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Bikers Disrupt Funeral Protest
The Oklahoman ^ | October 11, 2005 | AP

Posted on 10/11/2005 9:35:19 PM PDT by LibertyRocks

CHELSEA - People who knew Army Staff Sgt. John Doles and many who didn't took up U.S. flags Tuesday in his hometown to honor his sacrifice and defy an outside group that sought to turn the slain soldier's funeral into a stage for its message of hate. As Doles' funeral procession rolled past the brick buildings of the small town where he grew up, men, women and children stood with tears in their eyes and hands on their hearts.

"Respect," said 73-year-old Betty Benson, explaining why she waved a flag for the 29-year-old she never knew. "I think he deserves that."

Doles died Sept. 30 in an ambush in southern Afghanistan. He was squad leader in B Company 1-508th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza Italy, where he lived with his wife, Heather, and their 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter.

He had previously served in Iraq, parachuting into the country in the opening days of the war in the largest combat jump since World War II.

Those who knew Doles described him as an outgoing friend, devoted father and a soldier eager to serve.

"John knew his stuff," said Sgt. Brian Waterman, Doles' friend and platoon sergeant when they served together at Fort Polk, La.

"I believe all of us here know how big a heart John had," Waterman told the more than 200 people crammed into the First Christian Church. "When we were all in Iraq with no e-mail, no phones, John still made sure Heather got flowers on her birthday."

Doles' death made the far off wars far more personal for the people of his hometown. And many brimmed with anger when a half-dozen members of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., showed up shortly before his funeral.

The church members, who have protested soldiers' funerals in Oklahoma and elsewhere, say God is punishing U.S. soldiers for defending a country that harbors gays.

They stood on a street corner in sight of the church and waved signs with messages such as "God Hates the USA" and "Don't Worship the Dead."

But even as they unfolded their signs, their protest was met with a counter protest that erupted in a full-throttle roar.

About 70 members of the leather-clad American Legion Riders from Kansas and Oklahoma revved their motorcycles for about 30 minutes, drowning out anything the church members tried to say.

Cregg Hansen, a Vietnam-era veteran who helped lead the counter protest, said Doles' family had wanted to hear the engines' roar.

The riders said they plan to do the same if the group attempts to disrupt other soldiers' funerals within riding distance.

"It ain't right to protest a sacred thing like this," said Ron Scrivner, a rider whose father is a veteran. "He (Doles) died for his country. They ought to show him the respect he deserves."

About 40 law officers were on hand during the protest, which ended peacefully when the church group left. The motorcyclists clutched flags and joined local residents in solemn tribute as the funeral procession passed through town.

No one mentioned the disruption during Doles' service.

His wife, son Logan and daughter Breanna sat inches away from the flag-covered casket. At the back of the sanctuary, Doles' war medals - which included a Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal - sat amid flickering candles.

The Rev. Richard Billings, who officiated at the Doles' wedding and Doles' baptism, said dying in Afghanistan "was not the last thing he ever did."

"His ministry is right now. Johnny Doles is a hero," Billings said. "We enjoy the freedom he worked for and gave his life for."


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; US: Oklahoma
KEYWORDS: afghanistan; airforce; airman; americanlegionriders; army; barkingmoonbat; democrat; fredphelps; grunt; heroes; iraq; islam; marines; navy; oif; operationhero; rollingthunder; sailor; soldier; supportourtroops; terror; terrorism; terrorist; terrorists; troops; vietnamvets; war; wbc; wot
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Video coverage of this story from Ch 9 News in OKC.

It's good to hear that others around the country have responded with support for the men and their families who they target.

To my freeper friends: I apologize for not being able to keep track of these protests in the last few weeks. I have noticed that WBC is not announcing their plans as regularly as they were before (a victory for our side even if minor that is a direct response to our previous counter-protests, IMHO).

Please remember to Support our HEROES!

1 posted on 10/11/2005 9:35:22 PM PDT by LibertyRocks
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To: Mr. Silverback; Earthdweller; Thunder90; Flora McDonald; SandRat; snowrip; bluesagewoman; ...

Ping for article regarding the WBC funeral protests.


2 posted on 10/11/2005 9:37:53 PM PDT by LibertyRocks (OUBombing summary (UPDATED 10/11) @ http://sweetliberty.alfablog.com/)
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To: LibertyRocks
Just proves that we are winning at home and abroad!!!

even most the rabid anti-war kooks don't have the heart or commitment to continue their lost cause...

BTW if anyone knows if these bikers are going to do anything here in Arizona please let me know... I want to by them all a a beer!
3 posted on 10/11/2005 9:38:50 PM PDT by Americanwolf (I Served proudly.... how dare you tell me I have no convictions...)
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To: LibertyRocks

God Bless the bikers!


4 posted on 10/11/2005 9:39:59 PM PDT by JRios1968 ("Sharpie Diem": seize the marker.)
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To: JRios1968

AMEN!


5 posted on 10/11/2005 9:41:46 PM PDT by Travis McGee (--- www.EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com ---)
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To: LibertyRocks

It makes me sick that the Westboro gang continues to do this. I don't know if I could maintain composure at one of these funerals if they showed up.


6 posted on 10/11/2005 9:45:31 PM PDT by Just Lori (Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.)
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To: JRios1968
God Bless the bikers!

Right on!

("Sharpie Diem": seize the marker.)

I like it, but actually that would more literally be "marker the day"... ;-) (Thank my Mother, she was a Latin teacher ;-)

7 posted on 10/11/2005 9:46:51 PM PDT by NoCmpromiz (What part of John 14:6 don't you get?)
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To: LibertyRocks

WBC is a big Gore supporter, maybe Al can stop this...yeah right.


8 posted on 10/11/2005 9:49:32 PM PDT by Doctor Raoul (If Osama Was A Piece Of Ass - Clinton Would Have Nailed Him)
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To: LibertyRocks
My heart sings when reading stuff like this!

Thank You for posting this.... IT MADE MY DAY

9 posted on 10/11/2005 9:49:37 PM PDT by MJY1288 (Whenever a Liberal is Speaking on the Senate Floor, Al-Jazeera Breaks in and Covers it LIVE)
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To: LibertyRocks
Thanks for the post. Another hero goes home. Prayers for his family and loved ones.

Not meant to be disrespectful, but does anyone have links for this jump?

"He had previously served in Iraq, parachuting into the country in the opening days of the war in the largest combat jump since World War II.

10 posted on 10/11/2005 9:52:15 PM PDT by Eagles6 (Dig deeper, more ammo.)
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To: NoCmpromiz
What part of John 14:6 don't you get?

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6, NIV

Looks very straight-forward to me! :) Someone needs to explain it to the followers of TROP!

11 posted on 10/11/2005 9:53:33 PM PDT by JRios1968 ("Sharpie Diem": seize the marker.)
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To: NoCmpromiz

So how about Carpe Sharpie Diem or seize the marker of the day? HEHE.

That turd ridden church will get their rewards in due time.


12 posted on 10/11/2005 9:53:33 PM PDT by phoenix0468 (http://www.mylocalforum.com -- Go Speak Your Mind.)
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To: NoCmpromiz

Carpe Sharpie?


13 posted on 10/11/2005 9:53:48 PM PDT by Graybeard58 (Remember and pray for Sgt. Matt Maupin - MIA/POW- Iraq since 04/09/04)
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To: Spanaway Lori

I'd love to see the WBC people get smeared by a speeding semi full of liquor driven by a transvestite.


14 posted on 10/11/2005 9:54:04 PM PDT by July 4th (A vacant lot cancelled out my vote for Bush.)
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To: phoenix0468
Carpe Sharpie Per Diem Get a boat load of markers
15 posted on 10/11/2005 9:55:39 PM PDT by Graybeard58 (Remember and pray for Sgt. Matt Maupin - MIA/POW- Iraq since 04/09/04)
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To: LibertyRocks

Now that's a great way to handle it. I wish we had thought of that when they came to our town to protest the high school graduation. We have plenty of cyclists around here.

Hats off to the American Legion riders for their support and creativity.


16 posted on 10/11/2005 9:55:43 PM PDT by caseinpoint (Don't get thickly involved in thin things)
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To: JRios1968

Ditto !


17 posted on 10/11/2005 9:57:16 PM PDT by Enterprise (The modern Democrat Party - a toxic stew of mental illness, cultism, and organized crime.)
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To: Spanaway Lori

I know I couldn't.

Phelps Family Baptist Church would have a few less memebers after a thorough hot-lead treatment.


18 posted on 10/11/2005 9:58:54 PM PDT by clee1 (We use 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 2 to pull a trigger. I'm lazy and I'm tired of smiling.)
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To: July 4th

I'd love to see the WBC people get smeared by a speeding semi full of liquor driven by a transvestite.


Picture this: A group of draq queens comes to a counter protest and gets all warm and fuzzy with the WBC scum. They'd run like hell was on their heels! Oh, that would be a sight to see!


19 posted on 10/11/2005 10:01:18 PM PDT by Just Lori (Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.)
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To: LibertyRocks
They stood on a street corner in sight of the church and waved signs with messages such as "God Hates the USA" and "Don't Worship the Dead."

No. And NO! These so called Baptists...are hiding behind the cloak of that church, if you ask me. While being DISGUSTED with them...I am MORE proud of the bikers who show up at our heroes' funerals...

We've GOT to continue to take it back....one person at a time, we've got to take our country back.

20 posted on 10/11/2005 10:02:29 PM PDT by Brad’s Gramma (ABT!!!!)
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