Mission account
Editor's note: This story was written by Robert Greer based on his firsthand participation in Honor Mission HM-00000001. It has been edited by the Honor Mission Foundation for clarity, readability, and website publication while preserving the facts, intent, and spirit of the original account.
What began as a simple escort mission on Monday, July 27, 2026, quickly became something much greater than any of us could have imagined.
Members of CVMA® Chapters 23-14 and 23-11, including Robert Greer, Stitch, Honeybear, Max, EZ Out, and Block, traveled to Mabank, Texas, to provide a funeral escort for the Celebration of Life of U.S. Marine Veteran Benjamin Weiler.
Mr. Weiler had no immediate family in Texas. His daughter had traveled from Mississippi and only had that single day to be present for her father's service.
Upon our arrival, we were met by Van Zandt County Veterans Service Officer Tommy B. Forgue with heartbreaking news. Mr. Weiler's body had not been prepared for cremation because the funeral home was awaiting authorization from the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover the cremation expenses. We were told the process could take 30 to 60 days. Once completed, Mr. Weiler's cremated remains would simply be shipped to his daughter through the U.S. Postal Service.
For us, that was unacceptable. A United States Marine who had faithfully served his country deserved better than to make his final journey in a shipping box.
Without hesitation, we came together and made a commitment. With his daughter's blessing, we promised that when the time came, we would personally escort Marine Benjamin Weiler home.
After meeting with the funeral director, we learned the cremation cost was $3,200. Following discussions, the funeral home graciously reduced the cost to $2,000, provided payment was made within the week. Without seeking recognition, one member from Chapter 23-14 and one member from Chapter 23-11 immediately stepped forward and personally paid the entire amount, ensuring the cremation could proceed without delay.
Planning for Mr. Weiler's final mission began immediately. On July 31, we received his cremated remains.
Before sunrise on Saturday, August 1, six riders from East Texas departed from various locations and met in Longview to begin the nearly 570-mile journey to Pass Christian, Mississippi, where Mr. Weiler's daughter awaited her father's arrival.
As word spread throughout the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®, support poured in. Members from Louisiana CVMA® Chapter 6-6 joined the escort, along with a guest rider from the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club and two unaffiliated veteran riders who simply wanted to help honor a fellow Marine. What began as six motorcycles grew into an escort of more than twenty bikes as we crossed Louisiana.
Seven members from CVMA® Mississippi Chapter 44-1 met the escort at the Mississippi Welcome Center: Spider, Booger, Baklarz, Tomcat (92 years old and still riding on two wheels), Subdued, Karma, and their fellow chapter members. They accompanied Marine Weiler for the remainder of his journey. Together, we completed his final ride home, delivering him safely into the hands of his grateful daughter.
No words can fully describe the appreciation expressed by the family or the honor each rider felt in participating in this mission.
This experience strengthened our resolve.
We made a promise that, whenever possible, no veteran from East Texas will ever again be shipped through the mail if we are made aware of the need. We have committed ourselves to working with Veterans Service Officers, funeral homes, and our fellow CVMA® chapters throughout East Texas to ensure veterans receive the dignity, honor, and respect they earned through their service.
Our mission concluded upon our return to Texas on Sunday.
More than 1,150 miles were traveled.
Not for recognition.
Not for glory.
Because every veteran deserves one final ride home with honor.
