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[Texas 103]

I did a PGR mission today that was very interesting and very emotional. 

First, our hero:
SGT Brian Christopher Jergens, 22, was one of three soldiers riding in a Humvee on Aug. 7 when the vehicle struck a roadside bomb.
Jergens, an Army medic, was the most seriously injured of the three, having lost his legs below the knee, among other grievous injuries.
His life hung in the balance for days.

He was flown to an Army hospital in Germany, where he was stabilized until he could be flown to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he is now undergoing treatment.
Over the ensuing weeks, doctors worked to control swelling in his brain and prevent infections from setting in. His spleen was removed while doctors tended to other abdominal injuries.

Jergens also suffered a cracked vertebra, a broken arm and the loss of his ring finger on his left hand.
Just days ago, Jergens opened his eyes for the first time, much to the joy of his newlywed bride, Jennifer, his sister, Darcy, and his parents, Brian and Marilyn Jergens, who have been at his bedside since his arrival at San Antonio.

"He hasn't been able to talk yet, but his dad has said a few words to him and he has followed him with his eyes,"

His wife Jennifer has been by his side throughout and has been feeding him ice chips and has commented that he's very aware of his surroundings and has shown tremendous improvement in the past month.

On to the mission. 
Christopher was supposed to arrive at Moffett Field at 230 and I was one of 4 road guards who will block intersections along the way.  When we arrived at 2, we found out that he was delayed and would not arrive to 4 at the earliest.  We hung around Flight Ops and waited.  While there, we found out that the reason for the delay was that Christopher was having serious medical issues this morning.  They flew him and his wife from Kelly AFB to Moffet on a C-17 hospital ship with a full staff of doctors, etc.  Once he arrived, we did our flag presentation, etc, while they took him off of the plane and loaded him into the ambulance.

When we got ready to start, the ambulance pulls up and tells the road guards that Christopher isn't doing well and having issues so it will be lights and sirens the whole way.  The driver then asked us if we could clear a path and block intersections since it was rush hour and they needed to get Christopher to the Trauma Center ASAP.  After a wild and stressful ride moving cars out of the way and pissing people off in major intersections, Christopher arrived at the hospital safe and alive.

During our post-mission debrief, the family came out to us in tears thanking us for doing what we do.  It was an amazing and inspirational moment that makes all of the risks, etc, worthwhile.

Well, on to the next mission
The United States, Home of the Free Because of the Brave!!!

Thanks Ernie, I am a Road Guard on the Southern Route , Run For The Wall. Got my start Road Guarding in the North Texas PGR.  You can't put a price on what you and the rest of your PGR brothers and sisters did for that family..  We see it all across the country on the Run, and our PGR missions. People have offered to buy my gas before. They just want to know that someone cares when their loved one is seriously injured or makes the ultimate sacrifice.  Stand Tall And Silent.....Ride Safe My Friend...Greg

[erniezap]

We got a call from the ambulance driver after the mission...

About an hour after the mission concluded, Mark, the ambulance driver called me and expressed his gratitude for the escort and stated that this was the quickest that he was every able to make the trip from Moffett Field to PAVA and that our assistance and escort easily shaved 10 to 20 minutes from his trip.

[sgchick]

We got a call from the ambulance driver after the mission...

About an hour after the mission concluded, Mark, the ambulance driver called me and expressed his gratitude for the escort and stated that this was the quickest that he was every able to make the trip from Moffett Field to PAVA and that our assistance and escort easily shaved 10 to 20 minutes from his trip.

 

[Chains]

Great job, thanks for helping our men and women who give so much for us.

[TinSpinner]

Great work Ernie, good for the soul to read of your efforts. They are much appreciated. I pray Gods blessings on Sgt. Jergens and his family as well as you and all the PG riders for what you do.

[grayghost731]

PGR mission are an Honor. Yes they are tough, but they stood for us , now we stand for them.

Thank you for your service!!!!!

God Bless America, God bless the United States of America!!!!!!!

         
     what he said and another thank you from me

[Gettinold]

No PGR mission is easy, and some are just more emotional than others, but until there is peace on earth there will be will be more. Thanks for what you do Ernie and all PGR's.

[SEURG]

Ernie,

Appreciate you posting that story!  Makes one proud to be an American.  Thanks for what you do for our solders.  I to have been on a couple of PGR rides.  As stated by others many and not easy.  Proud ryokans your group!

[erniezap]

I guess that we did a really good job since we received this yesterday from a 3 star general!

[Gettinold]

You got to be proud of that Ernie! Congratulations.

[roly4]

Thanks Ernie for posting.

Glenn “BigToe” Taylor
South Carolina PGR

[sadunbar]

I'm glad you were there for him, Ernie!  Congratulations on a job well done....   

[North Georgia Hawg]

Reading this thread gives me goosebumps of respect... Thanks Ernie, and all PGR riders, for doing what you do in the PGR.

And THANKS TO ALL YOU VETS for doing what you have done,
and for making the sacrifices you have made,
to keep us safe and free!

You have our undying gratitude,
and a place of highest honor in our hearts!

[cvobiker]

Good Job Ernie - Congratulations   

[erniezap]

Today was a very inspiring day for me.  The PGR was invited by Sgt Jergen's family to attend his purple heart ceremony.  While he still has a long way to go, the progress that he has made was incredible!  He is relearning how to talk and regain control of his arms and hands, and is strength training his thighs to get ready for prosthetics.  He was aware of everything around him and gave everyone a "thumbs up" after receiving the medal from his commanding officer and a soldier that was in the Humvee with him when they ran over the bomb.  Afterwards, he wanted to come to the parking lot to see the motorcycles.  What a special, inspiring person!

As a bonus, we had the newest member of the Patriot Guard Bay Area there:  Eagleye07 rode his first 2 PGR missions today!  Thank you Ken!