Last October the Tn Patriot Guard (PGR) gave mid-tour send off for the 1175th Transportation Company, yesterday we welcomed them home after a year tour of duty. All 300 of the 1175th Transportation Company returned and PGR was at the Smyrna Airport with flags flying high. In fact, the wind was so strong it was a challenge holding the flags out on the tarmac. There were 2 chartered jets to fly the company in from Fort Bragg, then 5 chartered coach buses to transport them to the Tullahoma National Guard Base.

It was a fabulous escort with an estimated 40 PGR Bikers, 6 cages, TN Highway Patrol and numerous city and county law enforcement vehicles. We traveled at a reduced speed so the Bikers could keep their flags flying on the Interstate (due to the wind). I’m telling you that wind was dangerous if per chance you got snapped in the face by one of the flags whipping around. We still have the second leg of the escort to go for Tuesday morning for 103 of the Soldiers who need to get to Brownsville, TN. So, if you see a couple of coach buses with Bikers with flags in front of the buses give a hearty honk and thumbs up for our returning Soldiers.

Local support was out once we got off the interstate and onto Hwy 55 going through Manchester and on to Tullahoma.

Some of the bikes and PGR members holding flags on the tarmac.

They even had a band out playing “Rocky Top”!

Deplaning

Heading out with the Bikers leading the way

Here’s a family that went all out to welcome home their Soldier

Local Firefighters out in force

The crowd converges on the road

Base Welcome Home

Intruding on a couple

Trying to get a group photo is like herding cats (especially after a year away from your loved ones)

I had to include this photo of my little PGR Mascot

Technorati Tags: Patriot Guard, 1175th Transportation Company, Tullahoma TN, Welcome Home, Iraq, Support The Troops

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