Last week I was able to participate in two PGR missions for a Paris native Fallen Hero. Sgt. Hoskins was only 24 years old when he was killed in Afghanistan by an IED. Sgt. Hoskins was brought back home on Thursday of last week. The Patriot Guard helped with the escort of this hero from the airport to the funeral home. There were 168 motorcycles in this escort and it was a very moving experience. The part that was the most moving was to see how our small town of about 25,000 had an estimated 10,000 people show up along the 6 mile route to the funeral home.
The funeral for Sgt. Hoskins was on Saturday and it was just as moving. At the cemetery there were full military honors and a local flying group performed a fly over with smoke trails from a formation of three military bird dog planes. I am very thankful for these young heroes who maintain our freedoms we enjoy each and every day. I am also thankful to live in a small town that knows how to show the proper respect for this honorable service man.
I have been to several PGR missions and I enjoy having the ability to show my respect to those who have given their all for our freedom. I do believe with out a doubt this escort last week was the most moving, and had the largest community support I have ever seen.
