Ride report for the USMC’s Cpl Miguel Gallegos, September 17 2006.

The day started like any other, except we were not going to a funeral, but to escort one of our nations finest to the airport. As I got to the Diamond Shamrock gas station on S. Post Oak Rd. I was very happy to see at least 10 riders, you see we didn’t know how many would show and Maria, who is the mother of this soldier was anxious to know how many were coming. As I went to greet first time riders and get some rider release forms signed the riders kept coming, and coming! The final tally was 26 bikes and 2 cages, and yes I was in one of the cages (bummer). We had some retired PD there that would go on to be road guards (4) including our very own Boomer!

During our safety meeting/prayer it started to rain, and I thought we were in for a wet one, we all got under the gas station canopy to finish our meeting and our very own Congressman Eric Story prayed for the mission and our traveling mercies. Since my bike was down Donnie Mixon my co-captain led the ride.

At around the time we left the gas station, the rain stopped, and stayed up in the clouds until we got to the airport! Wow! God is good! We rode to Miguel’s house and totally surprised him, as his family members were the only ones who knew we were coming. I had the opportunity to personally thank him for his service to our country, as did others and we even had a group prayer for his safety, tears were everywhere, especially from Maria his mom. She was so happy we came and sad that her boy was going back to Camp Pendleton in California.

Another awesome thing happened as we were on the way to the airport, "Termite" called me on my cell, apologizing for not getting to the staging but said he was at the airport already, ahead of us. He went and spoke to officer Mary Boozier of the airport PD to alert them that we were coming and reported to me that they said that they would cone off an area so we could park and spend a little time saying our good-byes to Miguel, wow! Another miracle. Officer Boozier also gave us her number saying if we needed their assistance in the future, just call her and she will handle it.

Around the time of our arrival, the rain started again, but we were able to be under a corridor to stay dry. We spent around 10-15 minutes saying goodbye to Miguel and his family, and off he went to catch his flight.

Around that time, when we were beginning to leave, the rain stopped. As I drove home I thought to myself, wow, thanks Lord for a great mission. Thanks to all that showed to send one of Americas finest on his way…Miguel, you will be in our prayers. (Ride Report written by Johnny Duran - aka 1st-John)