In response to mis-information about the events surrounding the
Burial Service of SSgt. Jason Rogers , Craig Hatter has written this open letter:Dear supporters,
My name is Craig S. Hatter and I am a member of the
Patriot Guard Riders of Mississippi and have been for all but 6 months of it's
existence. I am the area HOTH coordinator and have had the honor of being
a ride captain on several missions. I take my service to the Patriot
Guard very seriously. I have had the honor of riding with many great folks
both prior military and civilian alike. I also live in Rankin County
in a city called Pearl right next to Brandon, Mississippi. Now there are many of
people that say we are the same people and the same town. Many would agree with
that right up to the Friday night lights where the pig skin meets the
ground.
SSgt. Jason Rogers was a hero to his
country and our community. What you may not be aware of his father, Eddie
Smith, is a hero to us too. You see Ed Smith was one of the first 10
Patriot Guard Riders in Mississippi. He has stood and supported the
families of those in the past and it was both heart breaking and an honor to
stand with him at his son's funeral. Jason's mother is also a member
and works at the MS AG's office. These people's lives revolve around taking care
of others.
It breaks my heart that they have had to also see
the name of the "uglies" (the name we have chosen for that group out of Kansas
because we will not use those words they call themselves) over and over again in
article after article on the Internet that is pure fiction.
FICTION, RUMORS, LIES, what ever you want to call
it. It did not happen. I personally called every local agency to confirm
that at no time did any protester get beaten up anywhere with or without
witnesses. At no time was anyone called about trucks blocking vans. And at no
time was anyone detained for questioning until after the service. The "uglies" never made
it to Brandon or Mississippi for that matter as far as anyone can
prove.
Every single time that these stories get posted and
passed around and God forbid someone wants to emulate what they saw in an
article, we the people have done nothing more then play right into the hands of
the "uglies". What they want is attention and they got it thanks to
some person that decided how fun it would be to make up this story that has
been passed around the Internet. So do not be proud and chant how great the
people of our area took care of business. Frankly it makes me ill that
the amount of support that was given to this family is over shadowed by
rumors. Less the 48 hours ago, I received an email that suggested how great
we did when and I quote "you bikers kicked their butts". Let me explain to
everyone this one thing... We are the Patriot Guard of Mississippi. We are
here to defend and block the ignorance of a few from the many by non
violent ways. The "uglies" will never have the opportunity to catch us
on tape being anything but respectful to the family and friends and the
community.
I respectfully ask that if you know
anyone that has this garbage posted on their web sites, please ask
them to take it down and stop giving the "uglies" the credit that they even
came to our town. They do not deserve your attention. The families of the
men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice deserve the credit. Not only
did that soldier give his all but so did the family that they left behind. For
our mission may be complete and job well done when we roll out for the
service, but theirs have only begun and I for one will do everything I can to
support those people till the day I die!
I, Ed
Baker, State Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders of Mississippi stand with Craig
on this matter. They were never a factor in Brandon and to keep feeding this
even in a false sense of positive feedback is exactly what these losers want.
Thanks for your support but lets move on.
Ed
Baker
