Patriot Guard Riders: SSgt. Eric Caban

On July 29th I was going to TCU to shoot something completely different for a local publication. As I turned the corner I was greeted by a sea of red white and blue and more than a few solemn faces that exuded both a graven mood and one of pride. I knew instantly that I had turned into a Patriot Guard Rider scene. I have admired their work from afar, but never actually seen it in action. I decided that I would go to my real job late. It was time for the Uzz to document this for prosperity and for the family of SSgt. Eric Caban, a man who gave his life for all of us who covet our freedom.
I was apprehensive about walking up and taking pictures, so I started in the shadows and eventually talked to one of the riders who assured me that it was more than fine to shoot pictures and that all of them take pictures from time to time. That made me feel a lot better.
The colors were overwhelming! The breeze turned the flags into twisting ripples of red white and blue and so I started shooting. Everywhere I saw different types of people brought together for a bigger purpose.
All of these men and women were here for a man they probably did not know, but a man they were all thankful for. SSgt. Caban gave the ultimate sacrifice on July 19th in Afghanistan. At one point, a booming voice announced "One minute!"
A short time later SSgt. Caban emerged from the church. Wrapped in a blaze of glory and carried through that sea of flags held high by members of the Patriot Guard Riders. Carried by his brothers. Carried by all of us who will remember his sacrifice. SSgt. Caban was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) out of Fort Bragg, N.C.
The Patriot Guard Riders are amazing to me. They honor our soldiers who died defending this incredible country and they shield families from those who would spew hate at our fallen heroes. They are men. They are women. Some are rich. Some are not. They are just a group of people who do this out of the goodness of their collective hearts and who seek no glory or notoriety, just to honor the dead in their unique way.
They understand. They mourn. They reflect. They ride. Some say they hate to see a grown man cry, but I think that when you see one of these bikers show such raw emotion that is genuine in every way, its just a powerful experience. As I shot these pictures I kept looking for that emotion, but when the flag-draped coffin emerged, even my tears began to flow...which makes it a lot harder to shoot.
I hope you all liked these pictures and words, but I also hope that someone else out there might be able to help me get some of these images to the family. For those who do not know me, I am a professional photographer based out of Fort Worth. I want to reiterate that I did not sell these pictures to anyone. I do not believe in making money like that. I simply shot these pictures to tell a story on this blog and to do a little something for a fallen hero. Its the least I can do for such a noble man.

Comments

[RamonGustav]

I think you are not quite right and you should still studying the matter.

[viagra]

A great informative blog.Keep posting articles like.You have a great knowledge of the subject.Thanks for sharing such an article where education of people matters the most.Your way of expressing articles through words is excellent.he way of expressing things is best and informative.Keep sharing articles like this.A great article with best possible effects.I am great fan of your blog.Every time i come here i see something very new.Thanks for sharing the information.

[viagra]

Really great post, Thank you for sharing This knowledge.Excellently written article, if only all bloggers offered the same level of content as you, the internet would be a much better place. Please keep it up!