Mission Report From Kelley Brown - 27 Oct 2006:

Family:

 My tears for CPL UNGER and his precious family have stopped getting my paper wet, and I can now put a pen to paper.  Let me share with you what turned off my tears, even if it’s just for a moment.

 Sparks, Thanks for introducing to us the new “SECRET HANDSHAKE.”  The next time you any of you happen to see him, make sure you jam your hand in your pocket, scratch, withdrawal your hand, and proceed with a firm handshake!  I was one-upped by a sailor (go figure!) … wait a minute… he could be a Coastie or even a Marine!  Definitely not an Airman.  Those of you that don’t know Sparks—he’s the one that wears yellow bloomers (well, that’s what I heard when it was passed down the line)!   The ribbing aside,  the level of admiration and gratitude is without equal.  He is the one that expanded the Kansas Standard of a flag line EAST by constructing them and transporting them to all points along the MO River for our missions.  I’d like to say behind every good Jarhead there is a line of sailors but the reality is Sparks is never the guy to seek out credit but credit is due to him and his wife. 

 His wife continually amazes us and the communities with the Soldiers Angels.  I know she gets a grin when she asks the fellas "What do you need us to do?", as I’m sure we all respond first with a drawn out "Uuuuuuuugggghhhhhhhh... I don’t know", along with a shrug of our shoulders.  This time was different.  When they asked me, I said allow me to introduce you to POST 23’s Legion Auxiliary Lead, Cher.  I think she has some ideas.  Though it was kinda nice and deft to get out of the entire decision and multi task climate between the women!  All I can say Ladies,  once again, you delivered and thank you! (If you need heavy objects moved, or to tell you what’s on TV, I’m good at doing that).  Ummmm, do any of you know how to sew?  Sparks needs another set of bloomers.

 This entity called the American Legion Riders, Kansas Chapter started the Kansas Patriot Guard,  which someone then turned the concept into a national organization called the Patriot Guard Riders.  Whatever alliance/affiliation you have, really, an origination is as good as what you put into it.  Today... today we rode.   We rode for CPL UNGER.  We willingly set aside our precise time again to honor an American Hero.  Not because we are service members, not because we ride scooters, not because we want to be in a clique, but we came together as a family to embrace and stand up for a lost Brother.  A lost Brother whose wife and Mom are was always and will forever be our Sister and Mom.   CPL UNGER’s children our children.

 As witnessed by the family, the entire FORT LEAVENWORTH community lined the avenue of precession, shoulder to shoulder, holding flags, and rendering a hand salute as they approached, FOR MILES.   (picture people in an arena doing the wave)  This will forever be a humbling experience as the Soldiers rendered one last salute for CPL  UNGER.  I shared that thought with Mrs. Unger by presenting two gold star streamers to her while she grieved for her husband at the cemetery, one for her and one to give to David’s Mom (our Mom).  I simply said to her something to the effect of she is always among brothers and sisters and by displaying this gold star streamer,  I am confident when one of us sees it, we’ll pause and think to ourselves “I need to check on Sister. Better check on Mom too".

 To you all, I’ll share with you that I received many compliments.  The only thing I can say to all of you is, you know, participation isn’t mandatory.  However, what you put into an organization is what you get out of it.  You, the riders, willingly set aside your time to honor CPL Unger.   You, the riders,  willingly listened and executed the plan.  You, the riders, have set a standard for this region of what it is to be family and what brings honor and respect to a fallen family member.  I am humbled and have an overflowing sense of gratitude for each of you. 

 For those whom have not served - DO NOT EVER, EVER, think you owe an explanation.  Those that were able to, did.  What is important is you can stand with us now and you bring our fallen hero’s family under your wing as well. 

 In closing, to our Prayer Warrior, 2TIMOTHY1:7

 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power,  of love, and of self-discipline.”

 I could ramble on about to whom do we we give thanks to (all the individuals) but I am not.  We, us, my family, stood and will continue to over-watch CPL UNGER and his family and his Brothers’ In Arms.  

 May the blessings of the most high God rain down upon you.  Ride safe my Brothers and Sisters. 

 V/R

Kelly