Members, we are gearing up to help place Wreaths, as part of Wreaths Across America on 13 December 2014.  We have had quite a few members ask how to donate for FSNC and the State Veterans Cemetery.  Below is information if you wish to make a donation to help with wreath costs:  Donations must be made no later than 1 December 2014 for this year.   If you wish to make a donation towards wreath(s) at FSNC, you can do so by using this link:  http://give.wreathsacrossamerica.org/goto/MN0021   That is an account set up for the MN PG.    Donations to this account will be delivered to FSNC earmarked for the MN PG and added to our annual donation.   If you wish to donate towards wreath(s) at the State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, you can do so using their website link:  http://wreathsforthefallen.org/   We are not fund-raising for WAA, just providing information to those that wish to help.  Thank you for all you do!  Mark your calendar for 13 December if you wish to help place the wreaths!!

Karla Richardson State Captain Minnesota Patriot Guard, Patriot Guard Riders

Veterans day is next week - remember those who have sacrificed so that we can live in freedom and security in a great country.  We would like to take the opportunity, on behalf of the Minnesota Patriot Guard to say "THANK YOU" to all who have served.  We are grateful for your service.

 

Winter is almost here!  Just a reminder on attending missions - make sure you are dressed for the elements.  Frostbite and other cold weather injuries can happen in a matter of minutes if not prepared - Safety of leaders & members is important - we need you and appreciate you, but we want you safe!  Please take care of each other.

 

Thank you for all you do!

We are happy to announce that the following individuals have stepped up for greater responsibility to help make sure missions are set up and conducted - thank you to each one!

Metro:

Mark Lea - Metro Senior Ride Captain

Lon Hellerud - NE Sector Ride Captain

Jim Wycor - NE Sector Assistant Ride Captain

Thief River Falls:

Mark LaVoi - Assistant Ride Captain

International Falls:

Greg Mortenson - Ride Captain

Brian Briggs - joins wife Kallie as Assistant Ride Captain - thank you for all your years as the Ride Captain!

Fort Snelling National Cemetery Team - Jerry Grundhauser

We would like to thank Ron Evenson for stepping up to the RC position from ARC in the Grand Rapids sector.

 

Thank you to Don Adamson, former Grand Rapids RC for the many years taking the helm.  All the very best to Don!

  

As the temps continue to rise, we all need to be thinking about sunburn, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and all the other things that come with warm weather. Please take care of yourself and watch out for each other. We have faithful members who would rather pass out on the flag line than to step aside to cool off - definitely not what we want! Drink plenty of water to hydrate before and during the Mission.  Take bottled water on the flag line - keep hydrated and safe

Hey thanks for everything you do to show Honor, Dignity, and Respect to those that have served or are serving to protect those freedoms that our nation has.  We as a group are a quiet one, we ride or drive in with no fanfare, we show Honor, Dignity, and Respect with our flag line, and we quietly depart.   It isn't and never was about each of us or us as a group.  What it is about is Honor, Dignity, and Respect.

 

We as the MN Patriot Guard/PGR (one in the same when it comes to a mission) are invited guests.  Each mission has an RCIC (PGR Ride Captain In Charge) that is working directly with the family, funeral home, Military person, or event organizer. The RCIC has the details of what is being asked of us to do at the mission.  Sometimes the organizer just says that we know best and lets the RCIC do what we do best, other times they give the RCIC specific instructions on even where to park and stand.  The RCIC is tasked with making sure those instructions are followed at the mission.

 

For the most part our group does what we do superbly.  Sometimes as an RCIC we are amazed at how you work as a team.  Those that have attended so many of the missions seem to know instinctively what needs to be done after the RCIC does the briefing - makes the RCIC smile.  We need your help, lately we have people that don't get why we are there like the rest of our group.  We have had a few people that think their bikes are so pretty they should park them right up front and not where the organizer and RCIC have designated; or park where they have "always parked" - no mission is the same - things can and do change at locations we have been to many times.  We have had people show up at a mission that refuse to follow what the families have asked of us.  Where we need your help is to support and work with the RCIC when someone in our group forgets why we are there.  It is very important that we do exactly what has been asked of us, especially at a funeral where the family is grieving a loved one and is already having a hard time coping - they need things done just as they asked.  We are of service to them and their wishes.

 

All of you are special people for what you do, there isn't anyone that does it better than you do showing Honor, Dignity, and Respect.  Let's make sure we make what we do is about who we are there for and not let the few spoil the day for the grieving families.

 

Thank you for doing what you do when you can, you are the greatest, God Bless you all.

 

 

Tim Leonhardt

MNPG President

We would like to announce two new Assistant Ride Captains in the Marshall Sector:  Bruce Knieff and  Earl Pederson - thank you both!!

 

We often get asked by new members if there is a specific number of missions required per year to be a part of the MN PG or PGR.  The answer is NO!  We are grateful for what each and every one of our members can contribute.  Some have weekday jobs making attendance during the week difficult, and we have members who are enjoying retirement or different work schedules that can help out during the week day missions.  As a team, we can work together to make sure a military member and/or veteran is given Honor, Dignity and Respect.  What you as an individual can give, is always appreciated - whether by your attendance or a prayer for mission safety for all involved - it all matters and it's all appreciated.

 

It doesn't matter if you ride - it doesn't matter if you are a veteran.  What matters is your heart for those who are and have served.

 

Thank you for all you do!

We would like to announce and welcome some members to leadership!  Angela Hellerud has taken on the responsibilities of Metro NE Ride Captain.  Brandie Held has come on in Metro NE as an ARC and Richard Clark has come on in Albert Lea sectors.  Thank you to each of you for stepping up for additional responsibilities!

 

We are in the midst of construction season on the roads.  Please be careful, and check the road closures before heading out for a mission.  www.511mn.org is a great source.

 

The 2014 Patriot Ride was a success - thank you to everyone who helped in out many ways - it could never happen without you.  From planning, road guards, registration, to clean up, it makes for a successful and safe ride, and an enjoyable day for everyone.

 

Thank you for all you do!