Way to go Mississippi !

Staff Sgt Jason Rogers, United States Marine, was killed in Afghanistan on 07 April 2011, while trying to save two Marines who were seriously wounded. "He is a hero in the truest sense of the word," said Capt. John Shubeck, Rogers' company commander. "I can't tell you how proud I am to say that I knew him, and I will tell my children and grandchildren of the Marine who guarded the lives of his fellow Marines with ferocious tenacity." 

Now, there is a group of orcs in Kansas who call themselves a "baptist church"--I refuse to give net-space to their name. They make a point of showing up and holding the most foul, venom filled "protests" at funerals and events that are in any way associated with Freedom, Democracy and Patriotism. Their primary target is fallen soldiers, and they planned to show up at the funeral of Staff Sgt. Jason Rogers.

On Thursday, 14 April 2011, Staff Sgt. Jason Rogers came home. His casket was escorted from the airport by the Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle club formed in 2005 to shelter and protect funerals from the twisted, venom spewing trolls with signs claiming that the deaths of patriotic American troops are divine retribution for American tolerance.

It was not the thousands lining the road waving flags as Staff Sgt Rogers made his last trip down US 80 that was unusual--it's what was Not there.

According to several sources, the trolls group had begun gathering in Brandon (in Rankin County near the center of the state) a few days before the funeral. In the first incident, one of the trolls "protesters" was "running off at the mouth" at a Brandon gas station and was promptly handed a thumping. Unfortunately, nobody in the crowd that had gathered, had  seen anything nor could they remember any details--well, fair enough.

The day of the funeral, a large number of pick-up trucks, had no place to park--other than around cars with Kansas plates--essentially preventing them from moving. The drivers disappeared--presumably to run some errands--but promptly returned after the funeral was over.  Of course the police were called and they dutifully responded, however, the towing service was running a few hours behind schedule. Possibly they were at the funeral...

A few of the trolls "protesters" did finally make their way to the funeral. The police, ever alert, ushered the trolls "protesters" aside to question them about a recent crime they may have possibly been involved in. After several hours, it was confirmed that they had not been involved, and they were allowed to continue on with their business.

Now, I have never been to Brandon--or anywhere in Mississippi for that matter--and I have, of course, heard the references to “dumb Mississippi Rednecks". Well, my friends, all I can say is, I think I will add Mississippi to the list of amazing places I should like to visit before I kick the bucket. Way to go guys !

Please Note: The following video of the escort from Airport Road, along US 80 was recorded by MHP Trooper Elmo Townsend's dash cam. Trooper Townsend is Not driving fast! The speed of the video tape has been adjusted to fit the length of the music. The song is Dress Blues by Jason Isbell.

Rest in Peace, Staff Sgt. Jason Rogers~American Hero