Latest news with #PatriotGuardRiders
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Three Decatur men protecting casket flags at cemetery
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — As Memorial Day approaches, three men in Decatur are on a mission protecting the red, white and blue. They've been doing it every year since a man was caught stealing a flag four years ago. Now, their goal is safeguarding old glory. They aren't veterans, but they are part of a group called the Patriot Guard Riders who shows up at military funerals and supports other military events. Students in Decatur getting a chance to graduate in style At Graceland Cemetery, they'll be enforcing a dawn to dusk rule from Friday until Tuesday, May 27. That means no one is allowed on the property while it's dark. It's because they have about two hundred American flags in the area. But these aren't your typical American flags you'd hang outside your house. These flags are casket flags. It's a United States flag that goes over the casket of a veteran to honor their memory and service. Central Illinois lanes remaining closed for Memorial Day: 'That's sad that we have to sit out in the cemetery in the middle of night to do it, but it is what it is,' said Mike Tarczan, Illinois Patriot Guard Riders member. 'A lot of these veterans that's buried out here are combat veterans. They've been gone for a long time and no longer have family anymore, so we really got to be their family.' He said each casket flag is worth $1,000. Tarczan said they'll be outside each day from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Motorcade honoring late WWII hero Glenn Hodak passes through NWPA
The remains of World War II hero and prisoner of war Airman Glenn Hodak were brought home 80 years after his death, with a motorcade traveling from Pittsburgh to Youngsville Free United Methodist Church for his final resting place. The solemn procession included motorcycles, patrol units, and Patriot Guard Riders, escorting the funeral coach carrying Hodak's remains from Pittsburgh International Airport to Youngsville Free United Methodist Church. 'It's something outstanding to do this,' said Tom Dunfee, a military veteran. 'I mean to be able to do it and I'm just glad they could.' 'We are just here to support Mr. Hodak,' said Randy Larsen, a military supporter. 'After 80 years of being gone, he deserves a good welcome home.' As the funeral coach arrived at the church, the Star-Spangled Banner was played, followed by a moment of silence and prayers. Randy Larsen, who has family that served in several wars, expressed how special the event was to him. 'It's just phenomenal, it just brings so much joy to my heart,' he said. The Youngsville Legion Riders Post 658 were present to pay their respects. Kelly Van Tassel, a member of the group, noted the sense of unity the event brought. 'As a group, it brings everybody together,' she said. 'It's Americanism, it's patriotic, it's just a great thing and place to be.' Hodak's funeral is scheduled for Monday at Youngsville Free Methodist Church, marking the final chapter in a long journey home for the fallen hero. All facts from this article were gathered by WJET/WFXP journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by WJET/WFXP staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
After nearly 80 years, Pennsylvania airman finally comes home
After nearly eight decades, a Pennsylvania airman who was once listed as 'Missing in Action' has finally returned home. Airman Glenn Hodak, from Cambridge Springs, PA, was shot down over Japan in 1945 during World War II. For years, his fate remained a mystery — until now. The Hodak family recently learned that Glenn was captured and taken as a prisoner of war, held at the Tokyo Military Prison. Tragically, the prison later burned down, killing all of the U.S. POWs inside. Glenn Hodak is the first of them to be positively identified. After an 8-month process, his flag-draped casket finally made its way home. On Friday afternoon, the tarmac at Pittsburgh International Airport was lined with honor: service members, Pennsylvania State Police troopers, firefighters, and members of the Patriot Guard Riders stood in solemn tribute. A few remaining members of the Hodak family were also there. All nine of Glenn's siblings have since passed. 'He was long gone before we were even born,' said Dennis Hodak, his nephew. 'Mostly only ever heard about him through stories,' added Russ Hodak, Glenn's great-nephew. 'That's what piqued my interest.' That interest became a mission. While a student at Penn State in 2008, Russ began researching his grandfather's history and stumbled upon records related to his great-uncle. His research led to Glenn's identification in the fall of 2023, 78 years after his disappearance. The procession that followed was fitting for a hero. It included military escorts and members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a group known for honoring fallen service members with motorcycle escorts and flags. 'It's been a long time, and his family finally has some closure,' said Jeremy Barnard, a Ride Captain with the Patriot Guard. Barnard and his fellow riders travel the country for these solemn missions. 'It's a very sobering and somber experience,' he said. 'There's usually not a dry eye anywhere. Seeing a service member's coffin, draped in the American flag, coming off a plane — it's something powerful.' Russ Hodak says he hopes Glenn's long-overdue homecoming inspires other families of World War II service members to keep searching — and to never give up hope. 'Don't give up hope,' he said. 'Keep researching. Keep looking. It can happen.' For those with loved ones still missing in action, this Family Member Resource Guide from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is a great place to start. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Remains of WWII Airman welcomed home, will be buried in San Jose
The Brief 2nd Lt. Robert T. McCollum was 22 years old when he was killed. McCollum died after his bomber plane crashed into another plane off the Denmark coast. He will be laid to rest in San Jose where his family lives. SAN JOSE, Calif. - The remains of a missing World War II Airman were escorted home to San Jose this afternoon. His remains were discovered during an underwater excavation in Denmark where his plane was thought to have gone down. "There's really a sense of closure I never expected I'd ever have in my life," said Dale Bergman, McCollum's nephew. Second Lt. Robert T. McCollum is finally home. At San Jose Mineta International Airport, McCollum received a hero's welcome, a procession that included veterans, police and firefighters honoring his return. His nephew, Dale Bergman, is a Vietnam War veteran and came from Colorado for the ceremony held at Oak Hill Funeral Home. "Then to have them call us and tell us we have found his intact remains 80 years later, surviving a crash of his bomber, it's too much to believe, but it's real," said Bergman. What we know McCollum died on June 20, 1944, after his bomber plane collided with another bomber while flying over the Baltic Sea near Langeland Island, Denmark, according to the DPAA or the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. In 2019, Danish divers found the WWII-era wreckage and recovered his remains. Born in Ohio, McCollum is being laid to rest in San Jose near his only sister's children. "She learned he was, not when I was not even a month old, when she got the telegram, that he would not be recoverable. His plane went down when he was 22 years old. So, I never knew Robert. I just know the stories my mom told and my grandparents," said Sandy Bellou, McCollum's niece. The Patriot Guard Riders of Northern California participated in McCollum's homecoming. The group organizes repatriation missions like the one McCollum received on Thursday, helping families find closure. "Not all of us are vets, and you don't have to be in PGR, but we do it to respect the family, for the fallen. That's why we call him a brother. I've never met him, but he's a brother to me," said Steve Repetto, with Patriot Guard Riders. "When I was looking at his flight missions, he essentially flew over my hometown in the Netherlands and so that just warms the heart," said Henk Zantman, PGR assistant state captain. What's next The media was not allowed inside Oak Hill, where the ceremony was held. His family says they are having a private ceremony for McCollum next Saturday. The Source DPAA, Honoring Our Fallen, San Jose Mineta International Airport
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Vietnam veteran remembered with a final salute by the Patriot Guard Riders
The Brief Sarge Lintecum was laid to rest at the National Cemetery of Arizona. The 78-year-old Vietnam veteran lost his life to lung disease, caused by Agent Orange. He received a final salute led by the Patriot Guard Riders at his final resting place. TEMPE, Ariz. - A Valley Vietnam combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient is being remembered today in a special way. After three tours, he dedicated his life to veterans struggling with PTSD and he lived a pretty remarkable life. Sarge Lintecum was laid to rest here today at the National Cemetery of Arizona, remembered not only for his service but his music that helped vets after him. A final salute to Sarge Lintecum the Vietnam veteran who served three tours with the United States Army 101st Airborne. His wife Leslie remembers her hero, the Purple Heart recipient. "Sarge, was not just my soulmate. We were together 55 years. He was my soul," said Leslie Lintecum. Timeline The Patriot Guard Riders led the way Sarge was taken from the place where he met his wife, Leslie, Tempe Town Beach to his final resting place, the National Cemetery of Arizona. The American flag, waving proudly. "Freedom is not free," said American Legion Rider, "Bugz" George Huntley. Veterans before and after Sarge paid their respects. "With honor, respect and integrity. It doesn't matter where you served or how long you served," said Bugz. Sarge made his music, his mission. Releasing two records, the "Vietnam Blues" and the "PTSD Blues" both focused on helping veterans cope with the after effects of war. "VA hospitals that are PTSD clinics, play some of his music in their clinics to help those with PTSD and help them get through their trials and tribulations," said Bugz. Sarge toured the world, playing music for vets all over the country, taking pride in continuing to serve others. Big picture view At 78-years-old Sarge died from a lung disease caused by Agent Orange exposure. "He was right by my side because we were Mr. and Mrs. Sarge," said Leslie. Local perspective Sarge is forever remembered at the National Cemetery of Arizona. One of his many lyrics, this poem Invisible Soldier, stands in bronze beside the Arizona Women Veterans Memorial.
