Published: October 02, 2009 02:32 pm      

Patriot Guard Rider to be honored at Hamm Creek Saturday

Patriot Guard Riders will celebrate the life of Rio Vista resident Walter “Boats” Gill during a memorial fundraiser on Saturday at Hamm Creek Park.

Gill, a North Texas Patriot Guard Rider, died Aug. 31 from injuries suffered in a motorcycle wreck at Texas 174 near the intersection of Junge Road.

Gill was also a retired serviceman, having served 20 years with the U.S. Navy.

The event is open to the public. Funds raised will benefit the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders and Marcie Gill, Gill’s wife.

The event takes place from 1-5 p.m. Hamm Creek Park is at 6957 W. Farm-to-Market Road 916, which is about seven miles west of Texas 174 in Rio Vista.

Planned events include barbecue, a silent auction and music by Johnson County Commissioner Rick Bailey’s Benji Allen Band.

The main mission of the Patriot Guard Riders, according to their Web site, is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family to show respect for fallen service members, their families and communities and to shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

For information on the group, visit www.patriotguard.org.

— Matt Smith