MISSION REPORT FROM CHUCK "MACGYVER" FORD

The weather was a little "sharp" during the early morning but it turned out to be a beautiful day. Because of the "short notice" I wasn't expecting a large gathering in Salina but by the scheduled briefing time we had an awesome turn-out. I came expecting to brief about 20 bikes so didn't bring a sound system. With more than 60 bikes and several "cages" in the group and a "scratchy throat", it made it a little hard for everyone to hear (lesson learned). The briefing completed, we rolled at 1000 hrs with a "missing man" formation leading the vehicle with Fred's wife and his remains.

Darkhorse showed up in Salina with about 16 bikes from the Mulvane area and saved the day. They took care of traffic control on the ride down by having about six bikes roll ahead and handle traffic control all the way to and through Hutchinson.

We rolled into the Hutchinson staging area on time at 1100 hrs and linked up with ALR 68 and several other bikes. When we rolled from the Hutchinson Staging Area under police escort we had over 120 bikes and I have no idea how many cages. Bruce, the Director of ALR 68 and his chapter members did an outstanding job of taking care of everything in the Hutchinson area for us. They handled the ride briefing for the people that were waiting at the staging area there and also took care of the bike line-up and proper flag etiquette as we departed that area. They also had a flag on site for everyone to sign when we arrived. This flag was presented to the wife, Carolyn at the end of the service. ALR 68 also furnished the flags for the line-up around the burial site. This alone was a great help and prevented us from having to haul them from our location.

Chaplain Joker Henderson did an outstanding job conducting a graveside Christian burial service. He also opened it up for family and friends to come forward and share comments and memories about Fred. One guest in particular I remember was a gentleman who had served in Vietnam with Fred, they were both Combat Medic's in the same unit, HHC, 1st Bn 327th In, 101st Airborne Division.

The Honor Guard was furnished by 2 Bn 16 In, 4 BCT, 1 ID, Ft Riley, KS. The NCOIC was SGT McDaniel and they did a very professional job, folding the flag, presenting it to the wife Carolyn, and playing "Taps". SGT McDaniel and SPEC Truex left a lasting impression, especially on us old veterans that remember the 2/16 Rangers from days gone by. Having the opportunity to watch professional soldiers like these in action makes me proud to be able to say that I have also "been there, done that" with the "Big Red One" in days past.

After completion of the above services it was turned over to the family and friends to conduct a private burial service.

I personally feel it was a very successful mission but know it could never have happened, at least as well as it did without the professional help of Darkhorse and the people that came up with him from Mulvane, and also the assistance of Director Bruce Branson and ALR 68 from Hutchinson. Bruce and his people saved me many hours, and miles by the "recon" and "LEO coordination" alone. Their help on final line-up also kept us on target for meeting our scheduled time at the cemetery for the service.

Thank You Very Much seems to be a very small price to pay for all the help and support from everyone involved in making this mission a success. Those of you that were able to take the time to be there and support this mission also played a big part in making it happen. What makes these missions successful is all of us being there and working together to show "honor and respect" and support the family any way we can. Again, TYVM!

Chuck (Macgyver)

Central Area RC/KPG