Maryland's Portion of the Escort of the Wreathsd Across America

by Russell E Burks Sr
(Whiteford, Maryland)

To all who participated in any way from planning to riding, I wish to say thank you on behalf of myself and all Patriot Guard Riders from Maryland and all across our great nation. We had such a great time this year and the cooperation we had from all Law Enforcement Agencies was phenomenal , they all did a great job but the Maryland State Police stepped up big time this year and I had comments from Mr. Worcester and even the truck drivers as to how great Maryland handled the convoy. The truck drivers said they liked the idea of having the trucks at the front of the convoy that way all other vehicles could adjust their speed and position in the convoy easier than the large trucks loaded down.



The lady who runs the farm store was so great and we have been invited back again next year, she allowed us to basically take over her parking lot as we had more than 120 bikes all together when Pennsylvania rolled in and we had 2 Tractor Trailer Rigs, twelve 4 wheelers including 2 Maine State Police Cars. What an impressive site it was to see rolling down the highway when we pulled out we had the 2 rigs, 12 4 wheelers and 80 bikes. We had people come up and try to donate money to us for food or fuel, and Steve and myself directed them to buy some prepaid phone cards and distribute them to our Hero's who are deployed.



Tommy Baker " The Fireman " as most know him did a spectacular job with the rally point and parking for the rigs and getting them washed and ready for their grand entrance into Arlington National Cemetery. He had Local Law Enforcement Officer's for the escort of the final leg to Arlington National Cemetery and through Washington D.C. we had to put some outriders out , but this was done with the police directive, the convoy moved from College Park Maryland to Through Washington D.C. and into Arlington National Cemetery with not one problem. When we arrived at Arlington National Cemetery Our Ride Captain for that leg was Kevin Rock who had everything organized so that when we entered at the time they had set for us we were ushered to the assigned area's with no problem.



Again I can't say enough about everyone involved in this mission, we had so much help from all over and to all I say a heart felt thank you on behalf of all the Patriot Guard Riders from around the country and from the families who have lost a loved one to war who have been laid to rest on the Hallowed Ground of Arlington National Cemetery. I have been contacted by quite a few people from all over the country saying that they couldn't make the trip to Arlington National Cemetery , but felt better because of people such as all of you who were showing respect to the hero's laid to rest there. I know it was hard work , but we pulled it off and now to all I have to say is I may not have mentioned you by name but I had help from so many of my fellow Maryland Ride Captains, the State Captain and all the Asst. State Captains and many participants who I may not have mentioned you by name but please know that I couldn't do this without your help. We are a team and as such we will be recognized as a team, and I thank My GOD who protected us and gave us good weather for our ride.



Thank You and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Russ Burks Sr

Tommy Baker

Kevin Rock