You know, there aren’t many ventures that folks go into not expecting to get any reward from. That’s kinda how this whole PGR thing started for me. I didn’t expect to get anything tangible out of it, just the opportunity to maybe help out in some small way. Definitely not in it for the money. I get to buy all the gas, pay for the upkeep on the bike, give my time (ok, so my boss prolly thinks that the PGR come out on the short end with that!). Don’t do it for the recognition. The only reason that I write these notes is to release some of the emotion that these missions fill me with. Maybe one of you will want to get involved mission because of what you read here, but let me warn you, it’s really hard to ride in a procession with tears in your eyes. Actually, I’d rather fly under the radar. In fact, when I show up at a mission, I don’t even introduce myself with my last name. I’d just rather be known as ‘that guy’. So far, the anonymity is squarely intact. There’s only one guy in the group that calls me by name, and HE calls me ‘TJ’…hope that’s not code for ‘Total Jerk’.
I left work a little early today to drive to Richardson to stand the flag line for a young soldier killed in combat in Afghanistan on May 23. Pvt Andrew Krippner was only 20 years old, much too young to be taken from this world. He was the only child of his parents, who were, of course devastated by his death. They were so overwhelmed at the support given by the Army, local police and fire, and the general public, that our ride captains asked that we not approach Pvt Krippner’s parents to offer condolences. He said that they were, very appreciative of us being there, but he was not sure that they would hold up under the emotion that they felt. We understood completely, and we proceeded to take our places in the flag line.
It’s 5pm, Texas in June, and the sun is out, in fine form. Our watch is supposed to last until 7pm. As you are well aware, the sun ain’t down at 7pm, so it’s gonna be hot throughout. We had a good representation, so we were able to take lots of breaks, and water was plentiful. The people came and went at a fairly steady clip, many smiling and acknowledging our presence, a pretty typical scene. Then I noticed an elderly lady making her way along the flag line, stopping to shake hands with each rider. As she walked up to me, she was wiping a tear from her eye. “I’m Andy’s grandmother. I just want to thank you for standing for Andy. We all really appreciate it.” For a second, I could not speak. I almost broke down and cried right there on the spot. Here is a lady going thru the most horrific pain that I can imagine, her dear grandson taken from her in a most unimaginable way, long before his time. I told her that it was my distinct honor to be there. She walked that entire 500 feet of flag line and spoke to each of the prolly 30+ riders to express her thanks, out in that 97 degree heat. I certainly wasn’t expecting it, and I don’t believe anyone else was either. We all understood, and it would have been just fine if nobody had acknowledged our presence. But she did any way.
Today, I got paid…
Just a side note, Pvt Krippner’s funeral service is tomorrow in Plano. Word was that there were going to be some uninvited guests (Westboro Baptist) protesting at the service. One of our ride captains told us that in light of all the groups that were going to be present; PGR, police, fire, Army, various military support groups, and an expected large contingent of the public at large; the protesters had decided that it wasn’t in their best interests to be there. I'm gonna blame it on high gas prices in Kansas. Damned oil speculators...
