It’s been a while since I was able to go on a PGR Mission, but thankfully circumstances have conspired to make them possible again.

Today, with the family’s permission, we were able to escort them to Arlington National Cemetery to lay to rest Specialist Michael Gonzalez.

Specialist Gonzalez hailed from Spotswood, New Jersey, and was assigned to the 340th Military Police Company in Baghdad. On August 28th 2008, he was killed by an improvised explosive device.

The first parts of the mission were carried out by PGR members in New Jersey itself. Four of them also escorted Specialist Gonzalez, his family and friends, to ANC today, driving all the way down.

PGR was able to make a good turnout for this hero, although the dozen or so riders who attended were heavily outnumbered by his friends, family, and fellow soldiers.

As is SOP for PGR, I didn’t take pictures of the Interment, or of the hearse or non-PGR attendees, but I did snap a few as we staged outside the ANC Admin Building.

It was a humbling privilege to ride alongside those NJ riders who had traveled all that way to pay their respects in honouring Specialist Gonzalez.

My condolences go out to those who knew him, and my thanks for being allowed to show respect to this fallen warrior.

Additional Links

• Loved Ones, Comrades Bid Farewell To New Jersey Soldier Killed in Iraq

  Mark Berman's story over at The Washington Post