This was one of the first cool days of this long hot summer, a day which all riders say “great day for a ride”.  The Patriot Guard Riders and friends of E. R. Stroud gather early at Laurel Land for a celebration of the life of “Wingman” Stroud.
If you were unable to attend, you missed a show of respect that few have ever had the opportunity to observe or be a part of. The fact that E. R. was instrumental in setting up the very manor, in which we as PGR members stand our flag lines to show honor and respect, made the entire event a tribute of respect to him. Never have you seen the riders stand taller, show more honor or demonistrate more pride in the flag line that at the service of this PGR hero.
Riders stood tall and silent outside a chapel filled to capacity with family, friends and fellow riders. The stories that were shared painted the early history of the Texas Patriot Guard from an insider’s look. The humor that was shared was a big part of this man’s life and allowed those who have never been on the road with the PGR to understand the human side of the riders. The stories brought smiles and sometimes laughter but allowed each person to look back at the honor, respect and love E. R. held for his fellow man. All left the service knowing what E. R. “Wingman” Stroud was made of and what he stood for.
The processions of hundreds of motorcycles and cages entered onto Hwy 635 and the traffic was held by the Dallas Sheriff’s Department (which E. R. had been a part of). Despite the fact that the riders rode in a tight formation, the procession seems to stretch for miles and miles. The very highway that E. R. had spent so many hours and miles on in his endeavor to show honor and respect to the fallen soldiers, now opened before his final escort with no traffic to hinder its flow. As the procession with flags flying moved along a now traffic free interstate 20, you could feel the freedom of this ride and the hand of E. R. guiding it. 
David David drove his trike with “Waffle Maker” (E.R.’s wife) in the passenger seat carrying E. R.’s red white and blue urn tucked lovingly in the arms that had held him for so many years. E. R.’s son; Dallas rode in E. R.’s “Wingman position” alongside them. 
The bikes and riders proceeded to the shelter as the procession pulled into the visitor center at the DFW National Cemetery. As the procession arrived at the shelter soon after the riders, they were greeted by a sea of American flags, friends and a host of hands salutes to show honor to a man who deserved all that could be offer. 
This Patriot Guard Hero was given full military honors, loving words and tears were shed as the sound of the Bagpiper slowly faded into the distance.     
The riders and friends were welcomed by the family at the VFW in Duncanville for lunch after the service.
 E. R. “Wingman” Stroud once again had a hand in bringing together old friends and new friends to create lifelong friendships. Each person there knew that E. R. was watching, with a smile on his face.

Mike “Gunner” Lambert
Asst. State Captain
Texas PGR