Above, local pilot Darren Davis and friends do a flyover at Bullard's veteran's ceremony. Right, Bullard Fire Chief Keith Newburn untangles the flag from the department's ladder truck -- Bullard Banner photos by Lori Mellinger Even though prizes were awarded at the Bullard Chamber of Commerce's "Walk for a Veteran," on Saturday, the real winner was the organization that benefitted from the event.

"This is what we intended to do," said organizer Dr. John Alexander. "We wanted to not only honor our veterans but show financial support as well."

The chamber - at the end of the ceremony - presented a check for $2,850 to The Patriot Guard Riders.

The riders are a group of motorcyclists who have one thing in common besides motorcycles.

According to their Web site, the group "has an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America's freedom and security."

"We don't care what you ride, what your political views are, or whether you're a "hawk" or a "dove." It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you're from or what your income is. You don't even have to ride. The only prerequisite is respect."

Their main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission has two basic objectives: Show respect for fallen heroes, their families, and their communities and shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

They began their mission in earnest when the infamous Westboro, Kan., Baptist Church began attending the funerals of fallen soldiers.

According to the church's Web site, their "message is very simple and rings true in the ears of God's servants -- America is taking a blood bath in Iraq (and elsewhere) because America is busily persecuting WBC for preaching the Word of God to this evil nation .. God hates America. Her end is near, and approaching fast."

The fringe group searches for funerals and the Patriot Guard Riders intervene - keeping the members of the church away from friends and family.

Patriot Guard Riders watch the ceremony from the stands on Saturday. "These guys are worthy and the service they do is invaluable to our soldiers and their families," said Chamber President Mike Alexander.

"We were happy with the community participation and thank all of the people who made this event come together, " John said.

ETMC was the major sponsor for the event - kicking in $5,000 for expenses.

"It was a very emotional event," said Chamber Board President Teresa Adams- Wilks. "You can't help -- as you listen to the stories -- really feel for the military, their families and this organization. "

Awards were also given to the top three runners: Wes Jensen, Donny Lee and Tammy Rooney.

Team winner was Agroprof.

Speakers at the ceremony included Jack Rains, former Texas Secretary of State; Justin Lee, of State Rep. Jeb Hensarling's office; U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert; State Rep. Chuck Hopson, State Rep. Leo Berman and State Rep. hopeful Brian Walker.

The Rev. Donnie Barron of Bullard Southern Baptist Church, provided the invocation, and Bullard Band Director Gary Jordan played taps to end the ceremony.

Wes Jensen Boy Scout Troop 366 performed the flag ceremony.

Lauren Alexander sang the Star Spangled Banner and John's band Nearly There sang God Bless America.

During Nearly There's performance local resident Darren Davis and his friends gave a flyover in their planes.

"We wanted to show that Bullard supports what the military has done for us," Davis said.

Tom Perryman from The Ranch emceed the event.

Donny Lee Tammy Rooney