PGR - Zeikos Monopod Flagpole

Pics are top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic...

Buzz is selling flag poles with flags for $20.  If Ya ever looked at them, I don't think you can touch that price or even come close.    It's light, quick, only 3 latches and they are very positive.  I think I could run this at freeway speeds on my scoot.

This is the flag after I took the camera mount off the bottom.

 
Nice carrying case, it has an adjustable shoulder strap also.

It has some different qualities that I'd like to explain so Ya know what you're getting into....

First thing to know its a monpod camera mount pole.   When we use it for a flag pole, the camera mount is on the bottom, yeah, you're looking at it.   

Well, it doesn't fit inside my scoot flagpole holder and that has to be fixed.  Also note,  a lot of us are used to Hide-A-Pole, and they are 19 1/2" collapsed and Zeikos is 23".  Now if Ya are space challenged, that extra 3 1/2" can be a test.  It's a snug fit and just works for me so I'll work with it as I like the simple and firm latching mechanism.

Ok, made in China, it has to be cheap, simple to manufacture and quick.   

So looking at the bottom, I could see the insert was pressed/glued so started with my trusty small screwdriver, and up it came.

Well no magic bullets, so put the end into my vice and gave it a squeeze, It is a brittle plastic, thought about just crushing it, but took a good look and it looked like a simple press fit.

Started moving left and right with a constant pull.....

Walla!  It popped right out, OK, a vice  is your friend!

 

 The distance from the base to the first step is about 1 3/8", If Ya are space challenged, methinks Ya could use your trusty hack saw and take that much off the pole.

What it looks like inside the pole.   The hole is 15/16".   Well Ya have to know that Home Depot has some drawers full of rubber corks.  I can see a 1" and some trim work and a real nice press fit, and that 1/16 extra should flush right up to the foam. 

It is really not needed, but hey, us ol' farts have to play!   The best part is the camera mount and screw removed 1/2", so the length is down to 22 1/2"    That is still a 3" longer pole, but just so Ya know, if Ya go there.

It's a great pole and flag like I said.   Only 3 latches and very positive, light and solid, You can't beat the price, and Buzz delivers... on your next PGR mission, ca'mon out!!  We can always use more riders!!!    GBG

PGR - Purple Heart Ceremony for US Army SGT Anson Curry

Pics are from top to bottom, text for a pic is under the pic, to see a larger pic - right mouse the pic then left mouse for full size... sorry for the hassle..

A link to the VA post of Sgt Anson's ceremony:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150971009098158.450961.248662598157&type=1 

The Patriot Guard Riders were asked to honor a Purple Heart Award Ceremony and an honor it was!  God Bless our wounded hero, and Healing Prayers for a Fast and Complete Recovery, and Comforting Prayers for family and friends!

The award center, and done very nice.    I think it is called the Healing Garden.

After the award service was a BBQ waiting for us and the great folks helping out!  Thank you!  Great hamburger!

Pic inside the prep room with the goodies set up.

Some of the great folks that make things like this happen!  Thank you so very much!

Well, I decided to wait outside and welcome our riders, and here they come.

Next set of scoots coming by...

Third set and....

We have a cage!  Great turnout and  thanks to all that rode!!

PGR WWR - USA 2nd Lt Morgado

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"On May 23 , 2012 in Zharay , Afghanistan ,2nd Lt. Travis Morgado and his patrol were Attacked by insurgents. Travis was with the 5th Battalion , 20th Infantry Regiment , 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team , 2nd Infantry Division. Travis fell that day to an IED".

One of our finest has fallen and our WWR / PGR / all riders were asked to show our sincere respect for the family.   May the Good Lord Comfort them at their time of loss.

In the Mercury News:  

http://photos.mercurynews.com/2012/06/01/bikers-escort-fallen-soldiers-body-to-chapel/#name%20here
  


I think I counted over 35 scoots,  at least 3 cages and many family.   The police escort was flawless and much appreciated!  They ran it slow and easy, which is appreciated to keep the group together and ease the accordion effect of vehicles.

Took a few pics after arriving,

Sweet Ruby flying 'er flag on the left of the pole.

Rudy getting his flags in order on his pickup.

Wrecker left and Spike right giving us his say once.

Pictures of the group gathering for the briefing.

After the briefing we went into the hanger with the family and waited for the airplane arrival.  

One of the family members, I'll guess an uncle, walked the line and shook all hands.    I thanked him and now wished I'd have given him a hug!  I think he needed it at this time.

We all arrived safely at the funeral home and stood for our hero as he was taken inside.   The streets were older and narrow, and I'm afraid we really messed up traffic for a lot of folks, but it was absolutely worth it and necessary.

Just a few pics after we broke up for debriefing.

A lot of my ALR Dist 13 Riders were here,  my friend Larry, center, and he is almost 80 and a riding inspiration for all of us!  I'm 69  and looking for many more years!

Scout behind the wrapped flag.

After the briefing, Spike thanked Raider (Lynn T) for her help in organizing the  mission.   If you've not been a Ride Captain (RC) you have no appreciation for all the work they do.  Much organizing, calls, details that are necessary for a successful and respectful mission.  This one was top notch!  Thank you Raider and Spike!


I got to see a lot of old friends.  So very sad, under these conditions.  


May the Good Lord Comfort family and friends and let them know their loved one is in God's Loving Arms. 

-----------  June 5, the final journey, Part II  -------------------

I think I counted about 30+ scoots, a great turn out for a fallen hero!  Thank all of you for being there!

Arriving at the service from the parking area across the street.

Looking at the church.   PGR and WWR riders were some of the honor groups at attendance.

Just scanning the area....

More around the area... 

More.. and we had a great turn out!   After this photo,  most of us headed to the final resting place to be in place for arrival.  Some flag bikes stayed for the escort.

Before we left, Spike was about to give us some instructions for the final part of the mission, view from the left, there were many of us.

More, to the right,  Lynn  (Raider) on the right!  She does so much, thank you for your service!

And this is where the escort of our fallen hero will arrive home.  Cliff, walking down the road, installed all the flags along the road.  It looked great and I thank you very much for your service!  You and Chris do so much and it is much appreciated!