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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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82nd_Airborne_Dad 
Posts: 4222
Laramie, Wyoming
" God's Country "Retired National
Web Site Admin
Wyoming Senior
Ride Captain
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| 07 Jun 2006 8:16 PM |
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ITINERARY UPDATE:
The funeral service for Sgt. Travis Van Zoest will be held on Saturday,
June 17
at 10:00 AM at the Church of Corpus Christi, 1911 N. 2nd Street in
Bismarck. We
have been granted permission to stage in the parking lot of Northbrook
Shopping
Center just a couple blocks away from the church. Staging will begin at
8:00
AM. (Times are Central)
Directions:
From the east - I-94: Exit at US 83, turn left (south.) 83 becomes State
Street. Continue south in the right lane to Divide Ave, where you will
turn
right (west.) The 2nd stop light is Washington Street, where you will
turn
right (north.) Northbrook Shopping Center is about 1/2 mile ahead on the
right.
We will be staging in the west end of the parking lot.
From the west - I-94: Exit at Divide Ave. The exit loops back, and you
will
turn left at the light onto Divide. Follow Divide Ave to Washington
Street.
Turn left (north.) Northbrook Shopping Center is about 1/2 mile ahead on
the
right. We will be staging in the west end of the parking lot.
From the north: US 83: Follow directions above for arrival from the
east.
Thank you!
Dan Johnson
IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died in Khogyani, Afghanistan, on June 6, when their HMWWV struck two anti-tank mines during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the National Guard's, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, Grand Forks, N.D.
Killed were:
Sgt. Travis A. Vanzoest, 21, of Larimore, N.D.
Spc. Curtis R. Mehrer, 21, of Bismarck, N.D.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000. |
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"The American Paratrooper exists to give the enemy soldier the best chance to die for his country." ~~ General George Patton.
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mailman
Posts: 11672
West Branch, MI - Michigan Regional Ride Captain Zephyrhills, FL - Florida Senior Ride Captain
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| 07 Jun 2006 8:59 PM |
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Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of SGT. Vanzoest.
SGT. Travis A. Vanzoest you are a True American Hero. Thank you for service and sacrifice for this country. May You Rest in Peace. |
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"Eyes on the olive branch, but arrows at the ready."
Jim
"mailman"
US Army 1970 - 1972 |
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silverwing
Posts: 128
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| 07 Jun 2006 11:02 PM |
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This is a confirmed mission. Details will be posted as soon as they are finalized.
Brad Volk
ND State Captain |
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"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."
Brad "Silverwing" Volk
Montana State Captain
Montana - Red, White, Blue coordinator
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DrWho
Posts: 0
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| 07 Jun 2006 11:41 PM |
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My condolences to the Vanzoest family.
This hero will not be forgotten.
Please forward my condolences to the family, and if they have any photos and
info on Travis that I can ad to his tribute page to please send them to
me.. It is my mission to help people remember who this hero is.
You're also welcome to email me some of the PGR Mission photos to ad.
I wish all the riders a safe ride and a good mission.
I thank you all for supporting our fallen heroes and their families.
Q
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oldgoldstar
Posts: 848
Holladay, Utah
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| 08 Jun 2006 12:20 AM |
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| Heartfelt prayers and sincere condolences go to the family of Sgt. Vanzoest. May God bless you all in the coming days and may you know of and feel the poss we all share with you. Sgt. Travis, we salute you and honor you for your service, courage and sacrifice in the fight for freedom and peace. It is now your turn...th emantle of combat has been lifted from your shoulders and you join fallen comrades as they greet you with open arms. Rest in Peace. |
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Bruce L. Clements
oldgoldstar
Patriot Guard Rider, Utah
The nation which forgets it's defenders will itself be forgotten.
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92nighthawk
Posts: 1085
Grand Forks, North Dakota
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| 08 Jun 2006 1:16 AM |
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| My prayers are with the family and friends of Sgt. Vanzoest. I am standing by in Grand Forks, ND. Ready to ride at a moment's notice. |
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Grand Forks, ND Co-Ride Captain
I refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
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Granny Red
Posts: 652
Paradise, TX
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| 08 Jun 2006 5:45 AM |
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| Our sincere condolences to the family of Travis Vanzoest. God Bless. |
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Granny Red
Wife of USAF Vietnam Vet 68-69,
Volunteer Fire Fighter,
and PGR Chip (Dragonmaster) Foster
In loving memory of our son, Kirk Foster 1966-2003
"We pray that God will visit that empty place inside your heart where tears are born, and give you comfort, and a rock to cling to in the storms this tragedy has brought." |
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oldgoldwing
Posts: 57
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| 08 Jun 2006 5:51 AM |
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thoughts and prayers are with this family
standing by in MN
oldgoldwing |
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eatmedic
Posts: 1
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| 08 Jun 2006 7:07 AM |
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prayers with family and friends
standing by in Grand Forks, ND |
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ItsButaDream55
Posts: 3951
Anderson, Indiana Forum Moderator
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| 08 Jun 2006 7:13 AM |
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| My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Travis A. Vanzoest. May God and the sincere gratitude of our nation grant you some comfort in your time of loss. Sgt. Vanzoest rose to defend America, now America will honor him and see to it he is not forgotton. |
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SO NIGH IS GRANDEUR TO OUR DUST
SO NEAR IS GOD TO MAN
WHEN DUTY WHISPERS LOW,
THOU MUST!
THE YOUTH REPLIES, I CAN!
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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NormDJ
Posts: 150
Bismarck, ND
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| 08 Jun 2006 7:16 AM |
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My prayers are with the family and friends of this fallen hero.
Standing by in Bismarck. |
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I won't apologize for being an American! |
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NormDJ
Posts: 150
Bismarck, ND
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| 08 Jun 2006 7:17 AM |
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News Article:
N.D. Guardsmen killed in Afghanistan
By BLAKE NICHOLSON
Associated Press Writer
A bomb blast in Afghanistan has killed two North Dakota National Guard soldiers from this city and wounded a third, the first North Dakota Guard casualties in that country, the Guard says.
The dead were identified Wednesday as Spc. Curtis Mehrer and Sgt. Travis Van Zoest, both 21, and the wounded soldier as Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Wicks, 39.
Wicks was in stable condition Wednesday and was being transported to a military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, the Guard and Gov. John Hoeven's office said. Details of his injuries were not released.
The soldiers were members of the Security Forces of the 188th Air Defense Artillery, which is based in Grand Forks and has a battery in Bismarck, Guard officials said. The unit was mobilized last Dec. 1 and arrived in Afghanistan on March 23, Guard spokesman Rob Keller said.
"The unit was conducting a route reconnaissance in the vicinity south of Jalalabad," Keller said. "An improvised explosive device or tank mine detonated."
The incident happened around 9:30 a.m. local time Tuesday, or about midnight Monday CDT, in eastern Afghanistan. The men were riding in a vehicle at the time.
Afghanistan has been the scene of more violence recently, with an increase in suicide and roadside bombs.
Funeral arrangements for the North Dakota soldiers were pending. The Guard said family members did not wish to speak to reporters Wednesday night, though Wicks' wife, Angela, issued a statement through the Guard.
"I sympathize with the families who have lost soldiers, and my thoughts and prayers are with them," she said.
Van Zoest is survived by his parents, Sheila Richter, of Bismarck, and Bernardus Van Zoest, of Dane, Wis., a stepfather, a brother and two stepbrothers. Van Zoest was engaged to be married to Keisia Austin, of Bismarck.
Mehrer, who was single, is survived by parents Kevin and Joyce Mehrer, of Bismarck, and his daughter, Hailee McCormick, of Bismarck, along with a twin brother.
Paula Sayler, whose husband, Staff Sgt. Jeff Sayler, is deployed with the 188th, said Wednesday that she had spoken with family members of one of the soldiers killed, though she did not specify which family.
"They're doing the best they can," said Sayler, who heads a 188th family support group in Bismarck. "It's a very bad situation for the families to go through. They're very proud of their soldier, but it's so hard at the same time."
Van Zoest graduated from Bismarck Century High School in May 2003 and attended Bismarck State College and Minot State University from 2003 until his deployment.
He enlisted in the Guard in February 2002. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, along with several other military medals and ribbons.
Mehrer graduated from Bismarck High School in May 2003 and enlisted in the Guard that November. He also was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, along with other medals and ribbons.
Keller said 152 soldiers - 35 of them volunteers - are serving with the 188th Security Forces in Afghanistan. Thirty-nine soldiers are in the country with another 188th unit that does surveillance work, he said.
Maj. Jackie Huber, who is in charge of family programs for the North Dakota Guard, said it is an emotional time for the families.
"You know something can happen, but when it does it's really shocking," she said. "For the most part, families are doing well, but they're concerned and worried and all of those things that come with the territory when you have somebody deployed."
National Guard Spc. Michael Hermanson, 21, of Fargo, was killed in Iraq on May 23. Prior to that, the last death of a North Dakota Guardsman happened in November 2004, when Spc. Cody Wentz, 21, of Williston, was killed in Iraq.
Huber said the three deaths so close together makes it especially hard. "This has been a tough two weeks for the Guard families," she said.
The deaths also might make more people realize that Afghanistan can be just as dangerous as Iraq, she said.
"I think (some people) have this idea that Afghanistan is a safe place," Huber said. "It's a combat zone, and any time you're in a combat zone there is a threat."
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I won't apologize for being an American! |
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Wescoot2
Posts: 2842
Park Ridge, Illinois
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| 08 Jun 2006 7:19 AM |
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Change to confirmed
Thanks !
Brad Volk
ND State Captain
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X-Y-Z (you figure it out - Get out your Captain Video Decoder Ring )
Home 847-698-7383
Cell 847-217-1862
If your gonna be One.....Be a BIG RED ONE
**Truth - You Can't Handle the TRUTH** |
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Wolfiefxd
Posts: 265
Grand Forks, North Dakota
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| 08 Jun 2006 7:54 AM |
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| My sincere condolences to both the Van Zoest and Mehrer families. Be proud of the Heros that you raised, both doing what needed to be done. |
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Don Rasmuson
One of the "sheepdogs" on watch. |
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k-nine
Posts: 0
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| 08 Jun 2006 8:23 AM |
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My prayers are with the family of sgt. Vanzoest
standing by in devils lake.
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Gary12of72
Posts: 17
Bismarck, ND
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| 08 Jun 2006 8:33 AM |
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| As the article NormDJ posted states, SGT. Vanzoest is from Bismarck, I am not sure where Larimore plays a part but either way I am standing at by here in Bismarck. His family is in my prayers. |
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Lindy75
Posts: 113
Dickinson, ND
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| 08 Jun 2006 9:05 AM |
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Our heartfelt sympathies go out to SGT Van Zoest's family and friends.
Standing by in Dickinson. |
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Randy Lindborg
State Captain ND
Patriot Guard Riders
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Never forget who guards the fence in your back yard... |
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NormDJ
Posts: 150
Bismarck, ND
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| 08 Jun 2006 9:14 AM |
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| This one just got a bit closer to home here. I had to re-read the article to be sure. Sgt. Van Zoest's fiancee, Keisia, is the daughter of our corporate lawyer where I work. I'm willing to step up and help coordinate efforts for this mission if it's local. |
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I won't apologize for being an American! |
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ndtazman
Posts: 369
Grand Forks, North Dakota.
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| 08 Jun 2006 9:14 AM |
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My prayers are with the Family.
Ready to ride in Grand Forks. ND |
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Bruce Burgess. Grand Forks, ND Co-Ride Captain |
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RoughRider
Posts: 2
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| 08 Jun 2006 9:26 AM |
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To the families of these brave young Soldiers you have my prayers. To the Soldiers my deepest respect and thanks.
Standing by in Reiles Acres, ND. |
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hooligan22
Posts: 3
Harwood, ND
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| 08 Jun 2006 10:14 AM |
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The thoughts and prayers of myself and my family are with the family and friends of this hero.
Standing by in Fargo. |
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trident_t150
Posts: 583
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota
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| 08 Jun 2006 10:51 AM |
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Thoughts and prayers going your way from SW Minnesota.
No greater love hath any man then this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15.13 |
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Avatar picture taken at Hector, Mn., Municipal Airport. T33 erected in memory of my best friend, Capt Robert C. Swanson, USAF, in whose memory I ride with the PGR, to honor all who have served our nation.
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trashy_white_boy
Posts: 4
North Branch, Mn
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| 08 Jun 2006 11:04 AM |
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standing by and ready to ride from mn
condolances and heart felt sympathy to the Vanzost & Mehrer families for your losses
We are proud of your fallen sons, and will feel honored to accompany them on their journey home |
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PDDGM
Posts: 1305
Member #3599--US Navy 68-72--Sen Mo Ride Capt--Dixon, MO
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| 08 Jun 2006 12:06 PM |
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We are standing by in Garrison..Our prayers go out to this American Heroe's family and friends.
May God Bless him and them....
Joe and Linda Smith |
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heartl
Posts: 343
ND State Services
ND HOTH Coord
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| 08 Jun 2006 12:57 PM |
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of both of the soldiers
who gave their lives in Afghanistan. This young man graduated
from high school in my little brother's class at Century High
School.
We don't ride, yet, but will be standing by to do whatever is
needed. We hope to help in whatever way possible. Please
let us know what we can do.
Matt Hartl
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Respect for ourselves guides our morals;
respect for others guides our manners.
Heartl aka Tarra Hartl
HOTH Coordinator North Dakota
State Services Captain North Dakota
ND Web Site Administrator
My nephew & My son
To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.
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