Riders staged at the VFW post 8587 in Mesquite and was provided a full breakfast for all. Organizers from the Oregon PGR and founder of “Tribute to Fallen Soldiers” Warren Williamson briefed on what the ride plan was and where what we were to do. The North Texas PGR briefed the Safety factors for the day. The riders departed at 0930 to visit the first family with the Texas DPS Trooper and the Mesquite Police Department providing the escort. The DPS Trooper stayed with us all day.
At the 7 stops on Sunday, each family was presented with a special plaque for the occasion as well as a custom patch with their hero’s name on their patch provided by Warren Williamson, the Managing Director of “Tribute To Fallen Soldiers”. The North Texas PGR presented the family a canvas portrait of their loved one. At each of the presentations, the families were introduced to fellow Gold Star families (five) traveling with us for the day. Following that, the riders shook hands and gave hugs to each of the family members. We then spent a few minutes before proceeding on to the next stop.
The first visit was in Forney to the family of Army Staff Sgt. Jeremie S. Border. “Tribute to Fallen Soldiers” plaque and patch were presented by Warren Williamson. Gold Star Mom and PGR Rider “Beth Burgess” presented the Canvass Portrait. 

Second stop was in Plano at the Veterans Memorial Park, where we met the mother of Army Staff Sgt. Eric. Duckworth. Ila Duckworth was presented with the “Tribute to Fallen Soldiers” plaque and patch. The canvass portrait was presented by Gold Star father and PGR Rider “Terry Burgess”.

Stop three also, in Plano at the Veterans Memorial Park, we met the family of Marine Cpl. Tyler S. Trovillion. Gina (mother) and also Tyler’s brother and sister were there. The Tribute Plaque, Hero’s Patch and also a Memorial Wooden Chest were presented by Warren then followed by the canvass portrait presentation given by PGR Rider John Kammerer. 

Number four: We then proceeded to the VFW Post 4380 named the “James Casey Joyce Hall” to visit Casey’s mother (Gail) her sister and her daughter to honor Army Sgt. James ‘Casey’ Joyce. Warren presented the “Tribute to Fallen Solders” plaque and patch. The canvass portrait was presented by Gold Star mom and PGR Rider “Bambi Hayes”.

Stop five was to visit Frank & Peggy Viola (Parents ) of Army Staff Sgt. Alex A. Viola in Keller Texas. Again they had many neighbors that came out to show their Love, Honor and Respect to the Viola family. The “Tribute to Fallen Solders” plaque and Hero’s patch was presented by Warren Williamson. The canvass portrait had already been presented last year by PGR Ride Captain’s Dan Mathys.

Number six was at the home of Marine Cpl. Philip McGeath in Arlington texas. Phyllis McGeath(Mother) requested that we wait on his father to arrive from his out of town trip before the presentations began. After his arrival, The canvass portrait’s was presented by PGR Ride Captain “Danny Cain” and The “Tribute to Fallen Solders” plaque and Hero’s patch presented by Warren Williamson. Again they had many neighbors that came out to show their Love, Honor and Respect to the McGeath family.

For the seventh and final stop of the day we traveled to DFW National Cemetery where we meet with the parents of Army Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin . The Plaque and Hero’s patch were presented by Warren. The canvass portrait was presented by Gold Star father and PGR Rider “John Savage”. Each of these stops was special, Each one was unique and Each one was emotional. We began our ride back home after about a 12 hour day. The day began with 47 motorcycles and ended with 38 motorcycles and we encountered no major problems. 

To the families who allowed us to visit them and reopen old memories, we are especially grateful. No words can express our gratitude to them for their sacrifice.
To Warren Williamson and Dave Worsham the Tribute to Fallen Soldiers for all the planning it took to arrange for these visits, we thank you. And thank you for allowing the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders to be a part of this very special event.
because this mission had to be postponed because of rain for over two weeks, to the Sunday after “Memorial Day”, I can’t think of a better way to honor our Nations Fallen Heroes then to be a part of this event with a chance to say Thank You face to face to these Gold Star Families.

Respectfully,
Ken DuBois
Ride Captain
