Attended one of the most emotional services yesterday for Sgt. Christopher Soderlund. KIA 9 July 2011. Sgt. Soderlund leaves behind a wife and two beautiful children as well as many members of the military who had great respect for this young man as was evident by the show of respect for him. May you Rest in Peace my Brother in Arms your mission now complete and may God bless your family and give them Peace and Comfort. It was an Honor and a Privilege to stand for this Great American Hero !!!!! We salute you Sgt. Soderlund and all who have given the ultimate sacrifice as well as those who continue to serve our country. To Kenny and Carlton, you guys did a wonderful job with this mission. It was a pleasure to ride with you. We also had the honor and privilege of visiting with two soldiers who served along side of Sgt. Soderlund in combat as well as serving as pallbearers for him while having lunch. I have never heard such high praise and respect for a young man as they had for Sgt. Soderlund and they shared that same respect for the members of the PGR. One of these soldiers had seen the PGR a couple of times and for the other it was the first time. He told us " It left a lump in my throat to see such a large mass of people show up and respect my friend; and you guys don't even know him, YOU JUST DO IT BECAUSE HE WAS A SOLDIER." This statement by a soldier who himself has been back stateside since January after his vehicle was struck by an I.E.D. and he suffered many injuries left me with few words. I will say this though and not with ANY disrepect to any PGR member. Just remember...if you ever think it is "too hot to ride and stand", or " I might get wet" or "The ride is to far"...JUST DO IT BECAUSE HE/SHE WAS A SOLDIER !!!!!
By Rusty "Shadowman" Walters
Patriot Guard Rider
