PFC Joel A. Ramirez Mission Day 1

PFC Joel A Ramirez arrived at the Midway Regional Airport in Midlothian at 11:00 Friday morning to a welcome that was befitting the hero that he is.  The weather was perfect, the flags were flying and the town of Waxahachie demonstrated their love and appreciation for this family.

The Patriot Guard lined the road just past the entrance into the airport with flags and bikes.  Interspersed among them were citizens from Waxahachie and the outlying areas with their flags as well.  Meanwhile, a small contingent of flag bikes escorted the Ramirez family from their home to the airport – with folks lining the route along the way showing their respect.

Upon arrival at the airport the family was welcomed by this wonderful display of flags, bikes, and many people – riders and citizens alike.  As the procession moved toward the parking lot and tarmack, the Waxahachie Fire Dept. had their ladder truck with a large flag, courtesy of the Addison Fire Dept, draped over the entrance.  Lined up on the right were fire trucks from several departments, and on the left was a line of firefighters – all standing at attention and rendering a salute as the family passed through, led by the Bagpiper out onto the tarmack.

Once the aircraft landed and PFC Ramirez was received by the Honor Guard, the family gathered at the coach for a few moments.  After the family cars were ready we made our way back to the entrance to the airport.  When the family came to the stop before entering onto 287, all they could see were flags - in front, to the left and to the right.  All along the route to the funeral home the people of this community demonstrated their support for our military in general, and this family in particular.  They  lined the road with flags and signs, many rendering a salute, all for the return of a hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country.  

There were 50 bikes, a few cages, and an estimated 1000-plus people along the route to show their love.  The Rotary Club starting putting flags out along the route as soon as we got word when Joel would be brought home.  With LEO support all along the way the ride was a breeze!

Upon our arrival at the funeral home the family was again met with a line of flags and hundreds of folks paying their respects.  They were then escorted into the funeral home by the Patriot Guard and sequestered for privacy.  


Specialist Joel A. Ramirez Mission Day 2

Yes, you will notice a different rank – we learned of his posthumous promotion as it was announced during the eulogy by the General Officer.
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The Memorial service and Military Honors took place on Sunday evening at the Waxahachie Civic Center.  The family was once again escorted by a few flag bikes from their home to the Civic Center where they were greeted by over a thousand people wanting to pay their respects to our hero.  The day was cold, windy and rainy, but it didn't seem to matter.  We had over 40 bikes in attendance as well as several cages.  Attendance at the service was estimated to be nearly 2000.

After the memorial service and presentation of medals, Specialist Joel Ramirez, led by the Bagpiper and followed by the family, was escorted outside for the Flag Presentation, Volley of Three and the playing of Taps.  Afterward, the family returned to their vehicles and then escorted back to their home
by many Patriot Guard Riders, while our hero was escorted back to the funeral home to prepare for transportation to Mexico for his interment.

Addendum:  Monday morning

A small group of riders on 2 bikes and in 3 cages met at the funeral home early Monday morning in a pouring rain to escort Joel back to the airport for the final leg of his journey to his final resting place in the family cemetery outside of Guadalajara, Mexico.  We lined up outside of the plane to pay our final respects to Specialist Joel A. Ramirez as the Honor Guard carefully transferred him into the aircraft.  The family had left earlier out of DFW.  

I spoke with Chano and Irma Ramirez after we took them home Sunday night, they were so grateful for all the Patriot Guard had done, they were very impressed with how well everything turned out, and couldn't say “thank you”enough.  It couldn't happen without all our riders....we are doing the right thing, and what we do does make a difference in the lives of these families.

At this time I would like to say THANK YOU to all who contributed in making this mission run so smoothly.  A special thanks to Mike Eubanks and Sheila Manning from ETX for bringing flags and water both days to add to those brought by James Carlile.  The Rotary Club provided additional flags along the route, and the gentlemen at Wayne Boze Funeral Home were very professional and wonderful to work with.  Our LEO's were awesome, as usual, and all our movements went smoothly and without incident - the dream of every Ride Captain.

Speaking of which, my fellow Waxahachie Ride Captains were instrumental in the execution of what became the most heavily attended mission in recent memory.  We would like to thank those who stepped up without hesitation when asked to assist us in the many aspects of this mission, whether it was lining up bikes at the airport, helping with staging or standing guard at a door – I'm afraid if I start naming names I'll miss one, but you all know who you are and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  You truly did help us “stand tall and silent” for the Ramirez family.
