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Patriot Guard Mission Accomplished for Fallen Soldier

SGT WillSun M. Mock of Harper, Kansas

Services Thursday, 02 Nov, 2006.

US ARMY SGT. WillSun M. Mock, 23 years old, of Harper, Kansas was killed in action 22 October 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near his combat vehicle while his unit was conducting combat operations. SGT Mock was supporting Operation Iraq Freedom in the war on terrorism for United States of America. Sgt Mock was serving his second tour in Iraq. His colleagues described him as tough, well-seasoned, very good at his job and always there to help his fellow soldiers. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade combat Team, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One". "Prepared and Loyal, Sir."

SGT Mock's mother, Ann Mock, and his father, Michael Mock, have invited the Patriot Guard as their guests at the funeral services in Wellington, KS, and to the Full Military Graveside services in Harper, KS. Their son's nickname is "Will", and his mother said he was "just the best you could ask for" and everyone loved him. He was well-known in his community, and highly respected. Will fought and died to protect his families, his fellow-soldiers in his unit, friends of Harper and Wellington, KS, our families and our freedom.

Escort Mission Complete - Sgt. WillSun Mock

On Monday, 30 October 2006, the Patriot Guard traveled to Wichita Mid-Continent Airport to meet the jet bringing Sgt. WillSun Mock home. The mission was a last-minute request from the family, and they asked that it be kept low-key and secret in order to prevent knowledge of Will's arrival from becoming public knowledge. The jet arrived at 21:00 in Wichita. Members of the Mock family drove their cars, while two Harper riders who are friends of the family rode their bikes, and met with the Patriot Guard at the airport. Riders then escorted the hearse and family to Harper, Will's hometown. Approximately 28 motorcycles escorted the hearse and other automobiles to Harper.

We had the honor of meeting Will's military escort, Sgt. Curtis, who served with Will in Iraq and brought Will home. Greg Reida, cousin of Will Mock, was an Honorary member of the motorcycle escort. He rode his Harley from Andover, KS to join the escort group.

We extend our thanks to Captain Hardy, the Military Family Casualty Officer, for assisting the family and facilitating the escort. Many thanks go to area ALR/PG members who, on this short notice, made it a priority to ride escort for Will and his family.

God bless the Mock family.

Mission completed at 01:00, 31 October 2006.

Respectfully,

Terry "Darkhorse" Houck

Fallen Soldier Mission Accomplished

In Memory of

US Army Sgt. WillSun "Will" Mock

Thursday, 02 November 2006, approximately 260 motorcycles, plus 30 or more automobiles, converged on Wellington, KS to pay tribute to US Army Sgt. WillSun "Will" Mock. Groups came from all over Kansas - west, east, north, and south - as far away as 260 miles. The Patriot Guard group departing from the Derby staging area at 08:45 were escorted by Derby Police and then Mulvane Police. When they reached the Wellington area, the Sheriff Department and the Wellington Police provided escort to the Wal Mart staging area.

After the briefing, we were escorted to the church where we stood guard for Will and his family. This was a full military honors funeral, with honor guard provided by Fort Riley soldiers, which included the 1st Armored Division and the 1st Infantry Division. Will served in the 1st Infantry Division, and was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed. The Patriot Guard provided an avenue of flags from the church to the street.

A group of 50 Patriot Guard was sent to the Harper Cemetery to provide an avenue of flags for the arriving funeral procession. The Patriot Guard primary flag honor guard of 30 motorcycles led the hearse, the family, and the Military General and his detail vehicles to the graveside service. A secondary flag honor guard then led the rest of the motorcycles and the caravan of cars. All along the route from Wellington to Harper, the citizens of the small towns through which we passed stood at the roadside with American flags and thank-you signs. It was an emotional and humbling trip to Harper. The Patriot Guard formed a perimeter circle of American flags, surrounding the graveside service of traditional military honors, including the casket-flag folding ceremony, the 21-gun salute, and Taps played by a bugler. Many citizens attended the graveside service.

After the service, the Harper American Legion and VFW provided dinner for all Patriot Guard.

The Patriot Guard sincerely thanks all the law enforcement agencies involved in this mission, and the generous citizens of Harper who provided food, lodging, and fuel to us. From Wellington to Harper, the citizens opened their arms to the Patriot Guard and made us feel like family.

I extend my personal thanks to each and every person who supported the Patriot Guard mission for Sgt. Mock. Thank you for all the teamwork. "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."

Thanks to soldiers like Sgt. WillSun Mock, America remains free. God bless the Mock family, and God bless all our soldiers.

Very respectfully,

Terry "Darkhorse" Houck

02 November 2006