The funeral for my boss' nephew (KIA, Iraq, March 14th) is today

[krispos42]

I wrote a little obituary/tribute in my Journal last Friday when I first heard about it.

I found out last Wednesday that the Patriot Guard Riders were going to be there. It is Kansas, after all. Fred Phelps' territory.

I checked out the Patriot Guard Rider's website and they have some pictures of the arrival of the earthy remains of Spc. Forrest John Waterbury on the 21st, and of them honoring him during visitation yesterday. I expect at some point this weekend they will also post pictures of the funeral service itself. I will update as needed.

22 Mar 2007 11:08 AM

After Mission Report for the Escort for Specialist Forrest J. Waterbury ( 3-21-07 Wedneday )

Before the mission on wednesady, LEO was contacted for Potowatamie County and also Riley County. Bill " Tombstone " Padget was instrumental in making sure that we had LEO Escort for this mission.

On wednesday at around 1045 hrs people started arriving at the staging area...at the Manhattan Airport. Riders from as far away as Kansas City and Salina rode in.

Chuck Bramhall, Chuck "Macguyver" Ford, Bill Padget, Big Jimbo from Lawrence, Trae from Kansas City, TailGunner from Salina and MSG Kirk Crabtree from Fort Riley. There were many other faces I have seen at other missions and 3 first timers. I thank all of you for participating on this mission to Escort Specialist Waterbury.

A Safety and Ride Briefing was given...and a Lady CMA Rider gave the prayers for this mission and safety for all the riders.

There was a count of 39 motorcylces for this escort.

The CAO SFC Galeegoes and Christi Waterbury and her family arrived. Condolences were given Christi and her family.

At 1230 hrs the plane with SPC Waterbury arrived and 6 of our riders to include MSG Crabtree who was allowed onto the tarmac to welcome Spc Waterbury home.

As The Spc Waterbury came off the plane MSG Crabtree called the detail to attention. Then called Present arms. When Spc Waterbury was laid in the hearse. MSG Crabtree called Order Arms.
MSG Kirk Crabtree served withe SPc Waterbury in Irac. We had a contingent of active duty in uniform that sreved with Spc Waterbury, on their motorcycles, riding with us on this escort.

Once the Escort Detail with large American flags was in front and behind the hearse, the family members, then the rest of the riders followed behind the Family.

LEO from Riley county arrived to escort us throught Manhattan...thank you sirs you did and excellent job. At the Potowatomie county Line, the Pott County Sheriff and Chief of Police Mike Baker met us to take over escort duties. The Riley County Police Depart decided that they were going to saty with us all the way to the funeral home.

Upon arrival at Stewart Funeral Home we parked our bikes and gathered around the hearse to Salute Spc Waterbury as he came out of the hearse. MSG Crabtree called all the commands.
Once SPC Crabtree was carried in by the Military Honor Guard. The Patriot Guard was dismissed.

Thank you everyone for coming and paying our hero Spc Waterbury this honor!!!!

OUTSTANDING JOB EVERYONE!!!!

Ever your servant, Kai Sayson, PGR Ride Captain, Manhattan, KS

23 Mar 2007 9:18 PM

The Visitation for Spc Forrest J. Waterbury went absolutely perfect. God was good with us and gave us a cool evening just with a slight breeze enough to just kiss the skin with coolness. Did not rain !!!! 19 Riders showed up from as far away as Wichita, KS and Kansas City. Thank you everyone for coming to honor Spc Waterbury.

General Ham from Fort Riley shook each Patriot Guard and thanked them for being there. DC "Big Dog" Hannah was there and spoke with the the Riders and Thank them for being there and said he has never met a group of people that made him feel that proud to know...Thanks Big Dog for being there!!!!

and Thank you each and everyone that came...

Thank you John Deche from ALR 400 from Topeka and bringing the flags for us to use.

Kai Sayson, PGR Ride Captain, Manhattan, KS