Funeral Service for Spc. Johnathan B. Chism

[Doug]

Message from John Colter, Patriot Guard...

Many of you asked that MAC (Motorcycle Awareness Campaign)used the email base to keep you updated on special events in the motorcycle community.

Warren (Broussard), I would appreciate it if you would relay this out to your members. Some may be interested in attending.

On February 3, 2007,
there will be a funeral service for a Prairieville soldier who was killed in Iraq. Spc. Johnathan B. Chism, 22, was a graduate of St. Amant High School. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast, having purchased a new bike just prior to shipping out to Iraq. His unit is out of Ft. Richardson, Alaska. He was one of four soldiers abducted and then executed in a guerilla raid utilizing stolen American vehicles and uniforms. There has been a lot of local media coverage on this, both print and television. The following are links to some of the stories.

This is a Patriot Guard Riders mission, but all riders are welcome to participate - as long as they understand that the mission is one of respect, to honor a fallen hero. There is no political agenda. If the links don't work for some reason, please go to http://www.patriotguard.org/ - main page on right hand side is a list of CONFIRMED MISSIONS. Spc. Chism is towards the bottom of the list. It is not necessary to join the PGR in order to read the mission details - only to post a reply.

THE TIMES AND STAGING POINTS FOR THIS MISSION ARE YET TO BE DETERMINED.

Check the mission thread for updates periodically. All that is scheduled at this time is the funeral service at 1030 Saturday morning. It is dependant upon the Army returning Spc. Chism's remains on time. As soon as a definite time is known, it will be posted to the mission thread.

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/392954/view/topic/Default.aspx


http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/5283521.html


http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=5999527


http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=5995676

John Colter
coltergeist@mindspring.com

[scootertrash]

Cool site, I joined. If I can swing it I will try to make the ride.
Thanks Doug!

[Doug]

Saturday 2/3 – ESCORT FROM FUNERAL HOME TO CHURCH / SERVICE / ESCORT FROM CHURCH TO CEMETARY
There will be a procession from the funeral home on Airline Hwy. to the Church – First Baptist Church 1217 S. Burnside Rd. at approximately 0930 hrs. Saturday morning. PGR members need to be at the Funeral Home no later than 0915 Saturday morning to stage for the procession. 0900 if you can. The service is at 1030 and there will be a procession following the service from the church to the cemetery.
I spoke with Bryan’s sister, Julie Chism, who is also serving in the Army in Iraq. She and her family are very appreciative of our participation. The family has been hit very hard, especially with the media “feeding frenzy” regarding the circumstances of Bryan’s death. Let’s all do our best to be there and show them our support. God bless and ride safe.
J.L. Colter
LA Ride Captain

I plan to be at Ourso Funeral Home -13533 Airline Hwy - for 9:00am.
Probly catch Frank's around 8:00am for breakfast then head over there.
Hope to see you there Scoot.

[scootertrash]

I will keep you posted.


I plan to be at Ourso Funeral Home -13533 Airline Hwy - for 9:00am.
Probly catch Frank's around 8:00am for breakfast then head over there.
Hope to see you there Scoot.

[Dirty_Sanchez]

I say we rally, make the ride for this noble cause to show our support, then make a leisurely way to Grand Isle.

Dirty

[scootertrash]

Dirty,
Funny you should say this, maybe it's my patriotic heart bleeding through. But I have seen the other end of this, as far as a casualty. I really think this is a good idea, not only to pay tribute to this young man and the sacrifice he gave for others.. and our country. But more as gratitude for the family and friends of his. To rally like this would give a sense of accomplishment to his friends and most importantly his family. As much as I wanna go and drink and be stupid on the beach.... its brave souls like this who have gave all so we can all afford the freedom of choosing our own religion or if we want to go drink on the beach. I think I will be late getting to the Isle of Grand. I think this young man, his family, deserve a little recognition. Anyone up for a ride Sat. morning ? I know someone who was up for a ride across the pond to the sand lot... Who's game?

Kevin




I say we rally, make the ride for this noble cause to show our support, then make a leisurely way to Grand Isle.

Dirty

[JayD]

I think this young man, his family, deserve a little recognition. Anyone up for a ride Sat. morning ? I know someone who was up for a ride across the pond to the sand lot... Who's game?

Kevin


Working this Saturday Kev,
otherwise I'd make this run......

[scootertrash]

Doug pretty much summed up the plan right here. Going to meet at Franks on Airline for some good breakfast and then go to the Funeral home. Anyone that wants to come is more that welcome. Post up for roll call so we have an idea on how big of a table to get that morning.
Kev


I plan to be at Ourso Funeral Home -13533 Airline Hwy - for 9:00am.
Probly catch Frank's around 8:00am for breakfast then head over there.
Hope to see you there Scoot.

[Dirty_Sanchez]

I'm in for some early morning sloppada sloppada at Franks in P'ville.

8A?

Dirty

[Doug]

8 it is. See ya there Dirty.

For anyone else interested in participating, but maybe not that early or not on a bike;
I saw on the News this morning that local towns folk will be lining the street along the route from the Church to the Cemetary, waving American flags as the procession passes by.

Since the services start at 10:30; they asked folks to be in place along the side of the road for 11:00.

[Doug]

Here's the update from the Patriot Guards...
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/392954/view/topic/Default.aspx


Updated 30 Jan 07 at 19:07 CST Kool



from: co-captains J. Colter (coltergeist) and R. Verdun (ChiefRandy)



FINAL ITINERARY; Saturday 03 Feb. 07

The family has decided to have a short visitation period on Saturday morning at the funeral home, from 0830 to 1000. Those of you that can be there for 0830, please try, so we can have flag-bearers at the funeral home entrance. (And we'll need the flags if you can make it that early Cindy) At 1000, there will be a procession from the funeral home to the church (see original posts for place names and addresses) and another procession after a short service to the cemetary. We will be an integral part of these processions. Spc. Chism's sister, Julie, and several motorcycle riding friends of Spc. Chism will be riding with us in these processions.

For those of you that were able to attend today's escort from the airport to the funeral home, THANK YOU. The family allowed us a great honor in participating in this very private ceremony. We were the only non-family members present, aside from the family's minister and the LEO escort. I hope it touched all of you as much as it touched me.

We are also invited to a post-funeral meal at the local fire station in Prairieville. The fire department is cooking (probably jambalaya or something similar). We'll get further details at a later date.


John Colter
coltergeist@mindspring.com

I still think we could still meet at Franks at 8 sharp since Frank's is so close the the Funeral Home.

[scootertrash]

If you want to meet alittle earlier than that let me know. I am still game for this.


Here's the update from the Patriot Guards...
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/392954/view/topic/Default.aspx


I still think we could still meet at Franks at 8 sharp since Frank's is so close the the Funeral Home.

[Doug]

OK, let's say 7:30 am at Frank's.

[Doug]

A group of Southern Cruisers members are meeting at Frank's as well as some PGR members from out of town.

Latest update...


Keep checking the Patriot Guard main page mission thread for any last minute updates or problems.

I'll tell you now - and feel free to forward it to other MAC members who are planning on attending - I just learned within the last 30 minutes. The protesters - the Westboro Baptist Church - we in the PGR refer to them as the UG's (for Uninvited Guests) have posted on their website that they will picket the Chism service. They have made many such announcements in the past and never followed through with them - or received bad directions upon arriving in the area and got lost.

IF THEY DO SHOW UP, you and your friends should be aware - the PGR counters these idiots by IGNORING THEM - we turn our backs to them and stand between them and the family/service using our flags as a barrier and if necessary, we will sing, recite the pledge or the Our Father prayer to drown out their chants. It is our position that: THESE IDIOTS WANT PHYSICAL VIOLENCE IN ORDER TO TAKE THEIR POSITION TO THE MEDIA AND THE COURTS. By ignoring them, we "pull their teeth" and thwart their desires. Nothing would give any of us more pleasure than to sink our fists into their polluted mouths, but for the sake of the dignity of the service we are attending, we ask that if you cannot hold your temper, to please forego attending.

John Colter
coltergeist@mindspring.com

[scootertrash]

Doug,
I am still game. I will be there at Franks.

If anyone else can make this, I encourage you to. I think that this is a rare oppurtunity to pay respect to a fallen soldier and do it on a bike as well. If you can't make it, say a prayer for his family and all other service members that are deployed.

Thanks.
Scoot aka Kevfucious aka Kev

[Dirty_Sanchez]

7:30A at Frank's on Airline in P'ville.

Headcount for a table?

I'm in. Doug, Kev, Buhler?

Buhler?

Will a 4-top be enough?

I was hoping to clear out after the service for G. Isle but I've got a few things to get done then I'll head south.

Dirty

[scootertrash]

Yeah, one of you call me at 6:45 to make sure I am up... please
225.262.9524
Just in case... might be a late night.

[scootertrash]

I am up.... whooooo hoooooo! Hell yes!

[Dirty_Sanchez]

I'm up as well. And she's a might bit chappily this morning.

I didn't know the newspaper could crack as you open it up on morning as cold as this.

Am heading out in a minute for Franks.

Dirty

[scootertrash]

Sorry I was late fellas, hittin that damn Mini Van kinda screwed my morning... and damn I am getting sore now. But LightSpeed did have a shifter instock so getting home wasn't to bad. Hope you all made it home safe.

[Dirty_Sanchez]

Just made it back to my humble abode as well.

Doug, it was great to finally meet.

Kev- great to see you made it-we'll let you off the hook just this once. Glad to hear that you're not too terribly gimped up.

The event we participated in this morning was incredible but at the same time emotionally overwelming. The turnout on two wheels was tremendous-I'd say there were over 100 bikes, one of which was shod with knobbies and a foot of ground clearance. Vietnam Vets, recent Vets, and all sorts and makes of machinery.

At the funeral home members of the Patriot Guard silently stood watch lining the entry drive, all holding flags, then one by one, another member of the Guard would take the place of another. Impressive. Then inside, family and friends had on display a series of posters with photos of Brian, anecdotes from friends, and some of Brians letters from Iraq.

I didn't even know Bryan Chism, but once I found out he had just bought a sport bike before shipping out, I had to go and give thanks and pay my respects his service to our country.

I'd like to share the text of the memorandum I picked up with everyone here.

IN THE DAMN SANDBOX OVER THE BIG POND!!! (Iraq) I am a country boy at heart, more of a farmer boy. I live one day at a time. If shit happens, it happens. If it don't then who cares. I'm in Iraq and it blows. I hate it here, but if I don't fight then who will?

Who cares if a soldier dies take a man and put him alone, Put him twelve thousand miles from home. Empty his heart of all but blood, Make him live in sand, in mud. This is the life I have to live, This the soul to God I give. You have your parties and drink your beer, while young men are dying over here. Plant your signs on the White House Lawn, "Lets Get out of Iraq". Use your signs and have your fun, Then refuse to use a gun. There's nothing else for you to do, Then I'm supposed to die for you? There is one thing that you should know, and that's where I think you should go! I'm already here and it's too late. I've traded all my love for all this hate. I'll hate you till the day I die. You made me hear my buddy cry. I saw his leg and his bloodshed, Then I heard them say, "This one's dead". It was a large price for him to pay, to let you live anoher day. He had the guts to fight and die, to keep the freedom you live by. By his dying, your life he buys, But who gives a damn if a Soldier dies!

Ride like the wind Brian, ride like the wind my friend.

Dirty

[scootertrash]

Dirty,
I didn't make it back in time to ride with you all. But I must say it was a pretty spectacular site sitting at Light Speed and seeing everyone pass. When we where at the funeral home, and we went and paid or respects and shook his parents hands.. that really messed with my head. Its funny how after doing that then looking at all the pictures and everything they had from him... it was like I knew the guy, he is just like us. And yet he isn't here. I know the family must have been overwhelmed. Because I sure was, never in my life have I seen such a diverse group of riders together for one cause. Restores my faith in mankind. I hope everyone can say a prayer for the soldiers family.

[Doug]

Met some really fine folks today; including "ScooterTrash" and "Dirty Sanchez".

This was the scene as one pulled up at the Funeral Home...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010189.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010203.jpg

All around the parking lot looked like this...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010199.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010198.jpg


Patriot Guard Riders came in from near and far.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010200.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010201.jpg

No protestors anywhere, just patriots... everywhere!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010190.jpg

It was an honor to stand with the PGR men and women.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010210.jpg

I wanted to thank the leader of the Boy Scout troop for bringing thier color guard too.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010191.jpg

"We would have been here anyway, He was one of our own" the leader told me with pride.
Yes, Bryan had been a member of this Troop.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010193.jpg

This was Bryan's bike...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/BryansGSXR.jpg

His older sister, also serving in the Army in Iraq, rode it in the front of the Funeral procession.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010213.jpg

The Funeral Service was something special too.

The Priest seemed right at home in that Baptist Church.
He even lightened the somewhat heavy spirit with comments from Bryan's MySpace page. Laughter is good medicene.

The Army General presented Spc. J. Bryan Chism with three awards;
the Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, and a Combat Badge of honor.

It seemed like the whole town of Gonzales showed up for the procession from the Church to the Cemetary;
lining both sides of the highway, waving American flags.

The 21 gun salute at the gravesite really slapped me with a reality check.
I was humbled and honored to be present at such an event as this.

I leave you with this thought...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/s2tbolt/PGR/S4010197.jpg

[scootertrash]

Amen!