During the course of the extended weekend, a Patriot Guard Mission came up. We were honored to ride with our Texas friends and family to Nocona TX to stand the flag-line for Sgt Walker, a veteran killed in a motorcycle crash while traveling in Oregon.
Mike and Barbara Johnson, current local leadership were the ride captains for this mission. We had ridden with the Johnsons before while in Texas just not under their lead. We noticed some distinct differences this time around. First of all, there was some sort of confusion about where everyone was to stage. Most of the regular PGR staged at a normal spot at a gas station. The Johnsons had a new batch of younger bikers stage at another station. So one of them roared off to get the new bikers. Tim cussed a blue streak almost all the way to Nocona because the Johnsons were unable to maintain a steady speed.
When we arrived in Nocona, the Johnsons (who had allegedly scouted the location the day before) directed where we should place flags and start staging for the funeral services. We had done a good bit of work when someone noticed there was a activity at a church a couple of blocks away. Another funeral. No, not another funeral - our funeral. The Johnsons had us setting up in front of the wrong church! Well, we scrambled and managed to get a decent flag-line set before the mourners arrived. Barbara, I believe gave us a curt and rather clipped briefing. No apologies for the oversight.
Post mission briefing (directions to the cemetery) - same thing. No mention of the near disastrous error. After returning my flag to the transport truck, I walked back down the street to shed my half chaps. I was standing beside our ride watching the new guys across the street when Barbara and Mike engaged in a loud, knock-down, drag-out argument that had me, the new guys and anyone else within a block dropping our jaws. The argument culminated as Tim was walking up with Barbara getting on her bike, speeding down the street spraying dust and gravel everywhere.
I was mortified at the completely inappropriate public display.
Thankfully, our plan was not to attend the graveside services as we had a prior engagement for that evening so we rode with Dad (Ted) in the lead. As far as I know, no one ever heard from the new guys (prospective PGR) again.
We decided that day we would never ride under Barbara and Mike's direction again. We have held true to that decision.
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