From a Gold Star Mother

To THE PATRIOT GUARD

Thank you for your support at my son's funeral (Specialist Jacob J. Fairbanks).

At a time when I did not feel safe, you made me feel safe.
At the time when I was crying, you comforted me
At a time when we needed support, you supported us......

Jake is a hero and you made sure everyone knew he is a hero......

I honestly think that you are Angels sent to look after fallen soldiers and their families......

Thanks soooo very much!

Janette Fairbanks
(Jacobs mother)

MN Patriot Guard Board of Directors Nominations

It is my pleasure to introduce the following nominees for the Minnesota Patriot Guard Board of Directors:

Joe Egan - Plymouth

James H. Elmquist - Rush City

John "Jack" Foster - Plymouth

Holly Frost - Bloomington

Brian Jones - Hager City - Current member of leadership

Christopher "Cowboy" Kamp - Blane

Tim Leonhardt - New Hope - Current member of leadership

Gary P. Meyers - Arden Hills

Michael P. "Medic Dad" O'Loughlin - Maple Lake

John Reuter - Walker

Sue Rochholz - Woodbury

Terrance J. Schwartz - St. Paul

Jerry R. Teeson - Coon Rapids

Terry R. Throndson - Rochester

Greg "Springer" Yung - Apple Valley


Please advise your Ride Captain as to your choice(s) of who you'd like to see elected to the Board of Directors. Since we didn't have as many nominations as anticipated we will hold only the one vote for the final four Board of Director positions to be filled.

The Leadership Advisory Committee will vote on 02 May 2008. The new board members will assume their positions on 05 May 2008.

Good luck to the ladies and gentleman listed above.

Short Notice Welcome Home

A very special welcome home is taking place tomorrow...see this thread for Shane Nault of Mondovi, Wisconsin:

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/831542/view/topic/Default.aspx

I just spoke to Ed Bergey, the HOTH Coordinator from Wisconsin.

A few people will be seeing Shane off tomorrow from the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis...if you would like to join the flag line, be at the Outpatient Entrance prior to 10:45 a.m. with a 3 x 5 flag!

You are also welcome to join WI PGR on the escort near Menomonie. There is no PGR escort taking place from the VAMC due to city traffic.

Monica Mead
MN State Captain

This week we again mourn the loss of a hero from Minnesota. Spc. Jacob J. Fairbanks of St. Paul died April 9th in Baghdad, Iraq.

His family has asked us to stand in his honor on Thursday and Friday, April 17 and 18.

All details on this mission may be found here:

CLICK HERE

MN Board Nominations

Minnesota Patriot Guard is expanding our board of directors from five to nine people. Having four additional directors will help us to look to the future of our organization and ensure our organization stays true to its purpose.

If you are interested in serving on the board or would like to nominate another member that you feel possesses the qualifications for this position, please read the pdfs linked below and fill them out completely before turning them in. If you nominate another person, please first make sure they are willing to serve.

Nominations are open until 19 April 2008. On 20 April 2008 we will list the names of everyone who has been nominated on our website's News & Notes. Please make your thoughts known to your Ride Captain or other member of the Leadership Advisory Committee.

The final recommendations for the new board members will be made by an online election on 26 April 2008 by the Leadership Advisory Committee. The new board members will assume their position on 01 May 2008.

Documents:

http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/docs/BOD_Election.pdf
http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/docs/Roles_of_the_Board.pdf