SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- White, stark headstones arranged uniformly contrasted with the colorful array of motorcycles and their riders rolling through the solemn streets of Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), Arlington, VA.

The bikes came together in tight formation, however, as they completed the last remaining yards of what was Senior Master Sgt. (retired) Ronald "Gino" Jansen's last ride - a ride that had begun 270 miles and hours earlier in Goldsboro, NC.

Sgt. Jansen was a Reservist with the 916th Air Refueling Wing. He retired in 2005 from a military career that spanned 40 years and included service in the Army and Vietnam.

When Sgt. Jansen passed away earlier this year, his wife, Kathy "Spooky" Jansen, knew his wish was to be buried at Arlington. She set out to make the arrangements which included requesting a motorcycle escort through the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), a group dedicated to escorting fallen veterans and their families.

According to his wife, Sgt. Jansen had been an avid motorcyclist and involved with many motorcycle clubs in the community. "He loved his Harley and we had a great time riding together, side by side or with friends," she said.

Several members of the 916th ARW, past and present, had the honor of escorting Mrs. Jansen as she rode her husband's motorcycle - Sgt. Jansen's ashes and his flag strapped securely on the back - all the way to Arlington. The ride started with almost 40 bikes and grew to over 60 as more people joined in along the way.

"I was honored to have been a part of it, to witness his funeral services and to be there for his widow Kate," said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Loper, 916th Command Post, who has participated in many PGR escorts.

Sgt. Loper says each mission is different and invokes different emotions. Most of them involve taking a veteran like Sgt. Jansen to their final resting place. "It's a sad day but a huge honor to stand and witness," he said.

Senior Master Sgt. Jefforey Williams, 916th Security Forces Squadron, said that being in the escort was his way to honor someone he admired.

"All of my dad's friends are Vietnam or Vietnam era vets. These are the guys that were my childhood heroes and are still my heroes," he said. "Gino fit that bill too."

"It was out of the highest respect that I was there for my fellow Airman and my friend," said Sgt. Williams.

Mrs. Jansen says the honor was hers and was moved by all who were involved in the escort. "It was an absolutely awesome experience to see that everyone who was there took the time to show how much they appreciate what Gino gave to his country," she said.

She has joined the PGR in order to give back to other families of veterans. "When you're on the receiving end, you feel how overwhelming this experience is," said Mrs. Jansen. "I want to share that with someone."

Both Sgt. Loper and Sgt. Williams agreed that the day was truly memorable and being in Arlington added to the experience even more.

"In a few short hours we escorted a Vet to his final resting place and stood guard as he was honored in death," said Sgt. Loper. "Then we witnessed the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and ended the duty day by saluting the flag during the National Anthem while standing at the grave site of President Kennedy.

"There are very few days in a lifetime that you'll never forget. This was one of those days for me."