CONFIRMED: HFOT Major Yancy Baer, Veteran US Army, Iraq (104-24) 7 JUN 24

When:
June 7, 2024 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
2024-06-07T10:30:00-05:00
2024-06-07T12:30:00-05:00
Where:
Valero Gas Station
174 Star Grass
Spring Branch, TX 78070
USA
HOME FOR OUR TROOPS (HFOT’s) KEY AWARD CEREMONY
US Army Major Yancy Baer

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 Major Yancy Baer.

Growing up in a small town in Oklahoma, Yancy Baer was searching for a career that would provide him with growth and opportunity. After talking to a few recruiters, he decided to join the military. He enlisted in the Army as an Infantryman, and was commissioned through the Green to Gold program, which gives Soldiers the opportunity to earn a degree and become a second lieutenant.

In November 2009, during his fourth combat deployment, Major Baer was serving with the 10th Special Forces Group when he sustained severe damage to his left heel during a landing incident in a rotary wing aircraft while conducting operations in Iraq. Throughout his service he also sustained other injuries including severe damage to his right knee and a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Once he returned to the United States, Yancy underwent surgery on his left heel, which was broken. Doctors replaced his bone with one from an organ donor. After a third surgery, doctors discovered a malignant tumor in the donor bone in Yancy’s heel, requiring him to undergo chemotherapy. Five months into his treatment, doctors amputated his left leg.

Yancy works as an electrical superintendent for a solar company. He is an avid Star Wars fan and has a very large collection of vintage Star Wars merchandise, which will be on display in his new home. He also enjoys skydiving, scuba diving, and riding his motorcycle.

Though Yancy has made an impressive recovery, he is finding it increasingly challenging to do simple tasks like laundry, bathing, and hobbies in his current home since it is two stories and not wheelchair accessible. Receiving a single-level, specially adapted custom home from Homes For Our Troops will be crucial to Yancy’s continued quality of life. Most importantly, Yancy is looking forward to having a forever home. “This home will enable me to finally settle into my retirement home and give me peace of mind that I will have a comfortable place to live out my life.”

Originally from Oklahoma, Yancy is choosing to build his home in Texas for the sense of community and friends in the area.

Yancy says he cannot thank HFOT’s donors and supporters enough. “Your contributions change the lives of injured service men and women directly by providing a home, a foundation, for them and their families. You provide them with comfort, peace of mind, and safety. Your service, in the form of donations and support, is just as great of a service and sacrifice that they have made. They served their country to ensure our freedoms are not lost and you served your country by supporting HFOT to ensure they continue to live with those freedoms.”

WEATHER:  Hi 95 / Lo 89, 1 % Chance of Rain, 60 % Humidity, Wind: 7 mph SE

REQUESTOR:  Krystina Goroshko, Community Outreach Coordinator

STAGING:  10:30 am, Friday, June 7, 2024 
Valero Gas Station
174 Star Grass
Spring Branch, Texas 78070
https://goo.gl/maps/wyBFQMJk7BL3SJK19

BRIEFING:  10:45 am

KSU:  11:20 am (Semper Gumby) “Wait for the phone call from the HFOT’s Rep.

CEREMONY:  Arrive NLT: 11:30 am
111 Milfoil Ln
Spring Branch, Texas 78070
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VQH3XeQ1NpgcEyHv9

RC:    Lisa “Fancy Pants” Menard
pgr.lisamenard@gmail.com

FC:   Juan “Mr. T” Tarango
juantarango16@yahoo.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
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Honor, Dignity, Respect
Cell: (562) 413-2223
bobtxpgr@gmail.com