Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
I am in Northern Wisconsin on my annual deer hunting trip. A tradition I have maintained for almost 30 years of hunting in the same area with the same group of guys. Some have had sons come in at 12 years old and have graduated from college now. It is something I treasure every year because it is like old home week for me. I grew up with this group of men and treasure my ability to maintain this tradition.
The traditions of Thanksgiving are to reflect back and say thanks for our many blessings. While in my tree stand, and trying to take a break from work and the MN Patriot Guard, I have had time to reflect in the quiet of the woods.
I am very thankful for my family. My children and grand daughter are the things in life I am most proud of. We have overcome some adversities and are all healthy and working. I love you Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Hannah.
My friends from the past such as this week always have a special place in my heart. We also have had to overcome some adversities but we hung in there and grew up together.
I am thankful for my job and employer. While these are challenging times for us all, working and unemployed alike, our abilities and creativity have kept this the best country in the world for manufacturing and technology excellence.
I am thankful and blessed to be protected by the best military forces in the history of the world. From fighting for our own independence in 1776 to fighting for the freedoms of the Iraqi and Afghani citizens our brave men and women are the best military forces ever. No exception.
I am very thankful and grateful for the opportunity I have to be in this great organization called the MN Patriot Guard. I love this cause and I love all of you in this group. When I get older and look back on my life I will have these last few (and future) years to look back on and know I was part of something great. Thank you all for this opportunity. You have all made me a better person.
As we move into the Christmas season I’d like to use an analogy of the gifts we give and receive. Inside the wrapping paper is a gift that someone put time and thought into buying or preparing. The thoughts inside lets us know how valuable we are to them and that they care. The wrapping paper, bow, and ribbons are pretty and draw our eyes to it.
Our mission is much like that.
As we exit riding season in Minnesota and our missions involve only the flag line I am reminded that our escorts and other things we do are the wrapping paper. The flag line, where we start and end our missions, is the gift inside the box. What ever else we do maybe add to the experience of the mission but it is not what we are there for. The personal contact of nodding to the family member waving to you on the way out, shaking your hand on the flag line, or your private thoughts while standing there holding the flag are what really matter.
We urge our children and family members to go back and remember what Christmas is all about. It is about caring and loving. Not the wrapping paper or the box. Let us remember that as we move to the non-riding season. How we get there isn’t nearly as important as being there. Our gift and expression of love and caring are us standing on a flag line. Let’s remember that throughout the year to because any or all of us can be distracted by the wrapping paper.
I hope to see many of you over the next month to thank you for what you have done, are doing, and will do to show our grieving families and military members and families that their sacrifice is remembered and honored.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
I am in Northern Wisconsin on my annual deer hunting trip. A tradition I have maintained for almost 30 years of hunting in the same area with the same group of guys. Some have had sons come in at 12 years old and have graduated from college now. It is something I treasure every year because it is like old home week for me. I grew up with this group of men and treasure my ability to maintain this tradition.
The traditions of Thanksgiving are to reflect back and say thanks for our many blessings. While in my tree stand, and trying to take a break from work and the MN Patriot Guard, I have had time to reflect in the quiet of the woods.
I am very thankful for my family. My children and grand daughter are the things in life I am most proud of. We have overcome some adversities and are all healthy and working. I love you Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Hannah.
My friends from the past such as this week always have a special place in my heart. We also have had to overcome some adversities but we hung in there and grew up together.
I am thankful for my job and employer. While these are challenging times for us all, working and unemployed alike, our abilities and creativity have kept this the best country in the world for manufacturing and technology excellence.
I am thankful and blessed to be protected by the best military forces in the history of the world. From fighting for our own independence in 1776 to fighting for the freedoms of the Iraqi and Afghani citizens our brave men and women are the best military forces ever. No exception.
I am very thankful and grateful for the opportunity I have to be in this great organization called the MN Patriot Guard. I love this cause and I love all of you in this group. When I get older and look back on my life I will have these last few (and future) years to look back on and know I was part of something great. Thank you all for this opportunity. You have all made me a better person.
As we move into the Christmas season I’d like to use an analogy of the gifts we give and receive. Inside the wrapping paper is a gift that someone put time and thought into buying or preparing. The thoughts inside lets us know how valuable we are to them and that they care. The wrapping paper, bow, and ribbons are pretty and draw our eyes to it.
Our mission is much like that.
As we exit riding season in Minnesota and our missions involve only the flag line I am reminded that our escorts and other things we do are the wrapping paper. The flag line, where we start and end our missions, is the gift inside the box. What ever else we do maybe add to the experience of the mission but it is not what we are there for. The personal contact of nodding to the family member waving to you on the way out, shaking your hand on the flag line, or your private thoughts while standing there holding the flag are what really matter.
We urge our children and family members to go back and remember what Christmas is all about. It is about caring and loving. Not the wrapping paper or the box. Let us remember that as we move to the non-riding season. How we get there isn’t nearly as important as being there. Our gift and expression of love and caring are us standing on a flag line. Let’s remember that throughout the year to because any or all of us can be distracted by the wrapping paper.
I hope to see many of you over the next month to thank you for what you have done, are doing, and will do to show our grieving families and military members and families that their sacrifice is remembered and honored.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Mike McDonough - NW Metro ARC
Posted in the National Forum
I ask that you all lift up Mike and Mary in your prayers, that he is able to have a complete recovery and to ease Mary's worry for Mike.
Mike is the first person to have made the beads we now all hang off of our PGR vests. He and his wife Mary have made thousands of them and donated over $2,000 to the MNPG from the proceeds.
Riding motorcycles is dangerous. When something like this happens let's all band together in prayer for Mike and Mary.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veterans Day
A heartfelt "Thank You" to those who have served. Your personal sacrifice of time and commitment are to be appreciated today and on behalf of the MN Patriot Guard we recognize and salute you!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Fort Hood Tragedy
On Thursday, November 5th, a terrible tragedy took place at Fort Hood in Texas. Minnesota and Wisconsin lost heroes in this tragic event.
Minnesota
Fallen: PFC Kham Xiong, St Paul
Wounded: SPC Keara Bono Torkelson, Otsego
Wisconsin
Fallen: Staff Sgt. Amy Krueger, 29, of Kiel, and Captain Russell Seager, 51, of Mount Pleasant
Wounded: Spc. Grant Moxon, Dorrie Carskadon, Sgt. John Pagel, Pfc. Amber Bahr
As more details emerge, or word from our other neighboring states comes forth, we will update this list. We are working with the Army on the possible mission for PFC Xiong and as word of the family request comes out we will let everybody know immediately.
There will be natural anger at this terrible loss. It was senseless, meaningless, and no justification for it. Whatever anger you might have I ask that you focus it on the suspected gunman and not the religion he belonged to. In these days of terrorism it is easy to look for a broad, single, reason and the truth is we don't know why an individual chose this path. I count as friends those who are practicing Muslims and they are as horrified as I am at this attack.
Let us join together in support of freedom and support those families who have experienced this unexpected and tragic loss.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A sad week again...
The next 7 days will again be a serious time for us. We will be standing for three military heroes who in different places earned our honor and respect.
I will be at the mission Friday in Coon Rapids for MAJ Hervas and in Duluth on Saturday for SSgt Taylor. SPC Cauley mission is in our Northern sectors next week.
These heroes are now in our hearts forever with their sacrifice. Please join whatever mission you can to show your honor, dignity, and respect for these men.
I will be at the mission Friday in Coon Rapids for MAJ Hervas and in Duluth on Saturday for SSgt Taylor. SPC Cauley mission is in our Northern sectors next week.
These heroes are now in our hearts forever with their sacrifice. Please join whatever mission you can to show your honor, dignity, and respect for these men.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
September State Captains Report
The number of missions that the MN Patriot Guard delivered in August and September was again large.
August started out with the final mission steps for the fallen in July. The metro was handed a heavy load with these missions and everyone stepped up wonderfully!!! I am proud of how this state rallied to let these families know that we care and will never forget.
For the mission of Capt Thomas Gramith we again witnessed a missing man flyover by the Air Force. Because they were over the metro area they could not use their afterburners but watching the one aircraft go skyward separate was sobering and special.
The MN Patriot Guard was also invited to stand besides law enforcement from across Minnesota and the Midwest for the services of Richard Crittenden, Veteran, and N St. Paul Police Officer. The count was hundreds, if not over a thousand, law enforcement professionals standing in respect for their fallen brother who was lost in the line of duty. At the same time we were standing in honor of SSG Todd Selge. Again…. Our organization stood tall with honor missions at the same time.
August saw the final trip in the Remember the Fallen Tribute organized by the Military Salute Project. What Jeff “Sailor Doc” Seeber and the “boys” organized was something that I was very honored to attend. Across the state they said with honor, dignity, respect that we will never forget. I didn’t make as many as I would have liked because of the mission load and work demands but the stories I read about the greetings they found across the state in every town they went to were heart warming. I especially liked the one where a church timed their service to have every attending member come out to stand in the cemetery with the Military Salute Project and other attendees while the service was about to take place.
This event was the last event to be organized by Jeff and the Military Salute Project. They are retiring after 2 years longer than they thought they would be around organizing remembrances like this. All of us reading this owe them silent and public thanks for the work they have done since Echo Taps. Jeff is a friend and guide in many things for me. We don’t always agree nor have the same opinion but his counsel is one I value greatly. Along with lovely wife Candace I look forward to more relaxed days of friendship and laughs. Doc you are the best. Thanks for being there for us.
Our store shipping has moved to the warehouse of Dennis Kirk. Our great partners in the Patriot Ride volunteered to help out after John Redfield asked to move the store out of his house. As a volunteer gift we get the benefit of professional storage and shipping of our merchandise at no cost. John Redfield is introducing new merchandise about every few weeks now and I am excited by it. You will see long sleeve shirts back in stock soon. :-) we are trying to keep the selection fresh with new styles for everybody.
One event that we’d like to call out is the Northern Sector M&G at Camp Ripley that was also named Flag Line 09. As part of the Open House the Camp asked us to help organize an attempt at the longest Flag Line recorded. Just over 1,300 people holding a flag were recorded up there!!
During the program MG Shellito was a speaker. His focus was on how the public treats the military and veterans as compared to his early days in Army during the Vietnam War. With his comments pointed to the Patriot Guard he brought up two stories and how relates them to the rumble of a V Twin engine.
His first story was that the military had been told to expect protestors and the Army was nervous about what to expect. MG Shellito said that as they pulled into the tiny town they were greeted by hundreds of Patriot Guard Riders holding their flags in a tight circle around the church. He knew all would be Ok that day.
His next experience was sitting on a bus with family just after the church service for their fallen hero. As they looked out the front of the bus they saw the Patriot Guard Riders forming a line a flags for the bus to drive in between. The family looked at him and said they now knew somebody cared.
He said that when hears a motorcycle go by it reminds him that citizens all over Minnesota care and will always be there in a time of need.
It isn’t really our motorcycles that make him feel good. Motorcycle season will be ending soon and as we switch our mode of transportation to and from missions we again are reminded that we are collection of people with no boundaries or borders. What ever means of transportation we need we use to attend missions we will use. It is the turnout by all of you, no matter the weather, no matter the day, to always show the world you care. You matter. Thank you.
We have our challenges to be sure. At our October Leadership meeting we will be addressing some tough topics. We have to look at how we handle escorts with greater focus; our mission scope is large and growing too large maybe; and replacing leaders as they move with their lives. Your comments and opinions matter. Please keep sending them your Ride Captains. Unless it involves a honor mission for a fallen hero we will not have 100% agreement on any topic. And that is OK… as long as we keep an open mind to the issues.
So many things have happened this year already. Our mission load is heavier than ever, our donations growing, and member count up. I appreciate so much what the leadership team does for us here. The hours of time they commit to this with only your thanks as pay. Please let your sector leaders know that you appreciate what they do.
Ending this post on a very positive note. As you know Governor Pawlenty announced he is not running for Governor again as his term ends. With that they had campaign funds to disburse to qualified 501(c)3 organizations. We were blessed to have received $20,000 of those leftover funds. To use them we are going to partner with the Family Assistance Centers across the state to make available quick strike funds that can be granted on the spot to families of the deployed who need a hand. Thank you Governor Pawlenty for that wonderful gift. We will use in the nest way we can.
Be safe everyone and God bless America and our military!
August started out with the final mission steps for the fallen in July. The metro was handed a heavy load with these missions and everyone stepped up wonderfully!!! I am proud of how this state rallied to let these families know that we care and will never forget.
For the mission of Capt Thomas Gramith we again witnessed a missing man flyover by the Air Force. Because they were over the metro area they could not use their afterburners but watching the one aircraft go skyward separate was sobering and special.
The MN Patriot Guard was also invited to stand besides law enforcement from across Minnesota and the Midwest for the services of Richard Crittenden, Veteran, and N St. Paul Police Officer. The count was hundreds, if not over a thousand, law enforcement professionals standing in respect for their fallen brother who was lost in the line of duty. At the same time we were standing in honor of SSG Todd Selge. Again…. Our organization stood tall with honor missions at the same time.
August saw the final trip in the Remember the Fallen Tribute organized by the Military Salute Project. What Jeff “Sailor Doc” Seeber and the “boys” organized was something that I was very honored to attend. Across the state they said with honor, dignity, respect that we will never forget. I didn’t make as many as I would have liked because of the mission load and work demands but the stories I read about the greetings they found across the state in every town they went to were heart warming. I especially liked the one where a church timed their service to have every attending member come out to stand in the cemetery with the Military Salute Project and other attendees while the service was about to take place.
This event was the last event to be organized by Jeff and the Military Salute Project. They are retiring after 2 years longer than they thought they would be around organizing remembrances like this. All of us reading this owe them silent and public thanks for the work they have done since Echo Taps. Jeff is a friend and guide in many things for me. We don’t always agree nor have the same opinion but his counsel is one I value greatly. Along with lovely wife Candace I look forward to more relaxed days of friendship and laughs. Doc you are the best. Thanks for being there for us.
Our store shipping has moved to the warehouse of Dennis Kirk. Our great partners in the Patriot Ride volunteered to help out after John Redfield asked to move the store out of his house. As a volunteer gift we get the benefit of professional storage and shipping of our merchandise at no cost. John Redfield is introducing new merchandise about every few weeks now and I am excited by it. You will see long sleeve shirts back in stock soon. :-) we are trying to keep the selection fresh with new styles for everybody.
One event that we’d like to call out is the Northern Sector M&G at Camp Ripley that was also named Flag Line 09. As part of the Open House the Camp asked us to help organize an attempt at the longest Flag Line recorded. Just over 1,300 people holding a flag were recorded up there!!
During the program MG Shellito was a speaker. His focus was on how the public treats the military and veterans as compared to his early days in Army during the Vietnam War. With his comments pointed to the Patriot Guard he brought up two stories and how relates them to the rumble of a V Twin engine.
His first story was that the military had been told to expect protestors and the Army was nervous about what to expect. MG Shellito said that as they pulled into the tiny town they were greeted by hundreds of Patriot Guard Riders holding their flags in a tight circle around the church. He knew all would be Ok that day.
His next experience was sitting on a bus with family just after the church service for their fallen hero. As they looked out the front of the bus they saw the Patriot Guard Riders forming a line a flags for the bus to drive in between. The family looked at him and said they now knew somebody cared.
He said that when hears a motorcycle go by it reminds him that citizens all over Minnesota care and will always be there in a time of need.
It isn’t really our motorcycles that make him feel good. Motorcycle season will be ending soon and as we switch our mode of transportation to and from missions we again are reminded that we are collection of people with no boundaries or borders. What ever means of transportation we need we use to attend missions we will use. It is the turnout by all of you, no matter the weather, no matter the day, to always show the world you care. You matter. Thank you.
We have our challenges to be sure. At our October Leadership meeting we will be addressing some tough topics. We have to look at how we handle escorts with greater focus; our mission scope is large and growing too large maybe; and replacing leaders as they move with their lives. Your comments and opinions matter. Please keep sending them your Ride Captains. Unless it involves a honor mission for a fallen hero we will not have 100% agreement on any topic. And that is OK… as long as we keep an open mind to the issues.
So many things have happened this year already. Our mission load is heavier than ever, our donations growing, and member count up. I appreciate so much what the leadership team does for us here. The hours of time they commit to this with only your thanks as pay. Please let your sector leaders know that you appreciate what they do.
Ending this post on a very positive note. As you know Governor Pawlenty announced he is not running for Governor again as his term ends. With that they had campaign funds to disburse to qualified 501(c)3 organizations. We were blessed to have received $20,000 of those leftover funds. To use them we are going to partner with the Family Assistance Centers across the state to make available quick strike funds that can be granted on the spot to families of the deployed who need a hand. Thank you Governor Pawlenty for that wonderful gift. We will use in the nest way we can.
Be safe everyone and God bless America and our military!
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