Riders staged at the VFW post 8587 in Mesquite.  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 0930to visit the first family with two Texas DPS Trooper vehicles and the Mesquite Police Department providing the escort. The two DPS vehicles stayed with us all day.
 At each of the 7 stops on Saturday, the family was presented with a special plaque for the occasion as well as a custom patched with tier loved ones name on their patch. Four active duty soldiers accompanied us and presented the plaque with salute to the Oregon PGR ,who then returned to the family for the presentation. Then the Texas PGR presented the family a canvas portrait of their loved one. After all the presentations concluded, the families were introduced to fellow Gold Star families traveling with us. 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 family to visit was the mother of Army 1st Class Raymond J. Munden, who was waiting for us at her home in Mesquite where the portrait was presented by PGR member Jean Clark.
Our Second stop was in Plano at the Veterans Memorial Park where we met the parents of Army Cpl William M. Amundson Jr. Here, Robert Amundson (Father) and his wife and sister, grandparents were presented with the “Tribute to Fallen Soldiers” plaque and patch and also a memorial wooden chest. The canvass portrait was presented by PGR Rider David Callaway.
Stop three was in Frisco where we met the parents of Army Cpl Peter J. Courcy. Parents Mary and Chris Courcy were there along with many neighbors and friends.  The Tribute Plaque and Patch were presented followed by the canvass portrait presentation given by David Emard. The family provided water drinks and cookies to the riders which were greatly appreciated.
We then proceeded to Aubrey Texas to visit mother Phyllis and father of the Broomfield family for Army 2nd Lt Johnny K. Craver. Warren presented the “Tribute to Fallen Solders” plaque and patch and also a memorial wooden chest. The canvass portrait was presented by PGR Rider Sheryl McBroom.
Stop five was to visit family of Marine Lance CPL Jacob D. Hayes in Prosper Texas.  The “Tribute to Fallen Solders” plaque and patch presented by Warren Williamson. The canvass portrait was presented by Marine & State Trooper James Schoemaker.
Visit number six included two families, both of which lost soldiers in the Terrorist attach shooting at Ft Hood.  The sister of Army Spc Jason D. Hunt was the first to be presented to. The second was the cousin of Army SSGT Amy Krueger who was also killed in the Ft Hood Shooting. Both of these presentations were performed at Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney TX. The canvass portrait’s were presented by Danny Cain, Jean Clark and Ken DuBois. Channel 11 news was there covering the event and telling the story of these Gold Star Families (http://dfw.cbslocal.com/video/11507560-personal-north-texas-tribute-to-never-forget-fallen-soldiers/

For the seventh and final stop of the day we traveled to Greenville Texas for Army Sgt Chauncy R. Mays who was killed in Feb of 2001. We were met in route by the Greenville Police department that escorted us all the way out to the Mays property where the presentations of the plaque and patch were conducted by Warren. The canvass portrait was presented by PGR Rider Dave Worsham.
 Each of these stops was special, Each one was unique and Each one was emotional. We began the ride back home after about a 12 hour day. The day ended with 18 motorcycles and we encored 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.
As Day Two of this mission had to be postponed because of rain for next Sunday May 24th, “Memorial Weekend”, 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
