Me and Sen. Reid Part II: Eat That!

Another late night after supporting the troops. I decided that I would give Sen. Reid the benefit of the doubt and check to see if he showed up anywhere supporting the troops. I googled his name and couldn't find him anywhere, particularly, at any event supporting our troops. I would bet that my original assumption about Sen. Reid knocking off early Friday from the Senate to recover from his busted all-nighter was incorrect. He apparently knocked off on Thursday. Sen. Boxer probably convinced him that the elderly, infirm (apparently dementia suffering) senators were tired after all that hard work undermining the troops and needed a day of rest. You know, 'cause our troops are loosing sleep "over there" and can barely get a day to themselves, much less a three day weekend. So, they took a three day weekend in solidarity with our troops.

How thoughtful of them.

Apparently, the only "troop" rally he can be tempted to attend are with the "bring our Nazi, civilian killing troops home, we support the insurgents" Code Pink folks. Still, I looked for him or any Democrats as we attended back to back troop support activities and planned for an unexpected "welcome home" Saturday morning. Maybe you can spot Sen. Reid.

Nope. No Sen. Reid here.





Still couldn't find him.








If he was here, he was camouflaged as a tree or a trombone. Probably a tuba, considering he's such a blow hard.






Friday morning, I looked for him again, but still no Sen. Reid. We went to send off the Kansas National Guard on their next mission to a place in Europe where Democrats once sent our forces to stop a genocide and *gasp* perform "nation building", ushering a couple of countries into independence, freedom and democracy. Something that is apparently not allowed if the troops are sent by a Republican president in a land where people are 50% more likely to be Muslim and brown while simultaneously fighting our number one enemy: al Qaeda.

At the pre-mission staging, PGR and Soldiers' Angels gather to chat and discuss the mission. Sen. Reid was no where to be found. Neither was Dennis Moore (D) or any other Democrat politicians from the area.



Is this Sen. Reid? Maybe he was late? He was definitely not part of our flag line. I walked up and down looking for him, but didn't see him anywhere.





Nope. Not Sen. Reid. Just a soldier with his young son who exhibited a little more maturity than Sen. Reid by having the good sense to slumber in his own carrier before the ceremony. No beds wheeled into the Senate for this youngster. I'm also certain that the cake, ice cream and punch served after the event was much more palatable and exciting than the pizza Reid had ordered for the Senators sleep over.


While this Sgt. Maj. had an uncanny resemblance to Sen. Reid, I read his name tag and it was definitely not "Harry" or "Reid". Later, the Sgt Maj hung out with us in the parking lot, drinking water and thanking us for our support. That clinched it. No Harry Reid here.


Here we have a general and a colonel walking down our flag line, thanking us for our support. He shook everybody's hand. I mean, everybody. I know it wasn't Sen. Reid because Sen. Reid couldn't even give a few minutes to the Vets for Freedom, actual veterans from OIF and OEF that support the troops and the mission, much less recognizing the patriotism and support of regular, everyday citizens who don't wear pink.

We were unexpectedly invited to stand behind the podium with our flag line for the event. We went before the entire unit and their families, standing in the hot auditorium for the 45 minute ceremony, in conditions that, I'm sure, the good senator would have protested.


As the ceremony proceeded, I scanned the crowds for the good Senator Reid and any other Democrat Senator or Representative, wondering if they had come in the back way to avoid all the adulation they were sure to receive from this very motivated crowd. Senator Reid was no where to be found.



Not on the podium. Not in the crowd. Not in a tree. Not on a train. Not in a car. Not on a plane. Sen. Reid, "I support the troops by pronouncing the war lost", was probably still at home enjoying a late breakfast of eggs and ham.

Actually, I was kind of glad that Sen. Reid wasn't there. He would have been a real drag on the rest of the ceremony. Not to mention, I think his sour puss would have gotten even more sour when he didn't get the same applause we did as the commanding general thanked us for our support and standing behind our soldiers, "no matter what the mission".

Here's a T.I.N.S. moment: One and two star generals, Sgt Majors and several Colonels turned around on the podium and the entire auditorium of national guard and their families stood and gave us a standing ovation for our continued support. No photos, but I do have the video.



Eat that Sen. Reid!

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Soldiers' Angels Day at the K- Military Appreciation Day

Saturday, June 16, 2007 was "Military Appreciation Day" at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals. Soldiers' Angels, the Patriot Guard and the American Legion Riders were on hand to show how we support the troops!



It was hot and muggy. We started off meeting at the American Legion Post 370 in Overland Park, Kansas. We went to a secondary staging area at the old Bannister Mall where we re-grouped and everyone had a few minutes to admire the motorcycles. The ride captain for the Patriot Guards gave everyone last minute instructions. In particular, STAY OFF THE GRASS!



Everyone jumped on the bikes and into their cars. Then our caravan was on the way. I took the opportunity to shoot some video (of course). We had close to 40 bikes and appx 8-10 cars. A welcome home mission was happening that morning and many joined us later at the K.


We made quite a spectacle going down the highway with all the flags flying. We were stationed in parking lot K behind the stadium in order to access the entrance for the opening event. Soldiers' Angels walked through the parking lots throughout the stadium, handing out cards and showing appreciation to our military men and women in attendance. It was fantastic fun and great comradeship among our organizations and troop supporters.



















A naval reserve component was tasked with walking on to the field with the flags of all fifty states. They organized near our area and came over to admire the bikes before sorting out the order of marching. As noted, it was extremely hot and muggy. After formation was sorted out, we offered water to some of the reserve folks who looked very warm in their uniforms. Soon, in the spirit of Soldiers' Angels around the world, the word spread that we had water and we were handing it out faster than we could get it in the cooler to every enlisted or officer that we could find. Eventually, we were down to nothing but ice and some plastic cups. We gave that away, too!

Many of those who came by for water offered to pay for it. Of course, we told them, "No Way! We're Soldiers' Angels and WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!" We did give them our website and told them that they should log on, sign up or, if they felt really pressed to thank us for the water, donate directly to the Angels so that we can continue supporting their deployed brethern.



We then had another briefing before lining up to go into the stadium. Angels walked on carrying American flags, followed closely by the Patriot Guard Riders who made the stadium ROCK! when they opened their throttles in the tunnel to the outfield. The crowd went crazy!















While we were waiting for the Young Marines from Belton, Missouri to bring out the giant flag, some Florida Marlins came out of the bullpen to admire the bikes. The Young Marines had the flag in place and the announcer presented the field to the audience. Over 24,000 people heard about Soldiers' Angels and the Patriot Guards, applause for the troops could be heard for miles. We stood proud for the Angels and for our troops!














An Army Reserve band from Lawrence, Kansas played the National Anthem. As the band played, "O'er the land of the free...", the Patriot Guard Riders opened up their throttles again, the roar of the pipes echoed through the stadium. As the band played, "And the home of the brave" the roaring bikes merged with the thunder of Marine jets as they hit the afterburners and passed overhead. And the crowd went wild again!



It was an awesome event. If you enjoyed the pictures, watch the video at the bottom of this post.

If you are a Kansas City area Angel and would like to participate in these events, watch out for announcements at this site or read our monthly newsletter. You can also email Kansas City Soldiers' Angels at kcsoldiersangelsmo1@gmail.com for information on upcoming events or if you would like to organize a local event.

If you're not a part of Soldiers' Angels yet, what are you waiting for?! Join Soldiers' Angels and let our men and women know that WE SUPPORT THE TROOPS!




- May no soldier go unloved

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Soldier Down - Kick Stands Up: PGR Missions Confirmed

John at Castle Arrggh! linked to the story of two soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan on Sunday by a loan gunman in uniform. Reports indicate the Afghani was dressed as an Afghan Soldier, but a message in Angel forums from a soldier in the unit indicates that he might have been dressed as a Afghan police officer.

Thanks Tammy,
I love poems like those, they always bring a little Tear to my eyes.

Its been a little tough here the past couple days, we lost A couple guys from here Sunday. We had a memorial service for Them on Tuesday, I knew one of them, not close but still, when You walk up to their picture and salute them, its heart breaking..
It was a senseless shooting, two guys killed two wounded, some frigging clown dressed up as a police officer.

Well we go on, and deal with it,

The Patriot Guard Riders are confirming the mission for Monday, May 14th in Leavenworth for Col. Harrison. Additional information will be updated here when it is received. Stand-by for details.

A special message was posted in the PGR Forums for the family and in rememberance of Col. Harrison:

To the family of COL James W. Harrison Jr. We have mourned the loss of this great leader who has served his country with honor and was well respected amongst his fellow soldiers. COL Harrison - I have been honored to serve as your Executive officer of the 5th Military Police Battalion CID for a year and half from 1999-2000 in Kasierslautern, Germany. Your superb leadership was well respected by the entire Battalion as well as the 202d Military Police Group CID. Thanks for your continued frienship over the past eight years. As my mentor, I thank you for all that you and your family have done for my family and myself. You were loved and well respected by the Hunt family and we have been honored to again serve with you here at Fort Leavenworth. Our families were close friends and we enjoyed the dinners at your house. When we heard the news our family was shocked and we immedately went to your house to comfort your family. My kids (all 8) made cards for your wife and boys and we sent over some pictures of my promotion ceremony that you participated in last fall. It has been very difficult for all of us who knew you well and were close to you. Our country has lost a great leader who was well loved and repected by his troops. I understand how hard it was to pull your retirement paper work and take this job in Afghanistan. You have sacrificed your life for our great nation. You will not be forgotten and you will always be remembered. I have your picture with myself and my wife at my promotion ceremony in my office at work. I was honored to have you participate in my promotion ceremony (Pictures enclosed). It will hang in my office always, where ever the Army takes me. You will be missed - my mentor, my friend. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with the Harrison family who have supported thier husband and father throughout his military career. May God bless you with his eternal peace always!

Hans F. Hunt
Lieutenant Colonel, Military Police
(Patriot Guard Member)

All Angels, military, PGR and troop supporters stand by.

MSgt Will Sabulu

There will be a Memorial Service/Military Roll Call for Master Sgt. Wilberto Sabalu Friday May, 11th at 11am at Soldiers Chapel on Fort Leonard Wood.

The PGR has been invited and we, will provide a flag line for this service. Also MSG Sabalu is scheduled to arrive at Ft Wood sometime on Saturday. So final arrangements have not been set. Keep reading this thread, I will update it as information is available..

Joe Smith
Sen Mo Ride Capt

Update on the Ride Mission for his funeral has not been provided. Stand-by for details.

Special messages in the forums:

Wil was a friend of mine and was a member of our Family, Freedom Of Road Riders. He was loved by all that knew him, with his positive outlook on everything and his enduring smile. Wil volunteered to go over to Afghanistan, because he felt as a soldier, that he needed to serve in this conflict against terrorism. He was due to come home to us in three weeks.

Wil, I thank you for your service, for your ultimate sacrifice to preserve my freedoms, and I weep at your loss, our Chilly Willy

From Keith at Post 1

To the members of the PGR,
I would like to thank everybody for their heartfelt wishes and condolences for MSG Sabalu. I have known Wil for several years now as his supervisor, fellow NCO and friend and I can honestly say that he was one of the most honest, hardworking and trustworthy men I have known. He was not only well liked by his soldiers and peers but also his supervisors. He was the NCO that people knew that they could count on to not only get the job done but get it done properly. Amy, I know that the upcoming times are going to be extremely rough but if there is anything that I can do please let me know. I have spoken to several members from the DB and they have all expressed their sorrow at losing Wil. The 31E's will not be the same for having lost such a great person.

SFC Collier, Keith (RET)

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