Thank you for all you are doing! We have missions around the state, Veteran Home visits, and they all get accomplished because of your dedication and commitment to those who are and have served!
A couple of things I want to tell you about:
1. Periodically we get questions on where proceeds from our State or the National Store go, and other places that may be selling some of the same items. When you purchase from either the State or National Store, you can be assured that the proceeds go to help our veterans and military. Other places that sell these items are most likely counterfeit items and don't support anyone other than someone's own pocket.
One of the things that National recently helped with was the Medal of Honor Ceremony at the White House for SSG Clint Romesha. SSG Romesha was being honored for his actions above and beyond the call of duty at Combat Outpost Keating near Kamdesh, Afghanistan 03 OCT 09.
On that day, 8 American soldiers were killed in action. 53 Americans were attacked by a battalion strength (over 300) group of Taliban fighters who had planned their assault for over a year. SSG Romesha organized a defense that saved many American lives and recovered, under fire, all of the dead and wounded.
He wanted to share this day with as many of his brothers as possible. Our National PGR leadership was made aware of his desire and made a significant contribution to the effort to bring these men to Washington for today's ceremony.
The next time you donate or even buy a PGR hat or shirt from the state or national store - I ask you to remember this and purchase your items from either the State or the National Stores - great things happen with the proceeds!
2. The Patriot Ride is coming! Mark your calendars for 15 June 2013!!
Information is on the Patriot Ride link at our state website (www.mnpatriotguard.org).Pre-ride registration is now open, as are raffle ticket sales to win $10,000 in cash or a 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide FLHX. Information on lodging for those coming from out of town, ride route and other details are listed. Check it out, get registered and buy your raffle tickets all on-line!
The Patriot Ride Committee and Dennis Kirk are busy making sure that this year's Patriot Ride is again a huge success, with proceeds being split between the MN Patriot Guard and the MMAF (Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund).
The pre and post ride programs remind us all of why we joined the Patriot Guard and do what we do. We get to spend the day with our Gold Star families and remember those from MN who have given all in the War on Terror, we have a special memorial for those fallen in the last year during the last mile to the mid-way stop. It's a day of reflection, a day to never forget those who serve & have served, a day of celebration and a good re-charge of the batteries.
Karla RichardsonState CaptainMinnesota Patriot Guard, Patriot Guard Riders
