby Avenue in Derby. This pole is to honor those Veterans of Past Wars that are entombed within those hallowed grounds and whose graves are unmarked as time and weather have taken its toll.

Although our membership is small in number (less than 50) this Post took on the project with limited funds. We didn’t seek financial assistance, but we would not turn it away should there be a benefactor(s).

To this date, only one organization rose to the occasion, the Patriot Guard Riders of Connecticut.

Therefore, on behalf of the Officers and members of this Post, we thank you and your fine organization for your generous contribution.

Yours in Service,

(Joseph Vicdomino)

Joseph Vicdomino, Commander

(Bernard Williamson)

Bernard Williamson, Adjutant

Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 1:17pm

Heading South by Bubba316

I am the guy you’ve seen with the Black Harley Roadglide with Vermont plates, and the short shaggy white beard, at many missions over the last 3 years.

My first mission was Keith Heidtmans Funeral in Norwich in 2007…

My spouse has been offered a better job, and the Agency I work for has approved my request for transfer, even though to get the transfer, I had to Volunteer for the Bomb Disposal Unit…I am leaving Connecticut and moving to Tampa Florida in a couple weeks.

Before I go I want to express my appreciation for the privilage it has been to stand and Honor the Heroes who serve our country. A special acknowledgement to Bob Stone for his gift of Leadership, and ease of making you feel like a friend. I typically do not join groups, Bob’s leadership made me feel at home in the PGR.

Another shout out goes to RC Kevin Wakely, who was a huge help, and good friend when my Harley Tranny siezed up this summer. Kevin’s just a great Guy to have a Cold Beer with. (Kevin, you are a guy, right?)

RC Greg Young and his young wife “Perky” always made me smile.

Fred Fricke….well what can you say about Fred? Thanks for the friendship, I always liked seeing you and I am truly sorry about putting your name on the “Do not Fly List”….I’ve tried to take it off of the list, but apparently getting it off is a bit of a difficulty. My advice??? Bring some Vaseline along next time you check in for a flight! The strip search will be much more comfortable if you have some lubrication…

Seriously, so many great people who go the distance to make the CT PGR what it is. Joanne, Jack, Bobby, all of you are Great Americans…I will remember all of you with Fondness… Wayne Nelson “Bubba316”

Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 9:51am
From:  Steve Minikowski

Posted marked 8/24/2010 – Sent to the Patriot Guard Riders c/o John G. Casey, Jr (Ride Captain)

“Dear Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders:

Thank your for a beautiful processional tribute to our beloved Dad and Soldier, Samuel Kowal.  Thank you for the Packet you sent to us of the Army Historical Foundation.

The Family of Samuel Kowal

Orginially posted Connecticut Patriot Guard Gratitude Expressions on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 9:57pm

Orginially posted by Connecticut Patriot Guard on Sunday, September 5, 2010 at 8:16pm

Letter from Gold Star Mom…

08/22/2010

Dearest Friends,

I think of you all as friends after the event we shared last Sunday. It has taken this many days for the overwhelming feelings to settle in my mind and heart.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the honest, sincere affection from you riders/veterans toward me and the other Gold Star Mothers. Seeing you all lined up, waiting for us to roll in, watching your faces when my husband stood “The Lady” in the back of my truck left me speechless, but the tears rolled down my face as they do the statue.The many stories we shared, the many hugs and tears will forever be etched in my memory. I have never been involved in such an event before and the thunder from all those bikes roaring into the street, the long line stretched as far as I could see behind me was awesome!

I truly want to thank each and every one of you for the heartwarming, wonderful, inspiring, memorable day you gave me. I know my son, Tim, was beside me all the way and was enjoying himself and thanking you all for giving his mom such joy.

May God bless you all and keep you safe.

Love,

Elaine Gibson

Proud Gold Star Mom of Cpl. Timothy M. Gibson, USMC

Orginially published by Connecticut Patriot Guard on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 9:19pm

From: Anne Chouinard

Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010

To: Connecticut Patriot Guard

Subject: A GOLD STAR MOM’S THANKS

August 16, 2010

Good morning all,

Bobby (Bob Stone) what a great job in organizing the Veterans groups to participate in this once in a lifetime week-end.

Andrew Chernak (Sculptor) there are not enough words to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for creating such a beautiful statue our MOM.  God has given you such a great talent and you are using it to honor such a very special group of women.  Our Gold Star Mothers.  It is a terrific way to educate this country about Gold Star Mothers.  The ceremony in Gettysburg was truly amazing.  The support from all the people in Gettysburg was just the beginning of this amazing week-end.  Andrew please thank your wife for her great hospitality.  I look forwarding to see you both on Thrusday.

To my fellow committee members of the NEGSMMA and family and friends who made the ride and those who could not but were there when we pulled into Manchester.  I love you all so much you are all like family to me and Jean.

Yes I should be asleep but I needed to send this message to you all.

It was such a very emotional filled week-end.   We cried, we laughed and we all where surrounded by the love of all those who touched our lives this week-end. But most of all our boys watched over all of us.

We made an amazing journey and met such very amazing people all doing their part to make this week-end so memorable.  WOW  WOW WOW

The NH motorcycle riders who made the journey down to Gettysburg and back to NH.  Denise Gionet said the rain was tears from HEAVEN.  She was right.  I can not thank you enough for riding through ALL THE TEARS for us.  To Denise, Elaine and Nicole  and all the other Gold Star Mothers our boys watch over us each second of everyday I know how very proud they are of all of us.

It was my great honor to ride with Marsha aka Munckin.  A ride I will remember forever. To tell my grandchildren about so they can tell their grandchildren.

All the people who came out at each stop to greet us or join in the ride. The Gold Star Mothers who came so many states to be part of this special week-end.  The people who joined our motorcade at every stop.  The Patriot Guard, Marine Riders, Combat Vets and so many more.  I know there were so many groups represented in the ride this week-end.

The people standing on a over pass waving to us as we drove under.  The people on the side of the highway with their flags and waving to us as we passed by.  The police escorts.  The people in Manchester at our final destination.

This trip was one was definitely measured by the out pouring LOVE of all.

I say to you all of you are my EARTHLY ANGELS who help me make it through each and everyday.  But most of all I truly blessed to have such a wonderful supportive husband Jean.  Because without him I would not be able to the things that I do.

My love to each and everyone of you who reads this.

God Bless you and your families.

Anne Chouinard

A Very Proud Gold Star Mother of

AE2 James L. Dixon