Patriot guard official steps down
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 01:33 p.m., May 29, 2008
Updated 01:33 p.m., May 29, 2008
Debi Fuller is stepping down as ride captain for the area’s Patriot Guard Riders. A ceremony and barbecue are planned for this weekend to see her on her way.
Fuller has been ride captain for the Emporia area since August 2007. She has accepted a job in Moundridge and will help coordinate the Patriot Guard in Halstead.
“I have been offered a perfect job as the production accountant for Tortilla King in Moundridge,” Fuller said.
The Patriot Guard was organized to provide honor guards of flag-bearers to screen mourners from protesters at the funerals of soldiers and veterans. Many of its members are motorcyclists.
The new ride captain in Emporia will be Howard Magathan. At Saturday’s ceremony, Fuller will hand over the keys to the flag trailer and all the other items that were donated by the community. The event is open to the public and will start at 4 p.m. at American Legion Post No. 5, 2921 W. 12th Ave. There will be barbecue available. Hamburgers will be $3, hot dogs will be $1.50, baked beans 75 cents and soft drinks $1.30. The lounge will be open to members and their guests. Memberships will be available on Saturday as well.
Fuller said she enjoyed her time as the ride captain.
“The community has been really generous,” she said. “It renewed my faith in mankind. The most humbling thing that a person can experience is to be pulling the flag trailer down Main Street and have people stand and clap. It’s hard to drive and cry ... we’re there to support families and show these young men and women (in the service) that their sacrifice is truly appreciated.”
Reservations for the barbecue should be made today to fuquari1@yahoo.com so enough food can be prepared.
jayhawker (anonymous) says...
Thank you, Debi, for your service and that of the Patriot Guard.
May 29, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pollyanna (anonymous) says...
I recently attended a funeral of a close friend of our family. He was a veteran and the Patriot Guard was there. It was such a tear jerker to see all those motorcycles lined up knowing they were all there to just pay tribute out of respect. It was a beautiful thing. Thank you thank you thank you Patriot Guard members who sacrifice their time. Seeing you all keeps my patriotism alive and strong.
May 29, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
Debi had to sell her bikes and was "forced" into dragging the trailer around. A real classy lady and I wish her the best. On Saturday I'll put some money for gas into her hand but this time it'll be for her personal use. She deserves a little help too after all she's done.
May 29, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fuquari (anonymous) says...
I was "forced" to sell the bikes due to my place of employment going out of business not because of the Patriot Guard Riders, I chose to drag the trailer because it was the right thing to do. The out pouring of support from the community was so heart warming, I now get the challenge of starting over in Halstead and seeing if this area will be anywhere as generous. Howard will do the community proud and he too chooses to drag the trailer. I am just a phone call away to help him and know he is just a phone call away if I need flags in that area. I will be back most weekends until my home sells so will be around to support any weekend activities such as the Reading in Topeka on June 14th, I know they are still needing volunteers, and the city of Ottawa has asked the Patriot Guard Riders to be the Parade Marshalls at their Veterans Day Parade and they have asked if we could have the trailer there that day. There are so many in the community to Thank that it would take pages of text, just want each and everyone to know how much it has meant to me personally and to the families we have been able to shield with the flags. THANK YOU EMPORIA!!!
May 30, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Doc (anonymous) says...
Fuquari, ....I assume you have custody of, and will be taking the Flying Monkeys with you. Take care. You will be missed.
May 30, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vcallen7 (anonymous) says...
Debi, you're the greatest!! The help and support you have given the Patriot Guard Riders in the Topeka Area is incredible. On a personal note, the guidance and reassurance you gave me last week will be something that I can never repay. Just know that there are a lot of people who jumping with joy on this new opportunity you have, but shedding a tear at the same time knowing that you won't be around as often. If you need anything, I'm just a phone call away. Take care my dear friend and keep in touch.
May 30, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fuquari (anonymous) says...
Doc all flying monkeys have been accounted for and are heading towards Halstead, I will let them know you asked
Vance I am only an email or phone call away for any questions you have, I know you will do Topeka Proud!
Kstrebuchet I too don't quite understand the forced into dragging the trailer comment either, I was Proud to do so and humbled more than once while doing so.
Please give Howard the support that you have shown me I know he will do Emporia Proud!
May 30, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
Debi was "...forced..." into the trailer thing because her employer closed down and she couldn't ride anymore but she elected to remain with the Patriot Guard in a vital position as Guard (pun intended) of the trailer which hauls the coolers, FLAGS and the standards(flagpoles). "Forced" - note the italics - was a tounge-in-cheek reference to the fact that this lady, during what must have been a difficult time, chose to stay with the Guard and continue with a most worthy cause; it doesn't mean she was reduced to the status of a slave or was held hostage. Good grief- re-read my 1st post. I believe I indicated that she was(is) "...a classy lady..." and I wished her the best. When the bikers had the assembly at the Church recently, I gave Debi some money for the Patriot Guard for whatever they needed or wanted. She said it would be put toward the gas budget for the Greensburg trip. Today, I plan to slap some currency into her and this time, I'll tell her it's for DEBI, to help move or anything else DEBI wants.
May 31, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
Kstrebuchet
Maybe Debi didn't understand because she has A LOT on her mind what with stepping down and moving to a new area and a new job.. I'm REAL sorry I troubled the rest of you.
May 31, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
For anyone who might take a prior comment word-for-word as improper and highly inappropriate, and take exception to a previous omission of one word, today I plan to place some money into the hand of Ms Fuller as I indicate she may use it to her own desires.
May 31, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )