Patriot Guard Mission
For Spc. Ryan C. King
05.12.2009

On the morning of May 12, 2009, a day of respect was ahead. We met with the Patriot Guard Riders in Dallas to stage and plan the days mission ahead. We all gathered around, discussed the mission and said a prayer before departing to Clark Funeral Home where the services were being held for Spc. Ryan C. King, who was killed in action in Afghanistan earlier in the month.

We arrived at the funeral home and immediately formed a flag line. The line extended from the door into the parking lot and soon wrapped around the parking lot. Family and friends of the fallen soldier soon arrived. Many of them thanked us for what we were doing, but it was us Ryan that should be thanked for what he sacrificed.

We snapped to attention as the family exited the funeral home and the fallen soldier was loaded into the hearse. As we came to rest, we headed to our motorcycles. A rumble to could be heard across the parking lot as several motorcycles started their engines. The motor-cops from Cobb County and Powder Springs Police department led the procession of Patriot Guard Riders, Legion Riders and others out of the parking lot as several police and deputies in their cars blocked the intersection. Finally Paulding County Sheriff, Gary Gulledge, Clark Funeral Home Director Sam Clark initiated the procession ahead for the hearse. The hearse was escorted by two Patriot Guard Riders in front and two American Legion Riders in the back., then friends and family followed followed behind them. The roadways were line with people, stopped vehicles and they were saluting, waving flags and giving respect as the hearse passed by. Every intersection was blocked by some type of public safety personnel all of which were standing outside their vehicles in respect.

The escort was led to the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. A flag line as soon formed as everyone arrived. The pavilion was surrounded by flags as family and friends arrived to hear the finale service. A still of silence rang through the air as taps was played off in the distance on the hillside overlooking the pavilion. Soon the silence was broken by the sound of a 21 gun salute.

Yet, another mission complete...
Chad Almond