SSG Gorter entered the US Navy on 7-17-89 and served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm.  He was honorably discharged from the service on 7-16-93 and then rejoined with the MN National Guard in Pipestone on 2-26-97.  He served as a recruiter for the National Guard from January 2000 through February 2004.  He served one tour in Europe during Operation Iraqi Freedom and on 12-4-04 he was redeployed with the Marshall Unit of the National Guard, Battery A-151 and served a tour in Iraq.  After returning to the United States in November of 2005, he continued his service with the Pipestone Unit, A Battery 1-125.  He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and served our Country for a total of 16 years, one month and 23 days.

SSG Gorter was a Patriot Guard Rider and also the current Commander for American Legion Post 6 in Pipestone.  He loved to ride his Harley, play football, sing karaoke, dance, hunt, golf and play darts.  He especially enjoyed attending family functions and supporting the sports activities of his family.

He is survived by many family members including his Mother, Daughter and Fiancée as well as four brothers, three sisters and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Following is a 2004 quote from SSG Gorter in regards to his decision to go from recruiter to soldier in Iraq: “I wanted to do something different.  This is my chance.  It’s something I feel compelled to do and I don’t know how to explain it any more than that.  I have vowed to uphold the constitution of the United States against its enemies, foreign and domestic.  I felt this was the time for me to do it, because it’s probably my last chance.  I want to make the world a better place so my kid doesn’t have to go through a 9/11.”

Staging Details:

Visitation:  Weds 03 Sept

Please come support the visitation as you can.  You do not need to be present for the entire time.  Feel free to come and go as your schedule allows.

3:30 pm:  Stage in back (south) parking lot of Peace United Methodist Church in Pipestone.  We will form a flag line for the visitation which will be from 4 to 8 pm.

Peace United Methodist Church is located on the south side of Hwy 30 in Pipestone, across from the swimming pool and just east of the junction of Hwy 30 and Hwy 23 south.

Funeral:  Thurs 04 Sept

We will stage at the Pipestone Veterinary Clinic Annex parking lot.  Location is 0.6 miles south of Hwy 30 on Hwy 75 – on the southeast edge of Pipestone.  If coming from the north or west, proceed on Hwy 30 east until you come to the Hwy 75 junction across from the fairgrounds.  Turn south on Hwy 75 and proceed to the PVC Annex which is on the east side of Hwy 75.  (The Pipestone Vet Clinic is on the west side of 75, the Annex is on the east).

12:00 to 12:40 pm:  Staging area open.

12:40 pm:  Mission Briefing

12:50 pm:  LEO escort to Peace United Methodist Church

1:00 pm:  Establish flag line at church.

2:00 pm:  Funeral service begins

3:00 pm (est.):  Funeral service ends

3:10 pm (est.):  Depart Peace United Methodist Church for 17 mile escort to burial site at Hillside Cemetery in Edgerton, MN

4:00 pm (est.)   Stand down – mission complete.

Weather forecast for Pipestone on Thursday is partly cloudy with a high of 68.  Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring food and water as needed.   We must be self sufficient for this mission.  If you are not comfortable riding in group formation at highway speeds, please pass on the 17 mile escort or ride in a vehicle.  Cages are welcome.  Please bring a 3 x 5 flag for the flag line.  We will not be flying flags on the escort portion of this mission as we will be traveling at highway speeds.

Persons with questions should send an email to:  worthington@mnpatriotguard.org

Respectfully submitted,

Paul Ramsbey

Ride Captain