I made it back to Hubertus, my little north of Milwaukee town where I live, from the mission for CPL Benson, a little damp, a little tired, a little (quite a lot actually) wind blown.

I am without words to describe my seeing that cemetery with all those stones representing service people who have given all that there is to give for our great country, what a humbling site for sure.

I noticed as I am sure all of you did, that during the service for CPL Benson there were other services happening, with gun shots and taps in the distance.  If I hear taps a hundred times, I think it will still get all the way to the soul of a person.

I had many people come up to me and thank me for being there.  Of course I told them that it wasn’t about me or us, it is about them, but sometimes when I look into their faces the words that I want to say aren’t there, emotion gets in the way some times.

I would like to compliment the Minnesota Patriots as knowing what they are doing and handling everything in a very proper manner, I was proud to stand with you all and with those that came from Wisconsin including my friends (Net and Del) from New London .

God bless you CPL Benson and your families and your friends as I could see you have many……

George of Hubertus

USAF  55 - 59

Yesterday, September 18th, we laid another American Hero to rest. Cpl. Johnathan L. Benson of North Branch, MN. It was by no means a good day for riding, cold and wet. But we had almost 100 bikes, two cages and about 120 patriots present to pay their respects and to honor this Hero and his family. Some of us started the day in North Branch to escort Johnathan and his family to Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 24 bikes arrived at the staging area for this escort. We had a short briefing and rode to the funeral home and lined our bikes up in front of the funeral home. As family and friends arrived, some of them came over to us to thank us for being there. This has always been hard for me because its me that should be thanking them, they have lost so much and yet they find it in their hearts to take the time to come to us and thank us for doing something that I consider a true Honor. Because they have invited us to be part of their loved ones final mission they give me the opportunity to stand next to my brothers & sisters and say Thank You, neither your sacrifice nor that of your family’s will go un-noticed or forgotten. We mounted our bikes at 0915, we were given the honor to lead Johnathan to his final resting place. On our way through North Branch many came out to the street to pay their respects to Johnathan and his family, on the freeway we had a local Fire Department standing watch on a bridge with a flag flying high over their truck. We passed a Mn. State Patrol and two ambulances that also stopped to pay their respects along our route.

Upon our arrival at FSNC we met up with other PGR brothers & sisters who were already standing guard, what an honor it was to ride through that flag line. After we parked our bikes we joined the others in the flag line. It was moving to watch the Marine Honor Guard take care of one of their own, every movement seemed to have a purpose. A lot of family and friends came up to thank us for being there, some of them made sure they met everyone in the flag line. The flag line was held until all the family had departed.

First I want to thank Marjorie & Steve Benson and Dawn Schubert for allowing us the honor of standing watch over their son, may God bless you and keep you during this dark time.

I would also like to thank Larry & Phil for putting together our LEO escort; the North Branch PD, Chisago County Sheriff and the Minnesota State Patrol. The MSP was kind enough to give us an escort all the way to FSNC, thanks again to all of you. Nate & Doug thank you so much for setting everything up at FSNC and having the flag line ready for our arrival. Last but certainly not least I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to come out and stand watch over this Marine, his family and his friends. You have said in one voice “Never Again”, Thank You.

Respectfully submitted,

John “JD” Daher

NE Metro Ride Captain
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This is being posted for Douglas Bley, RC incharge of FSNC staging,

On the morning of September 18th, 2006, 75 Patriot Guard Riders on 65
motorcycles gathered in anticipation of joining in our show of respect with
our PGR brothers and sisters escorting Cpl Benson to Fort Snelling National
Cemetery. We were honored to have a number of PGR members from WI join in
our efforts.  The group staged at 0900 CST near the Mall of America in
Bloomington, MN. After a pre-ride briefing we departed for Fort Snelling
National Cemetery, in two different groups, arriving shortly after 1000.
Upon arrival at FSNC all bikes were staged on both sides of LaBelle Drive
extending northward from Peck  Avenue, near committal shelter 2, where
services were to be conducted for Cpl. Benson.

Flag lines were then established on both sides of Peck Avenue, extending
westward from LaBelle Dr. When the PGR escort was staged Cpl. Benson's
family and friends were greeted by over 100 US flags lining the road and
framed by the leaves of the trees, a corridor of honor and respect for the
service and sacrifice he gave for our nation. Especially touching was the
bag pipe playing the Marine Fight Song.  We were honored to have an Air
Force Col. and a family member make their way through our ranks to express
their gratitude.  Through cold and rainy weather each and every one of the
PGRs stood silently and respectfully in honor of Cpl. Benson and we had
complete compliance to "no bike starts" until his family departed.

Approximately 40 PGR members made their way to a local American Legion Post
for lunch.

Douglas Bley