I dressed this morning in shorts, flip flops and a T-shirt. My hair, as almost always, was pulled back into a ponytail and I‘d put on my makeup. I've never worn a leather vest and the thought of being on a motorcycle really scares me. I was extremely excited and nervous, as I didn't know what to expect. I was finally meeting some of them!

They were not what I thought they'd be though. They were sweet and full of concern for others. The women there were open and welcoming and I felt at home right away.

Today, as I sat surrounded by a bunch of big burly bikers who were dressed in their riding boots, jeans and leather vests, I realized just how much they truly care about the cause they've devoted themselves to. Its not for fame, fortune or glory. It's for us, America. They are the best of this country and who we are as a whole. They dedicate themselves to a cause beyond what most of us could understand. They escort the funerals of the fallen soldiers and veterans at the family's request. They are surprised when the family comes down the flag lines to thank them though, not understanding just what their being there means to those who have just lost a loved one.

Many times, those families end up joining them in those lines they form, understanding what the next family is going through. I've lost a few friends in this war but never a relative and I can't even begin to imagine the feeling nor will I pretend to.

Today, sitting there with them, I saw a family. While blood wasn't shared in the literal sense, it was in the brother and sister hood. Most are veterans themselves, ranging anywhere from the Vietnam war up to the present. Some even have children and grandchildren that currently serve. They are called the Texas Patriot Guard Riders.

They don't ask for much from their members and they come from all walks of life. One common bond is shared though and it’s one I saw today in its true form. Love and respect. There are no corporate sponsors for them and they spend a lot of their own money and time doing what they do. While most of us are aware of the flag lines and escorts, they are about so much more that we‘ve not heard of. They are helping our returning wounded soldiers, they are doing as much as they can to make soldiers dreams come true and they also adding new programs continuously as they notice a need.

In Texas, we all know how hot the summer sun is or how cold the wind can be when it’s whipping across a field in the dead of winter. They are there, come rain or shine. They stand in respect and honor. They do not get a paycheck when their day is done, they get something much better. They couldn't completely find the words to explain their feelings, but one did tell me the sense of fulfillment that comes over them is like taking a shower that cleans you completely. Their hearts break as they watch what the family is going through. At home, later that evening though, they feel as though a weight has been lifted off their shoulders and their hearts are lifted back up.

I'd already committed half my royalties for my book to the group even before I met them because I was already so impressed with what they do. Today, after meeting them, I've pledged to them that as long as they are around, I'll be there too. Every book I write, they will receive half of the royalties. They didn't ask for it and they were gracious in accepting when it was offered.

My book is called “Island of Haunting Memories” and while it not written about them and it has nothing to do with the group, I hope you will understand just how inspired I was by these people and why I am as committed to them as I am. All proceeds will stay in Texas and help the groups here as they help both our fallen soldiers and war veterans.

My book is available through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Publish America and Target.

If you do not wish to purchase the book and still want to help, please find your local chapter and donate there. A simple web search for the Texas Patriot Guard will allow you to find your region. We can never do enough for those that do so much for us!

I will be doing book signings at the Hastings in both Killeen and Round Rock. Killeen is scheduled for July 11, 2009 from 1-3 and at the Hastings on I-35 in Round Rock on July 25, 2009 from 11-2. Please join me if you can!