Patriot Guard gives ride of a lifetime

Patriot Guard Riders were part of an 84-year-old Killeen woman's recent birthday celebration, as the group of motorcycle riders -- who generally participate in military funeral processionals -- took part in fulfilling a lifelong dream of Phadra Wilson.

The Harley ride was something she had wished for so long Mrs. Wilson couldn't remember when it began, she told the Texas Confederation of Clubs in an article for "The Bulletin" on Aug. 23.

When the group of nine bikers, which included John Wenger of Lampasas, arrived at Mrs. Wilson's home following behind her son's pickup, she rushed out the door to be greeted by Ron Wilson with a "Happy Birthday!" Each of the Pa- triot Guard Riders then exchanged a hug and a wish for a happy birthday with her before she was escorted down U.S. Highway 190 on the back of Wenger's Harley- Davidson motorcycle with his American flag flapping in the wind, the article related.

"At 84 years old, I should do what I wanted to do," she told the group.

"Normally we ride together in funerals, so this is great," said Wenger.

Ride captain Sonny Albert, who helped organize the event, agreed. "It's very rare we get to put a smile on someone's face," he told "The Bulletin."

Mrs. Wilson's husband, 88-yearold William Wilson -- a retired combat medic who served during World War II -- also greeted the bikers earlier.

Mrs. Wilson said another lifelong wish will be granted later this year when she participates in a sunrise hot-air balloon ride in Austin. And apparently she has a secret wish she shared with several bikers.

"I want to get a little heart tattoo on my ankle," confided Mrs. Wilson. "They say tattoos hurt, but a little one won't too much."