Patriot Guard rides to remember Army Sgt. Mennemeyer
Ted Simmons HOF Cardinal catcher signed the authentic Cardinal jersey 06 Mennemeyer in honor of the fallen as his dad and wife looks on. They were in the owner’s suite at the Cardinals game on Saturday, August 8, 20 years from the date Sgt. Mennemeyer was killed.
Members of the local Patriot Guard could be found at the Cardinal’s Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, over the weekend on a detail that showcased their desire to fulfill their mission statement, which reads in part, “We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security…”
This story begins 20 years ago to the date of August 8, 2006, when Sgt. Steven P. Mennemeyer was killed in action in a helicopter crash in Rutbah, Iraq, while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Also killed was Sgt. Jeffery S. Brown of Trinity Center, California.
According to the Senior Ride Captain of the Southeast Region Tim Kieffer, Batesville, several members of the local Patriot Guard rode from Batesville to St. Louis Saturday. Mike Buettner initiated the mission, but due to health reasons, was unable to complete it. Patriot Guard rider Ron Powell of New Alsace, along with Kieffer, took up the torch and the mission was completed.
The Patriot Guard is a brotherhood that is bonded over their mission. On this particular mission there were several local members including Michelle and Scott Novinger of Milan, Bob Patterson, Indiana State Ride Captain, Bob Barber of Batesville (plays Taps), John Ferguson, Mark Morton and wife Lisa, (Mark is the bagpiper with the 35th Indiana Pipe and Drums), John Schneider, Brad Dreyer, all of Batesville. Also, riding was Greg Grusterholz and George Grimmeissen of Harrison, OH, and Greg aka “Rooster” Grusterholz of Oxford, OH.
Sgt. Mennemeyer’s wife, and mother of the fallen has passed away since he lost his life in 2006. Steven Mennemeyer Sr., and his wife Maria Granger, along with family members were invited to the Cardinal’s Stadium on Saturday evening to honor their loved one. What they didn’t know is that there would be such a special honor. They were presented an authentic special made jersey ‘06 in honor of Sgt. Mennemeyer, by Ted Simmons, who is a former Cardinal’s catcher and Hall of Fame member.
They were guests of the DeWitt family, owners of the Cardinals where the Mennemeyer family and friends were treated to royalty in their personal suite. The view on the big screens for those in attendance was the DeWitt’s suite and honors taking place there. The Patriot Guard honored the family with a signed Patriot Guard flag and a plaque.
From the stadium to the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, the Patriot Guard riders were escorted by the Illinois Patriot Guard, Missouri Patriot Guard, Illinois State Police and the O’Fallon Police Department, according to Kieffer. He told The Versailles Republican, “They were great. It was quite an honor.”
How does the Patriot Guard from Southeast Indiana get in on the action at the St. Louis Stadium at a Cardinal game?
There is one word that describes this group – brotherhood. Steve (father of Sgt. Mennemeyer) and his wife live in the New Albany area and when the Ride to Remember takes place each year the group takes a two-day ride to visit each fallen military person from the area and that reaches to the area of Clarksville and New Albany. They met up with him a few years back and the rest is history, according to Kieffer. “We aren’t just focused on local veterans, but all who have suffered this type of loss,” Kieffer explained. No questions asked. No form to fill out. Just the simplicity of having served and giving the ultimate sacrifice motivates these loyal riders. Once they meet a Gold Star Family, they’re part of the group.
It took a few good men, and women, who wanted to make the 20th anniversary of the death of Sgt. Steven Mennemeyer a special time for his family. It took effort on the part of those who rode their motorcycles to St. Louis from Ripley County, but it’s effort they wouldn’t trade for the world.
