WASHINGTON STATE PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS LETTERS OF APPRECIATIONS PAGE 3

As I sat here and went through all of the pictures of this day my eyes are filled with tears, but it is in a good way because you all helped us bring home a hero. There are not enough words to convey how grateful I am for all that you have done. Your dedication and support is something we as families of these warriors can never repay. The countless hours we have sat waiting for the day our children come through the door are the longest darkest hours a parent can spend, but then you all bring a light to that darkness and you will never know just how much you are appreciated because we can never put enough words to it. You have helped this family so much by being there to bring them home and being there as a beacon in the night for the many more who will return. God Bless you all for your service and the sacrifices you make everyday making sure our warriors are not forgotten. Merinda Mullins We are the Few, The Very Proud, The Moms of our US Armed Forces and America's Veterans! We are the Blue Star Mothers of America! President, Washington State #1, BSMoA, Inc.

Thank you to you and to all the Patriot Guard Riders as they either rode or held a flag. I did see two little girls holding flags and am so sad my hostess duties were such that I didn't get a chance to speak to them and their fellow flag holders. . Oh, John, Jeff is so encouraged and uplifted through your participation in their "Welcome Home" time. I will never forget the rumble of the motorcycles as they escorted my precious family nor Jeff as he was saluted and saluted the riders in return. There was not a dry eye! I am so glad Merinda was able toget photos of the fire trucks! Please extend my deepest heatfelt gratitude to the Patriot Guard riders for their service for Jeff and Amy and to our warriors and their families. I only hope and pray that Tyler and Nathan see his service and our America in a more favorable light now. Wasn't it the most fabulous day?! I was totally at peace and knew God was in control and could just be their hostess and enjoy the day and try to speak with each person that was there. My heart's cry is to welcome each of our warriors home in like manner. I understand Merinda's son Daniel comes home this month and have offered to help her any way I can in his "Welcome Home". Also, I would like to have copies of any photos the riders took of this wonderful day, if possible, please. All our guests have mentioned how wonderful it was to experience a PGR welcome home and meeting Jeff and Amy and family. And so many of them experienced dismay and concern as ya'll stood for Jeff in the nasty weather. I just shared what you had told me and was so thrilled to learn that you could stand in honor under the church awning as the Heavens let lose!! Thank you John and thank you PGR for all you do for all our warriors and I look forward with great anticipation when I see you again. I get goosebumps as I remember the flags with all the signatures. What a blessing and remembrance of the day for them. God Bless and Keep You as you continue your missions for our returning and fallen warriors and their families. Sincerely, Wilma  and her family Wilma Wheeler rcwii@earthlink.net