We had one new rider who had attended a KIA service in Waxahachie on his own, was impressed, and then had a presentation at work about the PGR from the daughter of a North Texas Ride Captain.  He decided the PGR was an organization he wanted to be a part of in the future.

Prior to the mission, I received an email from Sgt. Mockler asking for our support of PFC Perez.  She informed me that he was killed in an auto crash as he and two other soldiers were going to the airport after returning from Afghanistan on R&R.  He never made it home.  She explained how she saw PGR riders at their welcome back to the base and how impressed she was with what she saw.  I emailed her a description of what we would be doing at DFW for PFC Perez.

Riders met at the cargo terminal for the bus ride to the terminal A20.  There was a slight delay through security until the correct number of AA employees were present.  Once at the gate, we met the escort and two other active duty soldiers who joined our group for the ramp service.  We were held for a long period until the DPS could verify the number of escorts was correct for the number of non-airport personnel.  We were finally allowed on the ramp where the escort NCO called for "Present Arms" as PFC Perez was moved into the aircraft.

We returned to the cargo terminal for debrief and a prayer.