[2019] HOTH Key Ceremony, Matt Detherage, Veteran US Army, Afghanistan (114-19) 1 JUL 19

[sgtmack]

HOTH KEY 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 veterans and families to participate in Key Ceremony presented by HOTH. This ceremony will begin the process of building a specially adapted home for Army CPL Matt Deatherage, USA (Ret).

Our Helping a Hero home recipient is a double amputee who lost both legs in Afghanistan. CPL Matt Deatherage, USA (Ret) was a big athlete all throughout high school. Matt lost his Dad when he was 16 and decided to join the Army upon graduation so he could serve a cause greater than himself. Matt served his first deployment in Kandahar, Afghanistan from August 2010 to March 2011. On March 10, 2011 Matt and his platoon were on patrol when they were called to another IED attack to act as a Quick Reaction Force. As they were helping the other injured soldiers, he stepped on an IED. Matt remained conscious and continued to assist his platoon in his own medical care to include applying two of his own tourniquets. To date, he has undergone thirty-seven surgeries. He is now a bilateral amputee with a broken left patella and wears A state of the art prosthetic on both legs. He also developed type one diabetes after his injury and though he remains active, he utilizes a wheelchair 75% of the time.

WEATHER: Hi 92 / Lo 72, 20% Chance of Rain, 63% Humidity

REQUESTOR: Jacob Way, Community Outreach Coordinator

STAGING: 1000 Hours, Monday, July 1, 2019
2343 Elysian Trail
San Antonio, Texas 78253
https://goo.gl/maps/1HddyrQpWr42

BRIEFING: 1015 Hours

KSU: 1050 Hours (Semper Gumby)

CEREMONY: Arrive NLT: 1100 Hours
2339 Elysian Trail
San Antonio, Texas 78253
https://goo.gl/maps/GfG11VW64vZW5tbr5

RC: Jim “Red” Hefner
aaahefner@aol.com

FC: Danette “Dani” O’Hara
danetteohara@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!

4. Cemeteries are hallowed ground. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Show our respect to ALL who are in attendance.

5. If riding/driving a motorcycle on Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, which is located within a Military Installation, you will need to wear closed toe shoes, long sleeve shirt, gloves, DOT approved helmet, eye protection, long pants, and boots/shoes that cover the ankle.

***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