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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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night*sky 
Posts: 21
Rushmore MN
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| 18 Jun 2006 10:24 PM |
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My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Spc. Koch.
Standing by in Rushmore Minnesota. |
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BirdieMN
Posts: 946
Woodbury, MN
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| 18 Jun 2006 11:22 PM |
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From the Associated Press:
MINNEAPOLIS - A National Guard member from Morton was killed in Iraq when an explosive device detonated near his military vehicle, the Minnesota National Guard announced today.
Spc. Brent W. Koch, 22, died Friday in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, the Guard said. Two other Minnesota soldiers were injured in the explosion.
"(Koch) was the kind of kid that you would want with you if you were over there fighting a war. He was committed and mature beyond his years," Cedar Mountain School District Superintendent Bob Tews said.
Koch graduated in 2002 from Cedar Mountain High School, where he played football and basketball, Tews said.
In Morton, members of the local American Legion post put up American flags along the streets of the southwestern Minnesota town in Koch's honor.
"He was a very good kid and he wanted to go into the military and serve for our country," said Dave Mude, as he took a break from hanging flags from utility poles.
Koch enlisted in the Guard four years ago and was serving as a combat engineer. His unit's job was providing convoy security.
Maj. Kevin Olson, a spokesman for the Minnesota National Guard, said Koch was unmarried and had no children.
Koch's family members were not taking calls from the media on Sunday but issued a statement through the Guard.
"We are very grateful for the overwhelming amount of support from our family, friends and the community," they said in a statement read by Lt. Col. Kevin Gutknecht. "Thank you for your thoughts and prayers at this time."
Olson did not release the names of the injured soldiers. He said one received shrapnel wounds to the upper body, and the other received shrapnel wounds to the lower body. They were being transferred to a U.S. military hospital in Germany.
Olson also said there were no indications that any Minnesotans are among the service members recently captured in Iraq.
Koch was assigned to the Minnesota Army National Guard's Company E, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry Combined Arms Battalion in Redwood Falls. Another 79 members of the company are due to remain in Iraq through next Spring.
His unit was part of a deployment in March of 2,600 other Minnesota Guard members for a 12-month tour of duty, the Minnesota Guard's largest deployment since World War II.
"We are focusing our efforts on helping the family members cope through this difficult time," Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito, Minnesota's adjutant general, said in a statement. "Additionally, our thoughts and prayers are with those who serve with this honorable soldier."
Jeff Gay, a family support coordinator for the Guard in Redwood Falls, was there the day Cook enlisted and praised him as a dependable soldier.
"Specialist Cook was fired up about coming into the Guard, it seemed like," Gay said. "Very well liked among the other soldiers. Anytime anything needed to be done, extra duty, he was always there to help us."
Koch is the 39th person with Minnesota ties to die in connection with the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was the fourth Minnesota National Guard fatality in Iraq, Olson said. Funeral arrangements were pending.
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Nate "Birdie" Zenker
Metro/St. Cloud Area Senior Ride Captain
Member - Red Knights MC, MN Chapter 4
www.mnpatriotguard.org
Riding in Memory of:
Firefighter/EMT Don Juenemann, Firefighter/EMT Jason Shutes, Captain William Pooler, USN, USMM, The 343 - "Never Forget"
-X-Y-Z-
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kenny13b
Posts: 66
monticello, mn, 55362
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| 19 Jun 2006 2:38 AM |
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Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Spc.Koch. Rest easy Brother, we have the watch.
Ready to ride from Monticello, Mn.
Kenny B.
USN{ret} |
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MNPatriot
Posts: 76
Hampton, GA
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| 19 Jun 2006 5:09 AM |
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| Godspeed to Spc. Brent Koch. To family and friends, may I express my condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Standing by in Rosemount. |
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Don Jenkins, E-7 Ret, USAF
"Great people are common people who have committed themselves to uncommon goals."
Dr. Robert Schuller |
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alsplace
Posts: 29
Hudson, Wisconsin
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| 19 Jun 2006 6:22 AM |
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My sympathies and condolences to family and friends of Spc. Brent Koch.
Ready to ride Hudson Wi |
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US Army Veteran and still serving
'00 Road King Classic
--Honor above all-- |
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Jgood
Posts: 108
Minnesota
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| 19 Jun 2006 6:40 AM |
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My sincere condolences go out to the family of Spc. Koch, his service to this country will always be remembered and we will never foget.
Standing by in Ham Lake MN. |
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jollygreen
Posts: 42
Westfield, WI
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| 19 Jun 2006 6:56 AM |
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Our condolences to the family of Spc Koch, May our Brother Rest in Peace. Standing By
John and Rita
Westfield, WI |
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trident_t150
Posts: 715
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota
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| 19 Jun 2006 7:07 AM |
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From this morning's Mpls StarTribune:
MORTON, MINN. -- They were talking about it at a family barbecue, and the gas station also was abuzz with the news.
Specialist Brent W. Koch, 22, one of the local guys in the Minnesota National Guard who had shipped over to Iraq only three months ago, had been killed Friday of injuries he received when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle.
Family and friends mourned in nearby Franklin, and bleachers full of racing fans observed a moment of silence Sunday evening at the Redwood Speedway in Redwood Falls, where Koch had worked as part of a pit crew.
A handful of spectators wore T-shirts emblazoned with his photo.
"He was so proud of what he did," family friend Gary Robinson, of Redwood Falls, said of Koch's military service. "He was a good kid. Just a happy-go-lucky guy. Always had a smile on his face."
Two other Minnesota National Guard members were injured in the explosion in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, and are scheduled to be transported to hospitals in Germany, said Maj. Kevin Olson, spokesman for the Minnesota National Guard. Their identities were not released because of privacy issues, but Olson said both men have spoken with their families.
Koch is the 38th person with Minnesota ties to die in the Mideast during the war in Iraq. He is also believed to be the fourth Minnesota Guard member to die in the war.
He was deployed to Iraq in March along with 2,600 other Minnesota National Guard members for a 12-month tour of duty, said Olson. It was the largest overseas deployment of the Minnesota Guard since World War II.
Koch was assigned to the Guard's Company E, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry Combined Arms Battalion, a combat engineer company headquartered in Hutchinson that consisted of soldiers primarily from Hutchinson, Litchfield and Redwood Falls.
Guard members deployed with Koch were responsible for convoy security, base security and operating checkpoints throughout Iraq, Olson said. He added that it was unclear exactly what Koch was doing when the explosion occurred.
Bringing the war home
Tom Ahrens said Koch moved next door to him three years ago, renting a house while he worked for a farmer in Morton. He said Koch also worked at one time for a mobile home manufacturer.
He learned of Koch's death Saturday morning and couldn't believe it.
"It made me angry about the war," Ahrens said. At the same time, he added, Koch "wanted to do this so bad."
It brought the war into focus, Ahrens said.
Robinson, whose son was a good friend of Koch's, described him as a hard worker who often helped around the house.
Ray Hansen and her husband, Mark, are friends of Koch's family. Koch, she said, was a wonderful boy whom she had known since he ran around with her kids. "He was courteous, that's for sure," she said.
Koch grew up in the Morton-Franklin area, and attended Cedar Mountain High School.
"When he was committed to something, he'd put every effort into it and just gave 100 percent," said Cedar Mountain Schools Superintendent Bob Tews.
On the football field, Koch was primarily what one former coach called a "very hard-nosed" linebacker and wide receiver.
Tews said that school officials will turn to current students for ideas on how to best remember Koch and offer support to his family. He said that Koch is not the only former Cedar Mountatin student to have served in Iraq.
"Part of me wants to just kind of go lock the door and cover my head up," Tews said. "But on the other side, I sit there and think of what he's done, and what all of our kids in Cedar Mountain and throughout the state have done."
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Avatar picture taken at Hector, Mn., Municipal Airport, where a T33 was erected in memory of my first cousin and best friend, Capt Robert C. Swanson, USAF, who died in service to his country in 1978, and in whose memory I ride with the PGR, to honor all who have served our nation.
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E8MC
Posts: 0
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| 19 Jun 2006 7:16 AM |
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| Condolences to the family and friends of Spc. Brent W. Koch -- thank you for your military service ... rest in peace. |
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Browningshooter
Posts: 2
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| 19 Jun 2006 7:54 AM |
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| Standing ready with a heavy heart in Maple Grove. |
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hagtwo
Posts: 25
Moundsview,MN 55112
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| 19 Jun 2006 8:05 AM |
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| Our condolances to the family of Spc Koch. standing by in Moundsview, Mn |
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USAF VET Viet Nam era
VFW post 6587 Spring Lake Park MN life member |
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kilgore289
Posts: 2
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| 19 Jun 2006 8:28 AM |
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| America Thanks You, Spc Koch. God bless. I'll help if needed |
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Gonsam
Posts: 3
Amery Wi
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| 19 Jun 2006 8:39 AM |
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| God Bless! You are a true hero to all. thank you and your family for the gift you have given us. Standing by in amery wi |
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Honeydog
Posts: 639
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| 19 Jun 2006 9:19 AM |
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Posted By Bagwaji on 06/19/2006 6:55 AM
To the Southwest Metro RC -- I tried to send an email correcting an earlier one, but it wouldn't go through. In contingency planning in case this is a go, Eden Prairie Mall was a bad idea of mine, because 212 and State 5 have already split apart by then. On the other hand, I seem to recall that there is a strip-mall type area on the right side of State 5 (when West-bound), right West of 494 -- might be a better idea.
I'm soooooooo saddened that the missions are coming so frequently lately. My heart goes out the the families and communities. Standing by in case we are invited.
There are several places right by where you speak. The strip most likely is the one on Prairie Center Dr, the Rainbow Foods is in that strip mall. There is also the Costco just off Prairie Center Drive on Technology Blvd. Another place could be by the Krispy Kreme and TGI Fridays by the SW Metro bus Park and Ride parking ramp.
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No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation
- General Douglas MacArthur
There are bikers invading the rest area!
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dhunter
Posts: 23
Ramsey, MN
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| 19 Jun 2006 9:20 AM |
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| Standing by in Ramsey, MN |
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maximvtx
Posts: 9
Le Sueur, MN
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| 19 Jun 2006 9:57 AM |
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To the family and friends of Spc. Brent Koch, all I can say is Thank you. Thank you for believing so strongly in our country and our freedom that you delivered the ultimate sacrifice. For that I am eternally grateful. You Son and friend will never be forgotten. God speed SPC Koch.
Standing by to send this HERO off with great honor |
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Gary12of72
Posts: 17
Bismarck, ND
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| 19 Jun 2006 11:15 AM |
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| Spc. Kock is with our Lord now and his family and friends are in my families prayers |
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JRedfield
Posts: 77
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| 19 Jun 2006 11:19 AM |
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Posted By Honeydog on 06/19/2006 9:19 AM
Posted By Bagwaji on 06/19/2006 6:55 AM
To the Southwest Metro RC -- I tried to send an email correcting an earlier one, but it wouldn't go through. In contingency planning in case this is a go, Eden Prairie Mall was a bad idea of mine, because 212 and State 5 have already split apart by then. On the other hand, I seem to recall that there is a strip-mall type area on the right side of State 5 (when West-bound), right West of 494 -- might be a better idea.
I'm soooooooo saddened that the missions are coming so frequently lately. My heart goes out the the families and communities. Standing by in case we are invited. There are several places right by where you speak. The strip most likely is the one on Prairie Center Dr, the Rainbow Foods is in that strip mall. There is also the Costco just off Prairie Center Drive on Technology Blvd. Another place could be by the Krispy Kreme and TGI Fridays by the SW Metro bus Park and Ride parking ramp.
Bagwaji / Honeydog:
I will get back to you on this when I get home this evening. All places you mention seem like good ideas. I am familiar with the strip mall by Rainbow and the area at the SouthWest bus park.
I will make sure you are able to email me when I get home and we can take this off discuss among our sector then.
I do appreciate the input.
John Redfield
SWSector Ride Captain.
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"Kingpin"
John Redfield
Southwest Metro Ride Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
metrosw@mnpatriotguard.org
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pushrod63
Posts: 2
Lengby, MN
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| 19 Jun 2006 11:52 AM |
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My condolences to the Koch family. Godspeed on you final mission brother. Thank you for your service. Standing by in Lengby, MN
Gulf War veteran US Army 1981-1991 |
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fireboss
Posts: 32
N. E. Iowa
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| 19 Jun 2006 11:53 AM |
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Most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Spc. Brent W.
Koch, American Hero. May you find peace and strength in this time
of loss. Thank you for your sacrifice and my freedom.
Standing by in N.E. Iowa.
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Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
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gwinslow
Posts: 535
Amboy, MN
Minnesota
Assistant State Captain
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| 19 Jun 2006 12:01 PM |
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It was with a heavy heart that I received news of Spc. Brent W. Koch's passing. My God be with his family in their time of sorrow. And may we never forget that Freedom isn't Free, it's purchased with the ultimate price by young American Hero's such as Spc. Brent W. Koch.
Standing by in Amboy, MN |
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George H Winslow, Jr.
Minnesota Assistant State Captain
Minnesota Patriot Guard / Patriot Guard Riders
Red, White, & Blue Book - MN Coordinator |
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mmnagel
Posts: 9
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| 19 Jun 2006 12:41 PM |
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May God be with the Loved one of SPC Koch, our prayers go out to them.
Standing by in Prior Lake, MN to honor a true hero and his family.
Mike and Marie |
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dakotakid
Posts: 166
Richmond, Mn
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| 19 Jun 2006 12:46 PM |
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| My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Spc. Brent W. Kock. Thank you for your service to your country. Standing by in Richmond. |
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Keith"Schaef"Schaefer
Asst. RC, St.Cloud Sector
stcloudarc1@gmail.com
www.mnpatriotguard.org
 
THE NATION WHICH FORGETS ITS DEFENDERS WILL ITSELF BE FORGOTTEN |
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Clark Cronquist
Posts: 1
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| 19 Jun 2006 1:13 PM |
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My deepest condolences to the friends and family of Spc. Koch. God speed to a fallen hero.
Standing by in New London, Minnesota |
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porkchops
Posts: 40
Plato, MN
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| 19 Jun 2006 1:24 PM |
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GODS speed to Spc. Koch, Thanks for your sacrifice. You will not be forgotten. Thoughts and Prayers to your family.
May GOD bless use all,
Galen "Porkchops" Sundin
standing by in Brownton, MN
porkchops out |
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