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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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| Author |
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DocBohlman 
Posts: 11
Lakeville, MN
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| 22 Sep 2006 9:42 AM |
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Good morning Henry,
Please add these names to the list for the guards at the base.
Timothy Bohlman
Carrie Wessbecker
Reed Wessbecker
This will be my first Welcome Home mission, and will be a welcome change of pace from the memorial missions I've been on in the past. Standing by in Lakeville, MN for final mission itinerary. |
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"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
- President John F. Kennedy |
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hlange
Posts: 1004
NCR Captain, Bangor WI
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| 22 Sep 2006 1:02 PM |
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Just got word that the day and time are as originally planned, Saturday the 23rd, 1600 hour (4:00 p.m.). Mission is a go. See you there!!
Check the weather, ride/drive safe! |
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Henry A. Lange BTC(SW)(USN)(Ret)
"Remember that no matter how many missions you have been on, all that matters to the family is the one you are on today." Roert
"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:
"I served in the United States Navy""
-John F. Kennedy (JFK) |
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dbley
Posts: 656
Twin Cities
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| 22 Sep 2006 1:58 PM |
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Staging info as follows for the Minnesota metro area. I am not taking a motorcycle. The weather forecast is for the mid 40's and rain. It will be unsafe and uncomfortable on a bike.
This is an official mission so waivers will need to be signed.
Dress warmly.... dress like a biker!!!..... and bring your flags.
As Henry points out in the mission thread... the military security is tight so read for what is allowed and not.
Volk Field is at 100 Independence Dr, 54618. Very simple drive. We will plan one comfort stop.
We should/will carpool if possible. We should not plan to drive as a group but keep in cell phone contact.
Directions as follows....
- Meet at Cub Foods off of Radio Drive in Woodbury at 11:15am with a full tank of fuel. Take Radio Dr South of I-94 to the second right to Tamarack Village. Look for a silver GMC Yukon with a PGR decal in the back window.
- Briefing at 11:45
- Depart no later 12:00
- I-94 east approx 170 miles to Exit 55 Volk Field/Camp Douglas
- Arrive at Volk Field at approximately 3:30
- Mission as per Henry Lange direction
- Expect the return to the metro area at approximately midnight
Thanks again for attending this joyous event for many families. |
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Doug Bley
MN State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
In memory of my friend John Gorman - Rangers 2bn - Dog Company - WWII
"Rangers Lead The Way!" |
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bezzer
Posts: 136
La Crosse Wis.
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| 22 Sep 2006 7:30 PM |
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Henry,
Great deal. Put Gunny and wife carol on your list. Bob and Carol Wateski, La Crosse. If anyone from La Crosse needs a ride in a cage call me at 790-3788. I will be leaving my house by 1500. What a fantastic way to end a day. A change to welcome home our heros'. Good job on setting this up.
Gunny
Am. Legion, VFW, DAV,VNV
Semper Fi |
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Gunny |
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dbley
Posts: 656
Twin Cities
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| 22 Sep 2006 10:01 PM |
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| quick update.... the plane is in the air and they might be early... will post tomorrow morning what I hear. |
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Doug Bley
MN State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
In memory of my friend John Gorman - Rangers 2bn - Dog Company - WWII
"Rangers Lead The Way!" |
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rescu607
Posts: 2
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| 23 Sep 2006 1:51 AM |
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If it's not too late, I'd like to add my name to this mission list. I'm not sure if I can get off work, but if I can, I'll be there to welcome home these heroes.
Carla J. DeLaMater
I'm also going to let a friend of mine know, so I'll add her on, just in case:
Loriann Schlafer |
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Goofball43
Posts: 122
Sparta, WI
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| 23 Sep 2006 5:49 AM |
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Hi Henry -
Please add my wife's name to the list for the Volk Field welcome home this evening. Her name is Jan Fink.
We'll drive the truck (w/topper). If you're biking over but have extra stuff you'd like to take, I'll be happy to zip over to your place to pick the stuff up.
We'll also bring a cooler loaded with sodas and bottled water. At other welcome homes I've attended at Volk Field, family members have brought coolers and food. I'm sure troops without family meeting them will appreciate the same.
Rich Fink, SCPO (ret)
Sparta, WI |
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MNPatriot
Posts: 76
Hampton, GA
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| 23 Sep 2006 5:50 AM |
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| AS much as I would like to attend this home coming, I'd better stay indoors and nurse this bug. Cage or Bike, drive and ride safe. |
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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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Goofball43
Posts: 122
Sparta, WI
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dbley
Posts: 656
Twin Cities
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| 23 Sep 2006 7:07 AM |
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| Nice offer Rich... Not sure if we have any bikers from MN today... that would awesome offer if there are.. I hate deer at this time of year! |
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Doug Bley
MN State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
In memory of my friend John Gorman - Rangers 2bn - Dog Company - WWII
"Rangers Lead The Way!" |
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dbley
Posts: 656
Twin Cities
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| 23 Sep 2006 8:40 AM |
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Henry....
Please add Michael Maloney
Also... just talked to friend she said the plane is held up in Iceland for an air show. Will be on time to somewhate late.
See you all there and thanks for the great efforts! |
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Doug Bley
MN State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
In memory of my friend John Gorman - Rangers 2bn - Dog Company - WWII
"Rangers Lead The Way!" |
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hlange
Posts: 1004
NCR Captain, Bangor WI
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| 23 Sep 2006 9:36 AM |
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| Staging time is still set for 1600 hrs. Weather so far is looking better, I might get stupid and take the bike. :) Names up to this point have all been added to the list. See you there! |
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Henry A. Lange BTC(SW)(USN)(Ret)
"Remember that no matter how many missions you have been on, all that matters to the family is the one you are on today." Roert
"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:
"I served in the United States Navy""
-John F. Kennedy (JFK) |
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hlange
Posts: 1004
NCR Captain, Bangor WI
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| 23 Sep 2006 10:33 PM |
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Mission Complete!!
Yes, I took the bike, weather channel said rain all day but I didn't have any until about 10 miles from Sparta on the way home. Not bad and I didn't care. It was a GOOOOOOOD day! The plane was about 2 hours late, came in just before dark. Mustered up about 20 or so people and they had us go through the VIP entrance to get to the meeting area. When the plane landed we had a Tunnel of Honor for the troops when they came off the flight line but left room so that the family that was there could get to them first. After they all came by we moved to the inside of the hangerand lined up on both sides to flank the stage. Gen Richardson was good and gave a very short speech and then thanked the troops, the families and thanked us for being there. It was real strange to have the troops applaude us. They were just wonderful. Many, many of them came around and thanked us for being there, as did many family members. After the General spoke we mingled a bit to make sure that every soldier was welcomed home and then we took our leave. Others that were there will fill in more information and impressions. It was a very good day!! I want to give a special thanks to Gen Richardson and to Msgt Emmans for allowing us to be there.
Also, the General gave me one of his challange coins and told me to pass on to all what a great job he thought we did. The coin, which is shaped like a thick bronze dogtag has the emblem of the 88th Blue Devils on one side and on the other states "Deputy Commanding General 88th Regional Readiness Command, Award for Excellence" |
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Henry A. Lange BTC(SW)(USN)(Ret)
"Remember that no matter how many missions you have been on, all that matters to the family is the one you are on today." Roert
"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:
"I served in the United States Navy""
-John F. Kennedy (JFK) |
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Tuxedo61
Posts: 133
Rice Lake, WI
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| 23 Sep 2006 11:04 PM |
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Like Henry says, it was a GREAT day. I was the other one crazy enough to bike it today. Unfotunately I found a little more rain on the way home. But it just didn't matter. I had such a warm, wonderful feeling inside that I could have been riding in a blizzard at 10 below and wouldn't have had so much as a chill!
I'm still speechless over having that hangar full of soldiers fresh from Iraq and all their families and friends cheering and applauding for us. I'll never understand that part, but it sure felt great.
Tried to shake as many hands and say "Welcome Home" to as many of those returning as possible, but I know I missed many. I hope our presence let them know just how happy we were to have them home and how grateful we were for the time the spent in the sandbox.
This was my 13th Patriot Guard mission today, and from now on I will think of 13 as a lucky number. I can't wait for the day when ALL our missions are welcome homes! |
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"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
- Abraham Lincoln
Second Inaugural Address March 4, 1865
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dbley
Posts: 656
Twin Cities
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| 23 Sep 2006 11:59 PM |
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Well..... we Minnesotans were feeling left out on the bike thing.. until the drive home. Was glad to be in a cage then! Rained hard for about half the way and sprinkled for the rest of it.
Echoing the other posts.... it was a sweet thing to be there. Not only as part of the PGR... but really.. to be part of the families that were there. We got lots of hugs from the Mom of the soldiers.... emotional hand shakes from the soldiers.... and the feeling we were part of something special.
The unit was surprised to see us. We did keep the secret. It was the best part.
One particular thing I saw that touched me was a Mom and her daughter (who had just returned) sitting on a picnic bench apart from everyone. The daughter had her head buried in her Mom's lap while the Mom just stroked her back. I still have that one in the back of my throat.
Lots of mental pictures.... little girls not letting go of their Dad's hands. Wives who had little babies the Dad's hadn't seen yet. The little girl who put on her Dad's flack jacket and helmet and danced for us. The clusters of soldiers who had no one there to greet them. The cheers when the plane hit the ground.
As Henry said.. the General let the soldiers know that the PGR was fighting the good fight while they were gone.
Want to add thanks to one more person. Lt Col Dan Pasch helped spring us into the mix. He also is a biker and it turns out that one of local PGR members bought him breakfast a month ago as a surprise gift. Mike had the waitress hand him a PGR flyer instead of the bill.
This mission was personal to me... more than the just being a PGR member. Henry and the WI team deserve a shout out.... and my heartfelt thanks to all who came. As always, I am humbled to be part of this organization.
In closing.. if you get the chance... attend a Welcome Home mission. It is 1am and I am still worked up.... and beyong the caffeine. It was a GREAT day! |
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Doug Bley
MN State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
In memory of my friend John Gorman - Rangers 2bn - Dog Company - WWII
"Rangers Lead The Way!" |
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Goofball43
Posts: 122
Sparta, WI
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| 24 Sep 2006 6:58 AM |
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Doug and Henry summed this mission up quite well. GREAT feelings, I had a few hidden tears! Yeah, despite appearances, I'm a softie.
I had a good view of the little girl with the armor vest and helmet: she'd found her own special way to celebrate!
One family especially touched me: an older mother, her two adult daughters, and three young boys waiting for their soldier, "Aunt B." The oldest boy (Anthony), maybe 9 years old, took on two tasks at my request. One was to keep water jugs filled for rinsing hands at the porta pots. For this I dubbed him "Gunga Din" - as the plane arrived he was tasked with handing out paper shop towels to wipe tears. As people were begining to leave, he approached me and asked "how'd I do?" Couldn't give him enough praise but did salute him and shook his hand.
Then, taking some power not actually invested in me, I appointed him an honorary Patriot Guard rider. His chest puffed up, his face beamed. Sure wisht I had some sort of PRG token of remembrance to give him. He felt great, me too.
Talk about "Make My Day" - nothing could be better than a Welcome Home mission.
Rich Fink, SCPO (ret)
Sparta, WI |
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MNPatriot
Posts: 76
Hampton, GA
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| 24 Sep 2006 7:54 AM |
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| I'm disappointed I could not attend. I remember when I returned home from Guam (Guam was not a war zone.) It was just family members that met us. I never had a second thought about it at the time. Now that we have the PGR, I believe we are representing America and the Soldiers, Sailors, and Airman are so appreciative for us. I too have felt a little uneasy when we are recognized when we are there for them. I can accept their appreciation and simply tell them, it's you I appreciate. |
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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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Tuxedo61
Posts: 133
Rice Lake, WI
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| 24 Sep 2006 9:57 AM |
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OK, next morning. I'm dried off and rested, so maybe a can put my thoughts on the day in a little better perspective now.
Right from the get go, I knew this mission was going to be something special!!
When I woke up on Saturday morning, I still wasn't even sure I would make it, but after driving my son to work and not seeing a drop of rain and watching clouds break up a little anyways, I decided there was no way I wanted to miss this. Waited patiently for about an hour for my wife to get home from shopping to let her know I was going, then it was a kiss and a hug good bye and I was on the road.
From the minute I arrived, this was a fun mission. Henry was waiting at the gate with the news that the plane was going to be a couple hours late. At first this seemed like it could make for a real long wait, but as it turned out later, that extra couple hours was a bonus. It gave us even more time to mix and mingle with the families and friends waiting so eagerly for their loved ones, listen to their stories, share their joy and anticipation, and thank them for sharing their heroes with all of us as well. It was a blast.
The extra time was also a nice oppurtunity to relax for a few minutes. The time spent across the road at the german restaurant talking and visiting and basically getting to know some of my PGR brothers a little more was priceless.
When we did finally head for the landing strip at Volk Field, I immediately knew today was going to be special. Hundreds of family and friends were already gathered anxiously here awaiting the return of their loved ones. And unlike our usual missions, it was incredible to see the joy and the smiles for a change. Just watching the little children running and waving their tiny flags. Knowing some of the babies had never seen their dad's and some wouldn't remember if they had. What great reunions these would be.
When we gathered near the field MSgt. Emmans came out to greet us all and thank us for coming. He informed us we would be entering through the VIP entrance, how cool is that! It turned out to be almost comical as we all had to be wanded through with a metal detector.....can you picture that one. A bunch of bikers with a vest load of pins, snaps everywhere, chain link belts, wallets on chains and what have you trying to go through a metal detector. I think they were just going through the motions, 'cause there wasn't a one that didn't buzz, whistle, beep or what have you, the whole time. But we all came in.
The next couple hours was that time I mentioned earlier to mingle with the families. Shedding tears of happiness for a change, what a lift!
Then they announced the plane would be arriving soon, so we grabbed our flags and formed our tunnel of flags from the receiving area to the hangar where all were to meet. Of course we left plenty of space in between so as not to get trampled in the middle of exuberant reunions. It was probably another twenty minutes before the plane arrived, and we were all like little kids on Christmas morning, peeking around the corner of the hangar just hoping to get our first view of their plane as it arrived. By the time it actually came into sight, our flag line was all but gone. These guys and gals were our "family", too and we were just as eager to welcome them home, so everyone had moved to where they could see the landing, the arrival and the first steps off the plane and it was worth it!
As the soldiers approached us, we did regroup in time. We greeted them all with warm and heartfelt "Welcome Homes" and most with firm, lingering handshakes. What a rush it was even just for a second to hold the hand of so many young American Heroes. I watched faces as they passed by me, wanting to know them all. There was so many emotions in their eyes I can't even begin to describe it. From pure joy. to looks of sheer confusion. For many of these young men and women, their lives had changed dramatically and I'm sure readjusting to life at home is a long, and scary process. But the overall feeling was just one of such revelry and celebration that I couldn't begin to wipe the smile off my face.
We followed the troops into the hangar area for their official Welcome Home and formed a semi-circle of flags around the entire group. Many, many people continued to come around to each of us to say thanks, not only for today, but for the existence of the Patriot Guard Riders. It was so nice for once. Rather than to have to fumble for polite words for a grieving loved one, to just be able to grab that hand firmly, pat a shoulder or back and say "No, thank you. This is a joy and and honor. Thank you so much!"
Gen. Richardson then came out to speak. He was very brief but very sincere as he thanked the troops and the families. The whole place erupted when he asked us to welcome them home. It was a long extended round of applause, cheers and whistles...and they deserved it. Then something totally unexpected happened. Gen. Richardson took the time to say thank you to the Patriot Guard Riders. Again like I said earlier, not just for this day,but for every mission we have completed in support of the troops. When that group of young men and women along with their friends and family once again filled that room with cheers and applause, I lost it. I hung my head to look humble and sincere, but the fact was I was hiding the tears. Those few seconds summed up for me everything we have accomplished. That heartfelt enthusiasm from a group who had so much more important things to be celebrating, really hit home. We really do make a difference folks.
And it just didn't end. As we walked back to our cars and bikes, people continued to thank us, honking horns, hollering out windows, one father of a service member driving by the group shouting "You guys ROCK!" Even, when I hit the highway for home it continued. I ended up in the middle of all the cars heading for Ft. McCoy and as they passed me by, the horns honked, the thumbs were up, it was incredible.
Yeah, I finished the last couple hours of my ride in the rain, but who cares. My heart was warm and nothing was going to make me feel bad today. For the first time, I can honestly say, I can't wait for our next mission.......as long as it's another welcome home.
Folks, If you get a chance to get to a welcome home mission.....do it! I don't care how far you have to travel. You will be rewardd.
Gd Bless You All |
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"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
- Abraham Lincoln
Second Inaugural Address March 4, 1865
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dadeters
Posts: 40
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| 24 Sep 2006 5:30 PM |
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I can't add much to what was already said by Henry, Dan, Richard and the others except for one very personal observation. While we were flanking the stage waiting for General Richardson's remarks a lone soldier started it out by starting at one end of the line of PGR members and walking through and shaking each hand and expressing his appreciation for what we do. That as cool.
But, what moved me the most was when a soldiier, his father, and grandfather walked the line and shaked each hand and Thanked us for what we do. Think of that, they Thanked us for what we do. I was there to Thank them and show my respect for what he did for our country. Three generations of one family shook my hand and Thanked me. WOW.
Later as I was leaving I walked out with the father and grandfather. I again shook their hands and Thanked them for taking the time to do that and to tell them how much that meant to the group and to me especially.
This was my seventh mission and there will be more of these because whether people believe it or not this has become one of our missions in the PGR. A very important one.
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bezzer
Posts: 136
La Crosse Wis.
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| 25 Sep 2006 9:50 AM |
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What a day. To see all of these soldiers come home was fantastic. I stood there with trears. My wife was with and as she said, I watched a little girl being held by here dad the entire time and she would not let go of him. That said it all. I was impressed by them comeing through to thank me for being there when all I wanted to do was thank them. This was very personal for me as comeing hone from Viet Nam was a lot different. I swore then that if I ever had the chance to welcome home someone or could prevent that from happening again I would do it. The PGR has given me that chance and to be able to do this with a group of good people that I have meet makes it even better. I hope to do more of this type of mission until all of our troops are home and taken care of. God bless them and watch over them. They are doing more than they will ever know and I hope that some day they will know that not everyone is against them like the media likes to put out. I will remember this night for the rest of my life. Thank all who were able to attend.
Gunny
Am Legion, VFW, DVA, VVA
Semper Fi |
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jim.47
Posts: 36
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| 25 Sep 2006 1:24 PM |
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I went along with Doug & the rest of the MN contingent for the welcome home ceremony and it was the most incredible experience I can remember. The surprised look on the troops faces because they didn't know we'd be there, was priceless.
Everything else was amazing. The 3 generations mentioned, shaking my hand as they went by, the little girl in the flak jacket and helmet, the hugs, the tears, the smiles, but most of all, the love. The families for each other, and the show of affection and respect from them to us, for what we do.
I was in the flag line outside when a 1st. Sgt. came by. He stopped, looked at the back of my vest, noticed I was a vet and said "thanks troop!" Then gave me a big slap on the back. Shortly afterward, an officer came by, looked, turned me around and said " nobody did this for you when you came home, did they?" I told him no sir, but that's why we're here, so it doesn't happen again. He shook my hand, smiled, and said "Hooaah!" and walked on.
All the troops and their families thanking us, when it by God has to be the other way around, is an unbelievable feeling. It was very hard to hold back the tears,(tears of joy I hope you understand,) and keep a smile on my face for them. The troops and their families, American Heros all!!!
I was so proud to be there. I can't think of anything sweeter than that!
Jim Lewis |
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dbley
Posts: 656
Twin Cities
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