The Patriot Guard unit, recently organized in the Emporia area, is borrowing items from other area units and hoping to build up its own supplies through community donations.
Debi Fuller of Emporia was appointed coordinator for Patriot Guard riders in an area bounded from Emporia to Ottawa to Iola.
The Guard tries to protect or isolate families of deceased servicemen and women from people who picket their funerals. The nationwide group’s motto is “Standing for Those Who Stood for Us.”
The local unit was called to assist at the graveside funeral of Michael Chenoweth, a veteran of the Navy and Army National Guard, who was buried Sept. 4. A group from Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka picketed the service.
The Patriot Guard also will assist at the graveside service for Pvt. David Lane, who was killed in the bombing of his Humvee on Sept. 4 in eastern Baghdad, Iraq.
“It’s totally voluntary,” Fuller said. “There’s no charge to the family, no charge to the funeral home. ... We’re just literally scrambling, trying to get our own supplies.”
Fuller’s goal is to collect 300 U.S. flags and flag poles. In the interim, groups from Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka and Mulberry will bring flags on flag poles for Lane’s graveside service with full military honors.
Other items needed are three large ice chests, 25 pieces of two-foot-long rebar, 10-foot lengths of half-inch conduit for flag poles, “O” rings to keep memorial ribbons attached to the poles, zip ties and flags.
Riverside Garden Florists donated 50 American flags to the Patriot Guard and Howard Magathan of The Window Company is donating 100 pieces of conduit and drilling holes in them for poles. ABATE of Kansas gave $200 to the supply fund, and Arizings will provide cinnamon rolls for the Patriot Guard members who will meet at 8 a.m. Thursday morning at the American Legion in preparation for Lane’s graveside service.
Sutherland’s is running a special through Wednesday on 10-feet-long, half-inch conduit to be used only for flag poles. The cost will be $1.75 and buyers must mention the name of manager Dave Followwill to get the special price.
The Guard also needs yellow ribbon that can be attached to flag poles in honor of, or in memory of, family members and friends. The ribbons, with a poem and the individual’s name inscribed, will be sold for $10 each.
“Our long-term goal is to do some fundraising so we can buy a covered trailer to store things in so we can just hook up and go,” Fuller said.
Fuller will be at the American Legion parking lot from 5 to 7 p.m. today to collect donations of flags and other items. You can reach her at 340-7526 for more information.
What’s Needed
• American flags
• 10-foot lengths of half-inch conduit (flag poles)
• 25 pieces of two-foot rebar
• Yellow ribbon for memorial bows
• “O” tings to hold ribbon on poles
• Zip ties
• Three large ice chests
Donations are being accepted until 7 p.m. today in the American Legion parking lot, 2921 W. 12th Ave.
Information: 340-7526
Weltha (anonymous) says...
I just wanted to say thank you to the PGR units every where. I personally know some of you in this area and am proud to call you my friends. You are doing a great service to these fallen soldiers and their families. God bless all of you.
September 11, 2007 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmb232 (anonymous) says...
I am really impressed about what the Guard is doing for our service members. When we see them we need to thank them
for honoring those who made made the supreme sacrifice to keep America free. God bless all our servicemembers, veterans and the PG.
September 12, 2007 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
diebuchen (anonymous) says...
The Patriot Guard has my deep appreciation for what they do. God bless them for their love and sacrifice.
The Phelps recently published one of thier sick videos showing the burned and lacerated bodies of dead American soldiers, while they gleefully sing one of their innane "parodies" making fun of their deaths.
The more Westboro Baptist Church sinks deeper into the immoral mire of their hate, the prouder and the brighter and higher the Patriot Guards stand. Thank you. Thank you.
September 19, 2007 at 12:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )