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The
Defenders Motorcycle Club of Tampa
Supported the Patriot Guard Riders on their Mission Run for SPC Raymond Anthony Salerno III |
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The Patriot Guard Riders of Florida honored SPC Raymond Anthony
Salerno III on the 24th of July 2006. It was an extremely difficult
mission. SPC Salerno was wounded in October 2005. His battle was won,
but he lost the fight to survive his mortal wounds on July 16, 2006 in
an unexpected reversal of circumstance. It was not only a blow to his
family, but to each of us in Florida who lost another son. |
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 Congratulations are in order for
our newest Road Captain, Jeff. Thanks for stepping up to the plate Jeff
and assuming this responsibility.
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We rallied early in the Kash N Karry Parking lot on SR 54 in Land O'
Lakes. There were many new Patriot Guard Riders in the group and a lot
of old hands. We greeted old friends and met new ones. It was a good
turnout for a Monday. My last count was 57 bikes. We all came with one
thing in mind, to show our support to the family of SPC Salerno and to
honor him for his ultimate sacrifice. |
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It was another hot July morning in Florida. Sweat poured in the heat and the biker of the PGR drank copious quantities of water. Soon the Sheriff's Department had deputies on the scene and our route and order of the ride was given. Griz and Clayton Murphy gave a briefing to the assembled patriots and we prepared to ride to the funeral home to form a flag line for the soon to be arriving family and friends of SPC Salerno. |
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We made the short ride to the funeral home and dismounted across the
street. Patriot Guard Riders immediately began unfurling their flags
and crossed the busy highway to stand in line at the entrance to
demonstrate their support to the arriving family. As we stood the flag line members of SPC Salerno's family came bye and shook our hands. Raymond's father told us he was honored and proud of his son. We were too. |
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We had one rider all the way from Nashville, Georgia. Another, Blind Biker, rode proudly with us from the assembly area and later to the National Cemetery in Bushnell. It was a great turnout by a lot of people who really care about our troops and their families. Each of us was deeply honored to be the invited guests of the family. |
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Many fine young soldiers were in attendance to bid their final
farewells to their fallen comrade. We thanked each and every one of
them for their service to their country and their bravery in the face
of adversity. In the cemetery these same brave young men all embraced and wept openly for their friend. It was a final tribute to a man who gave it all for his country, family, friends and comrades in arms. |
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The Sheriff's department led us on a magnificant ride through the
beautiful countryside to the Interstate. It was a well planned and
executed ride through some of the most charming country in the State of
Florida. The Sheriff's department was very professional and got us all
to the cemetery safely. Rain threatened us several times, but only came down lightly. Thunder rolled in the back ground. |
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As Raymond entered Heaven's Gate I'm sure he heard the rumble of motorcycles below. They were for him. God bless the Salerno family and may they find peace. Thank you SPC Raymond Anthony Salerno III for your service and sacrifice for our country. It is young heros like you who insure our safety and survival. We are forever in your debt. Rest in peace soldier. |
