Ride Report posted for Spike
Mama J is working on a Welcome Home and Thank You to our local Vietnam Vets to be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in March. A meeting was held on Thursday, 1/25 where she explained to the group what the WWR’s mission is all about. She gave those in attendance her phone number for contact about the VNV event. When Mama J arrived at work on Monday, she was contacted by one of the ladies that attended the VNV meeting. One of her co-workers had lost a nephew – Travis Kirchgatter and she wanted to know if the WWR would escort the family for the funeral. Mama J turned this over to me (Spike) to contact the family. What he discovered was that Travis served in Iraq 2006/2007 for the Army National Guard. He was an E-4 with an MOS of 11B, Infantrymen. He had been
awarded the Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism, National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Army Good Conduct Ribbon. Travis was born in Livermore and grew up in Manteca. He met his wife Richelle in 2006 and they have a daughter, Kilie. Travis was involved in a car accident that took his life. We staged at the funeral home in Manteca, stood a flag line as Travis was brought out and placed into his coach. In total, we had 9 bikes, one Corvette and Dorothy in her pick-up truck, with 24 other
cages filled with friends and family for the escort to the San Joaquin National Cemetary. This is approximately a 70 mile ride. As we arrived at the cemetary, we were met by several military officials from Travis’ unit. Travis was a Reservist at Camp Parks. Once ready, we rolled up to the ceremonial area where the Honor Detail was standing by with full honors. This was a very emotional day for the family due to the fact that their loved one survived Iraq and perished here – especially at such a young age of 27. Prayers to the family. Travis will NEVER be forgotten.
8 users commented in " N California: Fallen Soldier Travis Kirchgatter "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackI am Travis’ father-in-law and it was my family’s privilege to be escorted to the cemetery by the members of Warrior’s Watch. As I dealt with Spike regarding the logistics of the trip, I was deeply touched by the dedication and the connection that Spike had with my son, whom he’d never met. Travis was the kind of man any father would have been proud to have as the husband of his little girl and what Warrior’s Watch did for him was an honor to the type of man he was.
Thank you to the members of Warrior’s Watch and especially to those who gave up several hours of their time to escort my son to his final resting place. I met several of you at the home and wish the events of the day were not such so that I could have properly thanked you again at the cemetery.
I am a very proud and grateful father.
Rick Maurer
Manteca, Ca.
Travis was the love of my life and a wonderful husband and father. I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the support and honor that has been bestowed upon my husband. He deserved it. He was very proud of his service to his country and I know he would be amazed and honored by how everyone has responded to his death.
I cannot thank everyone enough for everything that has been done to honor my husband’s memory. All I can say is I am so grateful and will never forget the Warriors’ Watch Riders for escorting my husband to his final resting place. God bless you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hello. I am the other half of Travis’ Aunt Ronney. I would like to thank the members of WWR for their response to our need. I would also say to all Veterans, WELCOME HOME! We have all lost a wonderful man,father,husband and dear freind. Travis will be missed by so many and is Loved by so many more. I have this image in my mind of the wry smile he always seemed to display, like you knew he was up to something but not sure if you were the target. I will always keep that memory of him alive in my heart. I am sure he will be with us and watching over us always. Farewell Son.
To the members of the WWR that rode with my family and I to lay to rest my brother – Thank You. I never once had so much pride in my country as I did watching these men escort my brother in real military style.
Travis had always admired our country’s military traditions and no one could sway him otherwise. He represented the complete package of Honor, Courage and Commitment whether in or out of uniform. Travis would have been proud of you men and the job you do for your fellow countrymen; I know I am – just as all of us who serve do.
Travis was a dear friend of mine and a wonderful husband to my best friend. They are my family. He was a loving father and he will be missed. Everyday.
I cannot begin to express enough gratitude for what the Warriors’ Watch Riders did for us that day. Travis would have been humbled by the attention he had recieved, but also very grateful that his family was so well looked after during this trying time.
You men are truly heroes in my eyes
I am Richelle’s Aunt Barb. My family and I were honored to attend Travis’ military funeral. The escort by the Warrior’s Watch was very professional and compassionate. I have always loved Travis for being such a good husband to Shelley and a great father to Kilie. He made me feel 15 when we got together and goofed around. He will truly be missed and is still loved by many.
I’m one of Travis friends, i met him not so long ago, but he quickly became a good friend, Travis is always quirky and trying to make us laugh, i wont forget you bud, never
-P
I’m Shelly’s granddad. We will miss Travis. We shared military stuff. I served 33 years and Korea and Vietnam were on my schedule. We talked baseball since he too loved the sport. He loved my granddaughter and that made him special to me. The escort by the Warriors Watch was very heartwarming. The military honors were precise and the flag presentation was eye-watering. God going to take care of Travis until we see him again. Better days are ahead.
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