CONFIRMED: Army SPC Albert Ross, “HOME FOR OUR TROOPS (HFOT’s) KEY AWARD CEREMONY” (98-26) 6 Jun 26
174 Star Grass
Spring Branch, TX 78070
USA
“HOME FOR OUR TROOPS (HFOT’s) KEY AWARD CEREMONY”
The presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders have been requested to take part in this joyous event. We have been asked to ride in a LEO supported procession and stand a Flag Line for the veteran and family to participate in a “Key Awarding Ceremony” presented by Homes For Our Troops (HFOT). This ceremony will be the final presentation of a specially adapted mortgage free home for Army SPC Albert Ross.
Inspired to serve his country through military service, Albert Ross enlisted in the Army immediately after graduating high school.
On August 23, 2004, Specialist Ross was serving as a cannon crewmember in Baghdad, Iraq, with the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, when his vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) during an ambush, followed by a firefight with insurgents. He suffered shrapnel wounds in the blast and gunshot wounds to both legs and his left foot, resulting in the amputation of his right leg below the knee and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
He was airlifted to Baghdad for immediate treatment before transferring to Landstuhl, Germany, for additional surgery. Stateside, he was sent to Walter Reed Medical Center and subsequently moved to Brooke Army Medical Center to be closer to his family.
Albert and his wife, Connie, who was also severely injured in Iraq while serving in the Army, are parents to Zephaniah, Albert Jr., and Shakyra. Albert volunteers at his local church and counsels the youth community about the benefits of public and military service.
Albert’s current two-story residence is not wheelchair accessible and poses significant daily challenges. A specially adapted custom HFOT home with a single-level, open floor plan will allow him to navigate safely and independently throughout the space. “In my HFOT home, I would finally be able to move around the home with ease. In my current situation, there have been times when I have had to sit and slide down the stairs—or slide backward up them—just to get from one floor to another,” he says.
Originally from Louisiana, Albert is choosing to build his home in Texas to be close to family and friends.
Albert would like to express his profound gratitude to HFOT donors and supporters. “I want to sincerely thank you for blessing my family with this amazing gift—I can’t put into words how much peace of mind comes with knowing that I can properly get around the house without any barriers.”
WEATHER: Hi 88 / Lo 74, 68 % Chance of Rain, 94 % Humidity, Wind: 4 mph S
REQUESTOR: Madalyn Collins, Event Coordinator
STAGING: 8:00 am, Saturday, June 6, 2025
Valero Gas Station
174 Star Grass
Spring Branch, Texas 78070
https://goo.gl/maps/wyBFQMJk7BL3SJK19
BRIEFING: 8:15 am
KSU: 8:45 am (Semper Gumby) “Wait for the phone call from the Event Coordinator”
CEREMONY: Arrive NLT: 9:00 am
184 Sweet Clover
Spring Branch, Texas 78070
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fz7csokP3HWdaFSA9
RC: Mike “Twin Tower” Roberts
mike.sapgr@gmail
FC: Richard “Bean” Sandoval
Richardsandoval196@hotmail.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers