First Army hosts award ceremony for Patriot Guard ride captain

By Mr. Darryl Howlett (FORSCOM)February 6, 2015

Patriot Guard award
First Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, presented an Illinois state resolution to Patriot Guard Ride Captain Eric Swanson, center, during a ceremony on Jan. 30 at the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Clubhouse. Illinois State Representative... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, First Army commanding general, hosted a special ceremony honoring a local Patriot Guard ride captain.

Tucker presented Eric Swanson with a state of Illinois resolution commemorating his nine years of service as the Patriot Guard captain for western Illinois and eastern Iowa.

"What a great privilege it is to be able to preside over a ceremony honoring a local patriot and dedicated veteran such as Eric Swanson, who has selflessly served as the volunteer Patriot Guard Ride Captain for the Quad Cities area since 2006," Tucker said.

The resolution came from Illinois State Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-72nd District. Patriot Guard Riders are motorcycle enthusiasts who attend the funerals of members of the U.S. military and first responders at the invitation of the decedents' families.

"Mark Twain once said, 'Always do right. This will gratify some, and astonish the rest.' Mr. Swanson has been doing right for many years now with the Patriot Guard Riders and today's ceremony and resolution is just a small token of an appreciative community," said Tucker.

"On behalf of a grateful community, I am truly honored to do the right thing. To stand before you to honor and publicly recognize the service and sacrifice of Mr. Eric Swanson and the Patriot Guard Riders."

Swanson said he was at a loss of words over the recognition.

"I am deeply honored and humbled. (The resolution) definitely caught me by surprise," he said. "I don't do this for the accolades. I do this to take care of our fellow service members."