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Subject: MISSION COMPLETE -- Cpl. Matthew D. Conley, 21, of Killen, Ala. -- 26 Feb 06

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Author Messages
midtennhog User is Offline
Posts: 79
Spring Hill, Tennessee




01 Mar 2006 9:40 PM Alert 

I remember that tractor.

The flagpole was lashed to the hayspike - reminded me of a mounted knight with his lance lowered for the passing of the king.

Me too,,,, Next time/Camera.

Dano

 

 


Dan Roberts
Tennessee Ride Captain
Spring Hill, TN
(615) 300-2882
PGR@IronPequod.com
kgalloway User is Offline
Posts: 391
Hickory, NC




01 Mar 2006 10:11 PM Alert 
Has anyone else noticed what the icon is for this subject, of am I just seeing thing? WTF?

Ignorance is different than stupidity.
Ignorance can be cured with education, stupidity usually requires more drastic means of reform.

All The Way! AIRBORNE!

We are all a little "smarternow"
A broken clock is still right twice a day.

Do not speak for me, stand with me.
kgalloway User is Offline
Posts: 391
Hickory, NC




01 Mar 2006 11:05 PM Alert 
Posted By kgalloway on 03/01/2006 10:11 PM
Has anyone else noticed what the icon is for this subject, of am I just seeing thing? WTF?


Soory for my lapse.  It has been explained.  No disrespect intended. 

My wife has been telling me for years that I should think a little before I open my mouth.  I think I am finally ready to start listening to her.  I wouldn't want my words, thoughts, or actions to diminish the honorable mission of this org.

Keep up the good work, and God bless

Ignorance is different than stupidity.
Ignorance can be cured with education, stupidity usually requires more drastic means of reform.

All The Way! AIRBORNE!

We are all a little "smarternow"
A broken clock is still right twice a day.

Do not speak for me, stand with me.
JUNGLEJIM70 User is Offline
Posts: 129
Tn. ride captain




02 Mar 2006 4:14 AM Alert 
Kennyb,
was good to meet you sunday as it was to meet several of the others who attended this hero's funeral. The turnout was great. CHAPPY did a great job as usual.......way to go Chappy.....You guys take care and i'll be talking to you later.

jim

101st. Airborne 2/506
Vietnam 70/71
PGR
ICVMC
CVMA
Chappy User is Offline
Posts: 696




17 Mar 2006 10:38 AM Alert 
A friend sent this to me. Knew you'd be interested.
I will be going to get a card.
If there's anything you'd like to tell this family and their new daughter, email me at Chappy@PatriotGuard.org and I'll do my best to combine them and send with the card.



Fallen Marine's daughter born
By Tom Smith
Senior Staff Writer

FLORENCE -- The sound of unconditional pride was evident in Dewayne Newton's voice Thursday afternoon as he talked about his new granddaughter.

"She's beautiful," Newton said. "That's a proud grandfather talking, but I still think she's beautiful.''

Catherine Mattison Conley was born around 3 p.m. Thursday at a Florence hospital, 25 days after her father, U.S. Marine Cpl. Matthew Conley, of Greenhill, was killed while serving in Iraq.

Catherine is the daughter of Nicole Conley, the soldier's widow.

Newton said the baby and her mother are doing fine.

"(The baby) was a little early, but everyone is doing fine,'' Newton said. He said he and his family went to the hospital just after midnight Wednesday and waited nearly nine hours for the birth.

The baby weighs 6 pounds, 13 ounces.

Matthew Conley was stationed in Ramadi, Iraq. He was killed Feb. 19 while on security patrol in the province of Al-Anbar.

He and other members of the squad were killed when an improvised exploding device detonated near their Humvee.

Conley was a passenger in the vehicle, training another soldier to take his place when he returned home. He was scheduled to return to the Shoals on March 6 in preparation for the birth of the couple's first child.

The 2002 Rogers High School graduate was a squad leader assigned to the First Marine Division. His unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division, 11 Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq.

More than 1,000 people attended Conley's funeral at Rogers on Feb. 26, which was also his birthday.

He and his wife were high school sweethearts.

"We've all been on an emotional roller coaster the last few weeks,'' Newton said. "There's still a piece of the puzzle missing. But Matt will always be with us (through Catherine).''


Scott "Chappy" Carle
PGR@theCarles.net

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. -Abraham Lincoln

Wherever I go, everyone is a little bit safer because I am there.
Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there.
By Robert L. Humphrey

Riding in honor of my father, my hero, Richard Carle, Vietnam Veteran
harly69g User is Offline
Posts: 8563
Mid-West Regional Capt.
KY,IN,OH,MI
Ride Capt.
Owensboro, KY




11 Feb 2007 6:12 PM Alert 
Benji User is Offline
Posts: 3
Iron City Tn




28 Feb 2006 9:32 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I got email from Foster Harley Davidson earlier in the week, announcing the need for help, and that we would be riding with the Patriot Guard. Then, I got the same announcement from the CMA. To be honest, we didn't know what it was all about, but had this feeling that it was something that we needed to do. Our bike hadn't been cranked since New Years Day and most likely wouldn't have been for another month or so.   
  We didn't personnaly know the Connelly family, but had heard of them, Matt being the Quarterback at Roger's High in 02. 
  We did know about the UG's activites in the last year or so, and discussed the fact that they might be there. 
  I am the computer operator around here and somehow had missed any mention of the PGR's. I have learned since that it was only formed officially last Oct, so I don't feel too bad.
  We only live about 10 miles from Greenhill Al and the cold ride was not a big deal. The big deal was what we encountered when we arrived and found out why we were there.
  We enjoyed meeting lots of folks, who have the same feelings as we about such matters.
  We plan on staying informed about the needs of the PGR in the future and helping anyway we can.
  I have belonged to the VFW for several years, but have never joined the American Legion. That is about to change.
  We were thankful for the way all was carried out Sunday, and the professionalism that was displayed by the organizers of this effort. THANKS.
  We will pray for the Connelly family, and I plan to go by in the coming weeks and meet Matt's Mom and Dad.
  I too oppose this war, but never will I oppose those who are sent to fight it. I was in a similar situation when I was that age.
 

Benji and the Ms

If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:14
J R User is Offline
Posts: 92
Montgomery, Al




28 Feb 2006 7:14 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I rode the Conley funeral Sunday and it was one of the best days of my life and I have a few at age 56. I have spent 37+ years in the Air Force and have become very close with my fellow Airmen but Sunday I became very close with people I have never met before and this has never happened to me in my life. The cause was great and the response was tremendous. It was easy to show up and participate for a noble cause but the support and organization you guys provided was monumental and my hat is off to the work behind the scenes you guys did. Thanks for your hard work and excellent efforts. J R

J R
Chappy User is Offline
Posts: 512




28 Feb 2006 9:33 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 

Jeff, one correction sir.  I'm an Alabama Ride Captain, not a State Captain. 
Of course, this was the first mission I've actually lead in Alabama.  My other two being Rome Georgia, and Manchester, Tennessee helping our neighbors to the East and North out.

The group we had Sunday made me look good.  That's all.


I originally felt we needed to send some of the bikes along with the cars to the cemetery for an honor guard there as the procession arrived.  But due to reports that UG was spotted along the route, decided to put everyone in the procession with a plan of action once we saw them. 

I got a call from my buddy Snap this morning telling me that they had found out why the majority of the bikes took off the other way (not in, but ahead of the procession).

As they were loading up, they found out that LEO had visually identified a car with "God Hates Fags" signs in the back seat.  They were worried knowing there was nothing they could do if they were on the sidewalks.

The majority of the bikes took off before the procession and headed down the road looking for UG.  They're plan was to stop and stand block.

Like I said, everyone on the mission acted more professional than I could have ever hoped for.  They made me look good.

Chappy
Alabama Ride Captain.


A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. -Lao Tzu
Twister User is Offline
Posts: 1651
Broken Arrow, OK




28 Feb 2006 9:13 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Folks,
What can I say that hasn't already been expressed. Thanks to all of you who made this mission.
Chappy, I've already heard about what an outstanding state captain you are and how well this mission ran under your leadership. Hats off to you, sir. Mission accomplished.
Rest in peace Cpl. Conley
Jeff

"Scooter Sissy" ... What can Brown do for you?
snap67 User is Offline
Posts: 565
AL and Ga Ride Capt/National Executive Director




28 Feb 2006 5:32 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Good morning all,
I'm late checking in.I got home monday about noon. My stroke problems and PTSD sometimes cause me to get lost. My ICVMC brothers know what happens. Anyway, after I left Walt from CMA, I sorta got confused. We had a beautiful ride through the Alabama countryside until it got dark and cold. So we stayed in a motel Sunday night then had a nice ride home Monday AM.
There are several things I want to say.
1) To Matt Conley and his wife and family; God bless you all and thank you for your service and sacrifice. We all owe you a debt that can never be repayed.
2) To PGR, for just being there.
3) To my ICVMC brothers, for always being there.
4) To the Montgomery area folks who were waiting when I got there in Prattville Sunday AM. I saw ICVMC, USMVMC, Booze Fighters, CMA, Legion Riders and a whole bunch of good folks. Thank you all for being my friends.
5) To Dinky Dau and all his crew who met us in Cullman. I value you all and call you brothers and sisters.
6) To the over 200 friends that were in the parking lot waiting when we got there. What a beautiful site you made.
7) To Chappy, who has a special place in our hearts. As my wife says,"he is a wonderful young man". Us old f***s are the past, people like him make me feel that the future of our beloved country will be left in good hands. Thank you Chappy for all you do for our cause and for the friendship you have given me.
8) And to all the servicemen and  their friends and families, thank you for the freedom you preserve and the honor you bring to this great nation.
LLRB
Snap
ICVMC for PGR

You just don't know when an old vet will Snap
Schmidtrock User is Offline
Posts: 2347
Huntsville, AL




27 Feb 2006 6:03 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Posted By Dinky Dau on 02/27/2006 9:56 AM
CORPORAL MATTHEW D. CONLEY, USMC - It was a nice clear day but cold when they had the memorial service for Corporal Matthew Dwain Conley of Killen, Alabama. Corporal Conley was a United States Marine who served his Community, County, State and the United States of American and paid the ultimate price for his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Corporal Conley always knew that there was a chance when he joined the Corps that he may have to pay the ultimate price so that freedom may reign, but he joined anyway believing in his duty to serve his country! Corporal Conley was due to return to CONUS in March to his wife who is expecting their first child also in March. Because of his service, nearly 225 members (150 bikes and several cages) of the Patriot Guard Riders and other MC's drove hundreds of miles in the cold, some starting at 7:00 a.m. and not arriving home until as late as 9:30 p.m. to show their love and respect for this young Marine, a “Fallen American Hero”. Along with the Patriot Guard Riders were the following MC's - In Country Veterans MC, US Military Vets MC, Veterans of Vietnam MC, Combat Vets Association, American Legion Riders from all over the State of Alabama, The Hoodlums, Christian Motorcyclists Association, Blue Knights from Alabama and Mississippi, Harley Owners Group and Independents from all over Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi. Thanks to all for making this day easier for the family and community. Welcome Home Corporal Conley, thank you for your service in the past and continue your service as the Corporal of the Guard at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. May God Bless You, Your Family, The Citizens of Limestone and Lauderdale County, The United States Armed Forces and the United States of America.

And a special note of thanks goes to Scott (Chappy) Carle who did a fantastic job organizing the mission and leading it. There were NO PROBLEMS at all encountered during the mission resulting in another successful mission completed by the Patriot Guard Riders and Friends!

Photos will be submitted this evening to Schmidtrock for publication on the PGR site.

Schmidtrock
American Legion Rider Post #8

"Look back, but don't stare."
wildabouthorses User is Offline
Posts: 0




27 Feb 2006 12:50 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Well done PGR's and I see the newbies now really know what we are all about and why we all keep on doing what we do best... rest in peace CPL Matthew Conley
Leather User is Offline
Posts: 2




27 Feb 2006 11:50 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Phil (My hubby) and I were  there yesterday Sunday for Matt Conley's family and we were very very proud to stand in such a glorious Group!! It was a very cold ride, but well worth it!! As New Members we will  be proud to do anything possible to make it easier on the families of the other Soldiers...

As an Ex- miltary brat and Wife!! I am very honored!!

Thanks to all of you an awesome group yesterday...

Lynn Owen & Phil Owen Disabled Vet!!
pitcrew1 User is Offline
Posts: 19
Trenton, TN




27 Feb 2006 10:55 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Chappy,
Job well done, and I was glad to have the privilege to honor Matt Conley and his family. I left with the thoughts that for some reason this mission was different. Maybe it was the size of the service, maybe it was the circumstances that touched everyone, but this one was different. I think it touched us all.
John
Trenton, TN
Chappy User is Offline
Posts: 512




27 Feb 2006 8:58 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I will count again later, but I counted all the names on the waivers and got right around 150. In every mission I've attended, there have been some that missed signing in, so figure 150s is a good number.

I personally again want to thank everyone who was able to show up. Friends and family attended the funeral. That's expected, but I hope the family got a look at all of you who didn't even know them or their husband, son, cousin, and coming in March, dad. They need to know that we thank them for what he did. His soon to be arriving baby needs to know his/her daddy is and forever will be our HERO.

Respect.

Chappy

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. -Lao Tzu
BAIR User is Offline
Posts: 4408
BHAM,AL.-LEGION POST#/PGR MEMBER#2359




27 Feb 2006 8:20 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
BAIR HERE;I ENJOYED MEETING ALL OF YOU.RIP CPL,WILL KEEP ALL IN MY PRAYERS...CAN DO!

/SEABEES 72-75,ARMY ENG.77-78-PGR SINCE 12/2005- ,I RIDE IN MEMORY OF ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN...,AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS,SGT AT ARMS STATE OFFICER.
jif48 User is Offline
Posts: 312
Marysville Ohio




27 Feb 2006 8:00 AM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
To Chappy and ALL of you I salute you all......

After reading through this ride report and seeing posts from new members, older members, some on bikes
others four wheelin' you reflect exactly what our group is all about.

CPL Conleys family requested we be there and you showed up in outstanding numbers.

For whatever reason the UG's did not show. They are not important. What you did is and I can't tell you how proud I am being a fellow member.

Well done!

Butch

Respect for the military has sometimes been lost. This should not happen again....ever.
Clydesdale User is Offline
Posts: 7




26 Feb 2006 10:28 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I was impressed by the turnout and how smooth everything went. I have only been a member for 3 days now and this was my first mission. Needless to say bbut I will attempt to attend as many missions that I possible can. I got home about 7:15pm this evening and was telling the wife about what a memorable day she had missed. She will probably start attending with me in the future. The leadership of the organization is outstanding. It makes me proud to be a member.
Clydesdale User is Offline
Posts: 7




26 Feb 2006 10:14 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 

Does the case have Celtic cross on the front and the lighter is a stainless steel Zippo with an EAgleon the front and ERNEI on the back?

If so that is mine.   Contact me at clydesdale229@charter,net.

Ernest Hofstrom

kimberly User is Offline
Posts: 26
Southern TN




26 Feb 2006 10:09 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I was watching channel 31 for the news tonight. They mentioned PGR, showed some of us walking up to the highschool, and had a small interview with Jim aka Dinky Dau. I just wanted to say nicely done! Your words were perfect! Again, it was a privilege being a part of it.

Kimberly~

Truth is incontrovertible,
malice may attack it
and ignorance may deride it,
but in the end, there it is.
kimberly User is Offline
Posts: 26
Southern TN




26 Feb 2006 9:25 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
This was our first 'drive' too... I was a bit nervous since we didn't know anyone and didn't really know what to expect. Words cannot even begin to describe how proud I am to belong to such an awesome group! Everyone I met was wonderful (the gentleman who was taking charge at the staging area while Chappy was with the family, Brian, Jeff and Sonya and girls, Pam and Mike, Jim, and all the others I am forgetting). Thank you all!

To all of the captains, JOB WELL DONE!

God Bless,
Kimberly~


Truth is incontrovertible,
malice may attack it
and ignorance may deride it,
but in the end, there it is.
Lraiser User is Offline
Posts: 2
Oakland, Mississippi




26 Feb 2006 9:23 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Oakland, MS checking in at 2030. Sorry about missing the staging...hope the cage with the flags at the entrance was acceptable. This was my first mission with PGR, though I've made several aboard Camp Pendleton. Chappy..we didn't get a chance to meet, but you really did an outstanding job giving CPL Conley the respect he was due.

GQ
Semper Fi
powen20041 User is Offline
Posts: 23




26 Feb 2006 9:07 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
It was really something to see all that turned at today. It was good to see all the local folks that were lining the highway as we rode from the school to the cemetery. It was a cold ride but worth every mile of it. Chappy, you did an excellent job!!!
tblubrd User is Offline
Posts: 3




26 Feb 2006 8:54 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
By the way, Chappy, you're right. It all worked out. Thanks for your effort.

Tom
tblubrd User is Offline
Posts: 3




26 Feb 2006 8:53 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
This was my first ride, er, drive. Don't own a bike but all this effort needs is owning a sense of patriotism, like you all do. I was impressed by the effort - it was pretty damn cold for you folks riding.
To re-affirm what tinstar said, I actually counted bikes at the staging area and came up with approximately 144. That includes stragglers who joined us along the way. If you add up the doubles and the 4 wheelers, we had close to 200 people there - an impressive turnout considering the rural location and the weather. I know you folks riding couldn't see it except if you were in the back, but it was a sight to watch about 150 bikes riding, solemnly, down a highway in rural America with a million flags lighting up the way. We can all feel the efforts and symbols of patriotism, but sometimes it really does a heart good to see it on public display in full regalia.
Don't know how many of us were at the gravesite but we need to commend the Marines - they did well. The TAPS player nailed it. The only one I've heard that could compare was at Arlington for the guard change.
And whoever put out those million flags needs our thanks. That was impressive.

Tom
Slinky User is Offline
Posts: 106
Madison, AL
Ride Captain




26 Feb 2006 8:24 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
Great turnout, good professional work. Thank you brothers & sisters.

Kudos Chappy - Well Done!

Strength and Honor

Slinky
Grooverdaddy User is Offline
Posts: 3
Hueytown,Alabama




26 Feb 2006 7:58 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
NEWBIE HERE AGAIN,
MADE MY FIRST RIDE FOR PGR. WHAT A TURNOUT! MADE MY 10 YEARS IN THE AIR FORCE SEEM REALLY WORTH SOMETHING! FEEL LIKE IF THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE HAPPENED WHILE I WAS IN, YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE FOR MY FAMILY. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR BEING THERE. GOOD TO MEET MANY OF YOU...KIMBERLY,SNAP,CHAPPY,OLLIE,TONI,WENDLE...MANY MORE, IT IS AN HONOR TO KNOW YOU. FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME @ GROOVERDADDY@AOL.COM. THANKS AGAIN TO ALL THAT SHOWED AND THOSE WHO COULDN'T.
BRIAN
qvatch User is Offline
Posts: 23
Toney, AL




26 Feb 2006 7:38 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I must admit my wife was a bit apprehensive with this being our first mission. She was unsure about the outcome of any possible confrontations with UG's.

We were in the group that prestaged in Madison. Before we even left there, she was completely at ease with the mission and the fellow PGR's. We were both very impressed with the organization, the Patriotism, the professionalism and the compassion shown by everyone present. She hasn't stopped talking about this mission and what a wonderful cause PGR promotes.

I enjoyed meeting, and being able to put faces to many of the members today. I'm sure we will be actively involved in future missions.

Chappy, let us know if there is anything we can do to help out with anything in your area.

We arrived home at 18:50 hrs. (Had to stop for dinner on the way back)

CPL Matt Conley, may you rest in eternal peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bob & Dawn
'98 Ultra
jeffharris1965 User is Offline
Posts: 11
Haleyville Alabama




26 Feb 2006 7:32 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I want to say as a new member I (and my wife a children) was greatly impressed and extremely PROUD to have been a part of todays Mission. I havent been more moved by the presence of "TRUE AMERICANS" in along time, as a veteran of the Navy and a Active reservist in the Air Force, I have been looking for a glimmer of hope that there were people out there that felt the way I do. I introduced myself to a handful of people and if they are like me they remember faces better than names, but I was honored to meet you, and to the others I wasnt able to meet it was also a honor.

Cpl. Conley's family now has a memory that can be passed on. He wasn't just another soldier, he was an AMERICAN HERO who lived, loved and died for his country with HONOR!!!.

GOD BLESS all who was in attendance... I am PROUD to be one of you.

Jeff "Miagi" Harris
Haleyville, Alabama
Tinstar User is Offline
Posts: 175
Wetumpka,Al.




26 Feb 2006 7:06 PM Delete Edit Quote Reply Alert 
I would just like to say what an impressive display of patriotism with the great attendance of everyone. There was a large contigent from Alabama, I met three Brother BlueKnights from Miss. and talked with a couple from Tenn. I believe Dinky Dau said there were a 150 bikes there. And Chappy did a great job of organizing everything for us. I was very proud to be there with the men and women of PGR.

Thomas G.Kolb

In Memory: Terri L. Newman 11/64 - 07/05
In Memory: Caleb S. Newman 12/07

Senior Ride Capt for countys of: Crittenden, Caldwell, Union, Webster, Mclean, Hopkins, Muhlenburg, Henderson, Daviess, Ohio, Hancock.

KY State site: www.pgrofky.com
IN State site: www.indianapatriotguard.org
OH State site: www.ohiopgr.org
MI State site: www.pgrmichigan.org
dallas stars User is Offline
Posts: 1




06 Nov 2009 5:13 PM Alert 
I would like to thank all of the riders at Cpl Matthew Conley's funeral in February 2006. Tommy Conley, his father, grew up not knowing he had a family. He was told when he was young his mother and father were killed in an auto accident and hehad no idea he had a family searching for him - 8 brothers and sisters and his mother. We were united this past May in 2009. We have a very large family and are getting to know Matthew through his parents and through stories on the internet. While we were not able to attend his funeral, we fill blessed that good people like you were there and took some of the burden off their shoulders. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the service you perform for these hero's and their families. God Bless each of you and may you be as richly reward as those you serve.
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Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives > MISSION COMPLETE -- Cpl. Matthew D. Conley, 21, of Killen, Ala. -- 26 Feb 06



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