Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is a common destination for many in mid-July. This trip though was going to be different; I was going as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders to escort and honor Cpl. Troy C. Linden, who lost his life in Iraq serving in the US Army.

Friday evening July 14 we were asked to escort Troy and the Linden family from Hector Field in Fargo, ND, to the funeral home in Detroit Lakes, MN. With the help of Larry "Lars" Bahr, NE North Dakota Ride Captain, about 75 bikes from Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota had the privilege to bring Troy back home to Minnesota. It was a hot but beautiful evening leaving the airport about 8:00 p.m. The LEO’s, including ND Highway Patrol, Cass, Clay, & Becker County Sheriffs, did a fantastic job of leading the processional.

Along the way, City Police and MN Highway Patrol blocked traffic at intersections. As we proceeded along the respective County Sheriff cars would drop off and the next whose county we were in would then be in the lead. It was well planned out, and executed flawlessly. My emotions started running high as more and more people were standing along the road as we got to Becker County and then into Detroit Lakes. When we turned the corner near the fire hall, it looked as if people were assembled for a parade. Many were wearing the same "Troy Boy" T-shirts as I was, that I received from the Linden family. People stood with flags held high and hands over their hearts. There were color guards and Veterans at attention with a salute as we passed by. Many people had tears in their eyes, including myself. They were proud, respectful and glad to have their hero back home.

Wednesday, July 19, found me heading back to Detroit Lakes at 5:00 am. With thunderstorms looming in the distance many of us found ourselves riding through the rain to get to the staging area at 9:00 am. I was at the American Legion in Detroit Lakes at 7:00 am. I joined other PGR members for breakfast. We were thanked many times by other patrons for doing what we do for the fallen soldiers, especially Troy Linden.

The staging area for this mission was at the middle school across the street about one block from the church. We gathered, assembled our flags, signed in, renewed new acquaintances, had a quick briefing and got ready for the next few hours. A partly cloudy sky was starting to give way to a hot sunny day after the early morning thunderstorms. At 10:00 am 150 bikes moved over to the church and lined both sides of the street. With flags held high, we formed a line around the entrances to the church. It always amazes me to see the diverse group that makes up the Patriot Guard. Many within this group were on their first PGR mission. The late morning was getting hot and the line was rotated out to get a break from the sun and get some cold drinking water. People felt a duty to stay on the line so breaks were short and not very often.

At noon the Honor Guard positioned themselves between the church and the hearse. We all came to attention and were completely quiet as the casket was loaded and the family began to go to their vehicles for the trip to the cemetery. The PGR members disassembled and mounted their bikes, many flying large flags. Scott Gerr and myself had the honor to lead the processional of bikes followed by Sheriff Tim Gordon, the hearse then the family and friends. This trip took us to a beautiful setting of a country church and cemetery nestled in the trees. The bikes were parked and a line of PGR members holding flags was formed along the county road and the driveway into the church. Flags were held high with hands over our hearts or salutes as Cpl. Linden passed by in the hearse followed by his family. We then closed in to the edge of the church and cemetery as the gravesite services took place. Many more tears were wiped away after the 21-gun salute and the trumpeter played taps. At that point it seemed to really set in that this is the final good-bye to this young hero, who we have on our minds and in our hearts.

Many of us left the cemetery and went to the American Legion in Detroit Lakes. The Legion graciously served lunch for us following the mission. We were greeted with ice water, sandwiches, and a cool place to sit and review the day’s events.

There are so many to thank after a mission has been completed. I want to start with the Linden family for giving the PGR the opportunity to honor Cpl. Troy Linden. Next is CAO, SFC Robert Probach who informed me of the family’s wishes and kept me up to date as plans were made. Thank you to all the Law Enforcement Officers, especially Sheriff Tim Gordon, and Chief Kal Keena. Larry "Lars" Bahr for his help setting up the escort from the airport. The staff at the middle school for allowing us to stage and use the restrooms. Thanks again to Dawn and her staff at the Detroit Lakes American Legion. Thanks to all the PGR members who gave of their time to attend this mission for Cpl. Troy Linden.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeff Anderson

Alexandria, MN Ride Captain