CONFIRMED: “HOME FOR OUR TROOPS (HFOT’s) KEY AWARD CEREMONY”, Staff Sergeant Orlando Gill (109-25) 7 Jun 25
305 10th St
Floresville, TX 78114
USA
“HOME FOR OUR TROOPS (HFOT’s) KEY AWARD CEREMONY”
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 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 Staff Sergeant Orlando Gill and his Family.
In 1992, Orlando Gill enlisted in the Army after high school for camaraderie and brotherhood.
In August 2004, on his second deployment, Orlando was part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division that deployed directly from Korea to Iraq. On October 2nd of that year, Staff Sergeant Gill was on patrol with Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery when he was struck in the leg by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). He sustained severe injuries to his leg and hearing loss in his right ear.
Orlando was airlifted to a combat hospital where his right leg was amputated. Once stabilized, he was sent to Landstuhl, Germany, then transported to Walter Reed Medical Center (WRMC) where he underwent revision surgery and received additional treatment. During his rehabilitation, Orlando met his future wife Maria, a physical therapist at WRMC, who served in the military for over two decades.
Orlando and Maria are proud parents to a son, Darius. They share a love of the outdoors and traveling. Their current living environment is an older home with narrow hallways and doorways. Orlando is unable to turn around in his wheelchair and often must rely on Maria to help him navigate from room to room.
A specially adapted custom home from Homes For Our Troops will give Orlando the freedom and independence to access the entire home, including the garage and outside areas. “Our lives are going to change dramatically because of this home,” he says. “It’s a godsend and a blessing.”
Orlando is choosing to build his home in Maria’s home state of Texas.
Orlando would like to thank HFOT donors and supporters for their compassion and generosity. “My wife and I are blessed to have people like you who care about us. We never would have been able to have a home that gives me complete access and independence. This is beyond a dream.”
WEATHER: Hi 100 / Lo 76, 0 % Chance of Rain, 93 % Humidity, Wind: 6 mph SSE
REQUESTOR: Shaquanta ‘Q’ Bailey, Community Outreach Coordinator
STAGING: 8:00 am, Saturday, June 7, 2025
Walmart Supercenter
305 10th Street
Floresville, Texas 78114
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bXQdzahPGAWyiGYQ7
BRIEFING: 8:15 am
KSU: 8:40 am (Semper Gumby) Wait until the HFOT’s Rep Call
CEREMONY: Arrive NLT: 9:00 am
113 Tipperary Ln
Floresville, Texas 78114
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6zNwxuUwg9TiXZRL9
RC: Pete “Sea Dog” Johnson
pfjohn127@gmail.com
FC: Alice “Cake Lady” Wagener
hwagener@sbcglobal.net
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