The
Patriot Guard paid tribute to SSGT Bryant Mackey
and his family with a two-part mission.
First part was the escort of SSGT Mackey
from the Independence KS Municipal Airport
to Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia KS
on Wednesday 27 February 2008. Riders from
Independence, Caney, Fredonia, Yates Center,
Chanute, and the Wichita area provided
escort.
Second part was the funeral, followed by the
graveside service on Friday 29 February 2008
in Fredonia, KS and Howard, KS. An
estimated 300 or more motorcycles plus a
couple dozen cages from all over Kansas and
Missouri arrived in Fredonia early Friday
morning to stand guard at the funeral.
Following the funeral, we escorted SSGT
Mackey to graveside services in Howard where
he received full military honors provided by
the US Army from Fort Riley. US Army
Brigadier General David Quantock presented SSGT
Mackey's wife, Marie, and his parents a
Purple Heart, Bronze Star and many other
heroic medals that Mackey had earned.
Kansas Highway State Troopers were present
in large numbers. SSGT Mackey's brother is
a Master Trooper. They provided an honor
guard at the funeral.
All of Fredonia's residents lined the
streets as we escorted SSGT Mackey, family,
and friends through town on our way to
Howard. The local schools dismissed
classes so that they could
participate. The Fire Departments
of Fredonia and Howard displayed US flags
from their ladder trucks, and parked their
trucks along the route. Construction
companies displayed US flags from
tall cranes. As emotional as it is to the
townspeople to see us ride by, it was even
more emotional to all of us to see adults
and children lining the streets, waving the
US flag, saluting, or placing a hand over
their heart to show respect to SSGT Mackey
and his family. The same thing happened as
we drove down the highway. All vehicles
pulled over and people stood beside their
automobiles. Residents of Severy came out
to Highway 99 to salute SSGT Mackey was we
passed by. Howard residents and school
students lined the streets as we drove
through town on our way to the cemetery.
My personal thanks go to the Patriot Guard
co-captains, ride captains, road guards,
volunteer honor guards, and the staging crew
who line up the motorcycles. Thanks also
to every person who supported this
Fallen Hero mission. You showed great honor
by holding the American Flag to honor SSGT
Mackey and his family. Some of you took a
vacation day, some of you took an unpaid
day, and some of you gave up a day of
leisure to participate in the mission. We
are grateful to each and every one of you
who took time to be there. It was an honor
to stand with you. Thank you to Charles
Liles, our Patriot Guard bagpiper, for his
inspiring music during the funeral and
graveside services.
We especially thank the city, county, and
state law enforcement for making the mission
safe and uneventful. A warm thanks to the
Fredonia VFW and Women's Auxiliary for the
hot coffee, donuts, and water they provided
at the staging area and funeral home. Every
town and county between Wichita and Fredonia
provided police escort as we passed through
on our way to Fredonia. State troopers also
helped out immensely. They blocked highway
traffic as we rode in procession to the
funeral, and they provided escort along with
city and county police on the trip to
Howard.
SSGT Mackey's widow and parents asked us to
convey their heartfelt thanks and
appreciation to all of you
for the support you've shown them this past
week as you honored their husband and son.
They thank you for the donations
you gave when we passed the hat at
the Fredonia staging area. Your generosity
will not be forgotten. They will remember
your selflessness forever.
Thank you Gary "Grasshopper" Mclean for
being a Co-Ride Captain with me, your
leadership was a great help.
I say to all of you "Job well done. Mission
accomplished."
Respectfully,
