Joshua Munns

Hello~

We attended the funeral of [Joshua Munns] on [April 13, 2008]. The news article link is [here]. Everyone was dreading the protesters who were planning to show up at his funeral. As we turned the corner to the road to the church, we saw Sheriff's officers standing by...we thought that was an ominous sight. Then a bit further down, local people from the community were standing out on the road to the church holding flags. The closer we got, we saw three protesters surrounded by Sheriff's to PROTECT THEM! As we pulled into the church there was a huge swarm of motorcycles of all kinds, mostly Harleys. Their riders were standing around the edges of the church parking lot, the walkway to the church steps, and just outside the church on the road surrounding the family and caring community with flags of all sizes and shapes. I stood there and observed their quiet support of the family and for all fallen soldiers..and by the time I got to the church steps, I was sobbing. I can't tell you how thankful and supported the family felt by these kind people!

One of the bikers stood up in the service and said he was part of the group, everyone stood and clapped...with a standing ovation. It was beautiful. Suddenly those 3 protesters didn't seem so powerful.

It was a beautiful sight...so I thought I'd share this with you.

Love,
Cheryl

PS: I had never heard of the Patriot Guard Riders before...their link is [here]. What a fabulous group!!!

Ronald Edward Shepard

Funeral Procession for Ron Shepard

State St & Glenwood:

Escort POV CAM:

The Escort POV (Point-of-View) Cam is an Olympus ATC-2K that is mounted on the top of the left front warning light on my BMW R1100RTP. To look at it shake, and to listen to the engine on that very sensitive mic, you might think I was riding a Harley!

Merry Christmas

To my brothers and sisters of the Idaho Patriot Guard -

I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge you as we enter this final few days of the Christmas season.

Through my association with the men and women of the Patriot Guard Riders, I am a better man today than I was 20 months ago when I decided that I wanted to be a part of this organization. Without exception, I have met some of the finest people I know. I have met moms and dads who have children serving in harm's way. I have met mothers and fathers, husbands and wives who know firsthand the anguish of losing a child or spouse in defense of our way of life. I have watched them, and I have marveled at their resolve, at the way that quietly continue on with their lives...never forgetting, yet pushing forward, knowing that they cannot ... must not..... fail in their efforts to support those still serving. I have come to know your sons and daughters, your husbands and wives through your eyes, and in a small way, I feel a closeness to them. I salute you Blue and Gold Star families, and remain indebted to you for your example and for your quiet, yet determined resolve.

And I am grateful, too, for those of you who are numbered among the Patriot Guard Riders. Your patriotism and your desire to do good is evident when I see you standing in a flag line in austere weather; when I know that you take time off from work to do your part in honoring this generation of heroes.

As I enjoy Christmas dinner with my wife and children (both those that are still at home and those that will be here with their own families), I will pause briefly before we begin the meal, and I will direct everyone's attention to the empty plate and upturned glass on the table in the corner of the dining room. I will remind my family that that place is there as a reminder that somewhere, all across America, there are homes where there are empty place-settings...homes where a little boy or a little girl grew up to be a young man or a young woman, homes where a Daddy or Mommy nurtured little ones, and then, one by one, left that home to answer a call to duty. These are homes where that little boy or girl, or that daddy or mommy will never return to. I will remind my children that freedom is not free; there is a price that was paid and is being paid for the freedoms that we enjoy each day.

When the season has come to a close, when the decorations on the tree have been put away for another season, and when "life returns to normal", I will remember that for some, life will never be "normal", and it is for those quiet heroes, that I involve myself in this thing we do. What an honor it is for me to call you all my friends.

Regardless of our political platforms or our religious differences, we can stand united as Americans in support of the young men and women of our armed services, the returning veteran's, and their families. I wish for each of you, a very Merry Christmas, and the hope that 2008 is prosperous and happy.

From our family to yours..................Warmest Regards -

Shane and Linda Leiser
Mikel (and Krista, Calvry, and Nala), Christopher, Katie (and Tim, Jayden and Tyson), Ryan (and Amanda), Kenneth, Robby, Courtney and Brooks

Strangers on Steel Horses

American Soldier- Toby Keith (tribute)

Heaven Was Needing a Hero

Sgt. Joshua Brennan

In memory of Sgt. Joshua Brennan: 05/30/1987 - 10/26/2007

Godspeed Sgt. Brennan; My Brother, My Hero.