We will soon be welcoming back our Minnesota National Guard "Red Bulls" from deployment - very exciting!! For our part of welcoming these soldiers home - it will be and feel much different that Welcome Homes we have done and enjoyed in the past. We have all enjoyed the busses rolling in thru the flagline, seeing the mad rush of soldiers & families finding each other, and getting the opportunity to shake some hands and say "Welcome Home".
The National Guard is bringing the soldiers home this time as they finish their de-mobilization, and not by unit or geographical location - this is great for the soldiers - when they are done, they get on the next plane Minnesota bound. Once they land, they will be put on 8-9 different bus routes going throughout the state, to a designated bus stop closest to their homes. We can't publish the "daily bus stops" or the bus routes - as you know the military safeguards troop movement, and we have to do the same.
What we do know is where they will land and get on the busses and that will be our focus. There is the possibility of night arrivals, and multiple planes coming in at different times on any given day - we will hopefully have about 24 hour notice.
Daily staging and flaglines will be at the Light Rail Commuter lot on the SE corner of Hwy 62 (Crosstown Hwy) and Minnehaha Ave.
It will be very important for each of you to be checking the MN PG calendar daily because it will be updated as soon as we know new information, - emails may not come out quick enough. We also want to make sure that everyone across the state, if available, can come help man the flaglines as the busses head out on their routes. Bring your lawn chairs and enough to be self sufficient, because we may have one plane come in and another one several hours later, and we want to make sure the soldiers see the flagline - they are all telling us they want to see us! There are no restroom facilities at the commuter lot, but we will have maps available at staging for nearby bathrooms, restaurants, and gas stations.
The reasons for the "one location" flagline is necessary. Of the 8-9 bus routes going daily (and possibly several times a day), there are scheduled stops, but not all stops may happen on any given route - if there is no soldier getting off - the bus won't stop. Trying to establish flaglines at each stop is not realistic, plus we can't publish the information. Again, these Welcome Homes will be and feel much different for us than in the past.
The good news is that we will be able to welcome them all home in the way we are used to when the units all have their official unit/community Welcome Homes - somewhere between 30-90 days after their return.
Welcome Home and Thank You to our returning Red Bulls, and to their families who held down the fort!
Thank you for your support in giving our Military the honor, dignity, and respect they deserve
Sincerely,
Karla Richardson
Minnesota Patriot Guard State Captain
Monday, April 2, 2012
Fellow Minnesota Patriot Guard Members,
Just had a few things to talk to you about, but before I get into that - THANK YOU for all you are doing all around the state! Missions, Vet Home visits and other activities go on all around the state - supported by our members! Many of you are getting out on your bikes, but regardless of your mode of transport - be safe out there!
Welcome Homes:
Most of you already know and are hearing someone you know saying that their loved one is coming home from deployment soon - exciting times!! To keep you up to date - we are working with the MN National Guard, but information is not available yet.. Once we know and once we have permission from the MN National Guard, we will be able to post the missions - not until then. So some may be a bit shorter notice, and times may fluctuate closer to arrival time, so we'll have to be flexible, and always check the calendar before you head out to a mission for any last minute changes. Below are a few questions and answers that we get a lot of questions about regarding Welcome Homes:
* I have some important information about a unit return. What should I do?
The information we work with is the official information given to us by the National Guard. If you have something you think should be shared please email it to Missions@MNPatriotGuard.org. Please don't post anything to Facebook or other websites with this information as the military does want to guard against publicizing troop movements.
* Why are the escorts so small?
Several years ago we were asked by the MN NG and Law Enforcement to limit our bike escorts to 6-8 bikes. It is a safety concern and it adds to the length of the procession that they want to keep down as much as possible. So that's 6-8 bikes total - behind the buses are also considered part of the escort procession - we need to honor the request made of us. Passengers are also not allowed. Specific riding gear is at the discretion of the RCIC (Ride Captain in Charge) for that mission.
* I know someone on the bus. Why can't I be part of the escort?
One thing that is difficult for all of us in leadership is to explain to someone why it's not a good idea to be part of the escort when "my son/daughter/best friend is on that bus." We are excited right along with you that they are home, but we do ask that you really think about it and refrain from asking to be in the escorts. Many of us, including me, have ridden an escort of the remains of one of our hero's with tears flowing at 30 mph. 60 mph with tears in front of a bus that can't stop in time, is not a good plan for safety of the fellow escort riders. Let us cover for you the day of your loved ones return - you join the other families and be the first to greet your loved one back home, instead of having to park the bike, and get thru the mob to find your loved one, because all the other families and soldiers are already with their loved one - we have your back that day! Let us handle the escort.
Mission Requests:
One thing we often hear as members is someone asking us how to get the PGR at a funeral or saying they didn't know how to contact us. If you are asked that question, please refer them to our state website at http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/ and click on the "Request" link, fill that out and submit. That form gives us all the information we need to setup the mission, get it out to members in as timely manner as we can. The Missions team (6 sets of eyes) monitor the email address that the request goes to, so we can get it out to the Ride Captain to set up as soon as possible. Requests have to come from immediate family (parent, sibling, spouse, child), through official military channels, or by funeral director. We have to know it is the express wishes of the family that we are there, and respect their wishes on how they want to mourn the loss or celebrate the life of their loved one.
Mission Attendance:
I was at a conference last week, and a gentleman there (shout out to MSG (Ret) from Hennepin County - thank you for your service!) said to me that he had joined the MN Patriot Guard several years ago, but hadn't been able to work in a mission. I think we've all heard that a time or two. That's OK!!! We'd sure love to have you join us, but we all have other responsibilities as well that have to come first. I do want to say if it's because you aren't sure of what to do if you go to a mission - don't worry about that!! You will find us a friendly group, who all remember our first mission and not knowing what to do. We generally ask for any new members to identify themselves at missions - not to put you on the spot - but for 2 reasons - to thank you for joining us, and so that someone who has more experience can pair up with you and help you get comfortable with what we do and how we do things. So if that is the reason you haven't been able to join us yet, put that to rest - we'd love to have you join us!
Patriot Ride:
Planning for the Patriot Ride is in full swing - you all received a email from Doug last week on that - 16 June - it's a day you will never forget, remembrances, the CVVA Memorial Moving Wall, tributes to our military, veterans, their families and most of all the Gold Star families, and it's lot of FUN! You can get more information at http://www.thepatriotride.org/
I also want to say a big thank you to our leadership! Missions getting set up and the word getting out wouldn't happen without them, keeping us focused on our mission scope, and making sure those that have served or are serving are given the honor that their service deserves.
I look forward to seeing you all on the flagline & at the Patriot Ride!
Thank you for your support in giving our Military the honor, dignity, and respect they deserve
Sincerely,
Karla Richardson
Minnesota Patriot Guard State Captain
Just had a few things to talk to you about, but before I get into that - THANK YOU for all you are doing all around the state! Missions, Vet Home visits and other activities go on all around the state - supported by our members! Many of you are getting out on your bikes, but regardless of your mode of transport - be safe out there!
Welcome Homes:
Most of you already know and are hearing someone you know saying that their loved one is coming home from deployment soon - exciting times!! To keep you up to date - we are working with the MN National Guard, but information is not available yet.. Once we know and once we have permission from the MN National Guard, we will be able to post the missions - not until then. So some may be a bit shorter notice, and times may fluctuate closer to arrival time, so we'll have to be flexible, and always check the calendar before you head out to a mission for any last minute changes. Below are a few questions and answers that we get a lot of questions about regarding Welcome Homes:
* I have some important information about a unit return. What should I do?
The information we work with is the official information given to us by the National Guard. If you have something you think should be shared please email it to Missions@MNPatriotGuard.org. Please don't post anything to Facebook or other websites with this information as the military does want to guard against publicizing troop movements.
* Why are the escorts so small?
Several years ago we were asked by the MN NG and Law Enforcement to limit our bike escorts to 6-8 bikes. It is a safety concern and it adds to the length of the procession that they want to keep down as much as possible. So that's 6-8 bikes total - behind the buses are also considered part of the escort procession - we need to honor the request made of us. Passengers are also not allowed. Specific riding gear is at the discretion of the RCIC (Ride Captain in Charge) for that mission.
* I know someone on the bus. Why can't I be part of the escort?
One thing that is difficult for all of us in leadership is to explain to someone why it's not a good idea to be part of the escort when "my son/daughter/best friend is on that bus." We are excited right along with you that they are home, but we do ask that you really think about it and refrain from asking to be in the escorts. Many of us, including me, have ridden an escort of the remains of one of our hero's with tears flowing at 30 mph. 60 mph with tears in front of a bus that can't stop in time, is not a good plan for safety of the fellow escort riders. Let us cover for you the day of your loved ones return - you join the other families and be the first to greet your loved one back home, instead of having to park the bike, and get thru the mob to find your loved one, because all the other families and soldiers are already with their loved one - we have your back that day! Let us handle the escort.
Mission Requests:
One thing we often hear as members is someone asking us how to get the PGR at a funeral or saying they didn't know how to contact us. If you are asked that question, please refer them to our state website at http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/ and click on the "Request" link, fill that out and submit. That form gives us all the information we need to setup the mission, get it out to members in as timely manner as we can. The Missions team (6 sets of eyes) monitor the email address that the request goes to, so we can get it out to the Ride Captain to set up as soon as possible. Requests have to come from immediate family (parent, sibling, spouse, child), through official military channels, or by funeral director. We have to know it is the express wishes of the family that we are there, and respect their wishes on how they want to mourn the loss or celebrate the life of their loved one.
Mission Attendance:
I was at a conference last week, and a gentleman there (shout out to MSG (Ret) from Hennepin County - thank you for your service!) said to me that he had joined the MN Patriot Guard several years ago, but hadn't been able to work in a mission. I think we've all heard that a time or two. That's OK!!! We'd sure love to have you join us, but we all have other responsibilities as well that have to come first. I do want to say if it's because you aren't sure of what to do if you go to a mission - don't worry about that!! You will find us a friendly group, who all remember our first mission and not knowing what to do. We generally ask for any new members to identify themselves at missions - not to put you on the spot - but for 2 reasons - to thank you for joining us, and so that someone who has more experience can pair up with you and help you get comfortable with what we do and how we do things. So if that is the reason you haven't been able to join us yet, put that to rest - we'd love to have you join us!
Patriot Ride:
Planning for the Patriot Ride is in full swing - you all received a email from Doug last week on that - 16 June - it's a day you will never forget, remembrances, the CVVA Memorial Moving Wall, tributes to our military, veterans, their families and most of all the Gold Star families, and it's lot of FUN! You can get more information at http://www.thepatriotride.org/
I also want to say a big thank you to our leadership! Missions getting set up and the word getting out wouldn't happen without them, keeping us focused on our mission scope, and making sure those that have served or are serving are given the honor that their service deserves.
I look forward to seeing you all on the flagline & at the Patriot Ride!
Thank you for your support in giving our Military the honor, dignity, and respect they deserve
Sincerely,
Karla Richardson
Minnesota Patriot Guard State Captain
Monday, January 30, 2012
Message from New State Captain
Wow - I don’t even know quite where to start - I never expected to be holding the position of State Captain for such great organization. Thank you to the membership and leaders of the Minnesota Patriot Guard for entrusting this position to me, and it’s not one I take lightly. When Doug Bley took over as State Captain, he made a comment that I have always remembered, "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, family and veterans", and I find that statement to be entirely true not only in this position, but all the positions I have held.
In Minnesota, we stand at almost 6,000 members, a small part of a national organization of over 225,000 members across our country. Members who have stood up to make sure that those serving and those who have served are always given the honor, dignity, and respect that such service deserves. We wear our sunglasses at missions to hide our tears, but as we stand the flagline, our hearts are filled with pride for the selfless men and women in our Armed Forces.
You, our members are our most valued asset. You are the ones that make sure the mission is carried out. I have said on numerous occasion, that it never ceases to amaze me how our members make sure the mission happens - it doesn’t matter what day of the week, what time of the day, or how many missions are going on around the state on the same day - you make it happen! We provide comfort to a grieving family, we are there when our military deploy, we are privileged to be there again when they come home to their families and loved ones; and we bring smiles to the faces of those in our veterans home. I have talked to some of our Minnesota National Guard members who have said when they see us at the border, they know they are HOME! What a feeling for them, their loved ones, and for us to welcome them back.
Due to the Patriot Ride, our only fund-raiser, we are able to make donations to really great causes that support our military, veterans, and their families. We stand in remembrance with our Gold Star families, and we share hugs and heartbreaks with them, we remember and never forget. That is what makes each of you so very special - you give of your hearts, and you also give of your time and expense to make sure that we uphold our mission.
We receive thank you letters from families, friends, and by-standers who comment on the professionalism in which we conduct ourselves, and the way we pay honor, dignity and respect. You all have earned that reputation that we can all be proud of and enjoy. General Shellito said it best at the 2011 Patriot Ride - "the Minnesota Patriot Guard is one of the most respected organizations in the state". That is a tribute to our members. We see on Facebook, Twitter and other media forums, comments made by our military that the "Patriot Guard is one of the most dedicated organizations", again a tribute to our members. THANK YOU!!!
I attended my very first mission on 2 June 2006 for SPC Michael Hermanson in Fargo, ND. Like many of you, it was an event that forever changed my life. Not only did I know that our mission is what I needed to do, it was what I wanted to do. A friend and I had been tracking the national site for months, vowing that if one came close, we would be there - it was 2 hours away and close! Some friends and I went, including 2 young soldiers who had recently returned from deployment to Iraq. It was the most awesome and impressive thing I have ever seen, and I was so proud to be able to be part of letting that family know that SPC Hermanson’s sacrifice was not in vain and that we were there to honor the hero that he was. There was also another group there that day, my first exposure to them, and to this day I can remember the horrified feeling I had that someone would do that to anyone, let alone someone who signed the dotted line for Uncle Sam and said they would go where-ever needed to protect our freedoms.
For those that don’t know me, since that time, I have served as an Assistant Ride Captain in Nov 07, to Ride Captain in Jan 08, to Northern Region Senior Ride Captain in Dec 08. It has been an honor every step of the way. My background before the Patriot Guard Riders and the Minnesota Patriot Guard came into my life was serving in the US Army for 21 years until my retirement, then 2 years volunteering with the soldiers of the Wadena National Guard, and 6 years in the role of Family Readiness Group leader. I long ago stopped counting the number of missions I have attended - each one has been a privilege and honor to be at.
Some have wondered what our future will be when deployments end. In our endeavor to "never forget", we will still have missions to conduct. We have military still serving; we have a whole group of veterans in our veterans homes, who unfortunately sometimes are forgotten - we need to remember! Our veteran home missions can be some of the most fun times we get to experience in our organization. We will continue to have a job to do, and I would encourage each of you to take that step to be involved - your life will be richly blessed for it.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
New MN Patriot Guard State Captain Announcement
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
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
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Who We Are... And What We Do.
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
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
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
PFC Ryane Clark Fundraiser
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
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
2010 Minnesota Patriot Guard Annual Report
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
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
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