I would like to Thank everyone for doing a great job ensuring Cpl. Nurnberg was suitably honored, under difficult circumstances for the PGR.  The PGR came through no matter the circumstance.

The escort was impressive, with about 50 bikes, the best recon I have ever seen [Thanks, Oscar!], and Big Joe stepping up when Jim took ill,  [hope you are feeling better, Jim] and from what I have heard an exceptionally well done LEO escort to bring Keith to Spring Grove.

Kevin & company has the flags set up for the visitation, and we have a steady crew of about 40 to 60 for the 5 hour visitation on a cool and windy day.  We presented the plaque to Tonya as a group near the end of the visitation.

For the escort to the church, we had 42 bikes, pegs down, plus 4 LEO bikes leading the way.  Along the route there were Scouts and townsfolk standing with flags.  We were joined at the cemetery by a number of veterans, in uniforms, with unit colors.  We formed a circle of comfort around the mourners and the vets.

As we all know, this was a tough week, with the loss of Greg Bowman and the services directly conflicting.  LEO, family and friends of Cpl. Nurnberg were aware of it, too.  They were amazed at our show of support, knowing we had lost one of our own.  When the family is asking for ride decals (which we ran out of) as Henry would say, "ya done good."

When the CAO, SFC Stroub, found out that Greg's funeral was at the same time at Cpl. Nurnberg's, and that other people would be there besides the PGR, she told me Greg was riding on his last mission.  I know Greg would have wanted unwelcome visitors at his services, and not Cpl. Nurnberg's.  And that is just how it worked out.

I would like to thank everyone for stepping up for this mission.  While I am sure I am forgetting someone, Thanks to Jim, Oscar, Big Joe, Russ, Denise, Kevin, Uffda and Oopsie, J&P, Uncle Larry and to all for helping make sure things were done appropriately.  And a special THANKS to everyone who stood the line.

Both John Curran and Henry Lange offered to fill in for me, so I could go to Princeton.  I felt I should stay with my crew, but I appreciate the offers more than you can possibly know.

Big Joe called me from Princeton to see how things were going and give me an update, just as the procession was arriving at the cemetery.  At the time, I was being instructed by an 8 year old how to work the camera on my new phone.  When the bikes arrived, she took off toward the other end of the cemetery, phone in hand.  I learned two things very quickly:  I do not move as fast as an 8 YO, and the Bluetooth connection has much longer range than before.

That little PGR and her Mom were from Colby WI, and drove 5 hours to stand for Cpl. Nurnberg.  Thank You, ladies.

Lastly, Henry took his RC hat, placed a Greg Bowman memorial decal on the brim, and attached it to one of our flagpoles.  I am certain Greg would have been there, and on many future missions.  Accordingly, we will continue to use that pole with the hat attached, in Greg's honor.  We will get Henry a new hat.

I am taking the liberty of posting this ride report on Greg's thread.  I believe almost all of the PGR that attended this mission would have been in Princeton, but stood for Cpl. Nurnberg as that is what Greg would have wanted.  There were many that stood for both.

To the Nurnberg family:  I cannot possibly describe how sorry I am for your loss.  Thank you for allowing us to attend.  It was truly a privilege to stand in Cpl. Nurnberg's honor.

DJ Casser

SE WI SRC

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