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Subject: Mission Complete - Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Witte, 27, of Beardsley, Minn - 01 Nov 06

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Author Messages
millermanjeff User is Offline
Posts: 67
Assistant Ride Captain Alexandria Minnesota




30 Oct 2006 6:52 PM Alert 

*****************UPDATE*****************UPDATE***********

****************************************

FINAL ITINERARY - Wednesday, November 1, 2006

****************************************
Mission to honor Army Staff Sergeant Kevin M. Witte of Beardsley, MN

1045 Staging area opens at the Community Hall ½ block south of MN Hwy 28 on main street, Beardsley, MN

1130 Pre-Mission Briefing

1140 Proceed with bikes, cages and buses to Church street SE of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

1150 Stand guard for 1200 visitation and 1400 service. Rotate out as necessary.

1200 Visitation

1400 Funeral service.

1500 (est) Service ends. Family is escorted to church basement for lunch.

1515 (est) Dismissed. Lunch served for PGR members on south side of church.

As with all missions, we must be self-sufficient. Please bring a flag, gas up accordingly, bring water/food and proper clothing. Weather forecast is for partly sunny with highs in the low 40's.



Thank you all for honoring Staff Sergeant Witte.
Ride Safe. Stand Proud

Jeff Anderson
Alexandria, MN Ride Captain

RCIC


************UPDATE************UPDATE***************

millermanjeff User is Offline
Posts: 67
Assistant Ride Captain Alexandria Minnesota




30 Oct 2006 7:01 PM Alert 
 
 
Alexandria MN Staging Instructions

Witte Mission November 1, 2006, Beardsley, MN


0800 8:00 am Arrival at the Holiday Station (South) in Alexandria, MN. This station is located southwest of the I-94 (exit 103) and State Hwy 29 intersection.

0820 8:20am Mission Briefing and waivers signed.

0830 8:30am Kickstands up and rolling. Traveling southbound on MN 29 to Glenwood then MN 28 to Morris. Approximate distance is 45 miles.

0930 9:30am Arrive in Morris at Jerry's U-Save (BP Station) on SE edge of Morris on MN Hwy 9. Willmar and Detroit Lakes sectors will be joining here. Refuel as necessary.

1000 10:00am Kickstands up, proceed to staging area in Beardsley.

1045 10:45am arrive at the staging at the Community Hall on main street ½ block south of MN Hwy 28in Beardsley.

Ride safe. Stand proud!

Jeff Anderson
Alexandria MN Ride Captain
RCIC

We must never forget………………"Freedom isn't FREE!"

bikerguy2 User is Offline
Posts: 5




30 Oct 2006 7:44 PM Alert 
Although I will be unable to attend this mission, my thoughts are with the Family of this True American Hero.

Kevin B. Todd
ABATE of Mn Liaison Officer for the MnPGR
GySGT - USMC
Roadrash26 User is Offline
Posts: 27
Scandia, MN




31 Oct 2006 6:25 AM Alert 
Just checking - anyone still planning on riding from Fridley staging area?  We are, but we have a bit over half an hour to change our mind and RSVP to ride the bus - wanted to see if there are others riding.

Linnea Strandness

Riding in memory of:
Harry Standley, USN, WWII
Eugene E. Zohfeld, USA, WWII
William F. Genovese, USA, 1st Cavalry Division, Vietnam

"No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation."
- General Douglas MacArthur


Anlaochfhile User is Offline
Posts: 55
On mission.... Mosul, Iraq




31 Oct 2006 9:15 AM Alert 
My heartfelt condolences go out the the family, friends, and fellow Soldiers of Staff Sergeant Kevin Witte. Rest easy, brave Hero, your mission is now complete, your duty done. God Speed.

Eric R. "Rowdy" Price
U.S. Army

Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito - Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them.

In loving memory of:

PFC William R. Strange, Adrian, GA, A Co, 91 En Bn, 1st CAV, KIA 2 April 2004
SPC Ervin Caradine, Jr., Memphis, TN, B Co, 91 En Bn, 1st CAV, KIA 2 May 2004
PV2 Jeremy L. Drexler, Topeka, KS , B Co, 91 En Bn, 1st CAV KIA 2 May 2004
SPC Joshua I. Bunch, Hattiesburg, MS, B Co, 91 En Bn, 1st CAV, KIA 6 August 2004
SPC Clarence A. Adams Richmond, VA, A Co, 91 En Bn, 1st CAV, KIA 7 September 2004
MNHeritagePatriot User is Offline
Posts: 211
Worthington Ride Captain - Pipestone, MN




31 Oct 2006 10:38 AM Alert 
I will be leaving Pipestone at 7:30 am Weds to honor Staff Sgt. Witte.

Think I'll trailer the bike to the staging area for this one - so if anyone wants to ride along in my cage just email me off line.

Paul Ramsbey
Worthington Ride Captain
Son of Korean War Vet
Past Commander of SAL Post 14, Flora IL

Eternally grateful to our men and women who serve ... may we never forget nor underestimate the selfless dedication and sacrifices of our true Amercan Heroes!
BirdieMN User is Offline
Posts: 946
Woodbury, MN




31 Oct 2006 11:39 AM Alert 
Updated info for those who might be riding:

Please have a full tank of fuel when arriving at the Home Depot in Fridley

I am scheduling two fuel & warm up stops on the route from Fridley to Beardsley.
If anyone wants to meet up with us at these stops please feel free to do so.

Stop 1: Approx. 7:50 AM, departing approx. 8:05 AM
Texaco Station in Avon, MN
303 Avon Ave. S
Avon, MN 56310

Stop 2: Approx. 9:30 AM, departing approx. 10:00 AM
Jerry's U-Save (BP Station)
On MN-9 Just South of MN-28
Morris, MN

We will meet up with the Willmar & Detroit Lakes Sectors here and proceed to Beardsley.

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-

flagwaver User is Offline
Posts: 81
Saint Paul, MN




31 Oct 2006 9:54 PM Alert 
Good evening All
Please be safe tomorrow, there looks like a chance of snow in the area. I will be with you all in thought tomorrow.
Ride safe, Lisa (Flagwaver)

Beardsley Weather
Tomorrow: Partly cloudy and windy. Cold. High around 35F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph.
Tomorrow night: Becoming mostly clear later with any flurries or snow showers ending by midnight. Low around 20F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.

|

Current conditions as of 10:15 pm CST

Fair

Feels Like:
11°
Barometer:
30.12 in and steady
Humidity:
68%
Visibility:
10 mi
Dewpoint:
12°
Wind:
WSW 6 mph
Sunrise:
7:05 am
Sunset:
5:15 pm

19°

High: 36° Low: 22°

 

wyldhog User is Offline
Posts: 2282
Northeast, La.




01 Nov 2006 6:44 AM Alert 
To the family of SSgt Witte.
What words could possibly help during a time like this…
When we know not what we should pray for as we ought, the Spirit maketh intercessions for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26
So let not your heart be troubled, for your loved one has gone to the place which Jesus has prepared.
Stand down soldier, your mission here is complete.


==============================

When a mans heart is full of deceit it burns up, dies and a dark shadow falls over his soul. From the ashes of a once great man has risen a curse, a wrong that must be righted. We look to the skies for a vindicator, someone to strike fear into the black hearts of the same men who created him. The battle between good and evil has begun. Against an army of shadows comes the Dark Warrior, the purveyor of good, with a voice of silence and a mission of justice. - Steve "Sting" Borden
trident_t150 User is Offline
Posts: 715
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota




01 Nov 2006 6:45 PM Alert 
Just got home from this mission, and let me say first, Minnesota Cares !

More than 80 PGR's braved temps ranging from 19-30 degrees, snow, and 25 mph wind, to attend this mission, on a Wednesday morning.  And 23 had their bikes there.  Unbelieveable !

The church ladies made sure we were all warm and well nourished, furnishing us a private room in the basement of the church to take a break and warm up in, stocked with hot coffee, ham sandwiches, and cookies, and friendly smiles.  Thank you all for your warm hospitality.

Patriotism is alive and well in rural America, and you can't get much more rural than where we were today. Their population of 262 swelled today with those who care.

Blessed be the memory of SSG Kevin M. Witte.

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.

Photobucket
ral User is Offline
Posts: 89




01 Nov 2006 7:34 PM Alert 
Well said Trident. I would only add that in spite of the cold temps we all returned with warm hearts!
trident_t150 User is Offline
Posts: 715
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota




01 Nov 2006 8:02 PM Alert 
Here is my picture link of today's mission.  Please feel free to copy and use.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZMmLJq0ZMmLCag


Each mission has its own special memories.  This one, to my lady and myself, is that of the bugler standing in the church doorway, sounding out his melancholy melody in the cold, wintry air, without missing a note or wavering a tone. 

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.

Photobucket
shadow_sarge User is Offline
Posts: 32
West Fargo, ND




01 Nov 2006 8:45 PM Alert 
Thank you to the family of SSG Kevin M Witte for allowing us to stand guard for his services. My heartfelt condolences to his wife,family,friends and fellow soldiers. Thanks to those that provided the PGR with warmth, food and coffee. Your kindness was very welcomed with today's temps! Stand down Soldier, your mission is complete. Take Care, Tim Moen West Fargo,ND

SFC TIM MOEN
NDARNG: 1980- STILL SERVING
OIF IRAQ 04-05 WITH 141 ECB
RIDING IN MEMORY OF GEORGE C. MOEN, US ARMY WWII AND WENDELL V. COLES, US ARMY, WWII

"The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is is doing it." Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." Thomas Jefferson
jim.47 User is Offline
Posts: 36




02 Nov 2006 7:24 AM Alert 
To the family and friends of Ssgt. Witte, my most profound condolences once again, for your loss. Thank you for the honor of guarding your son and the family during the service.
  To the ladies in the basement kitchen, thank you so much for the wonderful way you treated us, with food, coffee, and a warm room to take a break in.
   To Nate, Ron, George and Jack...., Well done. To the PGR brothers and sisters, you all did yourselves proud!!
   To Ssgt. Witte, stand down brother, your mission is complete. You've earned the rest. You are indeed one of Minnesota's best and bravest! Hooaahh!!!
                                                                        Jim Lewis
                                                                         St. Paul
claunchs User is Offline
Posts: 471




02 Nov 2006 9:17 AM Alert 
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this mission, but it gave me a rejuvinated sense of gratitude to be able to serve alongside all of you to read that so many of you made the trek to honor SSgt Witte.

I hope that the presence of the Patriot Guard was able to help carry the message to Kevin's family that what he risked and sacrificed - and what they've lost - matters a lot to a lot of grateful and reverent countrymen. Those of you who did the work to bring that message to the Wittes have represented that message well, and I thank you.

Mostly, I thank SSgt Witte and his family for giving their all to our country.

scott

Carpe Jugulum
Ultra Star User is Offline
Posts: 98
Fergus Falls, MN. Alexandria, MN. Ride Captain




02 Nov 2006 9:44 AM Alert 
Thank You Lord, for this Brave Young Hero that gave all that he could to preserve our freedom. May he rest in peace. Thank you also for allowing us the opportunity to pay our respects to this fine American Hero, and for all to arrive safley home again.

My most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and all that this young Hero's life touched. He will be missed, and remembered.




PS. Thanks to all of you who helped me get my bike started after the service.
A special thanks to Jeff who announced to "everyone" that it was indeed a "YAMAHA" that was in need of "assistance". I suppose that he was just "relieved/surprized" that it wasn't "His Harley".


Thanks again, Dave.

Freedom isn't free, but it's worth fighting for.
NDNG 76/91. HHC 141 164 comb eng
Fergus Falls, MN VA HOTH Rep.
MNPG

Do not get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9

MNHeritagePatriot User is Offline
Posts: 211
Worthington Ride Captain - Pipestone, MN




02 Nov 2006 11:04 AM Alert 
I don't have much to add that has not already been written or expressed.  We are thankful to the family for inviting us to stand watch as SSGT Witte was honored - in listening to the service from the basement it was clear that Kevin was an outstanding individual in so many ways - and we are forever grateful for his service to our Country. Thank you to the church family for giving us a place to warm our bodies and our hearts. GOD BLESS !!

I will continue to keep Kevin's family and loved ones close in my prayers in the days ahead - please know that there are many who care and wish peace and comfort for you.

The pictures I took are at the following link:


http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZuGzRm0as2LvA


Paul Ramsbey
Worthington Ride Captain
Son of Korean War Vet
Past Commander of SAL Post 14, Flora IL

Eternally grateful to our men and women who serve ... may we never forget nor underestimate the selfless dedication and sacrifices of our true Amercan Heroes!
ckdahl User is Offline
Posts: 47
"Padre"




02 Nov 2006 1:50 PM Alert 
to the family In the rising of the sun, and in its going down we will remember him. In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter we will remember him, in the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn we will remember him In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we will remember him When we are weary and in need of strengh, we will remember him When we are lost and sick at heart, we will remember him When we have joys we yearn to share, we will remember him So as long as we live, He to shall live, For He is now a part of us As we remember Him.

No greater love hath any man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15.13

I have deep pain over the loss of your loved one.

Respect and Honor
Chaplain ,Dr. Dahl
Minneapolis MN 55418 USA
POMC MN
gwinslow User is Offline
Posts: 535
Amboy, MN

Minnesota
Assistant State Captain




02 Nov 2006 3:50 PM Alert 
Thank you to the RCIC Jeff Anderson for his expert leadership on another well run mission. To Lori & Andy Musolf, Jack & Barb Carney, Birdie, and Ron for all the work they did on this mission. To Birdie who rode all the way from Minneapolis on his bike...you're crazy but I'm proud to be associated with you. Ron, glad to see you're on the mend and you made the best hostess ever. Jack & Barb thanks for all the work on the bus, it was very neat to be able to talk with everyone and getting to know each other better while on the trip.

Thank you to Lorenz Bus service for the bus, it was fantastic. Now if we just had a "Patriot Guard Riders Support Vehicle" banner for the sides and back end of the bus.

To the people at the church who made us feel welcome and let us warm up, thank you very much.

To the crazy bikers who rode in freezing weather, you're braver than I, and you can bet the community will never forget you.

To everyone who showed up to hold a flag and demonstrate Honor and Respect, you people rock. Some of you had to be sent inside to warm up as you didn't want to leave the flag line. You all went above and beyond at this mission.

I am in awe of each and everyone who made this mission. You keep renewing my faith in people. It's my hope and prayer that we won't have to see each other till spring or a welcome home mission.

George

George H Winslow, Jr.
Minnesota Assistant State Captain
Minnesota Patriot Guard / Patriot Guard Riders
Red, White, & Blue Book - MN Coordinator
Lori Musolf User is Offline
Posts: 325
Litchfield, MN




03 Nov 2006 9:42 AM Alert 
Just wanted to say that we are so honored to be members of the Patriot Guard Riders! It was amazing to see that we were not the only crazy people to ride all the way to Beardsley. It really was not that cold as we were dressed for the ride and we had lots of stops on the way home.

We want to thank Jeff Anderson for being so organized at the mission and also to everyone that helped out and showed their support! George, you also did a great job in helping so thanks to you also, and all those that you mentioned in your previous post!


Lori & Andy Musolf
Proud to be Patriot Guard Riders
www.kmsride.com
Il Mago User is Offline
Posts: 24




03 Nov 2006 6:23 PM Alert 
Fair weather or Foul...I have never been so proud to be a member of PGR as I was on this mission.  Thanks to you hardy souls who rode their bikes in the cold and thanks for the Lorenz bus company for hauling the rest of the Minnesota contengent up to a very small, removed town in Western Minnesota!  I caged it down from the Fargo area and was frankly suprised at the size of the turnout.  Thank for the mission captains for all their professional work, getting it and keeping it together.  A great big thanks to those young men and women in uniform who braved the cold and snow in nothing more than their class A uniforms.  Those of use who have worn them know that they are not the warmest thing to wear, even in mild weather.  They did a great job.  But most importantly, I would like to thank the family and friends of SSG. Witte for allowing us the honor of standing with you in paying our respects to him.  Thanks to the people of the small town of Beardsley, Minnesota, for opening their town and hearts to us;  we couldn't have done it without you!
                                             Il Mago 
                                      US Military Vets
                                      Motorcycle Club
                                        North Dakota
                                       Chapter #1                                                                     
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Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives > Mission Complete - Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Witte, 27, of Beardsley, Minn - 01 Nov 06



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