MNHeritagePatriot 
Posts: 211
Worthington Ride Captain - Pipestone, MN
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| 20 May 2006 11:36 PM |
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Great job at the Memorial by all that were there and it was nice to get know everyone and enjoy the comradre - while also sharing the somberness of paying our respects to a great man and soldier as well as his family. As before - I was struck once again by what an honor it is to be able to do what we do - even though it is relatively small compared to the sacrifices of many. I hope I never lose the chills that go down my spine as we are escorted and our flags are saluted and respected. I don't think I will - and I am convinced that this wonderful organization that we are creating will serve our military heros and their families for a long time to come! As far as Delta C's comments - all I can say is AMEN BROTHER!
The LEOs, funeral directors, military personnel and citizens were very appreciative of us today. And it is we who should thank them! I'll never forget the family members entering the Corn Palace with some glancing at us - and seeing a few with aching hearts and moist eyes giving us the thumbs up. All I could do was nod - but I felt their appreciate shooting through to my heart.
Will be there Monday - our mission is not complete - May God bless SSGT Walden and bring comfort his family in this time of need. |
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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! |
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Danegeld
Posts: 48
Western South Dakota
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| 21 May 2006 7:47 AM |
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| I'll be leaving exit 67 around 4 AM, (MST) tomorrow (Monday)Anyone who would like to ride along with let me know or I'll see ya on the road. Red/Silver O4 FXDWG w/windshield. My cell is shot so I'll be using a backup 605-390-0764.
Take Care
Ben |
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Nice to meet ya...
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goldwing04
Posts: 30
Mankato, Minnesota
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| 21 May 2006 11:47 AM |
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Family situation came up so "won't" be able to make it tomorrow.
To the family of Sgt. Wagner: "May God guide, guard, and bless You!"
Thank you for all you and your son has done for this great country! Dan |
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04Springer
Posts: 49
Austin Texas
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| 21 May 2006 12:11 PM |
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| Unfortunately my wife and I won't be able to make it to the funeral on Monday but we did attend the Memorial service on Saturday. It was our second mission but it didn't make it any less intense. To those that are heading to the funeral on Monday, make us all proud and remember I'll be riding with you in spirit. To those that I met on Saturday, let me say it was a pleasure meeting all of you and an honor riding with you for such an important cause. God bless SSgt Wagner and his family and ease their minds in this time of mourning. |
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tadct
Posts: 46
Chamberlain, SD
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| 21 May 2006 3:54 PM |
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Thanx DeltaC very well said!!! You are right it's not in the numbers but it's in the heart of the misson!!
See ya Monday!
Tom "radman" Davis
Chamberlain, SD |
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Tom "radman" Davis
South Dakota Ride Captain
"Honor to those that have fallen to keep us free" |
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tadct
Posts: 46
Chamberlain, SD
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| 21 May 2006 4:06 PM |
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04springer it was great meeting you and the wife on Sat  we will miss you guys on Monday but know you'd be there if it were possible.
Good luck on the new job and hope the house situation goes well for ya - looking forward to catching up with you guys again down the road!!
also gwinslow's message jogged my memory the funeral director told us on Sat that the Wagner family has invited us to stay for food after the funeral! ( i warned them that there will be more than 8 of us this time )
see you all in the morning - ride safe!!!!
Tom "radman" Davis
Chamberlain, SD
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Tom "radman" Davis
South Dakota Ride Captain
"Honor to those that have fallen to keep us free" |
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tadct
Posts: 46
Chamberlain, SD
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| 21 May 2006 4:10 PM |
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MNHeritagePatriot - man you have a gift of speaking!! I think we need you to write the articles in the paper for us!
I don't think it can be expressed any better than the way you just put it!!
See ya Monday buddy!
Tom "radman" Davis
Chamberlain, SD |
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Tom "radman" Davis
South Dakota Ride Captain
"Honor to those that have fallen to keep us free" |
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vroctheo
Posts: 15
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| 21 May 2006 6:08 PM |
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will be leaving work at approx 6:15 and heading out to Alexandira, will hook-up with yall at the church, dont think I
can get to the muster point b4 u leave.
To the family of SSgt Wagner, Know that my heart is heavy for your son's sacrifice, but that I will be proud to honor his service to our great nation.
They have shattered steel, but they will never
shatter the steel of America's resolve.
George W. Bush |
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Durty Bird
Posts: 19
SD Ride Captain
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| 21 May 2006 8:19 PM |
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| If you can't meet us at the staging area perhaps you can meet us on the off ramp of the Alexandria exit so we can all ride in together. Check the church. If we're not there you can hook up with us at the exit. |
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Jeff "Durty Bird" Anderson
Ride Captain Patriot Guard Riders (SD)
www.patriotguard.org
Combat Vets Motorcycle Association Member #636
www.combatvet.org
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broseland
Posts: 14
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| 22 May 2006 2:17 PM |
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Just a quick thanks to all for letting this "wannabe" biker join in today. Following all the bikes down the interstate and threw town was an impressive, beautiful site. Hope you all have a safe ride home.
P.S. Won't be a "wannabe" forever, hope to get my first bike when I finish school here in a few years and when I get my enlistment bonus. |
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Brandy L. Roseland
235th MP Company
Rapid City, SD
Currently in Bagram Afghaninstain |
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vroc4507
Posts: 12
Hartley, Iowa USA
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| 22 May 2006 5:15 PM |
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Hey Brandy.........................it was good to meet you as well. Doesn't matter if you're a rider or not, you were there for the right reason! I should apologize. I didn't realize until later that you were'nt riding a bike. Had I known, I would have offered to let you ride along with me. Hopefully there isn't a next time, but if there is you are more than welcome to ride along if you don't have a bike of your own by then.
That said, I would like to thank everyone who made me feel so welcome as this was my first mission. It was most definitely a very humbling and fullfilling experience. I was approached by a couple of the family members at the I-90 Travel Center that wanted to let us know how much they appreciated all of us being there for them. It was very hard to stay composed as they were having a tough time getting out what they wanted to say. I came away from today's experience with alot of mixed emotions, but I'm very glad that I was able to join the group and I've got to say that today was one of the most satisfying vacation days that I've had in a long time.
It was great meeting all of you, and I sincerely hope that next time it's under better circumstances!
Bartman |
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Brett Koontz
"Bartman"
~V~ 4507
Okoboji VROC
Patriot Guard Rider
Hartley, Iowa USA
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/okobojivroc/?yguid=190734085
'00 Blue on Black Nomad
the "NoGlide" |
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gwinslow
Posts: 535
Amboy, MN
Minnesota
Assistant State Captain
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| 22 May 2006 6:02 PM |
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I'd just like to say thank you to "Durty Bird" for a fantastic job you did with the planning and executing of this mission. And I'd like to say that this being my fourth mission, I think this was the best bunch of riders yet. I was proud to be a part of this mission and proud of the Patriot Guard Riders. This was my first time to be thanked by the towns people and family and that was special. It was an honor to be able to pay my respects to a fallen hero and his community and the people who knew him. It's communities like this that refreshes my belief in America and it's future.
I just hope I never have to ride with any of you again except for a fun event.
George. |
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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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Stormin
Posts: 100
Central nebraska
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| 22 May 2006 7:25 PM |
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| Well i made it.. wind and all... wanted to say HELMETS off to Jeff.. AKA Durty Bird. One hell of a job.. To the ones i got a chance to talk to it was great visiting.. Gwinslow i know we talked for a long with was nice meeting you. Great bunch of people. Like others have said wish it could of been for a better reason.... Having said that. I want to say i left there today and rode all the way home 250 miles of it... Thinkin wow..... Really dont know how to put in to words what i was a part of today. It was a unreal experince. The family and towns people were very grateful we showed up. I had several of them thank me. Along with some of the Military personal... Makes yea feel good that you can do something to make that much of a difference in those peoples lives. Thanks go all for letting me join in... |
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Because it is the right thing to do.. |
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mtcat1000
Posts: 102
St Cloud MN 56301
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| 22 May 2006 8:57 PM |
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Katie and I are back in St Cloud. Thanks Jeff [Durty Bird] for a mission well planed, We Are proud to be a part of it. It was a day of mixed emotions, but I am glad that we were able to be there with a wonderful group of people.
It was great to meet all of you. God Bless The Wagners and the PGR. |
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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.” |
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sddiver_208
Posts: 6
Rapid City
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| 22 May 2006 9:04 PM |
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Robin and I are safe back in Rapid City. I too want to echo the good job comments to the group and especially Jeff. Robin and I agreed there were times it was hard not to become emotional, but the families comments showed an appreciation that cannot be returned. Thanks for letting us participate and we hope to run into new friends again on more favorable terms.
Mike and Robin Buckingham |
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MNHeritagePatriot
Posts: 211
Worthington Ride Captain - Pipestone, MN
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| 22 May 2006 9:26 PM |
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Glad to log in and see that people are checking in and made it home safely. I felt today's mission went very well - all did a great job! We did make a difference today - now let's be sure to keep SSGT Wagner's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers as they try to move on and heal - God Bless them ALL !!
Thanks to Gwinslow for meeting us at Luverne and it was good to meet those I had the privelage of visiting with and sharing our common bond of support, respect and gratitude to SSGT Walden, his family and all our military personnel and veterans.
I've got 10 pics - about 2.2 mb - if anyone wants them I'd be glad to send. Just drop a note to me at pramsbey@pipvet.com
Take care everyone - rest easy - this was a day well spent!
Paul Ramsbey |
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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! |
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MNHeritagePatriot
Posts: 211
Worthington Ride Captain - Pipestone, MN
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| 22 May 2006 9:32 PM |
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My apologies for referring to SSGT Wagner as SSGT Walden again - I need to quit posting when I'm so tired I guess!
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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! |
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harleyfarmer
Posts: 1
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| 23 May 2006 7:42 AM |
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Thanks for the opportunity to participate. It
was very rewarding to know the community appreciated our effort to
honor this hero. Hope to ride with you again, under happier
circumstances.
Larry
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MNHeritagePatriot
Posts: 211
Worthington Ride Captain - Pipestone, MN
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| 23 May 2006 7:42 AM |
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I see that I also screwed up my email address last nite - email pramsbey@pipevet.com for pics - left out the "e" in pipe! If you tried to email me please try again.
Best regards |
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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! |
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MNHeritagePatriot
Posts: 211
Worthington Ride Captain - Pipestone, MN
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| 23 May 2006 9:05 AM |
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Just received this email requesting pictures. This is why we do what we do and I am very appreciative of John Wagner and his family for allowing us to show our support and gratitude to Greg - GOD BLESS
Here's John's email:
Paul,
My name is John E. Wagner, My wife and I live in Seattle WA.
I am a first cousin to SSgt Greg A. Wagner and we were unable to attend his
memorial or funeral.
I thank you and all who go out of your way to bring some peace and comfrot
to the families of our heros that have fallen in the battle for our freedom. I have been reading your thread as a way to Help me "be there" Thank you.
Could you please send a copy of those picthures, they would be apriciated.
j_e_wagner@msn.com
God Bless,
In Jesus name,
John & Diane Wagner
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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! |
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oldgoldwing
Posts: 58
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| 23 May 2006 11:32 AM |
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Thank you Wagner Family for allowing us to be there to honor this fallen hero.
Jeff [Durty Bird] you did a great job-- Glad you were able to bring your son along. If any other missiion come up in eastern SD I will do my best to be there. I am honored to be a part of this group.
Made it make to Alexandria MN about 6:30pm a long good day that started at 2:30 am (37 dergrees)
Will be standing by if needed
GOD Bless everyone
dave henning---old goldwing
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Danegeld
Posts: 48
Western South Dakota
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| 23 May 2006 11:38 AM |
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| Well Guys and Gals,
I finally made it back to the old homestead today. The ride back from Mitchell to RC (270mi) was much warmer and pleasent knowing and remembering the honorabvle event I was fortunate enough to have participated in. I thank you all for letting me be a part of it. It was my first ride.
Durty Bird, it was indeed a pleasure to meet you in person and if I'm ever in Spearfish and break a leg I'll be looking for you in the ER Your leasdership and professionalism along with George from our Minnesota Guard Rider neighbors was top-notch.
Sadly from the look of things in the world today we may very well meet again, I hope I'm wrong...
Take Care All
Ben |
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Nice to meet ya...
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DeltaC
Posts: 101
Hardwick, MN
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| 23 May 2006 11:58 AM |
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Paul, you truly do have a gift with words my friend. You said it, this is why we do what we do. I'd like to add my personal thanks to George Winslow for getting us MN guys together for the ride over. And Thank You isn't enough for Jeff Anderson. I just get on the bike and ride to the missions to do my small part, I can't imagine the work it takes to actually put it all together. I've said it before and I'll say it again; it is an honor and a priviledge to part of the PGR.
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Dale
PGR 12/10/05
Wothington, MN Sector ARC |
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Danegeld
Posts: 48
Western South Dakota
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| 23 May 2006 11:58 AM |
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| I apologize for not including the Nebraska & Iowa Riders in my earlier thanks. You guys are also on that top-shelf, none better. Thanks to all.
God Bless
Ben
danegeld2@msn.com |
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Nice to meet ya...
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buckfan641
Posts: 1
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| 23 May 2006 3:58 PM |
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My name is Russ Tschetter from Lawton IA. I had the privilidge of experiencing first hand, the power of your presence at the funeral of my best friend, SSG Greg Wagner in Alexandria SD this past weekend.
I just wanted you to know that even though that I did not get a chance to express this to you personally, I wanted you to hear this from myself as well as on behalf of the family and friends of our son, brother, uncle, friend and bother in Christ. There is nothing more powerful than seeing a row of flags with motorcycles lining the street in front of church, as well as a welcome home receiving line at the cemetary for a man coming home for a job well done. I did not know what to do when I pulled into the cemetary beside hold in my tears. Maybe I should have done something else. I have always been patriotic, but it was not until that time in my life that I realized that here are a bunch of men and women that did not get the chance to know the man that sacrificed himself on May 8th to save the lives of the two other buddies so that they could live. What he did was a selfless act of true Christian love for country and his bothers in arms. Your participation in those services was a simular act of love, respect, and patriatism for our our smalltown hero. That vision will last me till I can thank my dear friend again at the side of our saviour, Jesus Christ for his sacrifice.
I am very thankful for all that you do to protect the families from undue critisism of protesters. I hope and pray to God that this ceremony, the fourth one for the C-Battery 147th INF is the last one that you will have to do your patriatic part. But since freedom is not free and comes at a very high price, the loss of our loved ones to protect all that we have in this great country. If there needs to be your presence at another welome home to our heros, I will stop and thank you personally for your job well done!!
May God Bless on Keep you safe in your journeys,
In Christ's Love
Russell Tschetter |
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