When Rollie "Big R" Winfree talks about high school friend, Billy Bob Kimball, it is with a respect and fondness felt between brothers. "Actually, we were closer than brothers," says Winfree. Winfree, who served in the Texas National Guard with the 49th armored division from 1971 to 1977, is preparing to make his third "Run for the Wall" next month to see his friend. Kimball's name is one of 58,000 that grace the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

Winfree is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, a diverse group of patriots from around the country who attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes at the invitation of the families. On each mission, there are two objectives, to show sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities and to shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.