VETERANS BBQ PROGRAM
Saturday (11/08), what an excellent way to kick off the 2014 Veterans Day Week of celebrations. Hosted by Ingram's Funeral Home with Ms. Elizabeth Mitchell as the Master of Ceremony, hundreds of Veterans and their families came out to eat a great BBQ lunch and listen to a host of very special speakers at Cumming's National Guard Readiness Center. First up was Congressman Rob Woodall who spoke of Service followed by Congressman Doug Collins who is also Reserve Air Force Chaplin who spoke of Sacrifice with examples of those he served with in Iraq. Command Sergeant Major Roy Marchert spoke of Honor, Duty and Commitment which was followed up by the Keynote Speaker Retired Disable Veteran Army Ranger Michael Schlitz who led us to tears with his Story and insisted that All that have Served Honorably are the Real Heroes. I like so many others today left feeling good because the fact of the matter is we were with a crowd of people who really "Get It". Thank you to all that took time out of their busy weekend schedules to take part in today ceremony and to share our new found camaraderie. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill
Saturday (11/08), what an excellent way to kick off the 2014 Veterans Day Week of celebrations. Hosted by Ingram's Funeral Home with Ms. Elizabeth Mitchell as the Master of Ceremony, hundreds of Veterans and their families came out to eat a great BBQ lunch and listen to a host of very special speakers at Cumming's National Guard Readiness Center. First up was Congressman Rob Woodall who spoke of Service followed by Congressman Doug Collins who is also Reserve Air Force Chaplin who spoke of Sacrifice with examples of those he served with in Iraq. Command Sergeant Major Roy Marchert spoke of Honor, Duty and Commitment which was followed up by the Keynote Speaker Retired Disable Veteran Army Ranger Michael Schlitz who led us to tears with his Story and insisted that All that have Served Honorably are the Real Heroes. I like so many others today left feeling good because the fact of the matter is we were with a crowd of people who really "Get It". Thank you to all that took time out of their busy weekend schedules to take part in today ceremony and to share our new found camaraderie. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill
DAVES CREEK ELEMENTARY VETERANS PROGRAM
Today (Monday 11/10/14) we celebrated a School Veterans Awareness Program at Daves Creek Elementary School in Cumming Georgia. Designated to Ms. Rebecca Rays 3rd Grade, Class Staff Sergeant Jeff Warneke and I were assigned a Student by the name of Brumby (first name). We had a picture made with every pairing. He asked us a dozen questions as he filled out an information form on each of us designed to give the child a basic understanding of us and the military. Lunch of pizza, pasta and chicken fingers were catered to the classroom where we ate with our child. After the meal the children formed a group and sang us two patriotic songs. Afterward we played American History Bingo where the Teacher would ask a question, such as "What do the 13 stripes on the American Flag represent?", and we would assist the child find the correct answer. Our Brumby won the first round. We concluded the morning with a group photo of all Ms. Ray's children and their assigned Veterans. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all involved and I thank Daves Creek Elementary for hosting. The enclosed picture is that of (left to right) SSgt Warneke, Brumby and myself. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill
Today (Monday 11/10/14) we celebrated a School Veterans Awareness Program at Daves Creek Elementary School in Cumming Georgia. Designated to Ms. Rebecca Rays 3rd Grade, Class Staff Sergeant Jeff Warneke and I were assigned a Student by the name of Brumby (first name). We had a picture made with every pairing. He asked us a dozen questions as he filled out an information form on each of us designed to give the child a basic understanding of us and the military. Lunch of pizza, pasta and chicken fingers were catered to the classroom where we ate with our child. After the meal the children formed a group and sang us two patriotic songs. Afterward we played American History Bingo where the Teacher would ask a question, such as "What do the 13 stripes on the American Flag represent?", and we would assist the child find the correct answer. Our Brumby won the first round. We concluded the morning with a group photo of all Ms. Ray's children and their assigned Veterans. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all involved and I thank Daves Creek Elementary for hosting. The enclosed picture is that of (left to right) SSgt Warneke, Brumby and myself. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill
CUMMING VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
Perfect weather for a perfect day (11/11/14) for a perfect Mission. Cumming's American Legion Post 307 sponsored the event this year, led by Commander Randy McGhee, who opened up with Call to Order and Posting of the Colors. Mayor H. Ford Gravitt welcomed all to the festivity, followed by programs rendered by The Daughters of the American Revolution and songs by the Forsyth Christian Home Educators Student Program. The Keynote Speaker was Chief Warrant Officer 5, Thomas J. Golden, a Veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm plus two later tours in Iraq in 04, 06, and 07 and is now the Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Great State of Georgia. His talk centered on the Seven Army Corps Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage and was heartfelt to the several hundred attendees. Next, VFW Auxiliary Post 9143 President Carol LaBranche and our own Unit 307 Auxiliary President Phyllis Singleton presented a Floral Tribute to the sounds of "Amazing Grace", played by the Forsyth Pipes. The Rifle Salute was executed by both Forsyth County Sheriff's Departments and the Forsyth County Fire Department, who also rendered Taps. Benediction was by our own Legion 307 Chaplin Charles Weaver and the Retiring of the Colors by the North Forsyth High School Marine Corps ROTC, once again to the sounds of the bagpipe playing "Scotland of the Brave". Our Commander McGhee then closed the ceremony. The Cumming Veterans Day Program today was a huge success. There is nothing that can compete with and can ever replace small town American Values. Thank you to the thirteen Chapter 307 ALR, two Tun Tavern Marines and one Guest that played a small part in todays Ceremonies by Standing an Honor Flagline on the walkway leading to the Program and a Special Thank You for Your Service to all the Veterans and their Families that Honored us by participating on this Holiday of Heroes. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill
Perfect weather for a perfect day (11/11/14) for a perfect Mission. Cumming's American Legion Post 307 sponsored the event this year, led by Commander Randy McGhee, who opened up with Call to Order and Posting of the Colors. Mayor H. Ford Gravitt welcomed all to the festivity, followed by programs rendered by The Daughters of the American Revolution and songs by the Forsyth Christian Home Educators Student Program. The Keynote Speaker was Chief Warrant Officer 5, Thomas J. Golden, a Veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm plus two later tours in Iraq in 04, 06, and 07 and is now the Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Great State of Georgia. His talk centered on the Seven Army Corps Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage and was heartfelt to the several hundred attendees. Next, VFW Auxiliary Post 9143 President Carol LaBranche and our own Unit 307 Auxiliary President Phyllis Singleton presented a Floral Tribute to the sounds of "Amazing Grace", played by the Forsyth Pipes. The Rifle Salute was executed by both Forsyth County Sheriff's Departments and the Forsyth County Fire Department, who also rendered Taps. Benediction was by our own Legion 307 Chaplin Charles Weaver and the Retiring of the Colors by the North Forsyth High School Marine Corps ROTC, once again to the sounds of the bagpipe playing "Scotland of the Brave". Our Commander McGhee then closed the ceremony. The Cumming Veterans Day Program today was a huge success. There is nothing that can compete with and can ever replace small town American Values. Thank you to the thirteen Chapter 307 ALR, two Tun Tavern Marines and one Guest that played a small part in todays Ceremonies by Standing an Honor Flagline on the walkway leading to the Program and a Special Thank You for Your Service to all the Veterans and their Families that Honored us by participating on this Holiday of Heroes. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill
BOOT DRIVE
Sunday, November 30th (1100 to 1400), Cumming Post 307 held a highly successful fund raising Boot Drive. Over $900 was raised, which will be split evenly between the Post, Auxiliary, and Riders. It was staged at the lower Cumming WalMart parking lot on Market Place Drive.
Sunday, November 30th (1100 to 1400), Cumming Post 307 held a highly successful fund raising Boot Drive. Over $900 was raised, which will be split evenly between the Post, Auxiliary, and Riders. It was staged at the lower Cumming WalMart parking lot on Market Place Drive.
HOMELESS VETERANS CHRISTMAS PARTY
Today, Tuesday 12/16/2014. we participated in the third annual Shepherd Walk Christmas Party. The Shepherd Walk Apartments support formerly homeless veterans with the assistance of the VA and several other organizations, including Marietta's MUST Ministries, and aids in helping them assimilate back into society. This yearly Christmas Party is designed to give these veterans a decent meal and a present from Santa -- usually something warm to wear. It is sponsored by Georgia's Patriot Guard Riders and supported by other veteran organizations. Along with the PGR, there were the US Military Vets MC and American Legion Riders from the Duluth 251 and Cumming 307 chapters. Personally standing in this serving line always reinforces for how lucky an individual I am and how easy it would have been to be standing on the other side, if my life had taken a different tack. Thank you to all that took part today. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, and may you appreciate every moment in your life. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill.
Today, Tuesday 12/16/2014. we participated in the third annual Shepherd Walk Christmas Party. The Shepherd Walk Apartments support formerly homeless veterans with the assistance of the VA and several other organizations, including Marietta's MUST Ministries, and aids in helping them assimilate back into society. This yearly Christmas Party is designed to give these veterans a decent meal and a present from Santa -- usually something warm to wear. It is sponsored by Georgia's Patriot Guard Riders and supported by other veteran organizations. Along with the PGR, there were the US Military Vets MC and American Legion Riders from the Duluth 251 and Cumming 307 chapters. Personally standing in this serving line always reinforces for how lucky an individual I am and how easy it would have been to be standing on the other side, if my life had taken a different tack. Thank you to all that took part today. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, and may you appreciate every moment in your life. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill.
MSgt Daniel Maki, USAF, Ret.
On a crisp, cloudy December day (12/18/14) we laid to rest US Air Force (Retired) MSgt Daniel Maki, a veteran of Desert Storm. Four motorcycles (1 PGR RCIC "Country", 1 Iron Order MC, and 2 Chapter 307 ALR) escorted Daniel from the Patrick Jennings Funeral Home in Cartersville, GA to the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, with LEO Assist by both Bartow and Cherokee County Sheriff's Departments. We were met there at GNC's Shelter Number 1 and joined a PGR Flagline of 21, including several 149 ALR, while 51 members of family and friends observed the Full Military Honors Service conducted by the USAF Honors Team and led by PGR RCIC Books. Young Gracie presented the condolence memento. RIP Master Sergeant and thank you for a lifetime of service. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill.
On a crisp, cloudy December day (12/18/14) we laid to rest US Air Force (Retired) MSgt Daniel Maki, a veteran of Desert Storm. Four motorcycles (1 PGR RCIC "Country", 1 Iron Order MC, and 2 Chapter 307 ALR) escorted Daniel from the Patrick Jennings Funeral Home in Cartersville, GA to the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, with LEO Assist by both Bartow and Cherokee County Sheriff's Departments. We were met there at GNC's Shelter Number 1 and joined a PGR Flagline of 21, including several 149 ALR, while 51 members of family and friends observed the Full Military Honors Service conducted by the USAF Honors Team and led by PGR RCIC Books. Young Gracie presented the condolence memento. RIP Master Sergeant and thank you for a lifetime of service. Live/Ride Proud. Ranger Bill.