jeffskat's Photobucket Maj Kevin Jenrette album media

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:36:06 MDT

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We lowered the flag in front of our home to half-staff in honor of the three National Guard Soldiers who were laid to rest this weekend.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:35:26 MDT

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I left home *really* early in case I got lost... I didn't get lost (thank you, GPS!) and ended up being 45 mins. early and the fourth one to arrive. :)

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:34:56 MDT

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The church where Major Jenrette's services were held. It's the perfect little country church with picturesque countryside surrounding it.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:34:47 MDT

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:34:23 MDT

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Here comes the first batch of Patriot Guard Riders!

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:34:16 MDT

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:33:52 MDT

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The 48th Ga Infantry Brigade patch on my vest (that would be the colorful one with the lightening bolt in the middle of it, on the right side) was a gift from one of our family's soldier friends. I promised that I'd wear the patch in honor of all our 48th National Guard soldiers during (and after, of course) their deployment, to show my support. This pic was taken to show our 48th soldiers that I was keeping my word to them! :) Anytime I am out with the PGR to honor a hero, the 48th is riding with me.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:33:33 MDT

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More riders arrive

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:33:02 MDT

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Those of us who drove brought coolers of ice & bottled water. When you are out in the sun and 90-degree heat for several hours, staying hydrated is critical!

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:32:45 MDT

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More motorcycles arrive, and members of the community start arriving. The church made several runs with their church bus to bring people to the service, as parking was very limited and turnout was HUGE.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:32:32 MDT

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Yay!!! SHADE! :)

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:32:04 MDT

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Chip (center) gives the pre-mission briefing and instructions prior to the start of the service. There were a lot of details and logistics he and the other ride captains had to work out, with several last-minute changes. They did a phenomenal job and everything flowed perfectly from start to finish.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:31:43 MDT

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Approx. 30 minutes before the family is schedule to arrive, we begin to move into position with our flags around the church and the road. Altogether, there were approximately 100 or more of us there to show our respect.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:31:10 MDT

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There was a good, strong breeze most of the time (thankfully). I was able to get some really neat pictures of the flags flying full & proud. :)

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:30:53 MDT

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This is my favorite picture of the day.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:30:35 MDT

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:30:23 MDT

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Waiting for the family to arrive.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:30:06 MDT

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Color Guard moving into position prior to the arrival of the family.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:29:48 MDT

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Two Generals - one one-star general and one two-star general - and a Colonel each walked thru the flag lines and shook every one of our hands and thanked us personally for being there. Very humbling, as we count it a privilege to be able to honor our heroes in this way, and not something we need or expect to be thanked for.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:29:24 MDT

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As you can see, turnout was so strong, we had more people than flags to go around! :) It was an awesome and strong turnout to honor our hero.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:29:14 MDT

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:29:03 MDT

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:28:39 MDT

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:28:25 MDT

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:27:58 MDT

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After service started, and before the gravesite ceremonies.. just hanging out, waiting.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:27:28 MDT

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This is the condolence book that was presented to the family. Messages of sympathy and support were posted on PGR forum from all over america, printed off and placed in this book. Everyone who came to honor this Soldier signed the book personally that day, as well.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:27:10 MDT

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:26:47 MDT

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At this point, we've received word that service is getting close to finishing, so we began to move into position with our flags on the road between church & gravesite and near gravesite itself.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:26:16 MDT

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Waiting for service in the church to conclude and for procession from church to gravesite to begin... you can see people from the community there to show there support, and the Hall County police and PGR leadership all going over what will happen next to ensure everything goes smoothly.

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jeffskat — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:25:41 MDT

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Waiting for family. The remainder of the service (no pics taken, of course) was very nice and beautifully done. This Hero was very well-honored, as he shoudl be.