Minnesota Patriot Guard News & Notes

New MN Patriot Guard State Captain Announcement

2011-06-19T13:58:00.001-05:00

Members of the MN Patriot Guard

Today at the Patriot Ride I announced that I am stepping down as State Captain of the MN Patriot Guard. Jerry Grundhauser, most recently the Ride Captain for the SE Metro, has been approved by our Leadership Team as the new State Captain.

The decision to step up to the Flag Line is both easy and difficult.

It is easy as I have been in this role for 2.5 years and, to be honest, I am tired. It is a day to day job of handling both the Mission oversight and general leadership issues. As I still work a "regular" job it does take a toll. I'm looking forward to some personal time back for myself.

It is difficult as I love you and what we do. I love the Mission and my opportunity to be of service.

Since my first Mission on July 3rd, 2006, my life has been forever changed for the better. This cause we found together gave me a new purpose in life. It has given me new friends. It has given me a sense of meaning. In a way not at all related to financial gain it let me use all my ability and give a gift that was there to give until it was gone.

I have thought long and hard about what to say when this day came. It keeps coming back the same thing when a family walks around and thanks us for being there.

It has been my honor. It has been a privilege. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this effort at the level I have been. I am a better person for having stood with you on the flag line.

What keeps running through my mind when I think about what we do is that I am so proud of you. Every time we put a call out, and the amount of notice didn't matter, you were there. We trust you and believe in you. I hope we lived up to your expectations as a leadership team.

There are so many people to say Thank You to. There are so many I can't name them all because the number is in the thousands. So I won't try to name them all. A broad "Thank You" to everybody is the best I can do.

I'm not going away... I am just not going to be sending all the emails I have been. I am going be on the receiving end of them and answering the same call you do. Stand a flag line when a family asks us to.

Thank you my friends for being part of this great and wonderful effort. Thank you for letting me be part of it with you..

See you on the Flag Line...

Doug Bley
State Captain
MN Patriot Guard

Who We Are... And What We Do.

2011-04-20T23:06:00.000-05:00

There are some pieces floating around about the PGR and who we are. Many are close but they seem to focus on us and our motorcycles.

We are not all veterans
We are not about our bikes
We are not about ourselves

This wonderful profile was done by the NRA is it moved me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--92lbsY2T0

PFC Ryane Clark Fundraiser

2011-04-19T21:33:00.001-05:00

Fallen Hero Fundraiser
The family of PFC Ryane Clark is holding a fund raiser by selling some pretty cool shirts/sweatshirts with Ryane's picture on them. Click on the Rambow link www.rambow.com and then use the Store Code: HERO

2010 Minnesota Patriot Guard Annual Report

2011-03-02T22:53:00.005-06:00

Members and friends of the Minnesota Patriot Guard,

Following will be the Minnesota Patriot Guard Annual Report for 2010. It was a fantastic year in so many ways with events such as the Patriot Ride having a bit over 2,500 motorcycles, and the retirement of our friend LTG Larry Shellito who was the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard “Red Bulls”.

It had its sad and gripping times with the 53 mission days for our 30 fallen heroes and currently serving military. That is what we do. Mission First.

Leadership Report
Our state membership ended the year at over 5,800 people receiving information weekly on the different Missions, Events, and News and Notes.

Our leadership team had some changes with Tim Leonhardt replacing George Winslow as Asst State Captain after George moved on to the role of High Plains Regional Captain.

We had the Metro Senior Ride Captain and Ride Captains for the NE Metro, SE Metro, Willmar, and Albert Lea sector change. Open yet are the Ride Captains positions for Mankato and Duluth.

We also added a group called the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Team. This group of people helps us carry the very heavy Mission load at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery by volunteering to RCIC Missions. In summer it was not uncommon to have multiple Missions a day there. They have made a huge difference in the life of the SE Metro Ride Captain!

The lifeblood of this organization are Flag Line members as this is what we do. We do need other volunteers who can help in different areas but mostly we need people to serve as Assistant Ride Captains. With experience, and good communications skills, they can move to Ride Captain positions if the opportunity exists.

Special Notice On The Help On The Homefront (HOTH) Team
One team of volunteers who have worked hard in the background is the HOTH team. They serve as representatives to the Vets Homes and Hospitals in the state. They work tirelessly in entertaining our vets who are so often forgotten.

Our HOTH Mission scope was really hard to nail down. The National PGR scope is really ambiguous and different states, frankly, made up what they wanted to. Because our normal mission load is so high we decided to not complicate things by adding to what we currently do.

Our scope for HOTH is exactly what we have been doing;
1. Support of the Vets Homes and Hospitals in the state
2. Support of the wild game hunts for the disabled vets and currently serving
3. Support of the Gold Star families and Wounded In Action

We have had nice growth in HOTH attendance with Ride Captains and Asst Ride Captains taking on a more active role in it. As an example Mike Holter (Hibbing Ride Captain and Silver Bay HOTH rep) regularly has 15-20 people attend with him on the monthly visit to the Silver Bay home.

What is complicated is that HOTH was set up as separate organization. Instead of one organization, we had two, and that often resulted in inconsistent and confusing messages being sent to members. The people who suffered because of that were the vets we serve.

After much discussion and hard conversations we have decided to fold the HOTH structure into the Ride Captain structure. HOTH reps will be considered Asst Ride Captains and we are hoping that by having Ride Captains more involved we can continue to increase our attendance at HOTH missions.

Special Notice On Changes To The Board Of Director Structure
With folding the HOTH organization we have created an open spot on our Board of Directors. Previously the State HOTH Coordinator served on the Executive Board of Directors as a permanent position.

We have decided to add a “Military Representative” position to the Board of Directors. This position will be a nominated and elected position (by the Ride Captains) for a one year term. The position will require the person to be a Minnesota resident, and hold a current Military ID with the Guard, Reserves, or Active Duty Component. This person will need to be in the same status during the entire term and if activated or deployed, for more than 30 days, agrees to step down from the position.

We don’t have a clear voice of those who are serving today and we absolutely need to have them weigh in to what we are doing. They appreciate us when we are there but we would like a better way to connect with them. This new position will be a first hand account of what is needed.

A slight change to the Board Structure will be a shift from the “Ride Captain Representative” to having one of the Senior Ride Captains assume that spot. Each Senior Ride Captain has a number of Ride Captains they communicate with daily in some cases. We want our leaders, who manage our Missions, to have a voice and we think this is a better way to accomplish this.

Two “At Large” Board positions, and the Military Representative, are going out for elections shortly. We welcome any questions and all are welcome to run for these.

Mission Report
Our mission report is again the largest ever. Anyone who attended even one deserves a special thanks as helping to make a difference in Minnesota in supporting our military:

2010 Mission and Event Listing

Mission Type Total Days
KIA 12
KIA out of state 12
Active Duty 23
Active Duty out of state 6
Veteran 174
Veteran out of state 2
Active Duty Law Enforcement 4
Active Duty Law Enforcement
(Out of state) 1
PGR Member Funeral 2
Bingo/Vets Homes 39
Send off 10
Welcome home 45
Welcome Home
(Out of state) 2
MIRT 8
Events 174
Other 23

Grand Total 537

In 2010 we did 53 more veteran missions than in 2009. We are honored to be asked by the families to honor our heroes who have made their final call. As more military cemeteries are constructed around the state I see these continuing to grow, and will require a larger commitment from you, those holding the flags, to honor them.

2010 Mission Roll Call
KIA
April-10 LCpl Curtis Swenson
July-10 SPC Matthew Johnson
July-10 1LT Christopher Goeke
September-10 MSgt. Daniel L. Fedder
September-10 CH (Cpt) Dale Allen Goetz
October-10 PFC Ryane Clark

KIA Out of State
June-10 SSgt. Shane Barnard
June-10 SPC Christopher Opat
July-10 SPC Keenan Cooper
September-10 PV2 Adam Novak
December-10 CPT Thomas Beyer

Active Duty
February-10 Lt. Clinton Wermers
February-10 AMAN Patrick Freeberg
February-10 SSG James Calvin Stee
March-10 PFC Christopher J. Lund
April-10 Airman 1st Class Robert Pederson
April-10 SGT Kurt Kruize
April-10 LCpl. Daniel W. Sweeney
June-10 SPC Nicholas D King
June-10 MSG Jeremy Hougdahl
June-10 SPC Seth E Zencius
July-10 SPC Joshua Bible
July-10 PFC Eric Nietfeld
August-10 MAJ Michael Freyholtz
August-10 PVT Alex Richardson
September-10 PFC Jeremy Campbell

Active Duty Out of State
February-10 SGT. Terry L. Rishling
August-10 SPC Eric Spurgeon
October-10 SGT Michael Mayhew
December-10 PV2 Ryan Wohlwend-Hardie

Law Enforcement
May-10 Police Sgt. Joseph Bergeron
June-10 Judge John "Jack" Wilds
August-10 Deputy Chris Dewey

I have stood at some of these. Not even close to all but I make as many as my job allows. Which is all that is asked of any of us. This is a 100% volunteer organization and we depend on the volunteers to find it in their heart to make that choice.

We always need new members. Not because we want a big number but we want to even out the volunteer needs as much as possible. Ask your friends and neighbors to join you and watch their hearts pull their way with you. We need you, and them, to help keep pushing our Mission forward.

Mission Scope
We made a change to our Mission Scope towards the end of the year that was voted upon by our Ride Captains. It passed by a vote of 19 to 1.

It narrows the “other types” of missions we had been doing that weren’t core to our Mission. In some ways we were becoming a “On Demand” Flag Line, while a fun thing to do, it was taking us away from what we do; Honoring our fallen and vets at the funeral services, being of service to the vets in homes, and standing for Deployments and Welcome Homes.

You will see in 2011 a reduction in the number of events we stand for around patriotic holidays and other organizations events. We need to keep our eye on the core missions and making sure we always have 100% focus on them.

This was not an easy choice or not without some controversy. It was done to make sure that we can support missions everywhere in the future. We were simply becoming overwhelmed with Mission Requests and we had to take a step back.

We also changed our calendar so that MN Patriot Guard Missions and Events are exclusively on the “Mission” calendar and events put on by other organizations (fund raisers, rides, benefits) that specifically support military causes are on the “Event” calendar. We want to continue to support them by spreading the word but keep our focus on what we do and should attend first.

Donation Summary - 2010
Wow… you should be proud of what we did again in 2010 in supporting Military Causes and Members.

As you will see, and as we expected, the Program Services dropped $19,000 from 2009 as we had used up the funds we had available for Purple Heart Gifts. Our Grant level stayed very close in 2010 from 2009.

We have budgeted almost the same levels in 2011 as we are being cautious that the economy will be a challenge and our donations may drop off from 2010. It remains our budget goal to have one year of funds available so that any group we might not be able to support in the future will have one year to replace us.

The below list is being provided as information; and we have the accounting firm of Carlson Advisors, LLC preparing our annual tax return for the fourth year in accordance with the new IRS rules governing 501(c)3s. If there are any material changes I will post them as the taxes are filed.

Expense
Program Services
WIA Grants ($1,000 for PH for OEF/OIF) $ 9,000
Wreaths Across America $ 850
Gold Star Event/Heroes United $ 5,286
Events run by Gold Star Families $ 1,500
HOTH - Total MN Veterans Homes $ 6,824
Vets Hunt Support $ 4,565
Total Support of Vets & Families/HOTH $28,025

Grants Made
34th Division Chaplains' Fund $ 2,500
Disabled Vets Rest Camp $ 7,500
Flags for MN Fallen Military $ 5,000
Military Heroes Foundation $ 2,500
MMAF $17,800
Patriot Guard Riders, Inc. $ 2,000
Project Backpack $ 6,500
TTTT Scholarship Fund $10,000
Total Grants Made $53,800

Mission Expense $ 2,950

Total Program, Donation, and Mission Expense $84,775

The mission expense number I added this year so you could see what it is. We give plaques at Missions to family members who qualify as well as Challenge Coins. It is a privilege that we can do this as many states don’t have this ability.

2010 Special Comments
2010 Patriot Ride
On June 19, 2010, the 5th Annual Patriot Ride was held in Ham Lake, MN. Sponsored by our great friends at Dennis Kirk, the MN Patriot Guard presented this event. Let’s just say we made some noise….

With approximately 4,000 people (including the general public) and around 2,500 motorcycles the day was a success!! The ride was shortened and the halfway stop was in Cambridge at the home of the 850th Horizontal Engineer "Renegades" Company. They were awesome hosts by including food, soft drinks, military displays and a band playing! For fun the Squid Wheelies put on a motorcycle stunt show that was cool for everyone who watched it!

Back at the park we were honored to have LtGen John Wissler as a guest speaker. A Minnesota son LtGen Wissler (now at the Pentagon) spoke to us about how what we did that day mattered to Military members everywhere. He was going to make sure that he told everybody around the world that Minnesota cared!

The Honor Ceremony was again executed by the award winning MN National Guard Funeral Honors Team. LtGen Wissler presented the folded flag to John Kriesel on behalf of all the wounded in OIF/OEF. John, since elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives, lost both legs in Iraq and had an inspiring story to tell of his moving forward.

The move to the Ham Lake Park, and stop in Cambridge, was a good decision as the focus of the day was supporting our military. Without the distractions of alcohol the entire crowd stayed on task!

The ride this year will be on June 18, 2011, again in Ham Lake at the Lions Park. Once again we will be raffling off a new Harley-Davidson Street Glide or giving the winner the option of choosing $10,000 in cash. If you go to www.thepatriotride.org you can click on a video link of the ride last year. I still enjoy hitting the button and watching it over and over again.

LTG Larry Shellito Retirement
Our ability to work as well as we do with the military here in Minnesota was that LTG Shellito, now retired as the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, saw us at funerals and experienced first hand the comfort we brought families. He opened, and kept open, so many doors with the Military we could never repay him for his support. At his retirement dinner in October we surprised him by lining the banquet room before he entered to cheer him all he way in! We presented him with a Challenge Coin and a MN Patriot Guard Vest. We left to the sound of the entire room cheering us. It is a night I will remember.

MG Rick Nash has replaced him and he talks about us everywhere he goes. If possible he is more excited for what we do than LTG Shellito!! We again find ourselves with an open door to the “boss” if we ever need it.

MN Patriot Guard Store Operations
One very successful venture this last year was introducing new products to our store. We added new T Shirts as well as ceramic coffee cups, travel mugs and new pins. We could not begin to handle this store ourselves as volunteer group. Thanks to Dennis Kirk for taking on the hard back room work of running our web store.

Constant Contact Software
One change we made last year was a weekly email delivered to every email address we have. Being sure everyone received the weekly listing of mission and events was a nice addition due to the hard work of our Webmaster Tim Leonhardt. The Constant Contact software also helped us feature our new store products which, by the way, had a record sales year last year. We hope that a consistent delivery of information is appreciated by everybody.

2011 Look Ahead
MN Patriot Guard 5th Anniversary Event – June 17, 2011
In 2011 the MN Patriot Guard turns five years old. It still saddens me to think that 5 years ago nobody was doing what we do. Families grieved alone because no one was here to show them Honor, Dignity, and Respect.

On the Friday night before the Patriot Ride, at the Ham Lake Lions Park, we will be gathering together to mark this milestone. Together. Just how we have done all these great things. Together. The event planning is underway with information coming out in the next few months. It won’t be formal… but it will all be from the heart!

Closing Comments
As I personally move forward into 2011, while looking back at 2010, there were, and will be more, bittersweet moments.

Friends and leaders in this group have set aside their volunteer hats and moved on to the next phase of their life. Work, health, different interests, and sometimes loss of energy will result in these changes. I remember the first missions I saw them, then getting to know them, and now seeing them go in different directions is just part of life. I miss them all terribly but you know what? I still have friendships with them. That won’t change.

I myself, will have that in 2011, as I have told the Leadership team I intend to step down as State Captain this year.

It is hard for me to do this as I love everything about this organization. I love the Mission and would do anything to protect it. I am honored to be of service to the families who have experienced loss. I love all of you who made a choice to make a difference. I love working with the Ride Captains, and the Asst Ride Captains, as they do their first missions and the pride they feel when they do them well.

The best part for me is that I am not losing that much. I will continue to do the thing I love most which is standing on the flag line right next to all of you.

We don’t have a date, or replacement, yet but we are working on that. I am excited for the possibility of the new ideas that come with new people and the fresh energy they bring!

Thank you for everything you all do for the MN Patriot Guard. It is your efforts that make us who we are.

Respectfully submitted

Doug Bley
State Captain
Minnesota Patriot Guard

New Ride Captain for the Southeast Metro!!!!

2011-01-16T18:14:00.001-06:00

We are very proud to announce the new Ride Captain for the Southeast Metro!!!! It has been a while but this is an important position and just the right person needed to be put in this role. Effective immediately Jerry Grundhauser (Road Name: Blackjack) will be the sector RC. His email contact info is metrose@mnpatriotguard.org

Jerry is married to Jan for 34 years and for some reason she still thinks he is funny. They have 5 children and 12 grandchildren.

Jerry has four grandchildren in the military. Two are in the Minnesota Red Bull National Guard with one having served two tours in Iraq. Two are active duty serving in the UK and both have served one tour in Iraq. They are just one of the reasons the Patriot Guard has become so important to him.

Jerry joined the National site in 2005 shortly after they became the Patriot Guard and has attended over two hundred missions.

Jerry was a distributor for the Wynn Oil Company for 30 years. They covered the Twin City metro, southern Wisconsin, and the greater Chicago area. They were engaged in the sales and marketing of equipment and products for the auto industry. In 2008 they sold the business and retired. He enjoys motorcycling (Victory), golf, fishing and when he can travel. Jerry and Jan have lived in Cottage Grove for the past 17 years.

I know Jerry is excited for this role and I look forward to watching him get the SE Metro sector rolling again. Jerry has big shoes to fill with people who preceded him in this role.

I want to once again thank Nate Zenker for serving this organization since literally day one here in Minnesota. We will miss you brother!

Thoughts on the deployment of a friend….

2011-01-09T22:17:00.000-06:00

This weekend I attended the deployment party for a good friend who is deploying to Afghanistan. It was a bittersweet but awesome night….

My friend served in Iraq during the very difficult days of that time. He carries a lot of memories from those days both good and bad. He is a serious person who has overcome some demons and is one of the best people I know.

He is married with a very young daughter. I was there the night he met his wife and we could all see where it was going to go. I love them all and would do anything for them.

As a friend it is hard and scary to see him go. I can’t imagine how his family feels about this deployment and their emotions knowing that in less than a month he is back in harms way.

His dad served in Vietnam and both father and son are proud of each other. His dad said in a brief, but emotional, speech that given the option he would take his son’s place on this deployment. I believe he meant that 150% in his heart.

Not having served I don’t know the feelings my friend is having. Until last night I didn’t really know the feelings of the family and friends of those who are deploying and how the feelings of pride and fear mix together. My experiences up until this point have been the brief times of the deployment ceremonies and send offs.

It won’t really change how I approach these Missions but it will give me a different set of eyes to look at them with.

Over the next year I will experience the days of silence with not knowing what is going with a good friend. Emails and Facebook posts will still be there but a cell phone call or weekend get together aren’t going to happen. I will check in with his wife to see if there is any help she needs. Until he comes home everyday in the back of my mind will be a spot hoping the worst doesn’t happen.

Ironically one of my cousins (an officer in the Navy) is deploying as well to the Middle East soon. His party is in Wisconsin next Saturday evening. I am not sure if I really want to go through this two weeks in a row.

On a personal level I am very proud of both my friend and cousin. They are brave men who volunteered to serve knowing this was a possibility. America is safer with people like them on the watch. Thank you gentlemen for your service…..

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T10:18:00.004-06:00

I want to take a few moments to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. To my Jewish friends I hope the 8 days of Hanukkah were special times of family connecting.

Today thousands of military members are deployed around the world and not with family and friends. To those special and giving people we say a silent prayer and hope for your continued safety.

To those who will always have an empty chair at your Holiday Table I will have one as well. I will never feel your pain but I can try to stand behind you in support. My heart is with you.. always.

We in the Patriot Guard stand with 200,000 brothers and sisters around this country ensuring that ever family who experiences loss feels a presence of Honor, Dignity, and Respect. That we must do this is sad but it is the human cost of freedom. It never has been, and never will be, free. It is our honor to do this.

As we celebrate these holidays it is important that we look to the ones we love and treasure them. To not value these special days is a loss of time you will never get back. Tell those you love that you do. Hold all children with special hugs because to often they don't get them. For these days remember why our family and friends keep us real and genuine.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Veterans Scam

2010-12-07T09:31:00.002-06:00

We normally wouldn't post things like this but it was verified by the FACs.
==============================================

Warning to All Veterans

Veterans Affairs Services is not the same as the VA, don't be fooled!

-XO

WARNING TO VETERANS

Forwarded by Kevin Secor, VSO Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.

An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit
and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans.
This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way.

http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html

VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close
resemblance to the VA name and seal. Our Legal Counsel has requested that we
coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly
mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or
endorsement by VA to provide any services.

In addition, GC requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that
violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees
assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for
benefits, please pass any additional information to Mr.Daugherty at the
address below.

Michael G. Daugherty
Staff Attorney
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of General Counsel (022G2)
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420

2010 Year To Date Report

2010-11-09T13:03:00.003-06:00

Friends in the MN Patriot Guard,

It has been too long since we posted up all the activities of the year. Time does slip away from us when keeping our lives moving forward and volunteering our time as we do.

A few key items to update you on for the year….

1. Missions and Events Year To Date
This year through September we have listed 453 Missions and Events. That number is an increase of 61 (16%) over last year and almost all of that growth is Honor and Vets Missions. We listed 29 more days of KIA/Active Duty Missions and 28 more Vets missions in 2010.

As a Leadership team we are reviewing our mission scope to make sure we aren’t spreading ourselves to thin with the other types of mission or events. Attending Honor and Vets missions is our core focus and 40% of our calendar is things other than that. We want to make sure we always keep the most important activities in front of us.

In December we will finalize this project and report the final results to you. It won’t be a huge sweeping change but think about it this way…. If our flag line is the background to anything we will step away from doing it. We need to ensure that the flag line, which is what we do, is not used for decoration.

You will see a change in how the calendar is updated as well going into next year. We are going to be putting any MN Patriot Guard Mission or Event all to be listed on one calendar. Things that are of a military support nature but not run by the MNPG will be on a separate calendar. We want to make it easier for you to sort out what you might want to attend.

2. 2010 Patriot Ride
It was a huge success this year!!! We are estimating 2,500 motorcycles and upwards of 4,000 involved as either riding or attending. The move to the Ham Lake City Park worked out better than we could have hoped as far as accommodations and hospitality.

We had an outstanding program highlighted by LtGen Wissler who is the Marine Corps deputy commandant for programs and resources. LtGen Wissler grew up in Brooklyn Park and was amazed by the show of support of the military here in Minnesota!

The money raised was almost exactly what the year before was. Just under $100,000 was raised and split between the MN Patriot Guard and the MMAF. Thank you to our friends at Dennis Kirk and all the volunteers who put so much time into running this.

Next years Patriot Ride is Saturday June 18, 2011 in Ham Lake again. It will be a two day event in which Friday night we will be celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the MN Patriot Guard!

3. Year to Date Financials
We are exactly on our plan for the year of having donated almost every dollar we raised. Our revenue to far this year is $87,288 and our planned expenses are $88,696. Of our total expenses $5,450 goes toward running the MN Patriot Guard which includes accounting fees, liability insurance, and mission expenses such as plaques. That means $83,246 goes to supporting our core causes which is amazing! Thank you to all of you who help make that happen!

Our HOTH Program (Vets Homes/Hospitals, WIA grants, Gold Star family support) is $29,196 this year so far and straight donations will be $54,050 for the year.

Our asset balance at the end of the quarter was $139,315 which includes our store inventory of $16,341.

Our goal is to always have one years worth of funds in place in the event that our ability to raise money goes away. The programs we support in many cases would have no where to go without us so we are careful to ensure we can support them for an additional year so they can find other sources of funding if ours goes away.

4. MN Patriot Guard Store
Last year Dennis Kirk stepped up and volunteered its time to help run our store. Any order placed before 8PM ships the same day and the response time has been great for our customers… YOU! Through the generosity of Dennis Kirk we have a really customer service focused store. We pay for the materials and still own the inventory so there is no conflict of interest.

We will have some new items coming out that are really exciting. Our new long sleeve T Shirt will be powerful in addition to travel coffee mugs, car magnets, and water bottle holders. Keep your eyes out for the new products hitting the store just in time for the Holidays!

5. Leadership changes
When we have Ride Captains and other positions change out it is very often sad. These people became our friends and our voice to the larger organization. Change though is often positive.

A good example is our Fort Snelling National Cemetery team. 8 members have volunteered to help run missions there. They aren’t Ride Captains but people who have time to help out and they have lifted a tremendous burden off the Southeast Metro from having to run missions there. I don’t have an exact number but around 75% of our veteran missions are there. Change is good….

We do have a few open Ride Captain positions open that need to be filled. Southeast Metro and Mankato are open and if you have an interest in either of these positions please send an email to missions@mnpatriotguard.org.

Thank you for everything you have done this year. Each year our mission load grows and you respond to it. In 2011 we will see another large Deployment from the MN National Guard and we will need your time and flags once more. As you see the weekly emails come out with the mission and events listed please remember that we are of service to the military members and families. Many of them aren’t “fun” events.. but we have to remember.. “Mission First.”

If I don’t see you personally before the year end I hope the Holiday Season and New Years is awesome for you. Our country has been experiencing some real challenges these last few years and I hope that prosperity finds each and every one of you.

Respectfully submitted….

Doug Bley
State Captain
MN Patriot Guard

2010 Year To Date Financials

2010-11-09T13:00:00.002-06:00

Issue in Pine City, MN

2010-09-08T23:48:00.001-05:00

Members of the MN Patriot Guard

This last weekend we did our mission proud in support of MSgt Fedder in Pine City, MN. On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday each day over 100 people turned out to stand in support of this hero and show his family and community we recognize his service and sacrifice. The flag lines stretching across the parking lots and streets on those cloudy days brightened up the faces of those attending.

Sadly, one person who claimed to be a member of the MN Patriot Guard risked all the good that was done those days. Some person called the Pine City City Hall and demanded that a flag on private property be lowered to half staff and then attempted illegally to do it themselves when they weren't satisfied with the response.

Some facts.....

A. The only flags that had to be lowered by proclamation that day are those of government offices and facilities. This is directly from the Governors proclamation; "all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, September 7, 2010."

B. The flag being flown at full height was done so because flying at half staff would have endangered people with the flag touching electrical lines.

C. It is not the duty or right of anyone claiming to be a MN Patriot Guard member to try to force a personal belief on any private business or individual. This organization does not do that.

D. This alleged member committed an illegal act by touching the flag pole on private property. This person could have been arrested for this.

There is no question that the flag, if it could have been safely done, been flown at half staff out of respect for MSgt Fedder sacrifice. I think it is sad that the flag isn't revered as it used to be. That people are allowed to do everything from flying it upside down to making fun of it publicly is a disgrace to the men and women who died defending it.

That doesn't give any private citizen the right to do anything illegally about it though and especially doing it on the behalf of the MN Patriot Guard. One person, in one act, possibly undid all the good that was done by hundreds of other people in Pine City. This person, whoever they may be, should be ashamed of themselves for their selfish behavior.

To the residents of Pine City, MN, and the property owner involved, we apologize on behalf of our organization and please know this is nothing that we condone. Whoever this person was did not do this on our behalf. We believe in the freedoms and laws our heroes have fought and died for and would never support an illegal act such as this. Our hearts continue to be with the family of MSgt Fedder and the community of Pine City.

Douglas Bley

State Captain

MMAF Say Thanks Day - August 28, 2010

2010-08-26T06:05:00.000-05:00

Our friends at the Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF) are hosting a special day this coming Saturday at Harriet Island in St Paul. In two different phases we are setting up a flag line to honor our fallen and the families who are left to carry on in their memory. The fallen and their families are why we are there.... we will Never Forget.

If you are not familiar with the MMAF they are an organization who will gift a minimum $500 to a military member, with a MN residence, for serving in a combat zone. The gifts go up in the case of injury or loss in theater and their web site is http://www.thankmntroops.org/ They receive half the net proceeds from the Patriot Ride every year and I continue to be amazed by what they do for our Minnesota military members every day.

This is both a solemn day as we are remembering our fallen and a fun day with our friend Rockie Lynne who is a co-founder of the Tribute To The Troops (TTTT). Rockie is performing that afternoon and you are invited to attend as a free guest if you stand the flag lines as a MN Patriot Guard member. Added to that you will receive some tickets for a free BBQ dinner for being there!!!

Are you a runner or like to walk? Check out the full day of activities at http://www.thankmntroops.org/

The MMAF and TTTT are good friends of ours and I encourage you to be there if you can this Saturday. More details are listed on the mission calendar at http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/missions/events.asp?date=8%2F28%2F2010

From Spc. Matthew James Johnsons Dad - John H Johnson

2010-07-26T22:50:00.000-05:00

To Mr. Doug Bley,

It would make me very happy if you could somehow pass this on to all your members.

Words cannot describe how We felt having the Patriot Guards support. Last Friday you were in the front us, guiding us from the funeral home to Fort Snelling where we saw you come out in Force. The shear number of members and flags was incredible. I, all my family, and friends were truly overwhelmed by your support , you guys brought a SMILE to my face during one of the worst days of my life, and for that, I want to thank you ALL. Caring enough to take your time to honor Matthew and support us with so many members was amazing, It was truly an honor to have you all there with us and every one of you has my respect and admiration. you should be Proud, Loud and Proud, of what you're doing. You made a difference in my life by honoring Matthews service to the Country. There is no doubt I will remember it forever you guys are the best!!!!

Sincerely, John H Johnson

Flag Day

2010-06-14T08:29:00.002-05:00

As many of you know I grew up in Wisconsin. This story (from Wikipedia) makes me proud!!

Working as a grade school teacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, in 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand held the first recognized formal observance of Flag Day at the Stony Hill School. The school has been restored, and a bust of Cigrand also honors him at the National Flag Day Americanism Center in Waubeka.

From the late 1880s on, Cigrand spoke around the country promoting patriotism, respect for the flag, and the need for the annual observance of a flag day on June 14, the day in 1777 that the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes.

He moved to Chicago to attend dental school and, in June 1886, first publicly proposed an annual observance of the birth of the United States flag in an article titled "The Fourteenth of June," published in the Chicago Argus newspaper. In June 1888, Cigrand advocated establishing the holiday in a speech before the "Sons of America," a Chicago group. The organization founded a magazine, American Standard, in order to promote reverence for American emblems. Cigrand was appointed editor-in-chief and wrote articles in the magazine as well as in other magazines and newspapers to promote the holiday.

On the third Saturday in June 1894, a public school children’s celebration of Flag Day took place in Chicago at Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks. More than 300,000 children participated, and the celebration was repeated the next year.

Cigrand became president of the American Flag Day Association and later of the National Flag Day Society, which allowed him to promote his cause with organizational backing. Cigrand once noted he had given 2,188 speeches on patriotism and the flag.

Cigrand lived in Batavia, Illinois, from 1913–1932.

Cigrand generally is credited with being the "Father of Flag Day," with the Chicago Tribune noting that he "almost singlehandedly" established the holiday.

D Day Remembrance

2010-06-06T12:22:00.002-05:00

Today is the anniversary of our greatest generation stepping off the boats, under withering fire, and crawling their way to the French beaches.

I have been to the Omaha beach area and the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer, France. That those brave, and scared, men could get off those boats, see the raging fires on the hill sides, hear the bullets whistle over their heads, see their buddies die, and still come home to help build our country is inspiring.

We salute the veterans of Operation Overlord today.

Stop Saying “HAPPY Memorial Day”

2010-05-31T10:20:00.000-05:00

From our good friend Jeff "SailorDoc" Seeber....

By: Jeff Seeber
Written just after Memorial Day in 2006 when I heard "Have a HAPPY Memorial Day" one too many times

I hope I live long enough to be able to get through the month of May just once without some moron sending me a Happy Memorial Day e-mail or hearing some idiot wishing people a Happy Memorial Day.

It’s bad enough I’m reminded every May and every November that very few Americans know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but expecting me to remain silent about the growing trend to turn Memorial Day into some sort of celebration is asking too much. I usually chagrin and bear it, but I’m getting too old to care who I piss off from one day to the next, so if you’re one of those fools who sends me a Happy Memorial Day e-mail or wishes people a Happy Memorial Day, listen up!

There is nothing Happy about Memorial Day. That’s why it’s called M-e-m-o-r-i-a-l Day! Memorial Day is to be commemorated, not celebrated. Memorial Day is supposed to be a day of quiet reflection, remembrance, tribute and rendering honors to those who have given their lives ensuring you nitwits can have the freedom to be able to take full advantage of the rights their deaths secured for you, one of which is the freedom to make ignorant statements like Happy Memorial Day.

Believe it or not, Memorial Day was not placed on calendars to remind you that summer has officially begun. Memorial Day is not the first day of Get Drunk While Pretending To Be An Outdoorsman At Your Cabin season. Memorial Day was not created by General Motors so their dealerships could have a Three-Day Used Car Clearance Blowout. Memorial Day is not intended to be the first day of National Burn That Burger Month.

Memorial Day is supposed to be commemorated on May 30th ... not May 28th, May 29th or May 31st. It makes no difference what day of the week the 30th falls, that’s when Memorial Day is supposed to be observed. However, the United States Congress changed the date in 1971 to the last Monday in May to give Americans yet another 3-day weekend. After all, what’s more important ... one-hundred-plus years of American tradition or giving Americans one more 3-day weekend to have a few brewskis while driving to see Yellowstone with the wife and kids?

The National Moment of Remembrance was started to encourage all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. Of course, it’s been a dismal failure. I mean, c’mon, you expect Americans to pause for an ENTIRE MINUTE to remember those who died serving the people who are too busy to pause for ONE ENTIRE MINUTE? Are you nuts?

It’s bad enough American Civics is no longer taught in American schools. It’s bad enough most Americans ignore Armed Forces Day. It’s bad enough that very few civilians know that May is National Military Family Appreciation Month. It’s bad enough few Americans understand that Veterans Day is now intended to honor all those who have worn a uniform serving in this nation’s Military, especially those still living. But it’s pitiful that most Americans can’t seem to comprehend that Memorial Day is the one day a year when we are asked to remember those who gave their lives for this country.

Let me repeat that ... they gave their LIVES. Most of them were teenagers or in their twenties. Many of them left behind a spouse after being married for a very short period of time. Some of them left behind infant children who grew up never knowing one of the two people who brought them into this world with the good fortune of being born a free person. All of them had plans for a full and long life, but they interrupted those plans because they knew that serving their country, and the risks that commitment entails, was more important than life itself.

Their dreams and their expectations ended suddenly on a battlefield in some foreign land, or in a training accident at home or abroad, or during a secret mission to ensure this country is not attacked without warning. Some of them are buried in unmarked graves on foreign soil or rest forever in the sea. Some became missing in the fog of war and will never be accounted for.

Is it too much to ask that Americans pause for one day every year to recognize those who gave the last full measure of devotion? Are we as a nation so selfish, so lazy, so ignorant of the reality of the price of freedom, that we can’t set aside even one day to acknowledge the sacrifice of each and every one of our honorable dead? Apparently it is too much to ask. Apparently expecting Americans to relinquish even one day of basking in the sun while swilling beer is too much of an imposition. Let’s face it, most Americans prefer a Happy Memorial Day.

For those of us who served, and for the families and friends of those who gave their lives, Memorial Day will always be the one day a year when we publicly honor our buddies, our brothers, our sisters, our sons, our daughters, our fathers, our mothers, our nieces and nephews, our cousins ... all those who perished, their young lives cut short, while serving America ... while fighting next to us ... while protecting you. The rest of the year, we remember them in private. We remember them daily. We will never forget them.

New Mounted Flag Policy....

2010-05-25T20:02:00.002-05:00

Members....

We have debated for a long time the issue of flags being flown while motorcycles are moving. There is no question how beautiful they are as escorts come in with the flags mounted and waving in the wind.

That said… too often people have had to dodge them as they break off and our US Flag hits the ground and bikes run over it. I was on one run last year that as we pulled in I realized the passenger on the bike in front of me had been holding the flag pole the entire ride. We have the rubber band effect of group rides where the back bikes are running 50 mph or more trying to catch the group in front of them with flags poles looking like an ultralight fishing pole bent over.

We know that many members have some really well built mounting systems and we know that some are really suspect. We aren’t engineers or qualified to inspect these systems to say which are Ok and which aren’t. Even a good mounting system with a pole that has been subjected to miles of highway speed is a risky proposition.

Knowing how passionate people are about having flags flying we asked a group of Senior Ride Captains, Ride Captains, representatives of the Board of Directors, and specialists like insurance agents, attorneys, and safety instructors weigh on what our official policy should be. What was the most important factor is what we all believe to be a safe practice that still allows flying flags.

The below is our policy effective immediately. The policy really is nothing more than formalizing what our guidelines had been.

It is the policy of the MN Patriot Guard that flags larger than a 20" X 20" flag may not be flown from any vehicle (motorcycle, car, etc.) traveling at speeds of 35 miles per hour or more during any part of a mission including an organized ride to or from a mission. Anyone flying a flag from their vehicle at speeds less than 35 miles per hour is responsible to ensure that all flags, poles, mounts, and any other associated equipment are safe and securely attached to their vehicle. The ride leader is responsible to lead the ride in such a way that no vehicle following will exceed 35 miles per hour when flags have been allowed to fly. Any person asked not to fly a flag from their vehicle by the Ride Captain in Charge of a mission or event, or their designee, shall comply with the request or not participate in the mission or event.

This puts the burden of safe flag flying on the person who chooses to mount them on their motorcycle. There is no requirement to do so and we really do not encourage it. It is a personal choice each person makes to put them on his or her motorcycle. As long as the policy is followed any injuries or damage that result from something bad happening is not likely to be the liability of the Ride Captain In Charge or the Minnesota Patriot Guard. The liability will likely rest entirely with the rider who had a flag or mount come off in front of the following riders.

We can not declare any system safe because we aren’t trained to do so. We will inspect for those we don’t think are safe and might ask you to put away your flag if there is reason to believe there is an issue. We ask that you comply with that request and ask your understanding if you are asked to not participate in the mission should you refuse to put the flag away.

You might ask why create a policy when we had a guideline in place. Creating a formal policy helps creates some liability protection for our Ride Captains that didn’t exist before assuming they adhere to the policy put in place. They put in so much of their personal time and money that we felt it wasn’t fair they were exposed to as much liability as they were before.

I realize that any type of restriction may not sit well with some people. I hope that most of those who choose to fly flags understand that we haven’t restricted flying flags but put in some safety boundaries that help protect all of us.

Thanks for everything you do!

Board of Directors Elections and Asst State Captain

2010-05-05T16:07:00.002-05:00

Members of the Minnesota Patriot Guard,

We have a number of things to announce!!
=========================================================
Board of Directors

We recently elected two members to the Board of Directors that will be effective May 10, 2010.

Elected by Leadership Advisory Committee, and ratified by the Board of Directors, are Cheryl Berg Wineman and Greg “Springer” Yung to serve two year terms.

Cheryl is an active member who we at missions most often see wearing a pink vest! Cheryl has served as a business manager in the medical field and has significant understanding of financial management and audit compliance.

Greg is a returning Board member agreeing to help out for two more years. A Navy veteran of 6 years in Vietnam Greg has a long history of success in business serving at one point as a Vice President in a large medical device company.

Both Cheryl and Greg have tremendous passion for the Patriot Guard and are just the kind of people we need helping us out.

Leaving the Board is Jerry Teeson. Jerry was instrumental and key helping us form how the Board should be structured and how it can work. He belongs to numerous professional organizations and was one of two real estate agents nationwide to receive a Distinguished Service award from the National Association of Realtors in 2009. Jerry also serves on the Board for Trout Unlimited here in Minnesota. Thank you Jerry for your service to our country in the Army and for being so key in helping the Minnesota Patriot Guard move forward.
======================================================================
Assistant State Captin

George Winslow has accepted the role of High Plains Regional Captain with the Patriot Guard Riders. As a National leader George stepped down from his role as Minnesota Assistant State Captain and member of the Board. I can not ever thank George enough for his dedication and energy while being in his role as Mankato Sector Ride Captain and Assistant State Captain. He has been rock solid and steady in helping us go from a bunch of rag tag motorcyclists to one of the best Patriot Guards in the country. I will miss George’s guidance as Assistant Sate Captain but will still lean on him as a friend. Best of luck George!!

Replacing George as Assistant Sate Captain is Tim Leonhardt. Many of you know Tim as the guy always hustling and helping at missions around the state with his floppy High Plans Drifter hat on! Tim is currently serving as Northwest Metro Ride Captain, Web Master, and Ride Captain Representative to the Board of Directors. Tim is the kind of person who when I asked others what they thought of my naming him as this said ”good call… the best choice!” With Tim assuming this role he will relinquish his role as ride Captain Representative on the Board and we will soon launch another election to replace his position as that.

Both Tim and George’s changes are effective immediately.
==================================================================
Change

Sometimes when we have leadership changes people begin to get nervous. I am a firm believer that in an organization like ours change is great! We get new ideas, new energy, new ways of looking at things, and we can forward faster. If we get stale or stagnant as leaders we begin to get bored and end up in the same routines. Change helps avoid that possible problem.

This is also a volunteer organization and none of our jobs should be full time. We all have family and jobs to tend to and after a few years it is time to go back and make sure we are taking care of them. The amount of time a Ride Captain and other leaders invest is large. Each mission takes hours to plan and all that time is being taken away from something else. Next time you see your Ride Captain please let him or her know that you appreciate what they do. None of them do it for the recognition or glory.. but a pat on the back goes a long way to filling up their emotional gas tanks!

Doug Bley
Minnesota Patriot Guard
State Captain
President, Board of Directors

Maple Lake Soldier Wins An Award

2010-04-30T00:26:00.002-05:00

Colonel Salzman of the Contingency Operating Base in Basrah, Iraq, awarded Spc. Sarah O’Loughlin with the Army Achievement Medal for her efforts in organizing an Irish Scamper for military personnel.
O'Loughlin honored for International Irish Scamper

by Theresa Andrus

This year's Irish Scamper during Maple Lake's St. Patrick's Day Festival made history when a sister race was held in Iraq. And now its organizer has been honored for her efforts.

Spc. Sarah O'Loughlin, daughter of Mike and Ginger O'Loughlin of Maple Lake, was awarded with the Army Achievement Medal earlier this month at a ceremony at her base in Basrah, Iraq.

O'Loughlin had been a past participant in the Irish Scamper and organized an Iraq event that drew 236 service men and women to participate in the 5K race. O'Loughlin actually had 288 people sign up for the race she organized, but some were unable to particpate due to missions or other duties.

O'Loughlin's parents conducted fundraising in Maple Lake to provide race t-shirts for the first 200 runners to sign up, with the Maple Lake Lions donating money to ship the shirts to Iraq.

It was the first time that O'Loughlin had coordinated a big event and she thanked her family, the support she received from Maple Lake, and help she received from other soldiers in Iraq.

"I am very happy to have been recognized for all the work put into the run, mostly because I feel like it helps recognize all the people back home who helped me with it," she said. "A lot of work went into making the whole thing happen, and I am so grateful for everyone who helped me."

O'Loughlin will return stateside from her tour of duty in Iraq in late June or early July.

Our Non Political Nature

2010-04-19T13:37:00.002-05:00

MN Patriot Guard team,

Our organization is completely non-political. We are neither pro-war or anti-war. We are not Republican, Democrat, Independent, or any other party political party. We take no position of any type that is debated or discussed in either our State or National Capital.

We are 150% for our individual military members making sacrifices around the world every day.

That said of late I am starting to hear complaints from people at missions who are over hearing comments about political decisions, political leaders, agendas of certain groups, or even questioning our stance on being non-political. It is important to our organization that we stay away from these types of conversations at missions. I can assure you that someone standing close by, and over hearing you, doesn't agree with your opinions.

Unless you are a personal friend you don't, and won't, know my views. I keep those discussions for times when I am in private and not acting in any way associated with the PGR. I don't want my views to be confused with possibly representing those of the PGR or you.

It is also why we ask you to not wear your vest or PGR gear to political meetings or events. It can create the illusion that we support or represent the views of the meeting you are at.

As citizens it is imperative to our future that we have these opinions and act on them responsibly. Most important is your exercising your right and duty to vote in each election. We do these vitally important things as private citizens, representing ourselves, and not the PGR.

Thank you for investing the time and heart to make this the best PGR in the country!

Weekend of April 10, 2010

2010-04-11T10:56:00.002-05:00

I am so proud of this organization and its members.

On Saturday 200 members showed up in Rochester to show the world we hold LCpl Curtis Swenson in the highest regard for his sacrifice. 100 of those continued on further as he was laid down in his finally resting place. Many of those making that ride didn't get home until well after dark.

At the same time 50 MN Patriot Guard members greeted SGT Kurt Kruize as he was brought home from Iraq on his last journey.

This letter was received from someone attending the funeral for LCpl Swenson
=============================
Hello,

I live in Wisconson and today I went to the funeral of LCPL Curtis Micheal Swenson, in Rochester, MN. As we came to the church we beheld a sight that almost took my breath away.

The Patriot Guard Riders were lined on both sides of the street with flags flying. It was extremely moving.

They stood tall and still. They held their flag and looked so solemn. The tears started before I was even out of the vehicle.

When I talked with the family they found it difficult to put in words their appreciation. What you have done has given them a memory to hold in the dark times. The PGR helps those in the most heart wrenching times.
You are a wonderful group. I salute you.

Thank You and God Bless..
==============================

This is a clip of the mission report for SGT Kurt Kruize
==============================
Today we escorted SGT Kurt Kruize from the St Cloud Airport to the Williams Funeral home. We had 48 MN PGR members stand the flag line at the St Cloud Airport. The flight landed at 9:07 AM.

SGT Kruize was received by US Army Reserve Color Guard, this was a very emotional moment, there was not a dry eye on the
flag line.

Billie Jo, Kurt's wife paused at the hearse and said "I Love You Sweetheart".
==============================

Let us never forget our heroes. Let us always support their families. Let us always answer the invitation with Honor, Dignity, and Respect.

A heart filling email

2010-03-13T07:11:00.004-06:00

We are so busy with missions and ride plans that we can forget just what we do. After a tough couple days this email came in and reminded me that we touch so many people and don't know it. That sometimes one person isn't happy about how we do it isn't nearly as important as the people we help raise up.

Thank you to all of you for being part of this great cause...
=============================

By way of introduction, My name is XXX XXXX. I recently requested Patriot Guard support at my brother XXXXX XXX's funeral at Ft. Snelling on XXX XX, 2010. I was so moved and honored by the involvement of the MN Patriot Guard that I decided to join you. Personally there was a lot of healing for me that day both regarding the loss of my brother, and my own past experiences.

I served in the US Navy Submarine Service in the Tonkin Gulf from 1966 to 1969 on 2 different Diesel-Electric Subs. I was honorably discharged from active duty as an MM2SS (E5) in January 1969. My welcome back home to the States was to an anti Viet Nam War protest at the Greyhound Bus Depot in San Francisco. Through the years, I decided to put that behind me and go on with life. What I experienced on February 19, 2010 did a lot to finally complete the healing process, and I really want to be part of bringing that feeling to others like me. I am very pleased with the way our attitude towards the present military has become and how the Patriot Guard supports them.

Tomorrow I plan to be part of the Mission in Bemidji to honor William Lawrence. Two of my close friends are Patriot Guard Riders from this area, and are helping to 'teach me the ropes', and get me started. I am looking forward to this opportunity.

XXXXXX XXXXXXXX

Jennifer Turcotte Wedding... Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. L'Herault!!!

2010-02-24T23:38:00.001-06:00

On Saturday February 20, 2010, Jennifer Turcotte married Adam L'Herault. Under normal circumstances this wouldn’t catch my, or your, attention except for the very special circumstances of this wedding.

Jen lost her first husband, SGT Nicholas Turcotte, on Dec 4, 2006, in Iraq. His mission was the first one I was the Ride Captain for so the family has maintained a very special place in my heart and we have maintained close ties.

Jen still, to this day, loves Nick with all her heart. She has celebrated his life in many different ways including becoming a TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) mentor and working with other families who are in the grief process after losing a hero while serving our country. Her family last year hosted our state gathering of Gold Star families. Jen works with other women in same situation and has made friends across the country.

As time has gone by Jen told me that she had dated but the circumstances never went past a few dates. Last year I started seeing pictures of Adam in internet shared albums so I knew she had a special guy in her life. I was genuinely happy for her and was delighted to meet Adam and begin to get to know him. I would admit I held back a bit with Adam. Knowing how much Jen still loves Nick I was expecting at some point a parting of their ways based on Adam needing to accept that.

So last fall I found out that a February wedding was being planned and I started joking with Jen about my invitation and was tickled to see it actually come in the mail.

Watching her happiness via Facebook was fun and I could follow wedding plans. I saw Adam and Jen at Wreaths Across America where Jen always leaves a big kiss with lipstick on Nick’s headstone at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

So wedding day approached and I am wondering just how the day was going to play out with Nick’s memory and if it was going to be a cloud or simply ignored.

Entering the Semple Mansion where the wedding was to be held I went up to greet the family in the front. On a table with candles burning were pictures of Jen and Nick together, happy, and in love. The picture on the front of the table was a picture of Jen and Adam with the same look of love. That was the first sign that this day was going to be special.

Taking my seat I read the program. On the back of it was a letter from Jen and Adam thanking everyone for being there and part of their lives.

Underneath that was a beautiful letter from Jen to Nick. I started crying reading it because it outlined a woman’s love for her fallen hero, her new husband, and letting both know that she will love them forever.

“In Loving Memory of Nicholas Turcotte”

To my dear love Nick,

I can remember the first day we met, the first time we kissed. I remember our senior prom and graduating from high school with you. I remember when you proposed. I will never forget the day I married you! We have made so many wonderful memories together over the years. I will never let them go. Nick you are my first love, my amazing hero, and I will love you forever and carry your memory with me always.

Today I know you are watching over me. I know you have looked after me over the last few years. I know this is the man you would have wanted me to marry, and I know he is not trying to replace your love but continue where you left off and give me the same love you had for me.

Today as I marry Adam, I will take you with me. I will take you with me when I have our first child, my first grandchild, and as I grow old. I will take you with me always! Your memory is forever in my heart and I will share your story and life with everyone I meet. Not a day will go by that I will not take you, your love, or your memory with me.

I hope I have made you proud of the way I’ve faced the future and carried on without you until we meet again. Goodnight my love.

Forever yours, Jennifer.

There was a special mention from the minster that Jen’s first husband lost his life serving our country and that there would be a candle lighting ceremony with Jen and Adam to honor Nick’s memory. As the day went on there were special items of Nick’s there and the picture montages would occasionally flash pictured of Jen and Nick together.

Jen’s sister Katie who served as Maid of Honor gave a moving tribute to Nick and how much he was loved and missed to this day.

“Hi I’m Katie Jen's sister

Of course today is all about love and celebrating the great love that these two people share and who loves love more than Jen?

Jen has had passion for loving ever since she was little, she once had a cat that she loved so much that she would hold it in her arms and squeeze it until it clawed its way out of her smothering hug and since then we all knew that Jen had more love in her heart than the average little girl

13 years later Jen met a wonderful man that she fell deeply in love with they were so lovey dovey that I could barely stand it! She loved him so much that she knew that she had to let him follow his dream, his calling and she loved him so much that when her man turned into a hero she knew she had to let him go.

Well that was easier said, or rather tattooed, than done.

The tough times were tough and happy times a bit tougher but with all the heartache Jen never turned her back on love even though it seemed like love turned it’s back on her.
She kept on smiling through the pain and bravely moving forward.

One and a half years later Jen found Adam, the piece she didn’t even know she was missing. Adam was her saving grace. Her strong shoulder to cry on, her happiness on a bad day. He wasn’t there to help Jen forget her hero or replace the man she loved but to help her hold on to the memories and join in love.

It takes a strong woman to move forward and love again and an even stronger man to love a woman whose heart he has to share.

And so Jen knew that with Nick in her heart , Adam by her side, and her family behind her she was home.

You may think that this story ends with a happily ever after but this story is far from over

And so I would like to make a toast to Jen and Adam and their never ending story.”

What Jen reinforced to me was that Adam insisted on integrating Nick to the wedding. His heart, and trust in Jen, was deep enough to be secure in her love for him. Jen said she called and apologized to Adam after their first date because all she did was talk about Nick. He told her to let it out because it was part of who she is.

I asked if they were Ok with me writing about my amazing experiences and they not only approved it but encouraged it. They wanted the message to get out that this was possible in a healthy way. I was honored to be there as a friend and witness this marriage.

This relationship and wedding are a great example of what is possible when someone, after tragedy strikes, moves forward. I intentionally don’t use the words “moving on” because that in many ways implies forgetting. Moving forward allows Jen to bring her love of Nick with her, never forget him, and still love Adam with her whole heart. Someone less secure than Adam might ask her to push that backwards and leave Nick's memory behind.

One other reflection I had is that we tend to put the fallen hero and their families on pedestals that reach the sky. What I don’t know if I do well is recognize that they may not want to stay on the pedestal or want to change it over time. In Jen’s case she brought Adam up to the pedestal and made it larger to also hold his love for her. I have to remind myself that we can not constrain or typecast the hero’s family based on what we think is how they should act or what we think is appropriate.

It was a beautiful day spent with two people who are very much in love. Their inner strength is 10x what I thought it was and I am proud to be their friends. Jennifer had every reason in the world to shut her heart down and she didn’t. She and Adam will have a wonderful life!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. L'Herault!!!

Purple Heart Award Program

2010-02-08T06:38:00.002-06:00

We are so pleased to have been able to make the presentations we have over the last two months to the warriors who were wounded and still with us.

Our budget for this program has been used so we are standing down from this program now. If you know of a military member who awarded a Purple Heart in OEF/OIF please make sure they have applied to the MMAF for their additional grant for being awarded a Purple Heart.

The MMAF makes a $2,000 grant for being awarded a Purple Heart and if there is a permanent disability they may grant more.

In the future the MN Patriot Guard will support the MMAF with additional donations to help them continue their program of supporting our brave heroes.

Minnesota Patriot Guard - 2009 Annual Report

2010-01-29T20:39:00.003-06:00

Members and friends of the Minnesota Patriot Guard,

I want to take a few moments of your time to give you the Minnesota Patriot Guard annual report of missions, activities, and donations for 2009.

It was a year of highs that ranged from the 2009 Patriot Ride with over 2,000 participants and Flag Line 09 with over 1,200 to the lows of 6 Fallen Heroes in the span of two weeks.

Leadership Report
Our state membership ended the year at over 5,500 people receiving information weekly on the different missions and news and notes. As we don’t log those who attend we estimate that between 30% to 50% attend at least one activity and help show support to the military.

Our leadership team had some changes with my replacing Monica Mead as State Captain and Yvonne Zappa replacing Brian Jones as State HOTH Coordinators. A number of Ride Captains also saw change; Albert Lea, Brainerd, Hibbing, International Falls, Mankato, NW Metro, SE Metro, and St Cloud.

Having new leaders ready to step up and assume new roles is key to our being able to keep the moving our mission forward. If you want to volunteer to help please let your Ride Captain know.

My thanks go to those who took their turn helping out and stepping up by volunteering in delivering our mission.

Mission Report
Our mission report for the year was the largest ever. Anyone who attended even one of these events deserves thanks as helping one of the largest differences in Minnesota in supporting our military:

KIA/Active Duty/Special Circumstances Missions - 2009

CWO Philip E. Windorski, Jr – Feb 09
SPC Kevin Sobrech – March 09
SFC Leslie Mark Johnson – March 09 (MN Native)
Sr. Airman Daniel Addabbo – June
MAJ (CH) Henry T. Vakoc, Retired – July 09 (Injured in Combat 2004)
SGT Kimberly Blaisdell – July 09
SGT C.Wayne Hosford – July 2009
SPC Carlos E. Wilcox IV – July 09
SPC Daniel Drevnick – July 09
SPC. James D. Wertish – July 09
CPL. Benjamin S. Kopp – July 09
Capt Thomas J Gramith – Aug 09
SFC John H Holman POW-MIA/Korea – July 09
SGT Jonathon A Manea – Aug 09
Richard R. Crittenden – Sept 09 (Law Enforcement lost in the Line of Duty)
SSG Todd W. Selge Sept 09
MAJ Tad T. Hervas – Oct 09
SPC George Cauley – Oct 09
SSgt Aaron Taylor – Oct 09
MAJ George L. Glass II – Oct 09
PFC Kham Xiong – Nov 09
SSgt Rory R. Gavic – Nov 09
Cpl Ryan Pape – Dec 09

Our first mission here in Minnesota was for CPL Andrew J. Kemple, Anoka, MN -- 23 Feb 06. That day marked a turning point in Minnesota for its citizens having the opportunity to stand up and do the right thing. We mourn all of Fallen Heroes and vow to never forget.

Mission Scope
I’d like to say a few words about our mission scope and who we are. Our mission scope is:

Our primary mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. We do this to accomplish the following:
1. Show respect and honor to our fallen heroes, and support their families and their communities.
2. Ensure an atmosphere of dignity and respect for those in mourning.

Other missions undertaken by Minnesota Patriot Guard include:
• Honor Missions for veterans as requested by families
• Visits to VA Medical Centers and Minnesota State Veterans Homes
• Welcome Home and Deployment Sendoff Missions

There are many other good activities that support our military but that doesn’t mean they are MN Patriot Guard missions or events. Reading the above mission report for 2009 I think you can see we are very busy around the state. When you run across opportunities that don’t fall into our scope I encourage you to attend them as private volunteers if you want. There are never enough volunteers.

In 2010 we need to focus on doing more missions and events in our scope and fewer of those that fall outside of them. We are planning to really step up our efforts in HOTH missions such as vets homes visits and supporting hunts for the disabled or deployed military members. We do so much.. and yet there are so many more things we can do within our scope.

Our continued growth in raising funds for donations has resulted in our largest year ever of supporting many great causes, military members, and Wounded In Action Warriors who were awarded Purple Hearts. The below list is being provided as information and we have the accounting firm of Carlson Advisors, LLC preparing our annual tax return for the third year in accordance with the new IRS rules governing 501(c)3s. If there are any material changes I will post them as the taxes are filed.

Donation Summary – 2009 (Sorry for the formatting. This site doesn't make it easy!)

Program Services
WIA Grants $34,000
Wreaths Across America $806
Gold Star Event/Heroes United $3,502
850th Cannon Run $250
HOTH - Total MN Veterans Homes $6,292
Vets Hunt Support $1,537
Gold Star Family Events $1,000
Total Support of Vets & Families/HOTH $47,386

Grants Made
34th Division Chaplains' Fund $2,500
Dear American Hero $500
Disabled Vets Rest Camp $6,200
Flags for MN Fallen Miliitary $2,500
Military Heroes Foundation $2,500
MMAF $14,006
Patriot Guard Riders, Inc. $2,500
Project Backpack $6,500
TTTT Scholarship Fund $10,000
Viet Nam Vets Welcome Home $5,000
Serve Our Troops $1,000
Total Grants Made $53,206

Total Support Dollars For Our Military $100,593

I am so proud of you and the help you provide in making this possible. It is so unique to be in an organization “NOT” focused on fund raising but being able to do this at the level we do.

Our budget for expenses and donations will be smaller in 2010 as we will be ending the WIA grant initiative. We will be increasing our HOTH budget for Vets Homes and Hunts as we can touch many vets and military members in this way.

2009 Special Comments

Losing 6 Fallen Heroes in two weeks
At the end of July we were asked to provide our love and support to the families of 6 fallen heroes in 3 weeks. I am so proud of how our state, and neighboring states, stood tall in showing honor, dignity, and respect to these heroes and their families. These 6 missions had multiple components from the Honor Transfers at Holman field, escorts, visitations,

Remember the Fallen Tributes
Organized by the Military Salute Project, the MN Patriot Guard participated across the state by visiting the final resting spot for our fallen and special heroes since 9-11-01. Travelling across the state (and country for some) the visitations included a brief ceremony, presentation of flowers, and pictures that were taken and posted on the Military Salute Project website. A total of 94 gravesites in 10 states were visited during the Remember The Fallen Tribute.

http://militarysalute.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=rtfprojectinfo

2009 Patriot Ride
On June 20, 2009, the Patriot Ride was held in East Bethel, MN. Sponsored by our great friends at Dennis Kirk, the MN Patriot Guard presented this event. The 2009 Patriot Ride had over 2,000 participants in the ride and event. The highlight of the riding portion was the spectacular fly over and then hovering show of two Blackhawk helicopters.

The special Honor Ceremony was unique in that military honors were finally rendered to SFC Lyle Mackedanz who was lost in Vietnam but never recognized with the flag presentation, rifle salute, and Taps. His daughter and grand children were present to receive the flag.

The total net funds raised were just under $100, 000 which is divided evenly with the Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation fund.

The Patriot Ride for 2010 will be held June 19, 2010, in Ham Lake, MN, so please keep the date open! Raffle Tickets for the 2010 Harley-Davidson are also available now. Details in how to get them will be sent out soon.

Northern Sector Meet and Greet
In conjunction with the 2009 Camp Ripley Open house, the Northern Sectors hosted both a ride and Regional Meet and Greet. The capper for the event was named Flag Line 09, the world record setting flag line of 1,344 flags counted.

Hundreds of bikes (+400) were on the ride from Pillager to Camp Ripley and all the funds raised were given to Camp Ripley to help pay for improvements to the Camp Museum.

MN Patriot Guard Store Operations
Our store grew to the point that we needed to find a better way to support its customers with the best possible service. Our friends at Dennis Kirk offered to store and ship our inventory at no charge!!! We thank Dennis Kirk for their continued support and assistance and John Redfield for his continued hard work at developing new and unique products to offer to you!

Closing Comments
There is no organization like this where vets and non-vets gather together to show respect, provide comfort, celebrate and mourn, help heal, and show the men and women who keep our freedom alive that someone cares. I am so proud of what we have done in the last 4 years moving from a small movement of a few people on motorcycles to a large state wide system of support.

All of us are volunteers who receive no compensation of any type for our services. We do get paid back ten fold for the time we put in by seeing the faces and signs of gratitude of those we serve.

In 2010 we are Welcoming Home over 3,000 Minnesotan’s from deployments in Iraq. These are the best days to see them come home safe. Most likely we will be asked to deliver our mission on the worst day in the life of a family. We will, as always, stand tall and proud of our being able to do that to.

Our organization, like our country, is based on freedom. Freedom to participate or stay home. Freedom to express our support of the military or stay silent. My hope for 2010 is that more people choose to help in our mission by attending one mission or event this year. Each gift of time matters to a mourning family or someone returning home from a deployment.

Thank you for everything you all do for the MN Patriot Guard. It is your efforts that make us who we are.

Respectfully submitted

Doug Bley
State Captain
Minnesota Patriot Guard

Loss of a Hero... Bill "Snap" Lines

2010-01-26T20:56:00.003-06:00

Riding home from a mission in Georgia in heavy rain, Alabama resident Bill "Snap" Lines was in a motorcyle accident last weekend.

Sadly Snap was passed over the line this afternoon.

He is a former National Executive Director of the Patriot Guard Riders taking over in very turbulent times he was a steady guiding hand when it was needed.

SNAP was awarded the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross for his service in
Vietnam, and will be accorded full military honors at his funeral.

Snap was a leader when leadership was needed. He will be missed by all regardless if you knew him or not.

Bless his wife Linda and keep them in our prayers.

34th ID Return

2010-01-22T21:10:00.003-06:00

The first wave of the 34th ID is returning home this weekend on Sunday! Yay!! We have missed them!! Please remember to check out the mission calendar for details on the 3 metro and Camp Ripley returns this weekend. We also have a Marine Welcome Home on Saturday at the MSP Officers Club.

I know it is a big game for the Vikings Sunday night. Let's not forget that these brave men and women put it all on the line to serve our country and protect our freedom. We can find radios to listen to the game and catch the end of it when we are done saying "Welcome Home!"

Let us not forget either the three lost from the MP Company from Stillwater.

WIA Grant Program Update

2010-01-10T23:07:00.001-06:00

Post Mission Report – WIA Grants

The MN Patriot Guard has been granting $1,000 to each wounded warrior we could find. It started out with buying an airline ticket for Katie Kriesel to visit John in Germany after he was wounded. We have since then granted 25 wounded warriors our small token of appreciation. But we knew there were many more and wanted to find them.

We have partnered with the Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) program and local Veterans Services Officers in finding Combat Related Purple Heart recipients from OEF/OIF who reside in MN. We have been very fortunate in sourcing what we believe to be 24 more around the state at this time. The time is right for us to do this after receiving a $20,000 donation from the Pawlenty for Governor Campaign as it was winding down.

We started out by working with Jill Van Vugt of the Army Wounded Warrior programs (AW2). We provided the list of those who we previously donated to and she went to work. By going through her list she contacted them one by one and asked if it was OK to pass their contact info to us. At no time was their privacy compromised in this effort.

Other motivated people such as Ron Mackedanz contacted those he knew qualified and we had not donated to. Slowly this first list of 24 came together to start our donations with.

The Tribute To The Troops saw what we were doing and decided to make a $5,000 donation to help us complete this mission. We are very grateful for this help.

This last weekend we began to make the presentations to this latest group. At the Willmar and Brainerd/St Cloud Meet & Greet 10 of the checks were given out. Many more have been sent to Ride Captains to coordinate in the way the hero wants to make it happen.

Some of these heroes preferred to be very private and others were comfortable with a public presentation. However they wanted to make it happen we were OK with. Their privacy and wishes were the first priority.

While we regret not being able to do this when they first came home the upside to doing this now, years later in some cases, is that we can show we will never forget their service and sacrifice. It seems to mean more when done later on and they have moved back to regular life as it might be for them.

We know that $1,000 won’t change their lives. But if it helps out in some way to let them know we love and appreciate them we cannot put a price on that.

We will continue to look for heroes such as these. If you know of someone who qualifies (Combat Related Purple Heart recipients from OEF/OIF who reside in MN) please contact me at DougB@mnpatriotguard.org so we can work on it. Unless they are recommended through formal military channels we will ask for a copy of their DD214 to qualify them.

Support these men and women are part of our core mission responsibility. We do many other wonderful things that show our support of our military heroes but this is at the center of it. Thank you for your hard work making this all possible.

HOTH Leadership Change

2009-12-31T16:27:00.001-06:00

Brian Jones has tendered his resignation as Help On The Homefront (HOTH) Coordinator effective January 1, 2010.

Brian joined the HOTH team early on helping at the Hastings Vets home and rapidly took on many other duties as the Assistant Coordinator for Gregg Campbell. I gotta tell ya… Brian was a “Git ‘R Done” guy and no one stopped him when he had his mind set on accomplishing something! Brian is very active in the American Legion Riders and we will see him on the road.

Brian… thank you for being part of helping develop one of the best HOTH programs in the country. We would not be even close to where we are without you.

Replacing Brian as the State HOTH coordinator is Yvonne Zappa. Yvonne works in the Family Assistance Center out of Camp Ripley has been invaluable to me helping sort through requests from families for help. When Yvonne thinks the need is there she jumps on it. She also knows how to decline a request when she thinks that is the right answer. Yvonne’s email address is yzappa@mnpatriotguard.org and can best be reached this way. Yvonne will also be joining the Board of Directors as the HOTH Coordinator holds a seat on the Executive Committee.

Yvonne… I am so pleased you agreed to take on this additional duty. We need people of your experience to help keep driving HOTH forward.

The HOTH program has a fuzzy description and understanding and some of that is by design. By not having something rigid we could change it quickly as we learned what the real needs are of the program here in Minnesota.

The easiest way to think of the program is in these three areas;
1. Support of the Vets Homes and Hospitals including Walter Reed and Brooke Army Medical Centers if military members from Minnesota are there
2. Support of WIA military members
3. Support of the Family Assistance Centers in helping the families of the deployed

I want to thank the HOTH teams for their great support of our Vets. Our newest center that we are working with is the Silver Bay home and the Hibbing and Duluth teams are having a ball doing it! They have a Meet and Greet every month before they go to visit and play bingo.

The Fucile’s work very hard at the Minneapolis and Hastings home and I ask the metro membership try to find some time to help them out by attending. They are making a big difference to these vets.

State Coordinator – Yvonne Zappa
Assistant Coordinator – Open

Three Regional HOTH Representatives:
Northern Representative – Mike Sams
Metro Representative – John Foster
Southern Representative – Gary Miller

HOTH Veteran's Home/Medical Center Representatives:
MPLS Representative – Joe Fucile
Hastings Representative – Pat Fucile
Luverne Representative – Buck Underwood
Fergus Falls Representative – Dave Brimer
St. Cloud Representative – Yvonne Scheeler
Silver Bay Representative – Pete Prudhomme

If you are interested in learning more about Help on The Homefront Contact Yvonne Zappa at yzappa@mnpatriotguard.org

Please thank Brian for his contributions and wish Yvonne good luck in her new role.

Happy New Year to all of you and I hope we all find peace and prosperity in 2010.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year To My Favorite People!

2009-12-24T07:22:00.001-06:00

Members and friends of the MN Patriot Guard,

I want to extend to you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. For those who are Jewish I hope the Hanukkah season was wonderful for you.

It was a challenging year in many ways but our friends and family help us get through difficult days and celebrate the great ones! Hold them close and say thanks for being there.

If any military member is reading this but not home with family please know that we here in Minnesota are eternally grateful for your sacrifice. Our freedom is because of you and all those who served before you!

To those who lost a family member this year, either a fallen hero or veteran, we know the empty chair will be hard on you. You have a hug from 5,000 people that we hope will help you get through this Holiday. We will never forget.

The birth of Jesus is to me about hope and celebration. Being in this organization your efforts and caring are what keeps me filled with both. The heart I see at every mission is a reminder that none of are alone in this caring effort and each person can, and does, make a difference.

Thank you for your hard work and choosing to make a difference. Thank you for allowing me to be part of it with you.

Happy Holidays and see you on the flag line soon!

Airport Traffic This time Of Year...

2009-12-18T15:43:00.002-06:00

Many of you know I travel quite a bit for work. Coming through the airport today it was so touching to see all the families gathered in the baggage claim areas with flags and balloons for their heroes coming home for the Holidays. The hugs, the tears of joy, and watching young families being reunited. I ran out of the “Dear American Hero” cards after about the first hour!

This season… please remember those who won’t be home. The MN Patriot Guard helped with donations to Serving the Troops and helping send fresh milk and cookies to our military heroes who are in the sand boxes. Let’s say a collective prayer on Christmas Eve for them!

Calendars Honoring Minnesota's Fallen

2009-11-28T08:03:00.001-06:00

'Calendars Honoring Minnesota's Fallen .'

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T11:29:00.002-06:00

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!

Mike McDonough - NW Metro ARC

2009-11-18T06:27:00.002-06:00

Posted in the National Forum

Mike was in a serious bike accident down in Florida. He is currently in the ICU in St Petersburg. His injuries include a broken neck, head injury with internal bleeding and multiple broken ribs. He is intubated (breathing tube down the trachea) and is immobilized to protect his neck fracture. The good news is he is conscious and has feeling and movement in his extremities. The doctors will continue to monitor his brain bleed and other injuries and keep Mary apprised of the situation.

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.

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T06:32:00.003-06:00

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!

Fort Hood Tragedy

2009-11-07T07:43:00.002-06:00

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.

A sad week again...

2009-10-15T19:53:00.002-05:00

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.

September State Captains Report

2009-10-04T08:11:00.002-05:00

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!

Minnesota to offer Gold Star license plates

2009-09-22T19:08:00.001-05:00

From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune 22Sep09
================================

On Oct. 1, Minnesota will join the ranks of nearly every other state in offering license plates that honor members of the military killed in the line of duty.

The "Gold Star Family" plates will be available free of charge to any surviving spouse or parent of a soldier who has died.

The plates were to be unveiled today at the state Capitol rotunda by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, First Lady Mary Pawlenty, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General Larry Shellito and family members of fallen soldiers.

The plates were authorized by the legislature earlier this year in a law that called for them to be issued beginning Oct. 1.

Forty states already issue the commemorative plates and Minnesota is among seven where legislation has authorized them, but they haven't yet been issued.

The Gold Star families organization dates to World War I as a way to honor service members killed during that war. Subsequently, in 1928, a group of twenty-five mothers living in Washington, DC, created a national non-profit organization they called the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

The organization was named after the gold star families hung in their windows in honor of the deceased veteran. According to the group's history, "we stand tall and proud by honoring our children, assisting our veterans, supporting our nation, and healing with each other."

The cost of producing the plates will be paid for out of the "Support Our Troops" license plate account, which is funded by a $30 annual contribution that vehicle owners pay to display that slogan on their plates.

Congrats to the Minnesota ARNG Honor Guard Team

2009-09-18T23:20:00.003-05:00

I heard that they took first place in the National competition this year for Honor Guard teams. Congratulations to the team!!!!

We have seen them in action too often over the last few months and it is an impressive site to behold.

We are proud of you all!

A wonderful thought touching a Gold Star family

2009-09-18T06:49:00.004-05:00

This email was received by Deb Good from Deb Allen. Deb and Steve Allen live in Danbury, WI, and are the parents of Sgt Chad Allen, lost in iraq in 2007.

John Comer.. you are a wonderful person!

Steve and Deb.. we love you guys.

=========================

Deb,

I wanted to write and let you know about the "Above and Beyond" mission a couple of your Patriot Riders did for us.

John R. Comer from the NE Metro came up yesterday from the cities by himself on his bike. We weren't home on Monday when he and his wife came by. He dropped off pictures he took at the Ogden, UT Patriot Guard get together (GOTG) of all the flags and informed us he was the one who sponsored the flag for Chad.

He had a picture of the flag with his info on there with the mountains in the background. They are all so beautiful, I dont know how they found Chads flag amongst all those flags. We are totally blown away with his thoughtfullness that he would come all the way up to our place to bring us these pictures to let us know he was the sponsor. He said he will mail us the flag when he gets it. All of you have done so much for the families and all of you have gone way beyond anything our family could ever ask for.

As he told us he did participate on the line at Chad's funeral. I was sad I didn't remember him being there, but I dont remember much those first two weeks. I wanted to share this story for you to share, and thanks aren't enough from us to you. I just had to let you know about the wonderful thing this man did in Chads memory.

Bless you all for all you do.
Deb Allen
THE MOMMA ALLEN

(Sgt Chad Allen - Iraq)

Northern Sector Meet & Greet - Flag Line 09 - Camp Ripley - 20Sep09

2009-09-15T14:12:00.001-05:00

Join us for the Northern Region Meet & Greet, done in conjunction with the Camp Ripley Open House. Camp Ripley is pumped about the day, and quite a few will be joining us on the ride. Alot of planning has gone into making this a family friendly memorable day.

We will be attempting to establish the World's Longest US Flag Line in honor of our soldiers and we have flags for kids and others who don't bring one. Camp Ripley has several things going on as part of their Open House and will have helicopters taking pictures of the Flag Line - they also have other suprises lined up. The Museum will be open, and if you haven't seen it, you will be in for a treat. Cody James is coming up to sing some songs for entertainment.

The Ride leaves at 10:00 a.m. from the Pillager High School (south side of hwy 210). Cost is 10:00 per person, and proceeds will benefit the Military Museum at Camp, as well as other projects that Camp has that recieves no funding, such as the US/Norwegian Military Exchange Program. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and there is a suprise ending on the ride. Once on post, riders will ride down Infantry Road, loop around and park on both sides of the road to establish part of the flag line. Flag line will be counted, so bring chairs if needed! Camp has set aside close areas for handicap accessiblity and elderly who wish to participate. Camp, without request, waived the requirements for helmets and other gear normally required to enter post. If you are not riding, please meet at the Canteen right outside Camp Ripley no later than 11:00 a.m.

Come join us for a FUN day!!

Questions?? Email Starr Marshall at brainerd@mnpatriotguard.org or Karla Richardson at detlakes@mnpatriotguard.org

2008 Financial Report for the MN Patriot Guard

2009-09-05T10:30:00.005-05:00

Members of the MN Patriot Guard After much hard work the final reports were filed for our business year of 2008 in August. As a 501(c)3 charity we are held to a strict standard of reporting. It was complicated tremendously this last year by new government rules of how to account for our financials, donations, and expenses. Special thank to Marge Boisvert (our Treasurer) and the CPA firm Carlson Advisers for the donation of a lot of time. The fees we are charged for our financial audit do not cover the total investment of time in any way!

Before we dig into the numbers I’d like to say that being a 501(c)3 charity takes a lot of work. The nice thing is that all donations are tax deductible which helps motivate people to donate. The administrative effort to maintain it is pretty large though. As other states ask me about filing for non-profit status I warn them to talk to a good accountant before they talk to a lawyer.

In summary we generated $101,788.86 of revenue; $ 80,160.14 of donations, grants, and expenses $ 21,628.72 of net profit. I am putting a more detailed look at this break down at the bottom of this post. Sorry for the small size… I can’t figure out how to increase the size of the graphic! If you click on it it will open as a picture.

One key area that people use to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-profit is comparing administrative expenses to the overall expenses. Our ratio is an incredibly low 4% when the Charities Review Council considers 30% acceptable. They also state that you should have in reserve no more than three years operating funds available and we are in the range of 1.5 years. We will be filing for certification by the Charities Review Council to further assure everyone we have complete transparency in our accounting. One of financial policies was to have at least one year expenses in reserve in case our fundraising went away completely. The Board of Directors continues to monitor this for both compliance and if there should be changes to it. We are not a fundraising organization. We are an organization that believes we help by doing something with our “hearts and hands.” That said we have the ability to help at times with funds and we will continue to guard that we do not become focused on raising money.

I'd like to explain a couple of specific items...

Promotions to the American Legions/VFW's were donating non current T Shirts and DVD's to help promote the MN Patriot Guard mission and purpose and mission. Each sector was given these to pass out as needed.

Mission expenses were items such as replacements radios and batteries, Law Enforcement Charges if they were needed, printing, and other items such as that.

The Safety Training class was made possible by our friends from ABATE. In 2006 ABATE donated funds to use for mission bussing that you as members didn't really want. As we had leftover funds in that account we asked if we could use it for Accident Scene Management training classes for the sector leaders. They were gracious enough to allow us to do that. Thank you ABATE.

Hopefully the government won’t change the reporting rules again or 2009 so that we can more timely make this report to you. We want to ensure all the documentation is correct before we make information like this public.

Minnesota mourns the loss of SSG Todd W. Selge of Burnsville, MN

2009-09-04T16:39:00.003-05:00

The DOD just released the notice about SSG Todd W. Selge of Burnsville, MN. The Leadership Team has contacted the Army and we are working through channels with the CAO on this possible mission. Please don't attempt to contact the family, funeral home, church or LEO in an attempt to help us. Your help may cause us to NOT be invited to honor this American Hero.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties
Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:02:00 -0500

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 682-09
September 04, 2009

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Sept. 3 in Baqubah, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. The soldiers were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Todd W. Selge, 25, of Burnsville, Minn.; and

Spc. Jordan M. Shay, 22, of Salisbury, Mass.

The incident is under investigation.

We ask that you keep the Selge family in your prayer during this difficult time.

To post condolences, click here.

Thank you.

George

Helping our donations go further

2009-08-22T07:36:00.002-05:00

We donated $6,500 earlier this year to the MN Veterans Family Support (MVFS) group this year to help them do Project Backpack.

MVFS supplies Back-To-School Backpacks to the families of deployed, recently returned, wounded/disabled, MIA and KIA military families. Each backpack is individually packed to the child’s school supply list. It also lets the child know that they are recognized for the sacrifice they have made during deployment.

It is one thing to to fill a backpack... they still have to be delivered to the child requesting it anywhere in the state.

Enter BLUE PACKAGE DELIVERY, LLC based in the NE Metro. They are a consolidator and shipper of parcels and packages through the US Postal System. The founder, Blaine Byram, is a long time friend of mine. I introduced Blaine to MVFS and his company took on delivering all the backpacks throughout the state!!!

This message is to both thank Blue Package Express and to let you know that we aren't alone in helping support the deployed. All we have to do is ask!

Donation From the Pawlenty for Governor Campaign

2009-08-21T09:05:00.001-05:00

Fellow MN Patriot Guard Members….

I have some great news to share with you that came out of the blue….

By now you are aware that Governor Tim Pawlenty has announced he is not seeking another term as Governor of Minnesota. His tremendous support of the military and constant promotion of awareness of the sacrifices the military makes has made him a special Governor to us.

We have seen him at many funerals across the state for our fallen heroes. The grief he displays is genuine.. just as genuine as ours.

If you look closely at the Patriot Guard Riders flags that we sign and present to deploying units you will see not only his signature but also those of the First Lady and his daughters.

We have seen him in lighter moments as well. The first Rally in Mankato, Pine City, the Patriot Ride this year, and at other events where he took the time to walk up and down the flag lines as long as he could thanking you for standing there.

I’ll never forget seeing him on his hands and knees with some of the kids at the first Heroes United in St Cloud and letting them make bunny ears behind him.

With that set up now comes the good news….

I received a phone message this week from the Governor letting us know how much he appreciates the effort and sacrifices you all make to let all these families know how much you love and care for them. He said that he had a donation for us to let us know how much he thought of our mission and what we do.

We are receiving a donation from Pawlenty for Governor for $20,000. As they are closing the Pawlenty for Governor effort they had money left over in his campaign funds and they wanted to donate them to a 501(c)3 in the state of Minnesota that they trusted to do good things with it.

With this opportunity given to us we are going to really focus on helping families of the deployed in need with these funds. Our goal is to donate “quick strike” funds to the Family Assistance Centers (FAC) to help families who need help quickly with gift cards for groceries, gasoline, or other basic family needs. The Family Assistance Centers will work the Family Readiness Groups (FRG) of deployed units and other avenues to let families know that they can receive some fast help.

One of the HOTH missions has been the families of the deployed and with this donation we can really help them out!

Thank you to the Pawlenty for Governor team!

Some changes to our store....

2009-08-17T06:09:00.004-05:00

Starting this week you will see some changes in how our store operates when shipping your orders out.

Our supporters at Dennis Kirk have offered to ship our store orders out at no charge. As many of the Dennis Kirk employees are members of the MN Patriot Guard it is a great fit!!!

The MN Patriot Guard is still responsible for the web site that takes the orders, processing and handling of money, and the types of inventory we sell. Dennis Kirk will be taking care of storing the inventory, printing the shipping orders out, packing the orders, and sending them out.

What you as customers of the store will see are faster shipping times!!

I want to thank John Redfield for the hours of work he spent shipping the store orders out over the last few years. John stepped into a tough situation and has since kept the store going and growing. John gets his weekends and garage back now with Dennis Kirk shipping the orders but he is still responsible for managing the store.

John will still be in charge of ordering material, designing new merchandise, and trouble shooting issues for us. He was handed some tough challenges with merchandise that wasn’t selling and we were hesitant to add new items with so much money invested in the store inventory. With inventory at it lowest levels in a few years John is working on some new items to introduce back to the lineup. Keep an eye on the store!

Thank you to Dennis Kirk for continuing to be there for us… They look at what they are doing is simple because they do this every day. We look at it with relief because John spent at least one full day per week shipping orders out of his house.

July State Captain Report

2009-08-06T23:09:00.004-05:00

Fellow members of the MN Patriot Guard…

It has been a few months since I posted a State Captains report. I apologize for the gap. Time is indeed scarce and I want to make communications a priority. I will work to make sure that every month we get this out to you.

We recently completed our hardest period since we became a group here in MN. We lost six military members in Iraq and Afghanistan in the span of two weeks. Each loss is blow to all of us and to have so many so quick really hurts in your heart.

My pride in you can not be written down and adequately say it. Each one of those missions that stretched over several days saw a sea of red, white and blue. From meeting the aircraft bringing them home, the escorts, the visitations, and services, and the further travel to their final resting place for two, saw you turn out in force. The presence and love you bring to these catches my breath.

I was honored in a couple cases to be on the escorts driving between the lines of flags as we moved. Each time I silently thanked the makers of dark sun glasses because it really does mist you up. The bag pipers playing Amazing Grace, the precision of the honor squads, the rifle salutes, taps, and the final good byes of the families to their fallen hero is a memory that will always be etched in my mind no matter where I am and what I do.

You and I are no different. Doing what we do does change you and no matter how hard your heart is this show of love and support is seen and felt by many.

My pride extends to the leadership team here in this state. We saw members of leadership share burdens, volunteer to help, spend countless hours planning missions, and at the final moment step back and let the members actions speak for them. At no time did I ever feel a mission was compromised by the spread out geography as I knew the leadership team served with no boundaries just as you do. I am not naming names as there are many but each one has my appreciation and respect.

I will close this part by going back to Heroes United in 2008. One Gold Star parent sent this to me and I believe each one of our recent fallen families would say the same thing to you….

“Thank you for all you do for our Fallen's families. I imagine that when each of you arrives in heaven, you will be greeted with a Patriot Guard's Guard: our Fallen lining the corridor to heaven, cheering and welcoming you home.”

My friends you have earned that.

God Bless the families of;
SGT Wayne Hosford
SPC Daniel Drevnick
SPC James Wertish
SPC Carlos Wilcox IV
Capt. Thomas Gramith
CPL Ben Kopp

In June we presented the 2009 Patriot Ride sponsored by Dennis Kirk. They ran out of wrist bands after 2,500 were given out. The level of support we received from the community of motorcyclists was wonderful and we had over 500 active duty personnel ride with us as well that day. Even in these tough times we managed to exceed last years sale counts in raffle tickets. Both the MN Patriot Guard and the MMAF will be able to continue our causes with the money that was raised that day. After the ride over 100 of the Gold Star families from Minnesota gathered for a special dinner for just them. Our goal has always been that some day they own this event and I think we got one step closer to it this year. The family of SGT Nicholas Turcotte led the way in planning and knowing Betsy Turcotte next year is already in motion!

We have also been attending at every step of the way the Remember the Fallen Tributes organized by the Military Salute Project. Since May all over this state our teams have helped smooth the logistics of the core team visit these cemetery sites of our fallen since 9-11. I didn’t attend as many as I would have liked because of the mission loads but each day I rode with this mission was a day that made me better. It helped me keep my promise of “Never forgetting.” When the last weekend is complete we will write up a special mission report for this effort along with web site links to the pictures. There will be many a special “Thank You” to be given…

So many special days.. the interment of a Korean War KIA brought home.. the monument dedication of a Canadian Vietnam War KIA in Canada, the Meet and Greets, the HOTH events, I realized why we need to do this monthly. To compact so much into one posting doesn’t do any of them justice.

I will close by complimenting the dedication of all of you. Being an active member of this group isn’t easy. It isn’t something that takes up a few days per year or once in a while. This is 52 weeks a year answering the request of a family of the military. In some cases it is multiple missions in a single day.

And you show up. Holding a flag when needed. And going home when you are done. No fancy balls or recognition dinners. No press releases. Just good people doing good things.

Thank you.

A Call to Action 2…

2009-07-29T15:05:00.002-05:00

Dear friends in the Minnesota Patriot Guard,

This weekend we are coming to the sad and serious end of the hardest period we have faced as the Minnesota Patriot Guard.

This weekend (Friday July 31 and Sat Aug 1) we will be attending the visitations and services for CPL Benjamin Kopp and Capt Thomas Gramith here in the metro area. These services will be held at almost identical times in the different parts of the Southeast Metro.

I ask you once again to find it in your heart to stand the flag lines and help us complete our mission to honor the last of the six recent fallen heroes from Minnesota.

To help provide representation at these two missions we ask that the NE and NW Metro sectors focus on attending the mission for Capt Gramith (St Paul) and the SE and SW Metro attend the mission for CPL Kopp (Apple Valley). Anyone can certainly attend any mission they want but in this way we know that we will have a balanced flag line at both. People attending from outside the metro sectors should feel free to choose as they see fit based on travel times.

I am emotionally and physically tired from attending the first four honor missions plus the other missions we have been asked to attend in the last few weeks. That pales in comparison though to the comfort and support we are able to provide to these families in their darkest days.

Once more I ask that you make the choice to help make a difference to these families by attending a mission. Your individual choice may make the difference of a gap in the flag being filled. It might mean that someone else who is as tired as I am can take an extra break and make it to the end of the mission. Please watch the mission calendar at http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/missions/index.asp for details as they get posted.

The pride I have in this organization and state can not be expressed in writing. Each mission, every one of them, has seen a virtual sea of red, white, and blue letting the families know that we care and that we will never forget. The effort of the leadership team sweating the details of every mission has meant that each one was delivered with excellence. The membership coming from all over the state, and Midwest, has been inspiring. I am honored to stand with each and every one of you.

God bless the families of:
SGT C. Wayne Hosford
SPC Carlos Wilcox IV
SPC Daniel Drevnick
SPC James Wertish
CPL Benjamin Kopp
Capt Thomas Gramith

Mission Incidents - July 27, 2009

2009-07-28T10:15:00.005-05:00

Well.... it was quite a day!

Situation One
On the escort for CPL Ben Kopp from Holman Field in St Paul to Apple Valley there was an accident involving 3 of our motorcycles. The paid "professional" escort rider was blocking a merge area during rush hour and one car struck another one as he was blocking the ramp. The second car then veered into our escort group. The bikes going down were Linda Peshek, Gregg Campbell, and me. Linda was transported to the hospital and was blessedly released with nothing more than road rash, bumps, and bruises.

Gregg's bike had a bump on the exhaust and he drove it away. Linda's and my bike were towed. It is possible my bike will be totalled as the crash bar was folded into the engine area.

We were fortunate in that all the riders were experienced and we avoided what might have been tragic into nothing more than an accident. As Tim Leonhardt pointed out to me if our bikes would have not been there it would have been the hearse or family being struck. I am glad we took that shot as long as everyone is OK.

Our new policy... no debate.. if the funeral home or family has a paid "professional" motorcycle escort we will not do the escorts. He created a dangerous situation for no good reason and we will not expose our people to that again. Aggressive riding creates problems which is why we don't ride that way any longer. I will not watch that situation again occur.

This also brings up the question on people wanting to ride escorts. If the RCIC doesn't know you... he won't ask you. Had "new" riders been on this escort the results could have been far worse and possibly tragic.

Situation Two
A bike on its way to Bird Island today from the metro lost a flag at highway speeds. No matter how checked out a flag, pole, or mount may be our stated policy is that no flags are flown over 35mph. Any member of leadership is empowered to make that call. If there is an issue they will not hesitate to call me to discuss this on the spot with the member. There is a reason for this policy and a flag pole snapping off is the big one.

Situation Three - Sensitive
It is not our job to block media if they are at a mission. If the family requests privacy it is the responsibility of law enforcement to work with them on what is appropriate. In the past we have taken it on ourselves to move flag lines and ask members to help block media from taking photos or getting video shots. Part of our growth is realizing that we can not assume the right to block others rights and freedom of the press. While our hearts are always with the family and their wishes we are also bound by law and the constitution. The media has every right to take photos or videos as long as law enforcement approves of what they are doing.

I know this is tough as we get emotionally involved with the families and trying to give them everything they ask for. Those requests though can not put us in a situation where we take away the rights of someone else no matter our feelings on the subject.

The missions were all accomplished today in spite of the tough things that happened. I remain indebted to you all for the heart and efforts you have all put forth making sure all of our fallen heroes are receiving the respect they deserve. God bless you all...

Minnesota mourns the loss of Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp, 21, of Rosemount, MN

2009-07-21T12:25:00.002-05:00

Minnesota mourns the loss of Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp, 21, of Rosemount, MN. The Minnesota leadership team is working on this possible mission. We require that the family invite us to funeral for them to be confirmed missions.

I would ask that everyone please let our leadership team contact the family, church/synagogue, and community and work on the details. Do not contact family members or friends on your own, that can cause the family to not invite us to attend the funeral of their loved one.

Please check the National Forum (click here) for updates.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 535-09
July 20, 2009

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp, 21, of Rosemount, Minn., died July 18 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington of wounds suffered July 10 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

George

A Call to Action.....

2009-07-21T10:29:00.001-05:00

Minnesota Patriot Guard Riders….

We are being put to the test in the next weeks in a way we have not been before. Six military members with Minnesota ties have made the ultimate sacrifice in the last two weeks.

SGT Wayne Hosford
SPC Daniel Drevnick
SPC James Wertish
SPC Carlos Wilcox IV
Capt. Thomas Gramith
CPL Ben Kopp

That they have given their lives in service to our country we can do nothing about. We can though ensure their families and communities know they are being remembered today and in the future by our presence.

It is unavoidable that some of these missions might be at the same time or very close to it. We will adapt and ensure each family is supported by our presence if requested.

I am asking each of you, personally, to consider making the choice to attend one of these upcoming honor missions. I know the time crunch as well as any of you with work and family demands. I feel blessed to be working with a great job and a wonderful family. I don’t make every mission I’d like because of them.

But… Once in a while you get an opportunity to do something meaningful. All it takes is a few hours of your time. It is an opportunity to give back to those who have given more than any of us unless you also have lost a family member to war.

Our organization was founded on the premise there are no requirements to be a member. No obligations, no orders, no expectations. That will always be so in the Minnesota Patriot Guard. You are free to make what ever choice you want to participate.

And that freedom of choice is yours because of the ultimate sacrifice of the few. There are times where we need to sacrifice some of our time in recognition of a larger sacrifice. It might mean giving up a golf game, giving up a fun ride with friends, maybe a day of vacation you didn’t have a plan for. It might also cost you more if you have to take a needed day of vacation, give up some pay for the day, or put you further behind your home projects.

In any of the above though none, not one of them, is close to what our heroes have sacrificed without asking anything of us.

I am making the choice to stand for our heroes. Will you stand with me?

Minnesota mourns the loss of Capt. Thomas J. Gramith, 27, of Eagan, MN

2009-07-19T09:19:00.007-05:00

Minnesota mourns the loss of Capt. Thomas J. Gramith, 27, of Eagan, MN. The Minnesota leadership team is working on this possible mission. We require that the family invite us to funeral for them to be confirmed missions.

I would ask that everyone please let our leadership team contact the family, church/synagogue, and community and work on the details. Do not contact family members or friends on your own, that can cause the family to not invite us to attend the funeral of their loved one.

Please check the National Forum (click here) for updates.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 527-09
July 19, 2009

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 17 in a F-15E crash near Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.

Killed were:

Capt. Thomas J. Gramith, 27, of Eagan, Minn. He was assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.

Capt. Mark R. McDowell, 26, of Colorado Springs, Colo. He was assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.

For further information, please contact Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Public Affairs office at (919) 722-0027.

Please remember our KIA families in your prayers.

George

Minnesota mourns the loss of 3 MN National Guard soldiers in Iraq

2009-07-17T18:18:00.008-05:00

Minnesota mourns the loss of: Spc. Daniel P. Drevnick, 22, Woodbury, MN; Spc James D. Wertish, 20, Olivia, MN; and Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox IV, 27, of Cottage Grove, MN.

The Minnesota leadership team is working on these 3 CONFIRMED missions. The families have invited us as guests of the families to attend the funerals for their loved ones.

I would ask that everyone please let our leadership team contact the families, and communities and work on the details. Do not contact family members or friends on your own, that can cause the family to not invite us to attend the funeral of their loved one.

For mission updates and to post condolences (National Forum) please use the following links:

Scp Daniel P. Drevnick - National Forum Click here

Spc James D. Wertish - National Forum Click here

Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox IV - National Forum Click here

Thank you for your cooperation.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 525-09
July 18, 2009

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died July16 in Basra of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit using indirect fire.

Killed were:

Spc. Daniel P. Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, Minn.;

Spc. James D. Wertish, 20, of Olivia, Minn.; and

Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox IV, 27, of Cottage Grove, Minn.

All three soldiers were assigned to the 34^th Military Police Company, 34^th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, Stillwater, Minn.

George

Minnesota Mourns the loss of Cpl. Chester W. Hosford, Hastings, MN

2009-07-09T15:38:00.006-05:00

From: Sunday, July 19, 2009
To: Monday, July 20, 2009
Visitation: Hastings, MN
Internment Services: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, ST Paul, MN

The Family of SGT C.Wayne Hosford has requested Flag Line Honors in remembrance of the service and sacrifice of SGT Hosford. SGT Hosford served with Troop B, 2nd BN, 106th Cavalry, IL Army National Guard, Dixon IL. SGT Hosford was killed while participating in Operation Enduring Freedom, 6 July 2009 in Afghanistan.

This with be a two part mission:

Sunday 19 July 2009
Visitation 4pm to 8pm
Wise Family Funeral Home, 400 Spring Street, Hastings, MN 55066
3:00pm Staging
3:30pm Mission Briefing
3:40pm Set Flag Line
8:00pm Released at RCIC discretion

RCIC: Ron Rienke, SE Metro

Map Link Visitation: http://tinyurl.com/mqtasm
Parking is limited around the funeral home, staging will be by the park on 4th street.
Construction Note: HWY 55 is closed between HWY 52 and Hastings for construction, detour is CR 46 off of HWY 52.

Monday 20 July 2009
Internment Services Fort Snelling National Cemetery
Staging: Fort Snelling Officers Club - lower parking lot

11:45am Staging
12:15pm Mission Briefing
12:30pm Kick Stands Up
12:40pm Assembly Area 3
12:45pm Set Flag Line Shelter #2
1:00pm Internment Services
1:30pm Released by RCIC

RCIC: John Foster, SE METRO

Map Link Staging: http://tinyurl.com/nf85e8
Officers club is located on the south side of HWY 5 and Post Road

Bring a 3 X 5 Flag and be prepared to be self-sufficient for the duration of this mission.

Please check the National Forum (click here) and/or our Minnesota Calendar (click here) for any updates.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 492-09
July 08, 2009

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 6 in Konduz, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.

Killed were:

2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams, 41, of Glenwood, Ill. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill.

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/15/postid/1191544/view/topic/Default.aspx

Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, 25, of Bulloch, Ga. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, Americus, Ga.

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/15/postid/1191545/view/topic/Default.aspx

Spc. Chester W. Hosford, 35, of Hastings, Minn. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill.

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/15/postid/1191546/view/topic/Default.aspx

Spc. Issac L. Johnson, 24, of Columbus, Ga. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, Rome, Ga.

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/15/postid/1191547/view/topic/Default.aspx

Thank you Cpl. Chester W. Hosford for defending our freedoms and paying the ultimate price, a grateful nation and the citizens of Minnesota will not forget your sacrifice. Our prayers are with the family in their time of sorrow.

George

The Mission for SFC Holman - 11Jul09

2009-07-07T01:16:00.004-05:00

We have many choices this weekend to give back to those who gave all. The Remember the Fallen Tribute will travel to the Southwest and South of Minnesota this weekend.

We have also been invited to stand in honor of SFC John Holman on 7Jul09. SFC Holman was returned home from Korea for a soldiers funeral after 59 years. Below is the article from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. I am honored to stand for him....

"I always prayed that he'd get home," said a Roseville woman whose husband died in Korea.

By TIM HARLOW, Star Tribune

Lorraine Machacek had always wanted to give her first husband, lost at an early age in a faraway war, a proper funeral. On Saturday, after a 59-year wait, the 81-year-old Roseville woman finally will be able to do so.

Just four months after Machacek and John Holman were married in 1950, Holman's Army Reserve unit was deployed to the Korean peninsula, where U.S. and other U.N. forces had intervened on behalf of South Korea after a North Korean attack.

Machacek's young husband never came home. In February 1951, he was captured by Communist forces in a grisly battle near Hoengsong, Korea, and died of dysentery while in captivity, according to letters from fellow soldiers and documents from the Army and government officials that Machacek has kept in a binder for all these years.

Late last year, Holman's remains were positively identified through DNA testing by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in Hawaii, and they recently were returned to Minnesota.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Holman will be buried next to his parents, Wally and Betty, during a military ceremony at Union Cemetery in White Bear Lake.

"It's bittersweet," Machacek said Monday. "I never thought the body would come back, but I [still had] always prayed that he'd get home while I'm still living. ... With the funeral, I will have some closure."

Uncertainty, then grief

Machacek met Holman, who had graduated from high school in Hastings, Minn., when his older brother, Harry, "fixed them up," she said. They were married on June 3, 1950, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul and then moved to Ames, Iowa, so Holman could study engineering at Iowa State University.

Soon afterward, he left school when his unit, the Army's 38th Infantry Regiment D Company, 2nd Infantry Division, was one of the first sent to Korea. Machacek moved to Red Wing, Minn., to live with Holman's folks.

On Feb. 12, 1951, the 23-year-old Holman, a sergeant first class, disappeared during the bloody battle of Hoengsong when Communist forces from China and North Korea overwhelmed U.S. forces near the Bean/Suan Camp. Hundreds of Americans were killed or wounded as they were forced into a rapid retreat and surrounded by opposing forces who took control of the only escape route, through a narrow twisting valley.
Others, including Holman, were taken prisoner. But at the time, there was no word at all about his fate, not even a missing-in-action designation, Machacek said. His letters simply stopped.

"There was a lot of anxiety there when media broadcast names and his wasn't there," she said.

It would be another two years before she and his parents learned of his fate. "Those were the worst couple years of my life," she said of the uncertainty. "It was hell." On June 9, 1953, Machacek got the news she feared most when a letter and two somber Army officials arrived at Holman's parents' home in Red Wing with the news that he had died of dysentery on April 30, 1951, while being held as a prisoner of war.

"You don't forget those letters," she said. "The day the letter came, it was both a shock and relief."

A farewell to her 'first love'

Though Machacek vowed then never to remarry, she eventually did. She said had a "great" life and realized her dream of raising a family of three children with her second husband of 53 years, Charlie, who died in 2007.

She maintained a friendly relationship with Holman's parents until they died.
Holman's remains, along with those of 200 others, were excavated in 1992 in North Korea and returned to the POW/MIA laboratories at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii.

Holman's lone surviving brother, Wallace, 79, of Bloomington, submitted a DNA sample, which, along with dental records, was used to identify Holman.

Without DNA testing, it's likely that Holman might never have been identified. Even with the DNA, it took the lab 18 months after it received Wallace's sample to make a positive identification.

"It's a long process," said Larry Greer, a spokesman for the Pentagon's POW/MIA Office in Washington.

Greer said the lab has identified the remains of 100 people, and still has 88,000 sets of remains, including 8,100 from the Korean War, yet to identify.

On Monday, as Machacek looked through keepsakes that included the wedding ring Holman gave her, a photo of him in uniform, news clippings and letters, she said it always bothered her that she had not been able to give her "first love" a proper funeral.

At Saturday's services, which will be conducted by the Rev. Craig Hanson of Roseville Lutheran Church, the urn bearing Holman's ashes will bear a red, white and blue bouquet and a soloist will sing the gospel song "In the Garden."

"I'm glad for this because this is how he'd want it," Machacek said. "It's been a long time coming, but he's home."

Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768

Thank You From Heroes United

2009-07-04T15:52:00.001-05:00

On behalf of the Turcotte/Skagerberg family, I wish to thank all of you in the MN Patriot Guard for all that you do for our Minnesota Gold Star families, not the least of which is your total support in bringing many of us together through the Heroes United annual dinners.

Through the dinner you provided an avenue for us to spend time together in a larger group than we might ever otherwise manage to do. It was very much appreciated. We are already "brainstorming" for next year, so we are on the right track, I feel, toward taking ownership of the planning for future annual dinners, with your support behind us.

Scheduling this year's dinner in conjunction with the 4th annual Patriot Ride also afforded us a unique view of the MN PGR in full swing! Jen and I were fortunate to have the honor (and extreme fun!) of riding along this year, with special thanks to "Wing Bob" and to Dave Lund for their generosity. And the bus was another plus for Gold Stars who wanted to take part in the fun . It was impressive to see and get insight into all that goes into staging such a ride. I am sure similar preparation must go into all your missions, making all the impromptu missions your organization is called on to do even more amazing.

Please pass on to all your PGR members our sincere thanks and admiration for all you do, for the patriotism with which you operate, and for the patriotism you inspire all around you as you honor our loved ones. You truly brighten our lives with your warmth and caring.

God bless all of you as you ride!

Betsy Turcotte
Proud Grandmother of SGT Nicholas Turcotte
2-17-83/12-04-2006

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T08:01:00.003-05:00

Happy 4th of July to all of our friends across the world who believe in freedom!

That America can sustain its culture after so many years is nothing short of amazing when you look at history yet simple to understand when you look at its premise.

Freedom of just about all choices is the foundation I love about our country. Each of us makes choices every day and is accountable for that choice. We get to look in the mirror at the end of the day and know that the person looking back at us is the reason for the good, or not so good, things that happened that day.

None of us believe in the same exact things yet we all work together for this common cause of supporting our military. There are voices out there we wish we could silence yet it is the right of the other voice to be heard that makes our country so special.

From the citizen soldiers at Bunker Hill to the professional Marines who today are securing the safety of Southern Afghanistan by driving the Taliban out our freedoms are based on knowing our military is there to help us in times of need.. across the world. Thank you for you service and may you be kept safe.

Vietnam Vet Welcome Home - Thank You Note

2009-07-01T23:13:00.000-05:00

Senior Ride Captains,

On behalf of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and the Minnesota Veterans community I want to thank you and Minnesota Patriot Guard for your support of and participation in the Minnesota Honors Vietnam Era Veterans event on June 13, 2009.
The day was a success, with over 5,000 Veterans, family members and friends in attendance.

Your continued dedication to our nation's heroes helped this Department and the event planning committee provide a day where all Vietnam era Veterans and the community gathered, share stories, enjoyed each other's company and connected with all those who served during this time.

Thank you again for your support in our efforts to celebrate and honor all our Veterans.

Sincerely,

Clark Dyrud, Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

A very busy week...

2009-06-23T19:19:00.002-05:00

MN Patriot Guard members.

We have a very few busy mission days ahead. Please keep your eyes on the Mission and Event Calendar.

We have one especially sad Mission this week. MAJ Henry T. Vakoc/Rev Tim passed away this last weekend. The visitation will be Thursday night in Plymouth, services on Friday in St Paul, and interment at FSNC immediately after.

Rev Tim was injured by an IED in 2004 but battled back like a warrior as hard as he could. The fight is now over and he is now an warrior for God. While Rev Tim has lived long past his injury we are treating his death as a KIA. He deserves our best...

I am copying in an article from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Rev Tim. Please do what you can to help this week and weekend... we need you.
===========================================

Five years after being gravely wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq, the Rev. Tim Vakoc, a well-known and much-loved Roman Catholic priest from Minnesota, has died, his family said Sunday.
Vakoc, 49, who most recently had been living at St. Therese Care Center in New Hope, died about 8 p.m. Saturday after being taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, said Barb Rode, president and CEO of St. Therese.

"Certainly, our thoughts and prayers are with the family right now," Rode said. "We are doing an investigation to make sure we have all the answers."

Vakoc died surrounded by family and friends, according to an entry on his CaringBridge website.
"A man of peace, he chose to endure the horror of war in order to bring the peace of Christ to America's fighting men and women," Archbishop John Nienstedt wrote in a prepared statement. "He has been an inspiration to us all, and we will miss him."

Father Tim, as he was known, was the first military chaplain grievously wounded in the Iraq war. He was injured by a roadside bomb as he was returning from celebrating mass with troops on May 29, 2004, the day before the 12th anniversary of his ordination as a priest.

The blast cost him an eye and severely damaged his brain. He was hospitalized at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and transferred to the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center in October 2004.

After numerous surgeries and life-threatening infections, he slowly started to recognize friends and family, and to communicate with a squeeze of the hand or a slight smile.

For more than two years, he was in what doctors called a "minimally responsive state." Then, in the fall of 2006, he spoke for the first time in 2 1/2 years, raising hopes of recovery.

The Rev. Bob Schwartz, pastor at Our Lady of Grace in Edina and a longtime friend of Vakoc, said he would mime words with his lips. During a visit Schwartz paid him three months ago, Vakoc offered to give him a blessing. Later that day, he struggled but succeeded in maneuvering his motorized wheelchair down a hall and into an elevator to get to his therapy session, bumping against the wall the entire way because he lacked good motion control in his hands, Schwartz said.

"My sense of Tim is that if he was asked to walk across a landmine for somebody, he'd do it," said Schwartz, who served as priest at St. John Neumann Church in Eagan while Vakoc was associate pastor there. "He'd go where angels fear to tread."

Tens of thousands of people around the world followed Vakoc's story through his CaringBridge website. He had dozens of regular visitors, many of whom came to pray with him.

Teri Heyer of St. Paul visited him every other Sunday for three years, reading the newspaper to him. He communicated primarily with a "yes," "no," nod or facial expressions, she said.

"He was very aware of his surroundings," she said, adding that he once flashed a raised eyebrow at a story she recounted.

When she last saw him a few weeks ago, he was doing well, she said. Patricia Vacik of Colorado Springs, Colo., visited him three times, compelled by the friendship her family forged with him when he was their pastor at Fort Carson, Colo., in the 1990s. "He use to take the babies and walk the babies on his shoulders during mass," she said. "He said the babies were so close to heaven [that] they really were still in touch with God. He was just so special."

Vakoc celebrated the 17th anniversary of his ordination on June 10 of this year, according to his CaringBridge site.

Vakoc, the youngest of three children of Phyllis and Henry Vakoc, grew up in Robbinsdale and entered St. Paul Seminary in 1987. He served as a parish priest in St. Anthony and Eagan before becoming an Army chaplain in 1996, and served extended tours of duty in Germany and Bosnia.
He shipped out to Iraq shortly before his 44th birthday. There, he was promoted to major and traveled to danger zones to pray with his fellow soldiers. He was returning to base from one of those trips when the roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee.

Patriot Ride.... Wow!

2009-06-21T22:17:00.000-05:00

We will have something more formal put together but the day was outstanding for attendance and meaning. We had more than 2,000 people attend and it was a great program.

There were a couple incidents... one accident as the day began even before registration, some issues with heat exhaustion, and one person running off the road. My understanding is that no one was hurt seriously.

This ride was huge... we matched or exceeded last years ticket sales for the bike, our Patriot Guard store did well, the military honors for SFC Lyle Mackedanz were powerful, Governor Pawlenty speaking, being able to donate to a number of worthy charities, and that awesome fly over by the helicopters that included a hover exercise at about 40 feet.

Thank you to Dennis Kirk and their vendors. Thank you to Crow River Harley. Thank you to Fatboys. Thank you to Jeff and Deb Good and the planning committee.

Most of all thank you to all who attended. You made it worth it all.

Vietnam Vet Welcome Home

2009-06-18T21:35:00.000-05:00

Dearest friends,

Thank you is woefully inadequate to express to you my gratitude for your gift of service and love shown to the families of the Vietnam fallen heroes at Central Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 13. I kept hearing people say - "you gotta look outside! You just gotta look outside!" For these families, who grieved alone and rarely, if ever, shared their hero's story outside their immediate family - the sight outside the church took their breath away. They finally knew that Minnesota cherished all of their military heroes including the Vietnam era heros - and especially the Vietnam fallen heroes!

Thank you for sharing this day with them, but more importantly, thank you for giving honor back to their beloved heroes!

Merr

Merrilee Carlson, Chair - Shrek's Mom

Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission

Merrilee@FamiliesUnitedMission.com

Phone 651 319-1194

America - Home of the Free because of the Brave!

2009 Patriot Ride - 20Jun09 - East Bethel, MN

2009-06-17T22:02:00.002-05:00

We are only days away from the ride!!!

I hope to see many of you Saturday at the Patriot Ride. It is one of the biggest rides in Minnesota and the day is packed all the way through with activities that remember our fallen heroes, support our military, and show our respect for our veterans.

The day looks almost perfect for the first day of summer. After a few rain clouds move out Friday it looks clear with temps in the low 80's on Saturday.

We will also be unveiling our Remember the Fallen 2009 shirt. John Redfield and his team of designers have knocked it out of the park. It sums up what we do in one picture.

It isn't to late to pre register and save $10 www.thepatriotride.org

See you there!!!

E BTRY 151st FA UPDATE

2009-06-09T19:33:00.001-05:00

As you all may know E Btry 151st FA Mission requires our unit to split up and augment other units. Some of you may have many questions due to this and I will try answering most of these questions. On the 14th of May, E Btry received a message that our mission in Iraq had some changes to it, which required us to create 3 Target Processing Sections (TPS) out of the 1 Section that we had at that time. These three TPS Sections would augment all three Division that are in Iraq. One of these Section is stationed at Speicher, another in Baghdad, and the last in Basrah. Speicher is located toward norhern Iraq, Baghdad in Center/East , and Basrah South/East in Iraq. Each of these sites you can google to get exact locations. This mission change also changed the location of the Btry Headquarters to Joint Base Balad (JBB) which is located between Speicher and Baghdad. Some of you may want to know why our mission changed. There are many factors that contributed to this but the main reason was the draw down of troops. Iraq used to have 2 Target Acquisition Battery (TAB) HQ's within Iraq but with this draw down it will only leave 1 TAB in Iraq and that is us; this is a big mission for our Battery to control 16 radar Section throughout Iraq.

The Radars Section still have the same mission that they have always had and that is to provide Force Protection to the Bases within Iraq. It is a big mission but our Radar Section are more then capable of completing this mission and in fact normally exceed all other Radar Section within the Army. Yeah, I may be saying we are the best but the fact is that our Radar Sections and Personnel are the best.

Moving out of Fort Sill our unit spent 14 days in Kuwait were we conducted mandatory training. This training only lasted a couple days but the rest of the time we were allowed to get acclimated to the horrendous heat that lied ahead in Iraq. While we were in Camp Buerhing, Kuwait we saw a few days that reached 140 degrees. I am not kidding about the temp, as some of you may already know it gets hot over here. You will need to remember that it gets hotter in Kuwait then it does in Iraq and we all for the most part have a place to go to get out of the heat.

After our 14 day stay in Kuwait all of us took of a couple day adventure to get to our final location. For some of us, it only took a day and for others it took many days to get to their final destination. Some areas where our radars and TPS Section are station are remote and take time to get to. Also, sand storms create just another obstacle for flying into each of these bases. All of us are at our final location now and should have contacted there loved ones that they have made it. We are all going through what is called a RIP (Relief In Place). This is where we take over the for the unit that is going home. This normally takes any were from 4 to 12 days for each section to learn the jobs they are taking over. Also, during this time the unit is also conducting inventories of equipment and signing for equipment that the other unit is leaving behind for us. Most of the Radar Section have completed their RIP and are conducting business like they normally would.

Now, some of our Radar Section are in remote location like FOB Gary Owens and FOB Delta. This doesn't mean that they have no way to communicate to the outside world it just means that they don't have all the opportunities the other Section do to communicate via internet. I hear from our sections daily and we are doing everything we can to support them even though we are apart. Please be patient with them to communicate with you but if you haven't heard from them and are worried please let me know. I will do whatever it takes to help you all out.

Our men are doing great things and are showing the Army once again that E Btry 151st FA is the best TAB in the Army.

I apologize for not getting this out to you all earlier as there is no excuse on my part. As the Commander it is my job to ensure that you all get updated on our unit activities. If any of you still have question regarding our units mission or any other general question please let me know. I would ask you to use the FRG so that I can reply to all of you at once.

Signed CPT Mark Gile.

CPT Mark D Gile
Commander
E Btry 151st FA (TA)
Joint Base Balad, Iraq
APO AE 09391

Reflections on the passing of a friend and veteran

2009-06-07T09:30:00.003-05:00

At 2:20 AM on June 4, 2009, my friend John Gorman passed away. Born in 1925 it might seem a bit strange I considered John one of my close friends. But he was and a role model as well.

I met John when I first moved to my house and he was a very friendly neighbor. Often chatting in the back yard he helped me plant better and when I travelled he often took care of my plants outdoors. My granddaughter adored him because he would patiently let her "help" him with his planting. John had avidly collected fossils his entire life and let her look at them and would explain to her in terms a 6 year old could understand what they meant.

John was a very smart man. Receiving PH. D. in Chemical Engineering he holds many patents and is a fellow with the American Statistical Association and was published extensively in his career.

He was a kind, gentle, smart, and generous with praise for everybody. I try to live up to his example.

Make no mistake though.. he was a warrior. He served in the Rangers 2bn in WWII. He was part of the first special forces of the US Army. Washout rates were in the 90% range for those who volunteered. He saw action all the way through Europe in WWII and was ready to go to Japan as he didn't have enough points to go home after VE.

He recently published a book on his WWII experiences. One part that really got me.. "Colonel Rudder, our battalion commander, said one German wanted to go back and get some of his friends to surrender. He went back all right, and gave them our exact position, and they shelled the sh*t out of us. Our company commander was a smart one. When the Germans surrendered, we immediately moved forward into their positions, leaving the prisoners in our old positions. The Germans were killing their own. Such hell."

I say that because John considered himself very lucky. When diagnosed with Mesothelioma (that he believes he contracted while in Graduate School melting different types of asbestos) John quietly accepted his fate and worked to make sure his affairs were in order. His comment to me was "I should have died 20 times when I was 18. I was given 65 years of extra life."

I had the honor of visiting his battle buddies who fell in Europe at the Brittany American Cemetery in St James, France. I took pictures of the head stones and made a DVD for him of all the pictures I took. It was my honor to sweat the details and the timing of the music that went into that. I did it for my friend because I loved him.

This week we have been asked to attend a mission for him. John asked me himself for when the day came. I had come home from a long, sweaty, day with about 5oo miles behind me. John asked what I was doing and after I explained what the Patriot Guard is about he looked at me and asked if we would ride for him when he died. I am my friend...

Stand down Ranger Gorman... your mission is complete.

Rangers Lead The Way!

A moment I wish we could erase....

2009-05-31T10:07:00.003-05:00

The relationships we have developed with Gold Star families is special and needs to be respected, and protected, at all times and at all costs.

They not only have to deal with the loss but often have to deal with people who wish to either use them to promote themselves or as a symbol of politics. Finding people to trust is hard enough work for the parents, widow/ers, and children. I am very proud of how we have walked that fine line of support but not intruding.

There was a recent event I wish I could erase for one such family. The daughter of one fallen hero has really struggled being open and trusting people after her father was lost. One group she opened up to is the Patriot Guard. Every time she saw a flag line or a member proudly wearing their gear she walked up to talk with them.

At a Memorial Day mission she did what she normally does.. walk up to the Flag Line and talk to the members holding the flags.

The moment I wish we could erase is that this young girl was told "Can't you see I'm holding a flag? Don't bother me." In one moment we lost the trust of a family and a devastated young girl.

I don't think for one second the member who said meant anything bad and had they realized who it was would have immediately engaged this young girl. We coach and ask that the flag lines be places of silence and respect. We ask that the members move away from the line if they are going to have a conversation with anybody.

So this isn't about finding and identifying who this person is. This is a lesson on how to handle people who approach us because we never really know the person really is. If someone approaches you to talk you need to be polite and engage them. If you are on a flag line move away if you can. If it is at a point in time where it is important to the mission to stand there ask if you can talk later.

All of us, all 5,000 of us, are ambassadors for the Patriot Guard. Every one of us makes a difference to the people we support and we are measured one person at a time but looked at as a whole.

I will privately apologize to the family and young girl directly and ask how we can make this up to them. I am hoping that they can over look this and find a way to forgive it. If they can't I respect that as well as their choice. My concern isn't how I feel but how that young girl had a group she trusted taken from her in a split second.

Vietnam Vet Welcome Home

2009-05-28T20:54:00.003-05:00

I have a request of all of you. The Vietnam Vet Welcome Home is being planned for June 13, 2009. Long over due but the state of Minnesota is going to make this happen.

The request is pretty simple. Tell every Vietnam Era vet you know that it is happening. Ask them to check out http://www.mnhonorsvietnamvets.org/ and let them know they can register ahead of time.

It is a special day with many speakers, fly over of Vietnam era aircraft including some B-52's, and entertainers.

The MInnesota Secretary of State will read the roll call of the 1,080 Minnesotans who fell and the 43 who are still missing from the Vietnam War at 11 AM.

I was 12 years old when the treaty was signed. I didn't understand it but knew something was going listening to my younger uncles arguing with the older ones about not going.

At 12 years old I couldn't begin the understand the dynamics of those times while living in them. What I can do now, what we all can do now, is help make up for the hurts of long ago. By letting those Vets know that we do care, we thank them for their service, and let them know we are glad they made it home.

If you know a Vietnam Vet please let them know this is happening. No one can make them attend but at least let them make that choice. I am stunned yet today at the number of them who don't know about it.

I will be there that day helping where I can and staying in the background. Please consider doing the same.

34th CAB Return Home

2009-05-26T20:57:00.003-05:00

I just got home from the last Welcome Home in St Paul. As I type the last bus is probably pulling into Camp Ripley.

These missions are just so good for your soul. The sheer joy and raw emotion you see with the families can just take your breath away. The lines of families while they are being dismissed must be what the land grab races must have looked like in Kansas.... everyone pressed up against the line but not daring to cross it.... then bursting across it when they can. Interesting to watch.. the soldiers, before they see their families, shake their buddies hands one more time.

We had fun tonight letting kids sit on the bikes, blow the horns, and even rev them up. The kids will never remember our names but hopefully as the years go by they will remember the bikers who were there to meet Dad and allow us a bit more room on the entrance ramp. Meeting Pastor Chuck's son was a cool "cherry topping" to the evening.

There are more from this unit who are returning home in July. They are attached to the Marines as Medical support. God Bless you men and women.

Kudos to Rick Williams (SE Metro RC) and CPT Martin who did an excellent job handling every change that came along... high five guys!

We move from the joyous to serious this weekend with the Remember the Fallen Tributes. Attend one to understand what our core mission is. I saw a lot names this last weekend I remembered standing for.

I can never say this enough. It is a honor to be a member of the organization. It is also my distinct honor and pleasure to stand next to all of you. I am so proud of what you do and your willingness to sacrifice your evening at a moments notice.

Memorial Day Thoughts

2009-05-24T07:28:00.002-05:00

We are half way through the first 3 day weekend of the year. And sadly that is how many people view it. Cabins open up and highways get filled with vacationers.

Memorial days is not the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is always May 30. Below is the general order naming that;

I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way, arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and Marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation's gratitude—the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander in Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.

—General Orders No. 11, Grand Army of the Republic Headquarters.

Originally meant to honor the fallen of the Civil War it was expanded to include military fallen of branches in all wars after WWI.

Enjoy the weekend and participate in some ceremony somewhere to honor the fallen. I hope we can find a way to always remember that for our convenience it is the last Monday of May and not because it was named that way.

34th Infantry Division Takes Command in Iraq

2009-05-20T20:50:00.004-05:00

Friends of the Red Bulls:

1. On behalf of Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, I thought you'd like to know that the 34th Infantry Division took command of Multi-National Division South in Basra, Iraq at 2:00 a.m. Twin Cities time today.

2. Months of training have prepared our Citizen-Soldiers for this important mission, and we are in good spirits as we partner with the Iraqis to transition security, professionalize the Iraqi Security Forces and continue to build essential services for people throughout southern Iraq.

3. A short summary of today's events is below and a photo is attached.
Follow us throughout our deployment at www.TheRedBulls.org. Subscribe to our daily newsletter, "The Red Bull Report" by e-mailing "subscribe" in the subject line to public.affairs@TheRedBulls.org.

4. Thanks for your support. We are looking forward to upholding the proud tradition of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division in Iraq.

Attack!

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Olson
Public Affairs Officer
Multi-National Division South
kevin.olson@iraq.centcom.mil
www.theredbulls.org

_______________________________________________________

34th Infantry Division assumes control of MND-S

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division assumed control of Multi-National Division - South from the 10th Mountain Division in a transfer of authority ceremony here May 20.

The Red Bulls now support Iraqi security forces throughout nine provinces in southern Iraq. This is the first time since World War II the 34th Inf. Div. has established its headquarters in a combat zone.

General Ray Odierno, Multi-National Force - Iraq commanding general. Lt.Gen. Charles Jacoby, Multi-National Corps - Iraq commanding general, government of Iraq officials and Iraqi security force leaders were on-hand to witness the historic transfer.

"This is an exciting time in Iraq," said Maj. Gen. Richard Nash,
34th Inf. Div. commanding general. "On behalf of the 34th Inf. Div., we are privileged to be invited by the government of Iraq to be a partner in improving the future of the people of this great Iraqi nation."

"Over the last year, the Iraqi Army and police have taken
responsibility for the protection of the Iraqi people," said Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, 10th Mtn. Div. commanding general. "The 10th Mountain Division was proud to be their partners in this success."

While the Red Bulls are ready to take hold of the reins, Nash
stressed that the job in Iraq is still not done. "My Soldiers will be in a supporting partnership role," said Nash. "Our major partnership focus will be with the Iraqi police and the Department of Border
Enforcement in order to assist them as they secure the people of southern Iraq. We are highly impressed with the professionalism and capability of the Iraqi Army."

Iraqi officials in attendance expressed both their gratitude to the departing 10th Mountain and their anticipation of working with the Red Bulls. "The 10th Mountain Division did a great, great job as an ISF partner during a crucial time in Iraq's history, said Capt. Hayder
Adannan, an engineer and liaison officer for Coalition forces in Wasit province. "The 34th . . . I've already met with their commander. They already know me, and I look forward to working with them."

Col. Auyid Ibrahin, chief civil affairs officer for the Iraqi
Army 10th Division, said "We're going to lose some friends, but we're going to have new friends." The Red Bulls' objectives throughout southern Iraq include helping with economic development and governance, increasing security for the Iraqi people and assisting with the training of Iraqi security forces.

Remember The Fallen Tribute

2009-05-17T20:24:00.007-05:00

Fellow MN Patriot Guard Riders,

We finished today the first of 7 weekends remembering our fallen. We combined that with a Welcome Home for approximately 200 soldiers returning from Iraq.

I am tired.

I am feeling very fulfilled.

We trekked all over the expanse of Fort Snelling National Cemetery visiting our fallen since 2001. We silently stood as Sailor Doc read his statement.... we watched the flowers being placed at the headstone, we stood attention while taps were played, and many of us cried silent tears while hugging family members once again.

Two presentations stood out.

For Nicholas Turcotte his battle buddies came today because they could not be there for his funeral. For those who were in uniform we had the opportunity today to reassure them he was taken care of.

For Josh Lund it was watching his family, who ride with us as PGR members often, present the flowers to their son. And then Dave Lund told us his favorite story about Josh.

I learned today what the coins left on a headstone mean. I had no idea. Sailor Doc described it as a sign to family the grave site had been visited. He said the legend of the denominations is; A penny you means you visited, a nickel means you trained with him, and dime means you served with him, and a quarter means you were there with him when he was killed. I was proud to leave some coins today to honor our fallen. The money is collected at some point and used to help maintain the cemetery.

You have six more weekends to choose from to attend these ceremonies and I urge to attend one if you can. Honoring the fallen is why we are here and the core of our mission. It mattered to a family if they were there. At a very personal level it mattered to me to be there. It helped renew my commitment to this mission.

Sailor Doc and the Minnesota Platoon. Thank you.

And all this balanced out by the honor of watching families excited by the return of their soldiers after one year of being gone from home on deployment.

We, as members of the Minnesota Patriot Guard, have the best jobs in the world. I would not trade it for anything!
=============================================
Added after some thought....

Being in the MN Patriot Guard has no requirements which allows people the freedom of choice as to what they do. They have no set duties or expectations made of them. They can do what they feel a passion for or what they have time to do.

The members of this organization who choose to be very active work really hard. Our organization is not built on events or special occasions. It has been built on being involved supporting our military 52 weeks a year. In all kinds of weather and under any and all circumstances.

Nothing of what we do together is glamorous. It takes special people who are willing to show up at a moments notice, accept no expressions of gratitude, and quietly melt away when it is over.

Even though we often don't know the names of these special people.. we do recognize them by face and bike/cage. It matters to who ever we are there to honor that someone show up and show they care. I am always humbled by the members of the MN Patriot Guard and lengths they go to show that care.

Thank you for being there 52 weeks a year and I salute you. We are nothing without you.

April 2009 Activities

2009-05-12T07:50:00.003-05:00

Happy Spring MN PGR Members!!! It finally arrived!!

Our mission and event activities continue to keep us busy. The Send Offs were a packed few weekends and the Marine Welcome Homes were special as it was the first time we were invited. Special thanks to MGySgt Wald for his help.

The Remember the Fallen Tributes begin in May. These will be special days travelling across this state once again honoring our fallen heroes. Please use the event calendar to stay in touch with what is going on.

Make sure you mark June 20, 2009, down for the Patriot Ride in East Bethel. www.ThePatriotRide.org The organizers have once again focused on creating an event to remember. The special part of the day will be the closing ceremony in which a Vietnam KIA who did not receive military honors will on that day receive them.

Also do not forget the Vietnam Vet Welcome Home on June 13, 2009 held on the state capitol grounds. While undefined yet the MN Patriot Guard will be assisting that day in helping make sure it comes off in a great way for our vets who so richly deserve it! http://www.mnhonorsvietnamvets.org/

As always... Thank You for what you do. I don't think there has ever been such a volunteer group such as this. None of us are paid anything in terms of money.. but when I am with you I feel I am the richest man in the world. I am honored to stand with you any where, any time.

April 09
KIA/Active Duty/LEO Funeral 1
Veterans Funeral 6
Welcome Home 2
Send Off 13
Benefit 1
Veterans Home Event 3
Meet & Greet 4
Blue Star Mothers Event 1
Monthly Tribute Mankato 1
Fund Raiser 1
POW/MIA Rememberance 1
Training/Leadership Meeting 2
HOTH Work Event 1
Ride 1
National Guard/Military Event 1

Total Number 39

Note from a Marine Family

2009-05-07T06:59:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to send a thank you to all of those who were at my husband’s coming home ceremony. My husband was one of the Marines returning home from the Horn of Africa on Saturday, April 18th. When the Patriot Guard came into the room I broke into tears. It was a reminder of how much my husband works means to the country. Having been alone for 10 months, you tend to think towards the negative side. Seeing your guard waving American flags was a great reminder of how much our military service does for us. The pictures of my husband walking off the plane surrounded by American flags and people that came out of their way for people they have never met was just incredible. I am getting tears in my eyes just thinking of that moment.

Thanks for all you do. Words cannot express all that you do for the troops and their families. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Keep up the great work.

Results of the 2009 MN Patriot Guard Board of Directors Election

2009-05-04T09:33:00.001-05:00

The Board of Directors has ratified and voted on the recommendation of the Leadership Advisory Committee and named the following people to the BoD.

At Large Members - Two Year Terms
John Redfield
John "Jack" Foster

Ride Captain Representative to the Executive BoD - One Year Term
Tim Leonhardt

Congratulations!

Thank you to all who put their name out as a candidate. Everyone had something to offer the organization and would have helped make it better! I learned something about everybody while reading the bio's you supplied and am interested in your thoughts on what we do.

A special "thanks" to Terry Throndson who helped us through our first year as a full BoD. Many of the things we did were for the first time so it was a year of great learning... I look forward to riding with you Digger...

MN Patriot Guard March 2009 Activities

2009-04-09T22:11:00.004-05:00

Happy Spring!!! Maybe.. hopefully... any day now!

To our friends in the Red River Valley we are hoping that things work out Ok from the flooding. We know they are tough days and hopefully things get back to normal soon.

Below is our activity in March 2009.

One thing not listed on here is a donation we made to an important group. The "Dear American Hero" cards have found their way into our organization since I have been around. I have handed them out to to military members literally around the world. Thanks to Ron Reineke we found out that Dick Glasgow lost his sponsorship of the printing. With that the Minnesota Patriot Guard made a donation to him to help keep the cards being printed. If you have been a recipient of these cars please consider helping Dick out with a small donation of your own.

On a serious note. John "Indian" Thompson has been challenged seriously with some health issues. John recently underwent brain surgery and every report we have received is very positive. Respecting his privacy means that John "Knee Cap" "Finigan" Foster can't say everything he knows. Indian John resigned his RC position in order to focus on his health and I personally want to thank John for his service. There have been few members as dedicated as he. See ya back soon on the flag line IJ!

		March 09
KIA/Active Duty/LEO Funeral		3
Veterans Funeral		3
Honor Mission
Welcome Home		2
Send Off		6
Wounded Welcome Home
Benefit		2
MIRT		1
Veterans Home Event		2
Meet & Greet		7
Memorial Dedication
Gold Star Event
Blue Star Mothers Event		1
Monthly Tribute Mankato		1
Bronze Star Ceremony
Fund Raiser		3
Information Booth
Veterans Day Event		1
Memorial Day Event
POW/MIA Rememberance
Vietnam Wall Escort
Wreaths Across America
Tribute Ride
Training
National Guard Event

Total Number To Date		32

Thank you to the Minnesota Patriot Guard from the family of SFC Leslie M Johnson

2009-04-04T09:21:00.001-05:00

I am writing to thank the Minnesota Patriot Guard for all they have done for my brother SFC Leslie M Johnson.

Let me start from the beginning. My brother Les was in his 20th year in the army as an MP.In March 2008 he found out he had cancer. He fought, but this fight he was not winning. he lived in Fort Polk, LA. His large family lived up here in Minnesota. He chose to stay down there where his wife's family is and get treatment in Houston TX. We all got down to see him there and it was a very hard thing for us to come back to Minnesota without him. We felt helpless. Lots of phone calls is all we had along with prays. As months went by, Les was getting worse.

Around Christmas time, Les' wife asked him what he wanted for Christmas and he said he wanted to go home , which was Rochester Mn. Money was tight for them, so all eight of Les' siblings got together and bought 5 airline tickets for Les, his wife, two boys and their dog, to be flown home on Dec 21, 2008. A co-worker of mine, Wanda told me about the Patriot Guard and how they could give my brother a warm welcome home and she explained to me about what the Patriots were all about. I was so excited!

She had Jim Nelson call me. After many conversations and planning,the Patriots were to be lining up over the 75th bridge welcoming my brother as he came down Hwy 52S from the Minneapolis airport in a limo that was donated in the homecoming. Also was the police and fire department to greet him. We posted this homecoming in the local newspaper to invite everyone around to help in the welcoming. It was a big and exciting day to come. Giving my brother the honor he deserves. On the morning of Dec 21, my brother took a turn for the worse. He was unable to fly and was admitted to the hospital. We all were so devastated. Tears were non stop. As I write this part, my eyes have teared.I had to call Jim and let him know. He got an e-mail out telling the Patriots it had been canceled. My sister and I thought we should go out to the bridge and let everyone that came out for the event know of the cancellation.

When we got there, there were already about 30 Patriots standing with their flags in below 0 temps, all bundled up to welcome Les home. We informed them of the sad news. A few more people came and we had to tell them also. We heard later how there were people holding flags all along the highway in different areas waiting for him to pass by. It was going to be just a wonderful welcome home for him. We were told Les had about a month. We all knew we had to get down there but money was such an issue with it being tied up in the airline tickets, which would not be refunded back to us until we showed them my brothers death cert. Really sad of them don't you think? Then for some of my family to get off work again was tough. So we thought he needs his mother and father the most. But my mom and dad have never flown before so we know one sibling had to go along. But then money was an issue. It was around Christmas time and presents were bought so you know how broke everyone is at that time.

Jim and I stayed in contact a lot so that I could fill him in on how everything was going. As our family was trying to figure our money together, Jim gave me a call to inform me that the Patriot Guard had a gift for us, or rather my parents. He met me out at my parents house along with a beautiful red, white and blue crocheted blanket done by a wonderful woman we didn't even know. She wanted it to be given to my brother. The Patriots gave a $1000.00 check to my parents to buy airline tickets to get them down to their son. Was that prayers answered or what!

Instead of using the money for airline tickets we used it for rental cars and we all drove down to see him. We all thought or rather knew it was the last time we would see him, and it was. Les past away Jan 20 2009. The military came to our parents home the day he passed and said they are here to do what they can to make sure Les family get down for his funeral.Once again our prayers were answered.

The military bought my parents and all 8 siblings airline tickets, and rental cars while down there along with hotel stay and food. We could not believe it. The military told us for the 21 years SFC Johnson has served for our country this is the least they could do. They treated us like royalty down there. The funeral was Jan 26 in Texas. Later in March we decided to have a memorial service for Les here in Rochester Mn. I gave Jim a call and asked if the Patriot Guard would do the honor of being at my brothers service. He made the contacts and on March 22 we had the most beautiful and honorable service for Les at the Soldiers Field Memorial. Patriot Guards were all lined up all around the memorial grounds along with a 21 gun salute and "Taps" from the American Legion. MPs from all around, friends and family also joined the service. The day couldn't have been more perfect, the sun shinning down on us as if my brother was telling us he's at peace with no more pain, and looking down at the respect of his fellow man, the army and his loved ones. To The Patriot Guard, we the Johnson family will never forget what you have done for our family and especially for my brother SFC LESLIE M. JOHNSON.
With all our respects;
Linda and the Johnson family

Upcoming TEA Parties on 15 April 2009

2009-04-01T15:42:00.002-05:00

Patriot Guard Riders is a non-political organization and this event is not the kind of thing we would advertise to our members, as our members come from all over the political spectrum. In addition, taking political stances as an organization (or even appearing to) could have a negative impact on our relationship with the DoD, and as such, could hurt our mission.

Can I wear my Patriot Guard gear to the TEA Party? As to whether or not you should wear any Patriot Guard gear there, you own those items that you purchased, and so you are free to do with them as you please. All we have ever asked of members is that they think about what they are representing when they wear that name or symbol, and the hard work and dedication of tens of thousands of patriots (including you!) across the country coming together to honor our country's heroes. Personally, I don't think wearing it to a political rally helps further our mission in any way, so I won't be wearing any PGR gear while I'm attending the TEA Party. I wouldn't want the media to claim PGR was supporting the TEA Parties and show my vest on the 6 and 10 o'clock news.

George

Civic Leaders Visit - Ft Lewis, WA - 24Mar09

2009-03-28T07:43:00.001-05:00

Monica Mead and I joined a number of military, governmental, and civic leaders on a trip to Ft Lewis on Tuesday, Mar 24, 2009. What a day!!!

We accompanied members of government, military, and the public sector to spend the day with the Red Bulls as they are getting closer to deployment.

The concept for the visit was to provide an unclassified overview of the post mobilization process and Iraq mission. We were separated into three groups - Government, Civic and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program which allowed them to focus on a specific set of objectives for each of the groups at select locations.

Arriving at the airport at 6am we saw many old friends such as Stan Kowalski, MG Jon Trost, JB Ball (Tee It Up For The Troops), Gov Pawlenty, and Paul Anderson (Gov Office).

After a briefing on flight safety we boarded the C-130 which fortunately had been fitted with standard airplane seats. No web seats for the 5 hour flight! LOL

Arriving at Ft Lewis we were met by the entire command of the 34th ID including our old friends CSM Scot Mills and CH Morris!

They took us to a breakfast area where we got to mingle with many of the soldiers (AL DeKruif.. Jacobs say hi!) before they took us to an operational briefing. The briefing was enlightening in that 1) they are ready! and 2) it is a multi-force group with many branches being represented in this deployment.

We then broke into 3 different groups and toured the base area where they are living and training. The picture link better tells the story of how they are living than words can. We then had the opportunity to have lunch with the soldiers and to mingle with them to see how they are doing.

After lunch we went to the chapel for a town hall meeting with the Governor so the soldiers could ask any question they wanted to. The Governor was really animated in his explaining why he considers the MN Natl Guard the best in the country and how we wanted to help them receive the best treatment possible on their return. Immediately after that Chris "Cowboy" Kamp's Dad found Monica and I to express is amazement at being on the other side of the flag line. He could not say Thanks enough.

We mingled for a while longer before taking the bus back to the airbase for the flight home. Coolest part of the flight home was the opportunity to go in the cockpit and talk to the pilots while en route. Yow.. you don't get to do that every day! Getting back the Mpls at around 11pm made for a long but great day.

Things we learned
1. They are on track for their deployment
2. The spirits of the soldiers was good
3. The soldiers are worried about their families while they are gone and how to help them
4. Each soldier leaving the wire carries about 100 pounds of gear including body armor. They are coming home measurably shorter. I asked about the long term physical affects and there is no solid answer yet. I am afraid for the back and leg issues that will result in the future. Btw.. each soldier now has fitted body armor. Any reports that they don't are false.
5. There is a distinct divide in the soldiers not asking for assistance out of pride but yet wanting it. I won't break any confidences with anybody but all I will say that every time you have the chance to say "hi" to the family of a deployed soldier or help them with a favor... the word gets back to them and it matters. The reverse of that is fear for their safety or being preyed upon if anyone finds out they are alone.
6. News from home matters. We are going to build links to our web site and "News and Notes" area on the Red Bull site as well as link their site and newsletter to ours.
7. Care packages are appreciated. Please only send things they need or are specifically asked for. Example given was that while treats are nice.. beef jerky is better for the long hours in transit or stuck in traffic. We are going to try to get better information as to what is needed.

The MN Patriot Guard is making a difference and every minute you spend on a mission, every act of kindness you make, every smile or cheer you give is noted.

http://redbullvisit24mar09.shutterfly.com/

http://www.theredbulls.org/

Some Notes of Thanks From Military Family Members

2009-03-15T14:51:00.002-05:00

A few notes recognizing that Send Offs and MIRTS matter to the familes of our military....
============================
Dear Patriot Guard-
We just wanted to thank you for braving the cold weather at 5 am this morning to see off the MN National Guard Band. Our son is part of that group and this is his first deployment. We appreciate your past and continued service to our country and troops. We look forward to meeting again with the safe return of other units.

Sincerely,

Proud Parents
============================
I wasn’t sure who to send this to, so Doug, you’re the lucky one! LOL!

This morning was my first time being on the “other side” of the flagline. What an awesome sight! Walking up through the flagline took on a whole new meaning… just the sight of everyone standing there that early in the morning at the Rosemount National Guard Armory (MN National Guard Band) brought tears to my eyes. The day was a new experience and quite a difficult one for me, sending my father off to serve in Iraq.

Now begins the harder part – waiting and praying that everything goes well for them. But it sure made things a little easier seeing all the Patriot Guard members there to show support!

Having been a PGR member for roughly 3 years, I’ve stood the flagline many times, and each and every time meant a lot, but as many PGR members know… being on the other side is a whole new experience. Being able to see from a family member’s perspective shed a whole new light on the meaning of the flagline, and the appreciation every PGR member has for the sacrifices made by the soldiers and the families.

I look forward to the welcome home, roughly a year from now when we can welcome these troops (and my dad) home with another flagline!

Please forward my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone for braving the chilly and early morning to do this honor for my dad and all of the soldiers…

Sincerely,

Chris “Cowboy” Kamp
==============================

I just wanted to send a thank you to the Patriot Guard Riders. I attended reintegration classes today for my husband who is currently serving overseas. I was nervous about what to expect as this is my first time having a loved one overseas. Lately, my emotions have been filled with a lot of anger over him being gone. When I pulled up to Century College this morning and saw the flags waving I had to do all I could to hold back the tears. It made me so proud to say my husband is a United States Marine. Thank you for what you do for our Veterans and their families. Your support means more than you can imagine.

Sincerely,
Proud Wife
Wife of USMC Cpl

February Activities

2009-03-13T08:04:00.003-05:00

Not really right after February but every month we will posting the activities from the month before. The membership all over this state is helping make a difference.

In March we have had many send offs already for the Red Bulls and more to come. Time after time what we hear from them is a very humbling "Thank You." They are scared and worried and knowing that you are behind them helps not just our soldiers but their families as well.

We are also building a strong relationship with the Marine Reserve stations here in MN and are looking forward to being invited to Send Offs and Welcome Homes for them in future! MGySgt Wald has been a good friend and supporter. Rah!

The Grand Rapids sector had its first KIA Honor Mission. RC Don Adamson and everybody helping out did a wonderful job honoring CWO Windorski and letting that family and community know we love and support them.

Thanks again for being part of what this organization does and helping make a difference to our military and veterans.

February 09

KIA/Active Duty Funeral - 1
Veterans Funeral - 3
Honor Mission - 1
Send Off - 5
Wounded Welcome Home - 1
Veterans Home Event - 3
Meet & Greet - 1
Monthly Tribute Mankato - 1
Information Booth- 2

Total Number To Date

18

Letter from the new State Captain - Doug Bley

2009-02-21T13:33:00.001-06:00

Thank you to the membership of the Minnesota Patriot Guard for entrusting this position to me. It is an honor to be holding a position that is entirely a reflection of those people holding a flag in honor of our fallen and in support of our military, families, and veterans.

I want to thank Monica Mead for her selfless devotion to helping this organization become what it is. I also wish to thank her daughter Erin for sharing her Mom with us. Many days Monica would have preferred to be, and maybe should have been, with her family but made the choice to somehow “figure it out” and be with us. Butch… you have a keeper and the genuine happiness we have for you both is huge!

The Minnesota Patriot Guard is a small part of the national organization called the Patriot Guard Riders. We are one and the same… we are all members of the larger movement across this great land who have stepped up and said “I want to help.” We might have a name and patch that helped us develop pride for our statewide efforts but our hearts are with the 160,000 people across America. I am proud to be a member of both!

Since 2005 we have been on a marvelous journey. Recognizing what the three State Captains I have known helped us achieve: Jim Bono helped us grow, Cooch helped us stabilize, and Monica helped us strengthen. We are in the best position we could have imagined in our ability to help people, accomplish our mission, and be ready to take the next step.

We will never forget what the core of our mission is; to be ready to answer the call of a family who invites us to stand in honor of a military hero who has made the ultimate sacrifice. It is what drew us together in the beginning and will always be at the center of what we do.

We have added many other honorable duties to that mission. We stand in honor of veterans who have passed away, the Send Offs and Welcome Homes, the Help On The Homefront programs, Family Readiness Days, Heroes United, The Patriot Ride, donations to military members who have been wounded, and education funds for children of the fallen.

A very talented person whom I consider a friend said it best - We are about our hearts and hands and not our checkbook. Many other organizations focus on raising money for different causes but our mission is about people touching other people. I cannot envision it being any different in our future.

We can and will in the future do more, though. I don’t think we yet understand the impact we can have with over 4,000 members here in Minnesota. The challenge we all have together is to find that direction for us. A wise man who is on his way to Iraq right now said it best - “You ride motorcycles and make people feel good.”

What makes our organization different is that no one person has control or is in charge of our activities. Every person who has a position of leadership serves with the permission, and at the pleasure, of the members. Positions such as State Captain are appointed in a democratic process that allows the will of the members be represented by the Ride Captains across this state. This will never change.

The reason we call it “being promoted to the flag line” when you step down from a leadership position is that we really do want to go back where we started. The countless people who come out in all weather are what make us great. No person from Ride Captain to State Captain is nearly as important as the person holding the flag. And the person holding the flag is not nearly as important as the reason we are standing there holding a flag.

I joined the Patriot Guard in 2006 and my first mission was 3Jul06 to Ladysmith, WI, to stand in respect of the sacrifice made by SSG Patrick Lybert. Like many of you, my life and perspective were changed on my first mission day. At least once per year I find my way back there to remember that day. The people I met. The reason I stay involved.

Over the next few months we will communicate not just what we have done but also where we think we can take this organization together. The ability to lead and communicate will be something we evaluate going forward when looking for Assistant Ride Captains, Ride Captains, and all positions of leadership. If you have the interest and the skills to do those please let your Ride Captain and Senior Ride Captain know this. We want to use the talents we have already as members to help us move to even greater heights.

I invite all of you to be part of this journey. Money isn’t needed... motorcycles aren’t needed… a lot of time isn’t needed. Just that feeling in your heart that you have something to give of yourself.

New State Captain

2009-02-20T17:58:00.001-06:00

Over the last couple of weeks, the RCs and ARCs have made their recommendations for a new SC. This wasn't an easy task when you consider that there were some extremely well-qualified people, particularly George Winslow, Doug Bley and Nate "Birdie" Zenker.

I'm very pleased to announce that Doug Bley is the new State Captain for Minnesota.

Doug's been a rock-solid guy in the PGR for a long time...and he's been a "go-to guy" for me in a thousand ways. That's partly how he earned the nickname DOLT (Dude Of Lotsa Talents).

He's now all yours. Take good care of him, especially for the first few days...my daughter hasn't given him his "official first aid kit for State Captains" yet. ;-)

Thank you Doug, for your willingness to serve. You've got a good head on your shoulders, a whole lot of talent, a huge heart, and most importantly....a great team of leaders and members all over the state who will always see that the mission gets accomplished.

I wish you the very best, my friend and brother...

Respects,

Monica Mead
PGR Member

Promotion to the Flag Line

2009-02-11T13:45:00.005-06:00

To my PGR friends and family,

I will be stepping down as State Captain on February 20th and taking a promotion to the flag line...right where I started in PGR. I'm looking forward to that, but it also makes me look back. I must say it's been one heckuva ride.

The first time I visited the national PGR website was right after Christmas in 2005. Like many of you, I'm not big on joining things but this was different. Members of our military were being disrespected in the worst ways imaginable; I couldn't sit back and do nothing. I checked the website regularly to see if there was a PGR mission nearby, but I was unable to attend the few missions early in 2006.

My first mission was in Iowa during early spring. Someone forwarded an email to me that originally came from the soldier's mother. I still have it. She found out that the UGs were planning to be at her son's funeral and part of her email said, "Should it be possible for some of your group to attend, we would be honored and grateful."

The moment I read that, I knew I had to attend. The MN forum was alive with plans to gather up and ride together but I stayed silent; even though I knew a couple of people who were posting, I like to ride alone. I figured I'd just meet people there if time allowed, and headed out to buy a flag that I could carry on my bike.

It was a dark and chilly 28 degrees and my truck was covered in frost when I left on my bike that morning. I rode 120 miles to Clear Lake, Iowa and stopped to thaw out my hands by dunking them in hot coffee. The rest of the way I rode with three men from Iowa that I met in the parking lot. The flag line was very much needed that day; the UGs were there, and I stood in front of them shoulder to shoulder with countless others to shield everyone from their sight.

Not all of those I stood with wore leather; a couple whose son was serving Iraq drove from Omaha to stand guard at that funeral. John was dressed in a suit, and his wife Joan wore a flowered dress. They were welcomed into the flag line with open arms. One funeral attendee who arrived later than others got an up-close view of the protesters behind us. She hesitated and stared with tears in her eyes until a police officer who had volunteered to be there on his day off took her arm, escorting her up the street between the flags.

I listened as a quiet, older man talked with another man who was a little younger. Eventually he showed the younger man a purple heart he held clutched in his hand. The younger of the two nodded in understanding and said his was in a box in the basement. One had served in Korea; the other in Vietnam. When several younger enlisted men arrived in their ACUs, they were welcomed by those two into the flag line. I watched as men from three wars exchanged smiles and looks, all taking comfort in the timeless, ageless sense of brotherhood known only to warriors.

More than once, tears flowed onto leather, fine suits, flowered dresses and ACUs as the soldier's family laid him to rest.

I met a few people from Minnesota back at the staging area after the mission but chose to ride home alone again. When I gassed up before leaving town, the van that carried the casket bearers pulled in next to me as I filled my bike. I glanced at the van as I was about to pull away, and met the eyes of a lone soldier still in the back. He saluted me with tears in his eyes. I was completely caught off guard and I didn't know what to do...I am not a veteran but hesitantly saluted back, hoping that was ok...and mouthed a "thank you" to him through the window. The road was very hard to see when I rode away.

That first mission touched me deeply. Little did I know that my times of riding alone were about to become few and far between. Little did I know that I was now meeting people who would become friends and family to me.

Our mission has expanded in some ways....but the heart of it remains the same. Surrounding families in a circle of love during their darkest hours, supporting our troops as they deploy, welcoming them home with joy in our hearts...and a deep desire to help them reenter the communities they left behind as they deal with wounds both visible and hidden.

The memories I have over the last three years will remain with me for the rest of my life, and those memories continue to build.

Standing in 50 below windchills in Granite Falls....sweating under a hot sun in Kenyon...a 60-mile procession attended mile after mile by countless farmers and townspeople in southern Minnesota....a lonely cemetery in northern Minnesota....the town of Welcome opening its arms to us....a grandmother's hand pressed to the car window in Detroit Lakes, as though she were touching all those flags...Heroes United, our first gathering of Gold Star families....an eagle soaring above us in Ladysmith....the sound of bagpipes, Taps, and rifle volleys at Fort Snelling National Cemetery...countless flag lines all over the state for moments of both deep sorrow and joyful welcome....and of course, escorting the last bus of Red Bulls after their 22-month deployment and winding up with the nickname of "EOF."

A lovely lady named Deb from Rochester sewed those initials onto a name patch (in pink thread, haha) before last year's rally. I get asked what those letters mean now and then; "Escalation Of Force" was bestowed on me by some of the 34th ID "Red Bulls" because of an argument I had with a couple of 18-wheelers and a cager who momentarily got in the way of their homecoming, but it struck me not too long ago that it describes all of us in the Patriot Guard.

PGR has escalated into a force all by itself. We stood together initially because someone was doing our heroes wrong, and it soon became clear that we could do more. There are many organizations that support our servicemembers, but not all of us fit in those groups. Veterans and non-veterans can stand together in PGR and put patriotism into action.

We are a group that appears to be a shield, but I think we are more blanket than armor. We are a group that many "non-joiners" are comfortable joining. I think it's because when we stand for those who stood for us, we find a home with fellow patriots who are unabashed in their love of freedom and love, respect and gratitude for those who defend our freedoms. In some ways I feel like we are a group of misfits who fill in when things slip through the cracks, be it monetarily or otherwise.

You've all gone above and beyond for our military members and Veterans in the short history of this organization...and as long as our focus remains on those we serve, we will continue to be a growing force for good.

You're the best of the best in my book, and it has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as your state captain.

The Ride Captains will soon make their recommendations for a new State Captain, and I trust that you will all support whomever holds this position next.

Thank you for what you all do. God bless you all...and I'll see you on the flag line.

Respectfully,

Monica

Minnesota Morns the loss of CWO Philip E. Windorski, Bovey, MN

2009-01-30T18:43:00.004-06:00

The wife of CWO Philip E. Windorski, Jr. has graciously invited the Minnesota Patriot Guard to attend the funeral of her husband. We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of CWO Philip E. Windorski, Jr. and to let them know we will never forget their husband, father, son, brother and friend.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died from wounds suffered when two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters crashed Jan. 26 in Kirkuk, Iraq. They were assigned to the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Killed were:

Chief Warrant Officer Philip E. Windorski, Jr., 35, of Bovey, Minn.

Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley, 30, of Cameron, Mo.

Chief Warrant Officer Joshua M. Tillery, 31, of Beaverton, Ore.

Chief Warrant Officer Benjamin H. Todd, 29, of Colville, Wash.

The incident is under investigation.

The Ride Captain In Charge for this mission will be Don Adamson - Ride Captain for the Grand Rapids sector.

At this time we are working with the family to figure out the details. They will be posted to our Mission Calendar and the National forum as soon as they become available, so remember to check it.

Remember to keep CWO Philip E. Windorski, Jr's family in your prayers especially in the coming weeks.

A Gift, and Honor, from the Minnesota VFW

2009-01-30T17:20:00.003-06:00

On a Saturday night nearly two weeks ago, several of us on the MN board were asked to represent you all at the 106th Annual Midwinter Banquet of the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars, which was held in St. Paul. Representing the board were myself, George Winslow, Doug Bley, Tim Leonhardt, and Jerry Teeson.

State Commander Stan Kowalski and State Adjutant/Quartermaster Jim Hesselgrave presented us with a special patch that was designed as a means of saying thank you to all PGR members in our state. They expressed their sincere appreciation for our mission of honoring those who serve and supporting our veterans. They asked us to distribute these patches at missions, meet & greets, or wherever we feel it is appropriate to do so.

As you all know, it's a humbling experience to be thanked by those who put their lives on the line to defend our country. It was truly an honor to accept these on behalf of everyone in Minnesota.

I am attaching a couple of photos from the night - one shows Stan Kowalski presenting the patches, and one is of the patch itself.

Tomorrow, we have several RCs and ARCs attending an Accident Scene Management Class so we will start to distribute them there, and the RCs can then distribute them in whatever way works best in each sector.

To Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars...we thank you for the honor. We will wear these patches proudly...and most of all, thank you for defending our freedoms.

Monica Mead
MN State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders

It's Time To Nominate And Elect Two Board Of Directors Again

2009-01-29T22:30:00.008-06:00

The Minnesota Patriot Guard need to elect two people to fill the expiring terms of Terry Throndson and Tim Leonhardt on the Board of Directors.

After reading these two documents, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.pdf and BOD Election.doc (both are clickable links), we'd like for you to nominate either yourself or another member that you feel possess the qualifications needed for this position. Please be sure the nomination papers are filled out completely and include a picture (digital is preferred) before turning them in. The two people who's terms are expiring can be renominated and reelected to the Board of Directors.

The Roles And Responsibilities Of The Board of Directors is in .PDF form. If you don't have Adobe Reader, please click here to download the latest reader.

Nominations are open from today to midnight 01 April 2009. We will post the names, along with links to resumes and pictures of those nominated by 04 April 2009 on our website's News & Notes. Please make your opinions known to your Ride Captain or other member of the Leadership Advisory Committee. Online voting will be conducted online from 06 April through midnight 15 April 2008 by the Leadership Advisory Committee (as listed in the linked documents), please vote for 2 people. After the current Board of Directors votes on or around 29 April 2009 to accept the recommendation of the Leadership Advisory Committee, the winners names will be posted on our website's News & Notes. The new board members will assume their position on 01 May 2009.

Volunteers to sell Raffle Tickets at IMS Show & Donnie Smith Show

2009-01-16T22:54:00.001-06:00

Fellow PGR Members,

It's that time of year again... No, not time to ride just yet. Time for the two big annual motorcycle shows in the Twin Cities: the International Motorcycle Show in Minneapolis and the Donnie Smith Show in St. Paul. These shows are a great opportunity to recruit new members and to get the word out about our major fundraising event for the year: The Patriot Ride. For those of you not familiar with the Patriot Ride you can find out more about the event here: http://thepatriotride.org/. All proceeds raised by the ride and the bike raffle are donated to the Minnesotan's Military Appreciation Fund and the Minnesota Patriot Guard.

This year we are partnering with our friends and Patriot Ride sponsors, Dennis Kirk, for both shows. We will have a booth adjoining theirs in Minneapolis and only a few spaces away in St. Paul. Dennis Kirk has been kind enough to cover all of the costs for getting the booth space for us, all we need to do is staff the booth to talk to people and sell raffle tickets for this year's bike raffle. We will need volunteers to work shifts on February 13th, 14th, and 15th for the International Motorcycle Show, and March 28th and 29th for the Donnie Smith Show. If you are available and want to help staff the booth at one or both shows, please e-mail me at birdie@mnpatriotguard.org and let me know which dates you are available to work, and whether you would prefer morning, afternoon, or evening times.

Your participation and help in all of our missions and events it was makes the Patriot Guard successful at all we do. Thank you in advance for your help at these two shows. Here's hoping we're all riding again sooner rather than later!

Nate Zenker
Metro Senior Ride Captain
birdie@mnpatriotguard.org

6th Annual Biker Day At The Capital

2009-01-09T23:46:00.003-06:00

Although it is not a requirement to ride a motorcycle in order to be a member of the Patriot Guard, many of us are motorcyclists. For many of us, riding a motorcycle is much more than just a hobby - it is way of life.

Our friends at ABATE (American Bikers for Awareness, Training, and Education) will be holding their 6th Annual Biker Day at the Capitol on Wednesday 04 February 2009, from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm. The more motorcyclists they have present, the more of an impact they have on our legislators. ABATE is hoping to have 500 motorcyclist attend this year. They need you to attend so can they reach their goal of 500 motorcyclists.

ABATE has several goals this year that involve significant legislative impact on motorcyclist rights issues, safety and training. To participate at Biker Day at the Capitol, you must register by 21 Jan 2009. For more information on ABATE's goals and to register, please click on the following links: goals and register.

Thank you.

George

An added bit of cheer!

2008-12-22T13:32:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to pass this along to all of you.

Earlier this summer we received a large quantity of phone cards donated by the SCVR (St. Croix Valley Riders), It took awhile but with the help of Dwight Smith - President , Patty Magyar - Gifts for the Troops , Mr. Lynn Larson - Toy's for Tots, Indian John, and Yvonne Zappa the cards found a home.

They were sen to the 175 FSC that is preparing to deploy out of Appleton, MN, The cards were received due to the
2008 SCVR Red Barn Run Sign up with Miller Beer for "Keep Your Balance Pledge" sign up and they give you a 20 Min Ph card.

The unit was so happy to get them.Young soldiers will be getting them to stay in contact with their parents, and spouses while training. They will come in so handy.

Thank you to all who were involved in helping keep out troops in contact with their loved ones.

Standing in a flag line

2008-12-22T12:52:00.003-06:00

Tim Leonhardt, our IT person and Metro NW ARC sent the following:

Standing in a flag line we don't see what is going on in the people minds as they walk by. I have wondered at times why a soldier would walk by with their head down, avoiding eye contact. I got my answer at the FPA held at the convention center, I had a captain tell me that his soldiers feel so emotional when they see us standing in honor for them they don't know how to respond. He went on to say that the soldiers are strong, proud, and pride themselves on being prepared for everything. But when they see you standing there holding a flag in their honor, they are caught off guard and they realize that they have a vulnerability. Some just look down to hide what they feel is a weakness and have no eye contact so we can't see the emotions they are having. Sounds familiar doesn't it? only we hide ours behind sunglasses.

Thanks Tim.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

We have an official Historian

2008-12-17T00:05:00.005-06:00

I'd like to introduce you to Scott Smith, one of our Rochester Sector ARC's, and our new Minnesota Patriot Guard Historian.

While Scott and the leadership team are working on a solution to make our historical archive available to the public, we need to start collecting those newspaper articles, photographs and thank you notes, before they are lost forever.

So, if you have any newspaper articles or photographs that you think are important for us to preserve for future Minnesotans, please make a copy of them (preferably digital), and send them to Scott at: historian@mnpatriotguard.org.

Feel free to contact Scott for his snail mail address if you'd rather send him photocopies or original articles. Please do not request that Scott scan them and return them to you, as we can't ask him to donate the time to scan in photographs or documents and then pay the postage to return them to you.

If you have suggestions for Scott, feel free to send them to him at: historian@mnpatriotguard.org.

We currently have some thank you notes and photographs already posted on our website if you'd like to check them out at: http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/letters.asp.

Thanks again Scott for stepping up and filling a huge need.

PGR Garage Sale - Proceed to Legal Defense Fund

2008-12-10T14:32:00.002-06:00

Just an FYI, Patriot Guard Riders is holding a Garage Sale on eBay with the proceeds going to the Legal Defense Fund. They have items currently on sale, so please check them out. To see what's currently being offered go to: http://motors.shop.ebay.com/merchant/pgr_garagesale2008

The following is posted on the National Website:

As we accessorize and customize our bikes we all end up with a garage full of parts that collect dust and take up space. We can't bring ourselves to get rid of these items, but we have no good use for them and may never need them again. Well, the PGR now has a need for those items. We need you to go through your garage and DONATE all of your good, clean, unwanted motorcycle accessories/parts to the PGR. We will sell these items on eBay and all proceeds (sales less shipping costs) will be used for the Legal Defense Fund. Motorcycle parts/accessories include pegs, seats, lights, handle bars, grips, kickstands, sissie bars, luggage, bags, mirrors, etc...

Please follow the simple steps listed below should you choose to participate in this event.

Ship your donated item to:
PGR Garage Sale
C/O BTC
900 N. East Ave.
Panama City, Florida 32401

Include a description with all pertinent info such as Part #, Make, Model, and Year if the item is bike specific.

Please include your name and email address as we will email you a receipt for your tax deductible donation. It will be up to each individual contributor to list the value of the donated item(s) on each receipt when received.

Should you have any questions that are specific to this fund raising event please email them to: pgrldfgaragesale@gmail.com

Thank you.

You Do Make A Difference

2008-12-03T22:45:00.003-06:00

This comes from Doug Bley, the Ride Captain from Metro NW...George

Someone I do business with has supported the MN Patriot Guard simply because I said it was a good thing. I received this email today and it reminded me of the real value we bring holding that American flag. Earlier this year Monica talked about the face of the Patriot Guard being the flag. That in mind I reminded my friend that what he saw in AZ he would see all across this great land. Ordinary people honoring heroes in silence and with dignity. Making a difference in their communities. Thank you, MN Patriot Guard members, for being part of this wonderful movement and rebirth of patriotism.

Doug,

I went to AZ after the holiday and had two sales calls Monday of this week. In between the two I stopped by where I go to Church there and could not figure out why on a Monday morning around noon the parking lot was full. As I got to the back of the lot I saw all of these motorcycles parked with American flags and then could see them standing guard by the entrance to the Church. What an experience, I have seen short news clips about your group, but never seen this in person. You are a dedicated group.

2008-11-30T23:09:00.004-06:00

I'd like to post something from Doug Bley, the Ride Captain from Metro NW...George

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the response to the Metro Area Meet and Greet 28Nov08. We don't have a hard count but we are estimating at least 175 Toys were collected so well over 200 people were there! WOW!!! The Anoka County food shelf received a great boost as well, 441 lbs. of food. The attendees also generously donated $130 towards the Patriot Guard Riders Legal defense fund.

Your generosity is humbling as many kids are going to go without this Holiday season. As we do... anonymously.. we made a difference to the 175 kids who will now have a gift under their tree.

For those who were there it was nice putting a few more faces with email names (Pete the Pyeater comes to mind) and in general relax and laugh with you all. We will do this again.

Thanks to Two Stooges for hosting us and the donations of food and drink, Zylstra HD and Dennis Kirk for raffle donations, the St Paul Chapter of the Blue Star Mom's for their $500 donation to us, John Redfield and the North Metro Blue Star Mom's for having the stores open, and as always the real thanks goes to our soldiers currently serving and the vets who kept us safe in years past.

Doug Bley RC Metro NW

Today is Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-26T23:47:00.004-06:00

In looking over the past year there are a lot of things to be thankful for. I’m thankful that we have young men and women who still care enough about our country that they are willing to give up time out of their lives to protect and defend our freedoms. In walking through the grocery store last night, I noticed all the babies and young children, and thought about those serving in the sandbox and the Balkans who don’t have the luxury to be able to spend the holidays with their families, and watch their children preparing for their first Christmas, their first step, that first day of school, the first communion, that first time behind the wheel of the car…all the things the rest of us take for granted. Or the spouse left behind that has to raise the kids alone, or figure out how to replace the water heater that just broke, or where to take the car to get it worked on. These are the true heroes, the young men and women who serve in the armed services of this country, and their families, and I pray we never forget their sacrifices.

I’m thankful that patriotism has come back into favor. That never again will our young men and women return home from fighting for their country, and be ashamed of their duty, or be treated like outcasts by an ungrateful nation. I’m thankful that we are able to attend the send off’s and that we are there to welcome them home. That we do make a difference in that young man or woman's life.

And I’m thankful that I have a warm place to sleep tonight and will be sitting down to a turkey dinner later today, unlike some of our veterans who have no home, and the prospects of a turkey dinner are bleak.

I’m thankful that we’ve been able to make a difference in our older veteran’s lives, by visiting them in the VA Homes and establishing friendships as we played bingo together. For some it’s the only outside contact they have.

I’m thankful that Lynn still has a job, because some of us have either lost our jobs or may not have one much longer.

I’m thankful that because through the generosity of fellow Minnesotans, that the MN Patriot Guard currently has the funds available to assist those serving our country, those who may become wounded, or God forbid, make that ultimate sacrifice and lay down their life for our country.

I’m thankful that as an organization we are establishing and have established relationships with the Family Readiness Groups throughout the state, so our National Guard families know someone here in Minnesota cares about them and their sacrifices here at home.

And if it’s not to early to ask for my Christmas wish, I wish that all our young men and women return safely back home to their loved ones. That the only missions in 2009 will be send off’s and welcome homes, or our visits to the VA Homes.

Several Things

2008-11-18T22:38:00.001-06:00

There are several things going on that we need to share with you. First, by July of 2009 Minnesota will have approximately 5,000+ young men and women deployed to the sandbox. (I remember 2006-2007 when Red Bull had 3,200+ deployed and how we all breathed a sigh of relief when they returned home.) Over the next 6 months we will be holding a lot of send off's as the units leave Minnesota. This is an excellent way to recharge your batteries and really feel good, so please plan on attending those that fit into your schedule. And in 2010, we will be there to welcome our heroes back home.

Our leadership has been holding talks with the Minnesota National Guard on ways to improve upon our relationship with the young men and women who serve our State and Nation in the Minnesota National Guard. It was felt that we have done an excellent job of welcoming home the troops, and turning out for the MIRTS. We have gotten the message across to them that they were in our thoughts when we sent the signed Patriot Guard flags to units while they where deployed.

However, we haven't focused on the family members left behind when those troops deployed. So we are going to be starting something new. HOTH and your Ride Captains are going to work with the Family Readiness Groups (FRG's), and coordinate with them by inviting the families to join us at one or two Meet and Greets during the next year. It's a way for us to let the families know that someone cares about them, and respects the sacrifices they go through while their loved ones are serving our country. And it's a way for us to meet some really neat families living here in Minnesota. Who knows how many future motorcyclists we will be responsible for, just by spending a few hours with the families of those who are protecting our freedoms.

It's also a way for us to build a relationship with the FRG's so that they will be more willing to approach us should a family need assistance. Our HOTH program is there to assist the families of those serving in the military and National Guard that have exhausted all other resources for assistance and have fallen through the cracks. HOTH also assists our young warriors and their families should they be wounded.

And HOTH coordinates visits with our veterans who reside in the VA Nursing homes throughout the state. If you haven't joined us in visiting the veterans at the various VA Nursing homes, I encourage you to do so. Some of them for whatever reasons don't have visitors, so you may be the only outside contact they have. What an opportunity to raise the spirits of someone who gave so much to our country, and protected the freedoms we all enjoy every day.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I can't help to give thanks to each and every one of you for making the Minnesota Patriot Guard what it is. Our men and women who serve know you are there to honor and support them. They know you will be there to protect their family should they make that ultimate sacrifice. Our Gold Star families know we will never forget their son or daughter and the sacrifice they made, and that we are there for them. Our veterans know you'll be there to visit them in the VA Homes. And our politicians know you do make a difference to the veterans and those kids who currently serve and protect our freedoms. You truly are some of the greatest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet.

MN Patriot Guard Finances

2008-09-19T21:32:00.014-05:00

Today, it is my pleasure to post some information on the finances of MN Patriot Guard. I am proud to report our year to date donations and we will in the future announce them every six months.

From 01 January 2008 through 18 September 2008 we have donated $64,541.02 in program services to Minnesota military members and their families, wounded and injured, families of Fallen Heroes, and our Veterans.

Where did the money go?

34^th Division Chaplains’ Fund	$2,500.00
Disabled Vets Rest Camp	$5,000.00
Flags for MN Fallen Military	$5,000.00
Gold Star Event	$5,313.65
Military Heroes Foundation	$2,500.00
Minnesotan’s Military Appreciation Fund	$19,447.30
Project Backpack (children of MN military)	$6,500.00
TTTT Scholarship Fund	$5,000.00

HOTH Donations broken down by Sectors
Brainerd Sector
WIA	$1,000.00
Flags	$477.48
Helping a family of a currently serving soldier	$300.00

Mankato Sector
WIA	$1,000.00

Metro Sectors
WIA	$1,000.00
WIA	$1,000.00
WIA Tuition Assistance	$750.00

St. Cloud Sector
Melrose House Clean-up	$500.00

Thief River Falls Sector
WIA	$1,000.00

Willmar Sector
KMS Memorial Ride	$500.00

Worthington Sector
Chairlift for Luverne MVH	$500.00

Veterans Home Events
St. Cloud Monte Carlo Nights	$200.00
MPLS Veterans Home Bingo	$825.00
Hastings Veterans Home Bingo	$194.98
Hastings Veterans Home Bike Show	$625.15
Luverne Veterans Home Bingo	$130.00
Disabled Veterans Turkey Hunt	$600.00
Fergus Falls Veterans Home Bingo	$70.00
Silver Bay Veterans Home	$1,000.00

Flags for Veterans Homes
Luverne	$400.00
Fergus Falls	$400.00

Bus Ticket for Veteran	$195.00

Total	$64,541.02

A few notes about this:

Our HOTH mission is not to duplicate the services of other organizations - it is to help with needs that fall through the cracks of conventional assistance. Some of the organizations shown that we have donated to have come to our attention through requests for assistance made to our board.

Rather than step into areas where the generous people of Minnesota are already working hard to support our military families and have a solid system in place to help, we as a board have chosen to support those requests in this manner.

A note about the donation to the Minnesotan's Military Appreciation Fund of nearly $20,000 (I'll try to make this as simple as possible): We collaborate with the generous folks at Dennis Kirk on the Patriot Ride event and bike raffle, and 50% of the net proceeds are designated directly for the MMAF. All raffle ticket deposits went into a special account set up by MN Patriot Guard, since we secured the gambling license for the raffle; other revenues were handled by Dennis Kirk.

Final net proceeds from the Patriot Ride and bike raffle were just over $73,000, half of which was designated for MMAF ($36,600). After a final accounting, the donation to MMAF came from both Dennis Kirk and MN Patriot Guard accounts. To sum it up: The efforts of PGR volunteers and the generosity and hard work from the people at Dennis Kirk was incredible!

In the past there was talk of scholarships for the children of Fallen Heroes from Minnesota. Tribute to the Troops, whose mission is slightly different but closely tied to our own, has taken on this challenge. We have chosen to support this effort through them this year with a $5,000 contribution, and have pledged $10,000 in 2009. Our youngest rider on the Patriot Ride this year - the 6-year-old son of a man we honored with a flag line - will someday benefit from those contributions.

Several of the amounts shown by sector are labeled WIA - wounded or injured members of our military. There are often other requests that are responded to by our HOTH team and/or the board on a case-by-case basis. We choose not to show most names out of respect to privacy for those who defend our nation, unless these activities have been in the news or we have the consent of those we have assisted.

The Veterans' Home events are much more than numbers on a spreadsheet. Due to privacy polices of the VA, we normally cannot show you the smiles on the faces of our Veterans - but those who are active in Bingo and other activities can tell you that they happen each and every time, without question. As our HOTH team is fond of saying, "Our real power does not lie in a checkbook - it lies in our hands and in our hearts."

This report would not have been possible without the generous donations we've received - from PGR members, friends and families; the Patriot Ride event; from corporations in Minnesota; proceeds from our store sales; and the hard work from our HOTH representatives working throughout the state. Thank you, thank you everyone for making a difference.

Follow up KIA SSG Brian Studer, 28, of Ramsey, MN

2008-09-04T10:11:00.004-05:00

MN Patriot Guard members...

We thought it appropriate to let you know that a very small group of Ride Captains and Assistant Ride Captains attended a mission today honoring SSG Brian Studer at his interment at FSNC. The family was clear in its request for a discreet and very low key mission. They were very concerned about uninvited guests showing up with the RNC being held in St Paul. Many of you have seen the video clips of the violent protests that have taken place and with that in mind their fears were founded on fact. That media released details of the services was unfortunate but the family did not change their request for a small discreet showing from us.

It is important to remember we serve at the pleasure of the families of the fallen. Our organization was founded on the principles of shielding them from unwanted disturbances at events surrounding the fallen heroes services. All of our decisions are made with that in mind and we will always consider them first.

Not opening this up as a general mission in no way implies that all of our members aren't deeply appreciated for their hard work. It was a decision based on how to best fulfill the family wishes.

If you have any questions please send an email to missions@mnpatriotguard.org.

Thanks for the hard work you do!

KIA SSG Brian Studer, 28, of Ramsey, MN.

2008-08-26T12:28:00.006-05:00

Once again Minnesota lost a young hero who gave up his life defending our freedoms. Please keep his family in your prayers.

The family has asked us to stand down from a mission for Brian. Please continue to post condolences as they are reading them.

http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/959831/view/topic/Default.aspx

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Brian E. Studer, 28, of Ramsey, MN, died 22 Aug 2008 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the improvised explosive device he was attempting to deactivate detonated. He was assigned to the 720th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 28th Transportation Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, Mannheim, Germany.

Thanks for everything you do to help support our troops.

George

A Welcome Home mission you won't want to miss

2008-07-23T17:58:00.004-05:00

First off - my apologies for not keeping up here on postings. There are definitely a few things that should have been posted in the News & Notes this month that haven't made it here yet. I'm going to start "catching up" with a note from one of our former board members, Dave "Wink" Winkler. He's a Vietnam Veteran who is representing us on a special committee, and I'll let his words tell you all about it.
--Monica

Welcome Home

The words "Welcome Home" have, for the Minnesota Patriot Guard, had special meaning this past year. We've welcomed home some 2600 Red Bulls a year ago and have had the pleasure of welcoming home hundreds more since then.

It's truly a happy time and my heart is lifted at the sight of a mother or father who gets the chance to hold their loved one so close after being gone serving their country. I think I've shed as many tears of joy at these missions, as I have tears of sadness at honor missions.

There are many reasons that we attend these missions. It's about honoring their service, letting them know that while they were away, they were not forgotten. We sent them off and were there for them showing our support for their service. We told them we'd be there when they came home, and we kept our word so it's about fulfilling a promise.

Some of us welcome these servicemen and women home and through that act receive a piece of a welcome home we didn't get. We want to make sure that what happened in the '60s and '70s doesn't ever happen again. We aren't bitter, not at all. We're so glad to be there for them.

In June 2009, we will have another opportunity to attend a welcome home mission. It's a special welcome home that's decades overdue and I want to make sure that you're all saving the 13th of June for Minnesota's official welcome home for Vietnam Veterans and those who served this great nation during that conflict. The Minnesota Patriot Guard has been asked to do what we do best, show honor and respect for our troops. We're honored by the invitation and gladly accept.

Over the next months, you'll begin to see and hear more about the event. I'll do my best to let you all know as many details as I can. At this time, what I can tell you is that this has all the makings of a huge event and one you won't want to miss.

Thank you for all you do for our troops and this great nation.

If you have any questions, send me an email at bigboar06@hotmail.com and I'll do my best to answer.

Ride safely. See you at the next mission.

Wink