CONFIRMED: HOME FOR OUR TROOPS (HFOT’s) COMMUNITY KICK OFF (CKO), Army SFC Rudy Velasquez (244-24) 7 Dec 24
2017 FM1102
New Braunfels, TX 78132
USA
HOME FOR OUR TROOPS (HFOT’s) COMMUNITY KICK OFF (CKO)
The presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders has been requested to take part in this joyous event. We have been asked to ride a procession and stand a Flag Line for the veterans and family to participate in the opening ceremony presented by Homes For Our Troops (HFOT). This ceremony will begin the process of building a specially adapted mortgage free home for Army SFC Rudy Velasquez and his Family.
Rudy Velasquez Jr. was inspired by his father, a Vietnam War Veteran, to serve his country. In 2007, several years after finishing high school, he enlisted in the Army.
On June 9, 2012, Sergeant First Class Velasquez was serving in Afghanistan on his second combat tour as a Section Chief with Alpha Battery, 2-77 Field Artillery, 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, when an artillery blast knocked him unconscious during an enemy attack. Rudy finished his tour, but the effects of the severe concussions he suffered continued to progress. He was later medically retired due to these combat-related injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and significant vision loss.
Now medically retired, Rudy and his wife, Jenny, have four children, Rudy Velasquez III, Jaxon, Vida, and Gianna. A close-knit family, they enjoy playing games and having weekly movie nights. Rudy faces many obstacles in the family’s current home because of the loss of his peripheral vision and depth perception. The cramped floor plan, as well as the lack of adequate lighting, are safety hazards. He often must count steps to know where he is, particularly in the non-adapted kitchen with hanging light fixtures and slippery flooring.
Receiving a specially adapted custom home from Homes For Our Troops with an open floor plan, custom chair molding/hand railings, voice, and motion-activated appliances, lights and thermostats, keyless door locks, and magnetic door stops will allow Rudy to safely walk from room to room in his home during the day and at night. He is looking forward to the level walkway with tactile delineators around the perimeter of the house, which will give him the freedom and independence to move in and out of the home safely and securely. The mortgage-free home will also reduce stress in the family and allow them to spend more time together doing the activities they enjoy.
Rudy is choosing to remain in Texas to be near his family.
Rudy would like HFOT donors and supporters to know the impact they have on the lives of Veterans. “Thank you for what you do for Soldiers. The road to recovery is a long one, as is the transition to civilian life. With the help and support you provide; we know there are people like you that have our backs. You are making an incredible impact on Veterans and their families, and no words will ever be able to express my gratitude—you are changing our lives.”
WEATHER: Hi 54 / Lo 52, 48 % Chance of Rain, 77 % Humidity, Wind: 9 mph NNE
REQUESTOR: Krystina Goroshko, HFOT Rep.
STAGING: 9:00 am, Saturday, December 7, 2020
QuikTrip
2017 FM1102
New Braunfels, Texas 78132
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JsPGEfWTUxPAJbCT7
BRIEFING: 9:15 am
KSU: 9:50 am (Semper Gumby) “Wait for phone call from Krystina”
CEREMONY: Arrive NLT: 10:00 am
Hoffmann Lane Elementary School
4600 FM306
New Braunfels, Texas 78132
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hYRRbdCPWSrPF6HM7
RC: Juan “Mr. T” Tarango
juantarango16@yahoo.com
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