SFC Matthew Ryan Kahler, 29, Granite Falls, MN, 06, 08, 09 FEB 08 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing

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Subject: SFC Matthew Ryan Kahler, 29, Granite Falls, MN, 06, 08, 09 FEB 08

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dakotakid

Posts: 166
Richmond, Mn

01 Feb 2008 11:12 AM	Alert
My condolences to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of SFC Kahler.

Keith"Schaef"Schaefer Asst. RC, St.Cloud Sector stcloudarc1@gmail.com www.mnpatriotguard.org THE NATION WHICH FORGETS ITS DEFENDERS WILL ITSELF BE FORGOTTEN

PGRLabLuvr User is Offline

Posts: 9246
Naples, FL

Senior Ride Captain

02 Feb 2008 10:00 AM	Alert
My deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Family and Friends of this Fallen Hero. We thank you for your sacrifice, we are a grateful nation. May your pain be tempered in the knowledge that Matthew is a True American Hero and he will Never be Forgotten. Ride safe my Brothers and Sisters, I will be with you all in Spirit. Stand Tall, Stand Proud…An American Hero Is Coming Home. Stand down, SFC Matthew R. Kahler, your mission is now complete, may you rest in Honored, Eternal Peace.

Joan "PGRLabLuvr" Colosimo Florida Senior Ride Captain Proud Military Blue Star Mom USAF - TSgt Jennifer and her husband, TSgt Mark "Mac" McIntosh - Dyess USAR - WO1 Dominic Sutherland - Ft. Rucker Standing the Flagline... In Honor of: SP4 L. Gary Grassi - 4th Infantry Division - Kontum, South Vietnam - 05 FEB 1968 - 37/35 In Memory of: Ed "oldiron6" Barrett Jack "jacklok" Loken, Jr. Mike "deltoid79" Bland Tom "Flaman2u" Rowell Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision. ~Ayn Rand

Wags

Posts: 0

02 Feb 2008 8:12 PM	Alert
Bumped for update

woodydjw

Posts: 81
Detroit Lakes Minnesota

02 Feb 2008 8:56 PM	Alert
Another Hero has ended his watch in defense of our great Country. He is at peace and may you, his family and friends, know that his and your sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will stand with you to Honor the Spirit of SFC Matthew Kahler. Blessed are the men and women who defend our Country so that its Freedoms shall ring eternally as too, your Soldier's sacrifice has made possible. Rest in peace Matthew with all those you join at Heaven's gate. Heroes one and all. Thank you. David J. Woodward Minnesota Patriot Guards

David J. Woodward, USN 1965-69 Vietnam Veteran 1968-69 Detroit Lakes Sector Minnesota Patriot Guard

Safety_Guy User is Offline

Posts: 110
Bettendorf, Iowa

03 Feb 2008 1:44 PM	Alert
Our deep and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of SFC. Matthew Ryan Kahler. I know that Matthew will be missed by all those who knew him. Another precious young life given for our freedom. I know you have been welcomed as a hero at heaven's gates by all our fallen warriors who have gone before you. Rest easy now, Matthew.....you will be forever remembered here, and forever in the debt of our grateful nation.

10man

Posts: 672
Home Base Wonder Lake, IL. ---- Ride with Dad & Mom in Mulberry, KS.

04 Feb 2008 1:42 AM	Alert
My sincere condolences to the family & friends of SPC MATTHEW RYAN KAHLER. My thoughts & prayers go out to you & all the rest of the Family. Thank you for your selfless service to our Great Nation. May the arms of our Lord God Almighty above be wide open for you and your family & friends. God Bless!

Patrick "10MAN" Wegner IM3 USN 1995-1999 http://www.myspace.com/pgraka10man

jerickson@mchsi.com User is Offline

Posts: 43
St. James, MN

04 Feb 2008 4:23 AM	Alert
Thank You SFC Matthew Ryan Kahler for your service to our country. You are an American Hero. My condolences to your family and friends. Standing by..

John C Erickson St. James, Mn. "WHEN YOU LOSE SOMEONE, IT IS SPECIAL. WHEN YOU LOSE SOMEONE SPECIAL, IT IS TRAGIC"

acratliff

Posts: 2745
Charleston, SC

04 Feb 2008 7:38 AM	Alert
Thank you for your service SFC Matthew Ryan Kahler. May you eternally rest in peace and never be forgotten. My sincerest condolences are with family and friends.

trident_t150 User is Offline

Posts: 717
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota

04 Feb 2008 3:16 PM	Alert
Here is an article about SFC Kahler from his home town newspaper. http://granitefallsnews.com/articles/2008/02/03/news/news01.txt All parts of this mission are now in place. As RCIC, I would like to thank all who have stepped up and helped get this organized. To the family of SFC Matthew Kahler, know that your entire home town of Granite Falls mourns with you.

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.

Uffda

Posts: 13696
Wonder Lake, IL

04 Feb 2008 5:21 PM	Alert
BUMP for UPDATE

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom. In Memory of Jon Dreymann 08-13-09 WWR NRC Who left us way too soon. Farvel min venn.

mtcat1000

Posts: 102
St Cloud MN 56301

04 Feb 2008 7:31 PM	Alert
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of SFC Matthew Kahler. Rest in peace brother, God bless you.

Greg Studer St Cloud Mn Sector ARC St Cloud Mn Sector Hoth Rep US Army 1974-1977 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

ahunter

Posts: 69

04 Feb 2008 8:23 PM	Alert
Rest in God's peace and eternal life SFC Kahler. We sincerely thank you for your sacrifice to our country and our freedom. May your family and friends find strength and comfort in your bravery during this time of sadness. Standing by in Ramsey, Dave and Alena Hunter

harley dawg User is Offline

Posts: 285

04 Feb 2008 8:29 PM	Alert
Thank you SFC Kahler for your ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May you rest in peace in God's presence. I will keep you and your family and friends in my prayers. Harley Dawg S.C. Iowa Ride Captain PGR

Terry G. Mitchel , S.C. Iowa Ride Captain PGR, A.B.A.T.E. Ia. District 9 , NRA, National HOG, MRF

hfd650

Posts: 233
Holland, Ia

05 Feb 2008 9:39 AM	Alert
SFC Kahler, I thank you deeply for your sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation. I hope the family finds strength and comfort in this time of tremendous sorrow. Rest in peace Matthew, as our PGR brothers and sisters escort you home. Thank You Sir for standing the watch. May God bless the Kahler family. Standing silent in Iowa for another "Fallen Hero" Rick

"Life is tough" "It's really tough when you are stupid!" John Wayne Riding in Memory of: Dad -- -Thomas WWII US Army Cousin- Larry US Air Force Friend--Don US Navy (2 tours-Vietnam)

Lisajan

Posts: 2188
A-Town, GA

05 Feb 2008 2:08 PM	Alert
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family SFC Matthew Ryan Kahler.... Thank you for you service, please know we will not forget you. Rest now soldier..... PK

Lisa (Lisajan) Hinson AKA, Uppity, Sassy, Chop Notorious Westsider There is good and bad in everything...swany... SSG Paul "swany" Swanson Non nobis solum nati sumus....Not for ourselves only are we born Riding in memory of SGT Jennifer Hartman KIA 9/14/2006 Riding in memory of JonD WWR family member. Riding in Memory of SPC Justin W. Johnson KIA April 10, 2004...Never Forgotten... Riding in Memory Of Staff Sgt Shaun J. Whitehead, KIA April 24th, 2008... Never Forget... "Warriors Watch Riders" member "Patriot Guard Riders" member "The American Flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The American Flag flies from the last breath of each Soldier, Sailor, Airman & Marine who has died protecting it."

Susan Sturgis User is Offline

Posts: 7183
Bear, DE
In Memory of Ed "Old Iron" Barrett

FORUM MODERATOR

06 Feb 2008 6:30 PM	Alert
UPDATE: Final Itinerary.

BootLady #34204 TOU Enforcement Agent "In God We Still Trust" Diamond Rio - Diamond Rio's Greatest Hits II "You may die with nothing, but if you have brought a rainbow into somebody else's life, your mission is complete."

trident_t150 User is Offline

Posts: 717
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota

06 Feb 2008 7:23 PM	Alert
After Mission Report: SFC Matthew Ryan Kahler, Willmar Airport, 6 Feb. 08 On Wednesday morning, February 6th, 2008 the body of SFC Matthew Ryan Kahler arrived via charter jet at the Willmar Municipal Airport. Approximately 35 MN PG members and a dozen or so other people were on hand to show their support for the family of this brave soldier who gave his all in Afghanistan. With a brisk breeze blowing out of the northwest, six PG members, (all veterans) were asked to stand on the runway near where the plane crew off loaded the casket, bearing the body of SFC Kahler. With his wife and daughter standing along with other family members, the casket was carried by six Army soldiers, past the family and loaded into the waiting hearse. After a short prayer service for the family, they all loaded into buses and cars and caravanned to Granite Falls, as they left the airport, the PG members, standing at attention and saluting the hearse and the family lined both sides of the road leading out of the airport. The cooperation of the gals at the airport terminal, the Willmar PD (SGT Jim Peterson) and the many others who helped out made this another successful mission. Thanks to all who participated. This mission was handled by the Willmar RC and ARC’s along with our Senior Ride Capt, Jeff Anderson. Proud to be of service, Mike, John and Ron Today we stood to honor SFC Matthew Kahler as he arrived home to Granite Falls. There were a total of 21 PGR members. Of those, 5 came down from the arrival at the Willmar airport. There were 3 members present for their first mission. Please help me welcome them to the PGR family. The local police and sheriff departments kept us updated on the location of the procession. As we lined up to honor SFC Kahler the employees of Fagan Industries (adjacent to the funeral home) joined us in line. There were an estimated 70 people including PGR. As the escort and procession passed all in attendance paid their respects. The hearse was followed by approximately a dozen vehicles with family members followed by another dozen fire trucks, ambulances and rescue vehicles. We then moved the flag line across the street from the Funeral Home and stood in honor. SFC Kahler's father took time to personally thank each one of us for our dedication and respect. Vicki Kahler, Matthew's wife, also greeted the line and thanked us. Along with Vicki was Lynn, a friend of hers who is also a Gold Star Wife. At 3:15 the funeral director advised us that all family members had left and the line was dismissed. Respectfully submitted by Chris Dunsmore, Marshall ARC

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.

CUGLAND

Posts: 348
Rochester, MN

07 Feb 2008 3:06 PM	Alert
My sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of SFC Kahler. He is a true American Hero and he will not be forgotten. I will not be able to attend this mission, but I will be standing the flag line in spirit . . .

Craig Ugland Ride Captain - Rochester Sector Senior Ride Captain - Southern MN Just as a soldier can not fight on an empty stomach, neither can they fight with a broken heart feeling that they fight unsupported by those for whom they fight. "with Freedom and Justice for all."

Banditsdad User is Offline

Posts: 0

07 Feb 2008 9:27 PM	Alert
My heartfelt sympathy and deep condolences to the Kahler Family, Relatives and Friends. Matthew, Thank You for serving and protecting our freedom. You will never be forgotten. Dan US Army 71-77

beechers

Posts: 343
Orlando, FL

08 Feb 2008 9:23 AM	Alert
My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of SFC Matthew Ryan Kahler. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Kahler, I salute you. Rest in Peace! We will not forget. __________________________________________________________________________ Paul (Wheeler) U. S. Army M. D. W. 1969 - 1971

To stand then as to stand now is rightly deemed an honor.

hdpanther1 User is Offline

Posts: 953
District 7 Ohio PGR Ride Captain Kettering, Ohio

08 Feb 2008 9:37 AM	Alert
To the family and friends of SFC Matthew Kahler my family and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences on the loss of this young Hero. We pray that God will comfort you in your time of need and that you know that you will not mourn this loss alone. We as Patriotic Americans mourn with you and stand ready to Honor him for his service. SFC Kahler, we thank you for your dedicated service to our Nation and willingness to stand in defense of our freedoms. Your service will not be forgotten. AN AMERICAN HERO SFC MATTHEW R. KAHLER

ED AKA "Big Daddy" PGR Ohio District 7 Ride Captain Riding in memory of: Spc Jacob E. Melson 7 Jan 2006 Iraq Pfc James Paul White Jr 11 Aug 2006 Afghanistan SrA Kenny P. Hauprich 8 Nov 2007 Italy SSgt Travis L. Griffin 3 April 2008 Iraq Ronald Reagan

trident_t150 User is Offline

Posts: 717
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota

08 Feb 2008 10:27 PM	Alert
More than 6 dozen Patriot Guard Riders braved the Minnesota cold to stand watch for the visitation this evening. This is a view of the church and what the public saw when they arrived.

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.

susanlm

Posts: 438

09 Feb 2008 5:40 AM	Alert
Deepest sympathy to the loved ones of SFC Kahler. May the Good Lord give you comfort and strength. To SFC Kahler, a grateful nation weeps as you have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.

trident_t150 User is Offline

Posts: 717
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota

09 Feb 2008 8:25 PM	Alert
Mission Report: On Feb 6, 2008, 35 PGR members gathered at the Willmar, Mn airport to bring home SFC Matthew Kahler. It was reported in area newspapers that the route to Granite Falls was lined with cars by the side of the road, and farmers on the ends of their driveways, as the procession passed, accompanied by LEO and fire and ambulance departments from several neighboring towns. When they arrived in Granite Falls, the streets were lined with patriotic Americans citizens and business poeple, school students and an atmosphere so quiet "you could hear a pin drop" as the procession passed to the funeral home, where another 21 PGRs met the procession. Alexandria RC Jeff Anderson and Willmar ARC Ron Mackedanz handled the Willmar end, and Marshall ARCs Chris Dunsmore and Roger Boettger handed the Granite Falls end. The visitation on Friday evening, Feb 8, started in mid-afternoon. Many members of SFC Kahler's family walked the flag line, warmly thanking us all for being there, as well as other friends of the family. We had several foreign visitors, many from Italy, experiencing snow and below freezing temps for the first time in their lives, and openly wondered how we live here! I told them, "Just wait until tomorrow, 'cuz you ain't seen nothing yet!" PGR members came and went as they were able, but by the end of the evening 83 PGR members had signed in and had stood the flag line. At the end of visitation, the Wood Lake American Legion treated us all to a wonderful lunch at the beautiful American Legion facilities in Granite Falls, overlooking the Minnesota River. One legion member made a point of telling us that people drove by the church special just to see the wonderful site of having it completely surrounded by Red, White, and Blue. Military personel commented on "never having seeing anything like it," referring both to the procession two days before and the sheer numbers of PGRs standing watch in the cold. "Small town patriotism at its finest," was my reply. Many members then stayed over in local motels for the next day's funeral mission. Saturday, Feb 9 met us with - 40 wind chills, white out conditions, and several car loads of PGR members having to turn back from coming to the mission due to the poor traveling conditions. Even still, we had members from as far away as Duluth, Albert Lea, Twin Cities, and South Dakota, where SD members first attended a send off mission that took place earlier that morning in Sioux Falls. We had 94 members signed in for Saturday's mission. We had the flag line in place by 11:45 am, while the hundreds of people attending the funeral filed past. Most of the PGR were unrecognizable, bundled up against the cold, as you can see on the picture link. Even when the flag line stood down for a break, many members refused to leave for the warmth of the warming facilities provided to us in a neighboring home, and continued to stand watch in the cold. ARC Chris Dunsmore and I presented the PGR plaque to Mrs. Vicki Kahler, along with a "Patriot Guard Teddy Bear" to her daughter, Allison, during the funeral service. I sincerely wish you all could have seen Allison hug her teddy bear, and hear the whispered "Thank you" from Mrs. Kahler. Turning to face the flag covered casket, as a veteran, Chris then offered a military salute, and as a non-veteran, I offered a "heart salute," to SFC Matthew Kahler. 50 PGR volunteers and ARC Dunsmore then loaded the bus to the trip to the small, wind swept cemetery, while the rest of the PGR members again stood the flag line while the family and friends left for the interment, preceeded by one lone PGR vehicle flying the colors, driven by Indian John. Those attending the interment were privileged to see local Granite Falls businessman Ron Fagan and his crew do a fly over in three WW II era aircraft, including a just restored P-38, with the missing man plane being a P-51. Thank you, sir, I wish we all could have seen that tribute. We gathered again at the American Legion to stand down and relax after our mission. Thank you again to manager Becky Lewison for opening up early and warming up the grill, and giving us a place to unwind and warm up. ARC Chris Dunsmore and I had nothing but the best of help for this mission from fellow ride captains and members. We would especially like to also thank CAO 1st Sgt Pedersen, funeral director Joe Anderson and his staff from the Wing Bain Funeral Home, Granite Falls Chief of Police Russ Blue and Yellow Medicine County Sheriff Bill Flaten and their officers, Becky Lewison and Michelle Gatz who lined up the facilites at the American Legion, and the wonderful ladies at the church who kept the coffee and soup hot, and the church personel who offered us an entire house to warm up in! The weather made this mission difficult, with many last minute changes, but as usual the unbelieveable members of the Minnesota Patriot Guard quickly adapted to anything that was asked of them. We had at least 13 members attending their first mission including several from the Marshall sector : A hearty "Welcome, and Thank You," to all. Finally, to the family, fellow soldiers, and friends of SFC Matthew Kahler, I repeat the words I shared with Mrs. Kahler: "Never again will our soldiers come home, alive or dead, without the recognition they deserve for the job they do." Here is a picture link of the visitation and funeral mission. God bless the life, service and memory of SFC Matthew Ryan Kahler . Respectfully submitted, Alan Peterson Marshall Sector Ride Captain Mn Patriot Guard Patriot Guard Riders

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.

FLHT/BUELL User is Offline

Posts: 228
EX South Dakota State Captain

09 Feb 2008 8:49 PM	Alert
It was a honor to stand the flag line for this hero, the warmth from everyone kept us warm inside.

Thomas Wright Retired State Captain, Patriot Guard Riders (SD) ALR Watertown post #17 Charter Member Retired ALR SGT AT ARMS Proud Father of US Army Soldiers (daughter and son-in law)

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Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives > SFC Matthew Ryan Kahler, 29, Granite Falls, MN, 06, 08, 09 FEB 08

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