Every now and then, something very special comes along and the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders are included in it.  This Friday morning, we again have the opportunity to do something very unique that will long be remembered by those who are able to participate.  Wednesday afternoon, a truck was observed at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery’s Visitors Center with a Gold Star sticker in the windshield.  Upon investigation it was found to be Mic Stephens, the father of SFC Riley Stephens who was placing flags on his sons’ grave, it was Riley’s birthday.  He shared that Riley’s teammates, friends and supporters are going to be doing the “Suck It Up Ruck” March Friday morning and invited us to join them.

They are joining with the #22kill folks to honor the sacrifice of SFC Stephens and SFC Bill Brown, who the NTX PGR escorted to our cemetery in 2006.  They will start at 0645 at SFC Stephen’s grave, across from the Administration Building on top of the hill above Shelter “A.”  After honoring Riley, they will head towards the front gate and honor SFC Brown's gravesite then begin a 22 mile ruck-march to American Legion Post #624, located at 2951 FM 917 Mansfield, TX 76063.  22 miles is significant as there are an estimated 22 Veterans a day in our country that take their own lives.  This group of Warriors, along with their #22kill sponsors are doing their part to ensure that this horrible trend stops.