Florida Old Guard Riders

Lance Corporal Rene Martinez, USMC

On October 3, 2006 Miami, Florida laid one of its sons to rest today. Lance Cpl. Rene Martinez of the United States Marines had made the ultimate sacrifice and we gathered to say farewell to this young Hero. Many thanks to Publix Supermarkets for providing a site for us to form up before riding to the church for the Services. As this was a Tuesday, a work day for many of us, the turnout of riders was small. The Florida Patriot Guard and Patriot Guard Riders joined together for this Mission. Several riders with no group affiliation were also present.


As we gathered at the Staging site warm greeting were extended to all by those already on hand. Small groups of riders engaged in conversation, in the warm Miami sun, until it was time for our briefing. The briefing was given and then it was time to depart for the church for Lance Cpl. Rene Martinez’s services. We formed the usual stagger formation, with the cages following, and departed the Staging area. One block later Firegard1(Jeff), our EMT, heroically protected the formation of riders by warding off a car making a U-turn. This action resulted in Jeff making contact with the curbing of the median strip and he went down. Several riders and cagers stopped to assist as best they could before the arrival of the Miami Fire Department. At that point Jeff insisted that the riders continue on with their Mission to the church.


After the family was inside the church, the Ride Captains agreed that Patriot should ride back to check on Jeff’s condition. Many thanks to Patriot for doing that. DynaRider(Bill), Niki(Jan) and Starship(Tom) determined that it was their first responsibility to stay with Jeff. Watching over Jeff became their Mission. He attempted to convince them that he was O.K. He was not successful. He was closely watched by his comrades while arrangements were made for a ride home and to have his bike trailered with him. A long standing friend, Jack, arrived with a trailer and the bike was loaded. After a brief discussion about nourishment they departed the scene for a more relaxing atmosphere and refreshment. After that Jack departed, with Jeff, for Jeff’s home. Thank you, Jack, for your service to your friend.

Jeff has been a good and faithful friend to all of us who make these long rides to honor our fallen heros. Though he could not complete his mission his heart and spirit was with us and the family of Lance Corporal Rene Martinez. We pray for Jeff's speedy recovery and look forward to the day when he can again be our guardian angel on these mission runs. As an EMT and patriot, Jeff makes everyone's ride safer and more secure.

Photos and narrative provided by Tom and Jan of the §tär§híþ Ambulance.