Modern Vespa

About 4 weeks ago, I joined the Patriot Guard, a group of mostly motorcyclists that formed about 8-9 years ago and honors military veterans at funerals, but only by invitation of immediate family. Primary functions include a flag line at visitations and services and motorcade participation when asked. The PG will also cover welcome homes and farewells, when invited.

I finally volunteered for my first mission, visitation and funeral for a recently retired Army SFC. Nicely decorated 20+ year vet, though still a relatively young man.

During visitation, we (the ride captain and myself) were in the sitting area of the church, where our mission was to hold a "flag line" - simply having a flag at the entrance to the visitation. During a break, I noticed a family picture that caught my eye - a couple sitting in Oklahoma ponchos at a football game. For those that don't understand, TN_Sooner (me!) is a born and bred Oklahoma Sooner. I live it, breath it, make the MP3 group plan fall outings around the football schedule (well, not quite MAKE them, but they are kind to indulge me when possible!), attend 5-8 football games a year, etc.

Upon further investigation, I noticed the picture was part of a collage - all the photos are of the couple at various places on OU campus. I'm now studying closely and realize I think I know these people. Gary (the deceased) was 47, so younger than me, but possible I knew them in school? I'm racking my brain trying to figure this out.

I hear someone talking to the ride captain, telling him thanks for our participation, I turn, see it is the wife, experience more "I know this woman - who is she?" She screams "Will (my name)?????? - Holy Shit!" and we hug. She says, "you hosted a watch party for an OU game and Gary and I came to the party". I began to piece things together.

Kim and Gary (who is actually a Notre Dame fan) came to my house about 8-9 years ago. Kim was president of the local OU club at the time, so she organized the party after I agreed to host. She was OU grad but was from middle Tennessee. It was an early season OU game that was Pay-per-view, so I bought the game, Kim brought snacks and we had about 20 people. I set Gary up in my bedroom so he could watch the ND v Bama game. There were engaged, but not yet married and I remembered her maiden name, but not her married name. Going into the mission, I didn't recognize the name and had no idea I knew this family.

Kim and I chatted only briefly during the visitation and again at the funeral, but I believe she was pleased at our chance "remeeting" and that I was there to honor her husband. The next day, her brother came up to me at the funeral and told me how much Kim appreciated that I was there honoring her husband.

I just wanted to share. I think I was meant to be there and that I am meant to be a Patriot Guard.

[please leave the politics out - this is just about honoring a fallen veteran and his family]

great story. thanks for sharing.

Wow, small world. Guess that's why good karma is so important, eh?

no politics

that is a great story

keep up the good work

Good on ya. Great story -- and hats off for your volunteering.

Thank you for your volunteering and thank you for your service to veterans. You're making a positive impact in the world.

That is a great story. I do believe sometimes we're meant to be certain places. How, I haven't the slightest inkling. I love how lives twist and turn.

It's amazing. You never know when you do something the impact it will have on another person or for that matter, yourself. Well done.

Well done.

Great story, very touching. Amazingly small world.

I also joined the Patriot Guard a little while ago. Looking forward to participating.

Thanks for posting that. I love stories about people treating other people right. But even when people mistreat us, we still should try to treat them right in return, as well as we can.
People are forever.

Very little in this life is random. At least I don't think so.

Very nice story. Glad you did the ride. I've done a few rides with the Patriot Guard as well and it's always a "heart in your throat" experience.

A heartfelt salute to you and your mates for your service now and in the past.

It is amazing how small this tiny planet we live on is. Great story. Thanks.

What a fantastic coincidence, sorry you couldn't meet up with them under better circumstances.

I love when things like that happen. You were meant to be there. Great story. 8)