Fallen warrior’s funeral procession denied free access on toll roads in Oklahoma

October 14, 2010 · By Jerry Castillo

turnpike

UPDATE: The Governor of OK is working on having this matter resolved.  In the meantime, the Director of the Turnpike has agreed to pay the toll himself. It is important they understand it is not about the price, it is about dignity and honor owed to an American warrior and his family, who has paid the ultimate price.

In preparation for Pfc. Cody Board (KIA) mission, we have learned the family has chosen to welcome America’s son back to McKinney, TX for his funeral services.  Additionally, they have chosen to return him back to Oklahoma, where he was born, at Ft. Sills National Cemetery for his interment services.  The route includes a short toll road from the TX border to just outside of Lawton, OK.

Considering this young warrior has paid the ultimate price you would think his funeral procession would be allowed access free of charge.  To our shock and horror, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, after repeated requests for an exception, has informed the family they must pay the toll fees.

Help us remind the state of OK; not only is America’s history paved with the blood of her patriots, but so are the highways.

Please join us in a phone campaign to the governor of the great state of OK and the appointed bureaucrat of the OK Turnpike Authority to demand they do the right thing and allow all families of fallen warriors a free pass on their turnpikes.

Oklahoma:

Office of Governor

Brad Henry, Governor

Telephone:   (405) 521-2342

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

Tim Stewart, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer

405-425-3600
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST

email: otapublicrelations@pikepass.com

Thank you everyone for helping us to bring this matter to our attention. This video highlights the outcome of your calls.

32 Responses

  1. Tweets that mention Fallen warrior’s funeral procession denied free access on toll roads in Oklahoma | USFallen.org -- Topsy.com

    October 14th, 2010 at 12:32 AM

    1

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ty and USFALLENORG, AllMilitaryNews. AllMilitaryNews said: (USFallen.org) Fallen warrior’s funeral procession denied free access on toll roads in Oklahoma: Consider… http://bit.ly/aVhmMV #Military [...]

  2. Angela

    October 14th, 2010 at 8:32 AM

    2

    This is pathetic!! How dare they!!

  3. Jennifer

    October 14th, 2010 at 9:06 AM

    3

    I just called both numbers to complain. Ridiculous. I was Cody’s teacher in middle school and I am aghast at this ridiculous requirement. RIP Cody.

  4. Robin

    October 14th, 2010 at 11:09 AM

    4

    I just called!
    I think it would be hilarious if we all just blew through the tolls w/o paying – that’ll teach’m!!! :)

  5. Shelly

    October 14th, 2010 at 11:14 AM

    5

    Guess we’ll have to take the shoulder around the toll booth then………what a bunch of selfish asses!!! You people should be ashamed of yourselves.

    SERIOUSLY??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? This is absurd!!!! Cody died fighting for this country’s freedom & Oklahoma has the audacity to charge tolls for the funeral procession???? WHAT IS WRONG W/ YOU PEOPLE???

  6. DLN

    October 14th, 2010 at 11:23 AM

    6

    I called them both, the Gov of course was busy, but the Turnpike authority called me back. Its all politics, I TOLD HIM IT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED! NOW!!!! IF IT WAS THEIR SON OR DAUGHTER it would be different! This is one of the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Tell everyone you know, post on your facebook pages, maybe if they get overwhelmed with calls it will help.

  7. Gaye Disney

    October 14th, 2010 at 11:28 AM

    7

    I just called Governer Henrys office and spoke with a person there..she did say they are receiving phone calls on this issue, she said she will pass my comment on. I would encourage everyone to call and voice their opinion–my continued prayers to this family..Proud Airborne-Infantry 101st Mom..

  8. Gaye Disney

    October 14th, 2010 at 11:34 AM

    8

    I just called the OK Turnpike Authority and talked to a receptioninst..she acknowledged they were getting phonecalls on this issue–she gave me a vx mail..I left a message voicing my opinion. My continued prayers to this family–Proud Army MOM–

  9. Cheryl Blaskowski

    October 14th, 2010 at 11:35 AM

    9

    I’ve included my email to the “authority” pfffhhtthhh…

    We’ve paid enough of a toll and so did PFC Cody Board and his family.

    To the Director of the Authority,Tim Stewart, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer,

    I received mail stating that recently a family wanting to use the toll to take their son, PFC Cody Board , to his final resting place….wait… no… their SOLDIER SON… were expected to pay the toll charge for the procession to utilize a “pay for use” highway. I AM SOOOOOO ASHAMED to say that your company is American… so disgusted with your disregard for the price of your freedom… the freedom to have something that produces revenue for so many people, mainly our government… who hired this soldier to defend OUR freedoms! GIVE ME A FREAKING BREAK!

    We lost our Hero Son 3 years ago on September 23, 2010, thank God we live in a place that did not charge us for use of the airport authority who ensured a protected runway that our son was flown to. Thank God we have people who are not afraid to STAND UP for what they believe is RIGHT AND TRUE. Thank God that ALL our active public safety members didn’t charge us for use of their time and vehicles those multiple days to honor our son traversing from the airport to the funeral home, to the church, to the school gymnasium, to the cemetary. Thank God the State or school didn’t charge us for a day of closing the school because over 2000 people attended SFC Matthew Blaskowski’s funeral and there was no other place large enough for his funeral. Thank God people in our community UNDERSTAND SACRIFICE AND THAT IT AFFECTS ALL OF US DEEPLY. Well those of us who understand the true cost of freedom.

    I swear that if I ever come your way, that I will NOT use your SELFISH Toll road to traverse across that part of our FREE COUNTRY… what is free about that?!!!! Seriously. How many soldiers have lost their lives from your area? I would think the majority of people traveling that toll on that day would have gladly pay extra to allow that family and that HERO to make the journey to his final resting place an undisturbed one.

    Another thing… I find it funny how the Authority were making it “easier” for the family to not have to pay the toll on the day of procession… SERIOUSLY… maybe it would make the authority LOOK BAD when a funeral procession had to individually stop and pay toll for each car involved.. or that it would SLOW the entire process for the authority to have all those vehicles waiting for each other after the toll to reform the procession.

    I AM SO DISGUSTED and SORRY that there are people in OUR FREE country who CARE THAT LITTLE for our freedoms to not RESPECT and HONOR those families and those HEROES who sacrificed so you could be TOTAL IDIOTS about this issue. Just remember sirs, CARMA. What you give is what you get…I pray that God will forgive you for your blatant disrespect of another human beings most tragic time. Truly, think about your purpose here on this earth, money will get you nowhere in the end.

    We’ve paid enough of a toll and so did PFC Cody Board and his family.

    Respectfully,

    Cheryl Blaskowski
    Gold Star Mother (this means we lost a loved one in the military, didn’t think you would know that either)
    SFC Matthew Blaskowski
    KIA 23 Sep 2007

  10. Amy

    October 14th, 2010 at 12:42 PM

    10

    I just got off the phone with the governor’s office and was told “they’re working on it and will have it fixed by the time of the service on Saturday”

  11. SSgt Weasel

    October 14th, 2010 at 12:44 PM

    11

    Is there any update on this issue?
    I have personally contacted TX and OK govenors and I know several other friends have as well
    I have responded to the publishers of the numerous articles on Pfc. Cody Board’s story and forwarded this article to them so maybe they can bring awareness to the multitude of Americans that read their publications

  12. Lisa Proctor

    October 14th, 2010 at 1:32 PM

    12

    Just called both numbers and left a message. Tim Stewart’s secretary informed me that the Chairman of the Turnpike Authority, Doug Rieble, has volunteered to pay the tolls for the funeral procession. Mr. Rieble knows it is just wrong!

  13. YEAR ROUND TOYS

    October 14th, 2010 at 3:20 PM

    13

    BONE ASS RIDICULOUS !!!! WTF – OKLAHOMA ?? JUST PISSED READING ABOUT IT – WAKE THE HELL UP !!!

  14. Joyce Warner

    October 14th, 2010 at 5:17 PM

    14

    I just called the Governor’s office and the secretary stated that it has been taken care of -they are going to pay for it with Private donations…WTH? Does that mean the citizens are paying for this and not the state of the toll director???
    I am appalled. Am going to contact my sil who lives in OK, and ask her what the heck is going on with OK?? shame on them…shame on them.

  15. alexanderrcm

    October 14th, 2010 at 6:26 PM

    15

    Expat so proud to read the comments here and know that there are still real Americans back home! Nauseated at the Robohumans that can’t make executive decisions or walk and chew gum at the same time!

  16. Chestina

    October 14th, 2010 at 8:00 PM

    16

    Hell I will pay the toll, Those’s SOB’s will get whats coming. RIP Pfc. Cody Board….

  17. mimi

    October 14th, 2010 at 8:28 PM

    17

    I am also asking for an escort–is there a group to do this?
    Remember –this road is I 44—federal? not just a state road–

  18. Fallen warrior and #39;s funeral procession denied free access on toll … – Maria and #39;s Space: This Way Thursway – The Funeral Procession – Man spits at funeral procession – News – Roundup – Articles … &#

    October 14th, 2010 at 9:44 PM

    18

    [...] Considering this young warrior has paid the ultimate price you would think his funeral procession would be allowed access free of charge. To our shock and horror, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, after repeated requests for an exception … visit. [...]

  19. Bobby

    October 15th, 2010 at 1:42 AM

    19

    Its sad that people have become so desensatized through the years that it has to come to this. Is the money for the toll really that important? No answer required. Why has some of America lost the same fire they had directly after 9/11? The lack of support, just as in this case, shows the world how arrogant and money hungry the US can really be. Is there any hope for us? I am an OIF vetran and am sickened by this story. God bless the USA. God bless the Soldiers. Damn those who lack support and compassion for our sacrifices, especiall the ultimate one.

  20. John

    October 15th, 2010 at 3:21 AM

    20

    If it’s anything like the Indian Nation Turnpike, is won’t be passable by motorcycle anyway. Oklahoma should be careful, else we quit allowing our kids to keep OU football going for them. And that’s about the biggest industry in the State! Other than tollways.

  21. Susan

    October 15th, 2010 at 10:27 AM

    21

    I am SO DISGUSTED to hear of this. Can our Fallen Heros please be respected? After all they made the ultimate sacrifice so that these damn asses continue to live out of harms’ way. I lost my son last year while serving in Afghanistan. And believe me, I would have come unglued if ANYONE and I mean ANYONE would have protested my son’s funeral. Oklahoma I believe in Karma and what comes around goes around. Our Fallen has paid enough, can we just bring them home in peace and give them the utmost respect as they so deserve.

    PFC Cody Board’s family, I am so so sorry that you have to endure more pain, if not losing your child was pain enough. My prayers and thoughts are with you and always.

    PFC Cody Board thank you for your services and bravery. You are a TRUE AMERICAN HERO and will never be forgotten.

    Susan-Kealoha Capone – GOLD STAR MOTHER
    Proud Mom of
    PFC Patrick Allen DeVoe II
    KIA 03-08-2009
    Operation Enduring Freedom

    Missing my son with each breathe I take!

  22. PGR-OK

    October 15th, 2010 at 11:02 AM

    22

    From the North Texas Patriot Guard, Deputy State Captain;

    North Texas & Oklahoma PGR

    I would like to pass along the latest update on the Oklahoma Toll road situation. After numerous telephone conversations conducted by myself and the Oklahoma PGR State Captain, we were unable to persuade the Toll Road Authority to waive the charge to the family for their sons Funeral escort on the toll road. At that point we posted the e-mail to the riders to share the news that the Patriot Guard Riders would handle this toll fee.

    The Patriot Guard Riders as an organization does not take a position on judicial, legislative, or political issues. We represent families from many different views; and though part of our mission statement is to shield our families from protests, free speech is something we hold dear as well.

    You, the individuals, the riders and the many new friends of Pfc Cody Board stepped up and started the phone calls and e-mails to State Representatives, Senators, and Congressmen, FaceBook, the Internet and calls to the local and national media. The positive nationwide response was incredible and the showing of support was tremendous.

    Within hours of the posting of the email, there were individual riders, private companies and private individuals from around this Nation stepping up and offering to pay the fee.

    One e-mail came from a man in Washington State who offered to pay the toll himself rather than see the families face this lack of respect. Support also came from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Association, the officers themselves offered to pay this toll fee.

    Due in large part to your response to this injustice, the Director of Transportation for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has now offered to pay the toll himself. He advised us that his phone lines were tied up for over six hours with people calling to voice their anger over the disrespect shown to the family of a fallen soldier.

    The charging of a toll for the funeral of a soldier who has given his life for this country is being waived for this one young man.

    The problem still exists for the next fallen soldier; there is still a need for changes nationwide, other states, including Texas also charge the families of fallen soldiers whose funerals uses a toll road. Public funds build these roads and the public need to step up and change the rules. Respect needs to replace greed.

    Please remember the people who work the toll roads are Americans who are supporting their families and are only following the rules made by someone higher up the ladder. We need to give these people our respect.

    I would like to personally thank all of those who offered to help in this situation and to the hundreds who e-mailed their concern and support in this matter.

  23. Scott Nickell

    October 15th, 2010 at 1:37 PM

    23

    He’s not asking for a free ride, PFC Coady Board has paid his toll, IN FULL, honor this soldier. Infuriated by bureacratic stupidity.

  24. richard gest

    October 15th, 2010 at 7:35 PM

    24

    sad day for this country , my thoughts and prayers are with this young mans family and friends , thank you .
    this state officals should be in special session right now to correct this problem. this is 2010 wake the f@$k up …

  25. Casey Dressendorfer

    October 15th, 2010 at 11:44 PM

    25

    The Commander and Chief of the Military should assist PFC Cody Board family in getting this resolved after all he did his duty and gave all! It is a very sad day in the State of Oklahoma or any other State in the United States when they have to charge a toll for a funeral processions to cross a toll road for any military service man or women that paid the ultimate sacrifice there life for this county and the freedom of the State of Oklahoma and all State and people of the Untied States. I still to this day remember the Oklahoma Bombing and as a first responder would still be the first to respond to assist in any way I could! My felling is that as a Federal Tax Payer paying for some of this turnpike with Federal funds there should be a State law letting exemptions to toll road fees! If this doesn’t work then a Federal Law!

    Casey Dressendorfer

  26. MartzMimic

    October 16th, 2010 at 10:24 AM

    26

    It should be noted that this soldier’s home state – Texas – has the same policy in place. Oklahoma made the decision to handle this in both a quick and compassionate manner. Kudos to the turnpike authority for doing what’s right.

  27. Kymberly

    October 16th, 2010 at 6:38 PM

    27

    I live in OK and an update on this. 2 OK transportation officials have agreed to pay the toll and law makers are working on having the law that caused this amended. It’s NOT the money that is an issue here many lawmakers have come to realize, it’s all about RESPECT. This story just shames me to the very core.

  28. R. Willis

    October 16th, 2010 at 9:22 PM

    28

    I, being a born and bred Oklahoman was at first apalled and ashamed when I first learned of this travesty…it is an embarrasment to say the least…however as the North Texas Patriot Guard, Deputy State Captain states it is NOT only Oklahoma that has this law in place, it is MANY states(including Texas). It is a law that we as AMERICANS need to come together to see that it gets changed across the states…not just in Oklahoma. We are not the bad guys here, our Oklahoma Patriot Guard Riders respectfully and humbly escorted PFC Cody Board home from the Red River on…let’s all work together on this. We are all Americans. God Bless America and God Bless the Board family.

  29. Dustin

    October 17th, 2010 at 2:47 PM

    29

    “The North Texas Tollway does not make exceptions for funerals either.”

    So instead of bitching out the OTA about this, you all should be trying to get legislation changed in your own state.

  30. Directive for criminal procedure road accidents | car accident injury claim

    October 22nd, 2010 at 12:00 PM

    30

    [...] Fallen warrior's funeral procession denied free access on toll … [...]

  31. Peter Samuel

    October 23rd, 2010 at 1:44 AM

    31

    I posted a sharp criticism of the tenor of the protests against the toll on the Cody funeral procession.

    see

    http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4950

    I welcome your response via editor@tollroadsnews.com

    Peter Samuel, editor TOLLROADSnews

  32. Peter Samuel

    October 23rd, 2010 at 12:34 PM

    32

    I have written a sharp criticism of the outrage expressed here about the Oklahoma Turnpike’s funeral procession tolls that may be of interest:

    http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4950

    Peter Samuel
    editor TOLLROADSnews
    Frederick MD

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