Mr. Patrick Dempsey, Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.)

United States Marine Corps

Mission Date; July 1, 2009

Ride Captain: 

Dewey “Diehard” Dyer, 214-316-8730(c); dgd4758@sbcglobal.net

Mr. Dempsey passed away on June 28, 2009 and is survived by his wife Sandi, daughter Anita Maki and other family members and friends.

Part 1 – Funeral:  Wednesday, July 1, 2009 – 10:00 AM

Staging – 8:45 AM; Briefing – 9:00 AM

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church

2910 Corn Valley Road

Grand Prairie, TX  75052

(972) 262-0552

Map:  http://tinyurl.com/nhhubc

We will set up a flag line prior to the funeral service and receive family and guests as they arrive at the church for the service.  After the service begins we will break down the flag line and prepare for the procession to the cemetery.  It looks like we will have a break of some sort prior to the procession but the duration of that break is not known at this time.

Part 2 – Interment Service:  Wednesday, July 1, 2009 – 12:30 PM

Staging:  12:00 PM awaiting the procession to arrive.

DFW National Cemetery

2000 Mountain Creek Parkway

Dallas, TX  75211

(214) 467-3374

Map - http://tinyurl.com/n53s9e

On the procession’s arrival at the cemetery, big flag bikes will remain at the service entrance staging area with the procession and remaining bikes will proceed to the shelter staging area to assist with preparations for the service.

For those not be able to attend Part 1, please be at the shelter staging area of the cemetery no later than 12:00 PM and ready to begin preparing the area for Mr. Dempsey’s service as soon as possible following any service immediately before his. We will use the flags in storage at the shelter for this part of the mission.

Please be aware of the possibility of blocked entrances to the cemetery.  An entrance that we believe will always be open is the one near the administration building on Mountain Creek Parkway about half way up the hill, approaching Spur 408 and Loop 12.  The map in this document shows that entrance and not the main entrance we are used to – just in case.  The procession will be using this entrance.

Weather:  Mostly clear with a high of 96 degrees.  In other words – HOT!

With hot weather already here, please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately.  Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time.  Also, please don’t forget your sun screen.

Iron Horses if you can; cages are always welcome and appreciated. 

The flag/water truck will be present.  With the temperatures forecast near triple digits, coming in a cage might be a consideration.  

Please remember that our mission is to stand tall, silent, and with honor and respect for this veteran and his family.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dewey Dyer

North Texas Senior Ride Captain

This weather information below is for the staging point of the mission.  More information is available if you click on the forecast section.  It is current as of the time you click the mission link on the calendar.