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The
Defenders Motorcycle Club of Tampa
Supported the Patriot Guard Riders on their Mission Run for SSG Joseph Frederick Fuerst III |
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Patriot Guard Riders from across the state of Florida rode miles
to honor SSG Joseph Fuerst of Tampa on July 6, 2006. SSG Fuerst was
killed in Afghanistan defending the United States in its war on terror. Riders from many clubs and independents came from all over the state to pay their respects to SSG Fuerst and his family for the great sacriface they have made for their country's freedom. |
 Special thanks to Starship (Tom) for taking the St. Pete crew pics. |
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Patriot Guard Riders began their assembly at the Publix Parking lot on 1313 S. Dale Mabry Highway early Thursday morning. Saint rode for the American Legion Riders of Post 104 and represented the Defenders Motorcycle Club of Tampa. Mad Dog and Mad Cat were there with several other riders from the American Legion Post 138 Riders. Blaque Viper represented the Buffalo Soldiers M/C and there were many other clubs represented. |
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 PGR Regular Charley rode representing the local Abate Chapter in Pinellas. |
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 Zephyr was in attendance. Her son is presently serving in Iraq. |
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 Members of the local U.S. Military Vets were present |
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It was a clear and very hot morning in Tampa. We were briefed by
Clayton Murphy and Doc Griz gave a safety briefing. There were new
faces and many old familiar ones in the crowd. After the safety
briefing we all rode a few blocks to the church were the services were
to take place. There was some confusion as to where we were to park when we got to the church, but that was quickly straightened out by the Tampa Police. |
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Finally an area, on the street, was picked for the Patriot Guard Riders
to park their vehicles. Then they began forming a flag line by the
Church for the family of SSG Fuerst. A lot of media was present for
this run. After about an hour the services were over and the Patriot
Guard Riders escorted the fallen hero to the National Cemetery in
Bushnell. |
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 Tampa Police Department and the Highway Patrol got the best parking. |
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 Mad Kat was there with Mad Dog from Post 138 two weeks after surgery |
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The Flags were held in honor of SSG Fuerst as the family and friends
filed into the cathederal. The weather got very hot and by time
we were ready to mount up it was well above 90 degrees. It felt good to
ride the wind on our way to the National Cemetery. Each of us held our
own thoughts and concentrated on SSG Fuerst and his family. The Tampa
PD and the Highway Patrol gave us an excellent escort and everyone
arrived safely. |
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The honor guard rendered the 21 gun salute and taps was played. The
folded flag was presented to the young wife, Tara, and citations were
read addressing SSG Fuerst's bravery and dedication to his country. The flag over the cemetery is perpetually at half mast in honor of all the fallen heros occupying this hallowed ground. |
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 Chopper was in attendance again. The gentle dog is becoming our unofficial mascot for the Patriot Guard Riders of Florida. |
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We said our goodbyes to SSG Joseph Fuerst and began our exit of the
cemetery. On our way out this old vet saw a young lady in uniform wave
and say thank you. I wanted to let her know that it is she and all the
other your people serving who should be thanked. Bless our troops and
thank them for their bravery and service. |
| © 2006 Defenders M/C Tampa Chapter | Last
updated: Thursday, ,July 6,
2006 20:57 |