Stryker Brigade News

AWESOME, ABSOLUTELY AWESOME - words are inadequate to describe the dual events of this past weekend to benefit 1/25 Stryker soldier Sgt. Michael Buyas!

Early Saturday morning motorcyclists began gathering for the 3rd Annual "Run For The Border", a 300 mile RT from Wenatchee, WA to the U.S./Can. border at Oroville and back. At 9:00am, about 317 cyclists revved engines and headed out. Riding in pairs with patriotic colors flying, Combat Vets in the lead, it was indeed an impressive sight to behold!

As the Ride passed through small rural communities to the north, more cyclists joined, swelling the numbers to 340 at the border. Communities welcomed the Riders and their cause, contributing significantly to a highly successful fundraising effort.

Sunday - another glorious day in the Wenatchee Valley. Final preparations were underway for a little "surprise" celebration to welcome home Sgt. Michael Buyas from Walter Reed. Transformed into full patriotic regalia, Pangborn Airport in East Wenatchee was festooned with flags, balloons, and banners thanks to some very special Red Hat Grandmas. The Columbia River H.O.G. and other motorcyclists began to arrive, along with members of the American Legion, three VFW posts, and our local Applarians in their red jackets (Apple Blossom Festival), joining the growing throngs of community supporters.

The crowd let out a big cheer as the Horizon flight carrying Sgt. & Mrs. Buyas touched down at 2:18pm. After other passengers deplaned, the three little Buyas boys - Justin - 8, Julian - 7, and Jaiden, almost 4, were taken up the ramp to greet their parents inside the plane. As Sgt. Buyas came into view the roar of the crowd flowed across the tarmac. Gazing to the right of the ramp Sgt. Buyas saw a full line of 130 motorcyclists standing at attention beside their machines. And at the foot of the ramp, saluting their wounded comrade, a Stryker honor guard from Ft. Lewis - all having known Sgt. Buyas or served with him in Iraq - SFC Gerardo Avila, SST Bryan Cassidy, SSG William Cossins, SPC Jason Grinstead, and SPC Gabriel Padilla.

Greetings by family members followed, and then into the airport terminal overflowing with exuberant supporters. Sgt. Buyas and family were slowly ushered through the airport as community reached out to shake his hand or pat his shoulder, each wanting to express appreciation. While the HOGs moved their cycles from the tarmac to the next staging area, family and community gathered for a brief ceremony. Welcomes & intros, and then Charles Buyas, serving as family spokesman, gave the most memorable tribute to his brother that one could ever hope to hear. Not a dry eye anywhere! Acknowledgements & recognitions included a contribution by the Military Officers Assoc. of America (MOAA). Rep. Mike Armstrong, 12th Legislative District, made a special presentation of an American flag and a WA State flag, certified to have flown over the WA State Capitol. Then Columbia River H.O.G Pres. Larry Pearson announced the exciting news that with the pledges anticipated next week, they will have exceeded their goal of $20K for the Buyas housebuilding project. HOOAH!!!

In contrast to Sgt. Buyas last ride in a Stryker five months ago near Mosul, the Buyas entourage departed the airport riding in a stretch Limo, led by Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Sgt. Harvey Gjesdal, an Iraqi Freedom veteran, and followed by at least 130 H.O.G.s and cyles for the remaining 40 mile trip home.

We love our Soldiers! We truly appreciate your service and your sacrifice. THANK YOU!

Lynda Pheasant

Related Articles:

Sgt. Buyas returns to hero's welcome - The Wenatchee World, 2 articles included

Previous Entries:

Casualties of War, and SGT Mike Buyas Update.