SFC Ronald W. Sawyer

On August 25, 2009, four soldiers were killed in southern Afghanistan, while on patrol, when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

Killed were:

Capt. John L. Hallett III, 30, of California

Capt. Cory J. Jenkins, 30, of Arizona

Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer, 38, of Missouri

Spc. Dennis M. Williams, 24, of Washington


SFC Sawyer is survived by his wife, and 2 year old son, who live in Austin, Texas. He had been in the Army for 17 years and was a medic. He was on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan, beginning July 15.

The remains of SFC Sawyer were returned to Austin on a charter aircraft, on September 2, 2009. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 5, with internment to follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.

Approximately 35 Patriot Guard Riders, 20 peace officers, numerous airport personnel, firefighters and a United States Army Honor Guard were present to honor this hero. Two fire trucks were positioned to spray the aircraft with water as it arrived. The Riders formed a line of American flags near the aircraft, as the casket was removed from the aircraft, by six soldiers, and carried to the awaiting hearse.

The Riders and the peace officers then escorted the hearse, and the casket, to a funeral home in south Austin. The peace officers blocked traffic so that the hearse could move unimpeded.

At the funeral home, the Riders stood at attention, and rendered salutes, as the casket was removed from the hearse and moved into the funeral home.

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

“The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. If doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.”

Please learn more by visiting our web site. www.patriotguard.org/