The Defenders Motorcycle Club of Tampa Supported the Patriot Guard Riders on their Mission Run for First Lieutenant Errington L. Hendry, WWII Veteran of the Army Air Corps

Patriot Guard Riders from across the state of  Florida rode miles through torrential rains to honor 1st Lt. Hendry in Wachula, Florida Sunday, June 25, 2006. The Lieutenant served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corps. His service continued after his seperation from the Army as an instru- mental developer of the Loran Navigation System. He lived a full and productive life and it was an honor to be invited to his final farewell.

	Members of many different clubs were present. American Legion Riders from Post 104 and the Sebring Chapter were there as was Defenders M/C of Tampa and Southern Cruisers and ABATE.           We slowly began arriving at the assembly area of the Winn Dixie Parking lot in Wachula. Thunder rumbled in the background and the skies got dark and heavy with rain.

This was Doc's last mission in Florida so he decided to wear his funny pants. Several riders pulled up lounge chairs in front of the Winn Dixie and made themselves at home.           Soon we saddled up and headed to the Baptist Church where services we held for Lt. Hendry. The sky continued to darken and distant thunder threatened us thoroughout the afternoon.

There were a lot of old familiar faces among the Patriot Guard Riders and several new ones. By time the day was over we'd made new friends and bid farewell to some old ones. The Patriot Guard Riders of Florida have become a close knit family of friends over the past year.          We left the church, under escort, and rode to the cemetery where Lt. Hendry was laid to rest with full military honors.