LETTERS OF APPRECIATIONS
PAGE 5
I want to thank you so very much for your love and support to Jason on the day that we laid him to rest. Thank you as well for your wonderful show of support to us, his family. As his mom, I was moved to tears (as many were) to see you there. I will be forever grateful to you for showing him such an honor. We are all indebted to you brave men and women who have given your lives to protect this great country. I am so proud that Jason is part of such an elite group of patriots as you.
I am sure he was watching from heaven that day, feeling such pride to see you, dressed in your leathers, honoring him. He loved to ride himself and I know will be riding alongside the Washington Patriot Guard Riders each time you go out.
Bless you,
Carlene Cross
mother of Corporal Jason Michael-Charles Bogar
The WPGR recently attended one of our "Wheels Down Ceremonies" for the 54th Military Police Company. I was your Point of Contact at Sheridan Gym. I feel as though I cut you short, but know that I was dealing with a problem Soldier in my unit with the Brigade Commander and the Battalion Commander. I truly wish I could have spent more time to talk with you, about your organization and what it is that they do. I read the back of your business card later on, once I got home, and was touched at what your organization is willing to do for those of us that serve. I, like the 54th, have served in Iraq, and my unit lost four Soldiers. So when I read that you organization is willing to shield the mourning family and friends, it really hit home with me.
I recently this last Friday, 01 AUG 08 saw one of your riders in I-5 South near HWY 101 wearing his jacket, I felt obligated to honk at him and wave. I think I scared him just a hair, due to the traffic we were in, but I felt like I was waving at a brother. I'm truly honored to have had the opportunity to have your organization attend our ceremony and will keep you in mind for our next one, in October for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment 504th Military Police Battalion.
Once again thank you for your service to our Soldiers, those coming home and those that pay the Ultimate Sacrifice. You are a Fine American, as well as your fellow Riders. One day we will have to get together and drink a beer.
Russell A. Yonan
SFC, USA
1SG HHD 504th MP BN
I was looking on line for articles about Casey tonight and saw your posting about his funeral, and the escort.
When I arrived at his service, I was scared at first because I had been hearing about the fanatics (so-called religious folks) that had been picketing at this tragic events...but I soon could see that your group stood in respect only. Thanks for that. My son, Walter, enlisted along with Casey right after high school. They were best friends, and Casey spent a lot of time at our home over the years. Walter was in North Korea at the time of Casey's death and service, arriving home the following month. He still expects Casey to come home, it is hard for him to accept. I, too, have a hard time with this. Obviously, since it is a year later and here I am crying again. He was special, as are all of the young men and women who have made this sacrifice, those who have returned to their families safely and those who never will.I just wanted to thank you and the others for being there and showing his family that he was respected and that people do care.
Barbara St Louis
