I thank the Wall family for the invitation, it was an honor to attend. This was my second mission,  I am so proud to be a member of this organization. The people of Alden did a great job of making us welcome and helping us make this mission a success. The law enforcement officers perfromed thier difficult duty in a very professional manner; I respect them and pray for their safety. I would also like to thank those that took command and organized this event for making it a great day. 

As I read the other post and reflect on the day; I pray like you that someday the protesters will get a clue and stop.  I also pray the Patriot Guard will stay together to bring our fallen heroes in uniform to their final duty station in heaven with honor and respect for a long time after that. 

A message from Tom Weller, SE MN PGR Ride Captain,

To the Minnesota Patriot Guard Riders,

I want to thank all of you who rode in support of SSG. Walls mission to Alden, IA on Saturday May 6, 2006.

Thank you for a safe ride.  The success of our mission is lessened if one person is hurt or worse on a mission ride.

Thank you for our patients.  These missions are tough to plan and dynamic in their execution. Your demonstrated patients, adaptability and commitment to the mission are what make it all possible.

Thank you for the way you conducted yourselves around the ug’s.  As hard as it is to be around those people you all maintained your personal integrity and discipline.  Well done.

Thank you for your mental and physical toughness.  It was 33 degrees when we left Rochester, warming to a balmy 34 degrees when we left Albert Lea, with 90 miles left to ride.  Not once did I hear any talk of giving up and turning back.  I only heard good humored acceptance of the challenge ahead and a singular desire to complete the mission.

Thank you for the sheer numbers that turned out to support this mission.  I believe we had 24 bikes and four cages.  Numbers make a difference on these missions.  The more PGR members we have at the service, the more flags we fly, and the more of both we place between the family and the protesters the better.

Emotionally these missions are tough.  For me emotions go into a box that was stashed in the garage under the work bench behind the battery charger.  I have been forced to confront those emotions and deal with them.  The sadness at the loss of a brother in arms, the sorrow felt for a family who has lost a son, daughter, husband, wife, mom or dad.  Extreme anger and contempt at protestors that would insult a fallen soldier, harass a family in their most difficult hour, and desecrate our flag.  I’m learning to deal with those emotions.  I hope it makes me a better husband, father, and man.

I have only done two support missions for the PGR.  I don’t want to do any more, but I fear that more missions are in my future.  I ask for your help and support in future missions.

To all of you that rode with me last Saturday, stand a little taller, hold your head a bit higher, and know that what you did on that day made a difference to a grieving family and a small town in Iowa.  I was proud, honored and humbled to ride with you all.

Tom Weller

South East Minnesota

PGR Ride Captain

tweller11@charter.net