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21 Jul 2008, 1:22 pm / Tired
On Sunday, July 20, 2008 Eric and I joined the Legion Riders, Patriot Guard and many other riders in a funeral escort for CPL Jonathan Ayers and his family. Cpl Jonathan R. Ayers 24, was 1 of 9 heroes who fell in the heat of battle while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Cpl Ayers who was promoted to Cpl posthumously died of wounds suffered when their outpost was attacked by small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades from enemy forces in Wanat, Afghanistan, on July 13. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza,Italy. We rode to Zoar United Methodist Church where we were greeted by approximately 250 other riders. Despite the heat and humidity, everyone was focused on the mission of supporting the family of this local hero. We escorted Cpl Ayers and his family from the church to his final resting place. It was a slow speed, solemn ride. There were many people along the route who also turned out to show their support for the Ayers family. At the cemetery, we dismounted and formed a flag line around the family and Cpl Ayers. It was a short but touching ceremony. As always, the sound of Taps and watching the family say their final farewell moved many of us deeply. There were 4 heat casualties at the cemetery, two PGR and two guests. Latest reports are they are all fine. Our continued prayers go out to the Ayers family and to the families of the rest of this country’s fallen heroes! Check out the pictures we took. http://community.webshots.com/album/564177648DmblwJ?vhost=community&action=refreshPhotos&albumID=564177648&security=DmblwJ
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