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A Journey to Honor

By Don Woodrick

February 21, 2006

I am the Kentucky leader of a group of patriotic citizens called the Patriot Guard Riders. This is my account of our first Mission in Kentucky. The Journey was across the length of the state, little did I realize that it was to become a journey to the soul.

The Patriot Guard Riders was formed as a patriotic response to the religious cult that has been protesting at the funeral services of soldiers killed in action, carrying signs such as “God Hates Vets”, “Thank God for Dead Soldiers”. Word of these protests and what could be done to prevent them from inflicting further pain to an already grieving family spread like wildfire through the motorcycle community. I was shocked and angry. My usual response would be to shake my head in disgust, maybe talk among family and friends about how this was wrong. This time I was compelled to do more. Volunteering to organize the Patriot Guard in Kentucky was not a conscious decision. It was a calling.

The call to bring comfort to the family of Sergeant First Class John D. Morton of Stanton, KY came right after Christmas 2005. The memorial service was to be held on Dec. 31^st, 2005 in Stanton. As the state leader, and our first Mission in Kentucky, I would attend and I would ride. It would turn out to be a 691 mile long ride, with two nights spent on the road. There is cold, and then there is cold that only a motorcycle rider knows.

I left the warmth and safety of my house late on the afternoon of Friday Dec. 30^th. A large American flag flying proudly in the stiff December wind, I set out on a Mission, a mission to stand for all the patriots in this country, to show the Morton family how deeply we cared. With these thoughts I pressed onward, the cold kept at bay from the purity of my purpose. I did not ride for me, but for everything this country stands for.

Amid thanks and well wishes from the community our group assembled and waited for a police escort to the church. As we rode the final miles to the memorial service the road was lined with people cheering, and saluting our flags and our purpose. A local church group had gathered in front of the church to sing, hold flags and counter the protesters.

As we rounded the last curve and rode into view, I knew I was part of something special. The manner in which the gathered crowd was uplifted could not have been by us, we were being used as messengers for a higher and nobler purpose than we could ever convey. SFC Morton’s sister would later write that as she watched us pull in her fears were calmed and that she felt as though God had delivered unto her guardian angels. Our rag tag group was nothing special, but the love and purity of our purpose most certainly was.

It was at that moment I understood, understood what it meant to put a total stranger’s needs before your own, understood how to communicate an entire range of human emotion without speaking a word, understood how people who have suffered such a tragic loss can have their pain eased by the compassion of others. And I understood that the protesters did not matter. Yes they were there; the family never even noticed them. Goodness triumphed over evil that day.

Every ride I undertake now is on behalf of these families. It’s often said that God works in mysterious ways and this may well be one. An unlikely group of crusaders to be sure, but our message of love, kindness, and support is deeply felt by both the riders and the families. It is by far the noblest thing I have ever done and I am both proud and humbled by the experience.

Each Mission of Honor is special and unique, a reflection of the families wishes. It is never about the Patriot Guard, but what the Patriot can do to help. Sometimes this means shielding from protesters or leading a procession with a full flanking escort. Sometimes it means standing respectfully off to the side. The family is always paramount. Every Mission leaves an indelible mark, and a wide array of conflicting emotions. The Mission to Honor Sergeant David Herrera was especially touching to me.

David’s family has a long tradition of military service. Originally from California, David and his wife Tonya settled in Clarksville, TN next to Ft Campbell. The protest group had been planning to protest at the main gate to Ft Campbell, and the local media had been full of stories relating to the hate group and their message of hate for the entire week prior to Sergeant Herrera’s service. Tonya emailed me with her phone numbers and was very distraught over the prospect of the protesters. With more than a little apprehension I called. As I stumbled through my condolences, searching vainly for words to convey what words cannot, I realized that David was not the only Hero. This brave young lady was six months pregnant, mother to a young daughter, just lost her husband, and maintained her composure much better than I. Despite everything, this woman asked of me the one thing that I could do. She asked for help and reassurance that her Husband’s death meant something. She needed to know that he did not die in vain. Yes, I despise these protesters, but it’s love and respect for the families that inspires me to action.

A small group of us assembled along both sides of the entrance of the funeral home. We stood at parade rest holding 3x5 flags in below freezing weather for the entire four and a half hour visitation. No press, no protesters but plenty of dignity and respect rendered to a Hero and his family. It was Superbowl Sunday, 8pm, dark and the parking lot was almost empty. The entire Herrera family emerged and was obviously moved that we were still there standing proudly and silently in the dark. Tonya had tears in her eyes, but these were not tears of sorrow, but tears of pride, tears of thanks.

On my office wall there is the usual assortment of accomplishments, but nothing I have ever done is as special to me as that one tearful thank you, “God Bless all those who give so much on our behalf.”

Don Woodrick

KY State Captain

Patriot Guard Riders

www.patriotguard.org

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