We rolled into the quiet residential neighborhood where Frederik’s church is located.

Values were on display. The good guys live here.

Most of us had never been here before and would never return, but it was an easy place to feel comfortable.

Glen had to address many specifics: Where would the escort bikes park? How would we get flags to the riders? Where would the hearse and family park and how would they move into the church? Where and how?

And he had control over only some of those matters.

Sempre gumby – always flexible. We made-up extra flags.

Glen prepared us to react and we waited.

The religious leaders appeared.

The secular leader arrived.

Together they watched the escort roll in.

While the escort bikes parked and the riders found their flags, two of the greatest authority figures in Frederik’s world discussed the greatness of Frederik.

We stood for the transfer. The Marines moved Frederik from hearse to church. Then we assembled to learn the next step.

Westboro wasn’t here. The weather was fine. Police were leading us everywhere we went. This wasn’t going to be difficult, but we paid close attention to all that we were told. We still wanted to do our very best.

Dave Davis, GSD was recognized. The funeral of his son, Joshua Davis, was a Patriot Guard mission. I was glad that Matt introduced him – not just for Mr. Davis, but for the rest of us too. Josh belongs to all of us now.

Mr. Davis would later write to Matt:

  I wanted to send a quick note to thank all of you for the hospitality and the honor of standing with you for LCpl. Vazquez's family. From my experience as the protected family I know how much your group being there meant to the family. From that day forward any time they see a U.S. Flag or hear a bike going down the road they will know their son will never be forgotten.

    Thanks to you guys allowing me the privilege to join you on this mission, I was able to meet two young men that served with my son Josh.  One was his squad leader and both had nothing but good to say about them. I was also able to meet my COA's Superiors and express to them what a great job he did for us.

    I come to the Chicago area at times for business so I will watch your board and if a mission posts while I am there I plan to be there.

    I was able to find your e-mail on the Warriors Watch page. If you could please thank everyone and let all of them know how much of an honor is was to stand and ride with them. Also thank you for escorting me out of town. I made it home safe without incident and able to ride another day.

Dave Davis
Perry, IA

Then on to the cemetery. Again I was in the advance party, again following John.

Maybe some other drivers saw Al’s flags and wondered. The MSM (main-stream media) had limited interest in one more routine KIA. Many Americans prefer not to think about these things.

That’s all right. Frederik has an honorable place in history, and our primary audience would be standing with us in the cemetery. And God would be watching.

on to Frederik’s cemetery

back to the Frederik Vazquez Mission

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