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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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Wingrider00 
Posts: 69
Minnesota PGR
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| 21 Jun 2007 11:12 PM |
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| The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate in the Welcome Home for Sgt. Corey Briest of Yankton, SD. on Sat. June 30th. Please watch this thread for the times and staging areas to be determined when Sgt. Briest's flight plans into Yankton become known. Craig Bowen of Sioux Falls, SD and Gary Miller of Springfield, SD will be serving as ride Captains. Sgt. Briest was injured while serving with the 147 Charlie Co. of the SD National Guard in Iraq, Dec. 2005. He has since been recovering in Calif. to where he can return home. The Yankton community, along with many nationwide have risen to the need of the Briest family for a handicap accesible home for Sgt. Briest's many needs. Let's all join in on Sat. June 30, to welcome this American Hero home. |
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Craig Bowen
ARC Worthington Sector
Minnesota Patriot Guard
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windsinger
Posts: 2572
Medina,Ohio
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| 22 Jun 2007 6:10 AM |
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| WELCOME HOME AND THANK YOU. |
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"HONOR TO THE SOLDIER AND SAILOR EVERYWHERE,WHO BRAVELY BEARS HIS COUNTRY'S CAUSE. HONOR ALSO TO THE CITIZEN WHO CARES FOR HIS BROTHER IN THE FIELD,AND SERVES, AS HE BEST CAN, THE SAME CAUSE. "
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
" NO MAN IS ENTITLED TO THE BLESSING OF FREEDOM UNLESS HE BE VIGILANT IN ITS PRESERVATION."
GEN. DOUGLAS MACARTHUR
"SEMPER PARATUS" USCG |
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Jasper54
Posts: 6800
Columbus, Ohio
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| 22 Jun 2007 9:59 AM |
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| Welcome home Sgt. Breist. Thank you for you service. Mission Accomplished. |
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For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth , nor any other created thing , shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39.
Visit me at: www.MySpace.com/ChaplainRoger
GySgt. Roger Casto, U.S.M.C. Ret. 1972-1992
Iran/Iraq War Veteran 1988 (Op Earnest Will)
Veteran of Foriegn Wars, Life Member
Double Blue Star Dad
Riding in honor of:
Sgt. Millard Archy, USA, WWI, France; Sgt. John Meyer, USA WWI, France; Sgt. Alva Pete Osborn, USA, WWII, KIA - France; Seaman Bob Schneider, USN, WWII, Purple Heart; Battle of Leyte Gulf; T/Sgt. Russell Casto, USAF Congo Revolution, Viet Nam; Sgt. Ron Casto, USMC C.A.P. Viet Nam; Sgt. Sean Casto, TennANG. Iraq War;
In Honor and Memory of Ten HMLA-267, MAG-39 Marines who Answered the call and made the ULTIMATE SACRAFICE while ensuring the safety and security of our nation:
Lt. Col. Knott, Capt. Dillon, Capt. Dolvin, Capt. Hurley, Capt. Cronin, Sgt. Kilkus, Sgt. Keller, Cpl. Romei, LCpl. Adams, Cpl. Monahan,
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Wingrider00
Posts: 69
Minnesota PGR
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| 22 Jun 2007 11:49 PM |
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| More information on Welcom Home for SGT. Corey Briest. Charlie Battery had Sgt. Briest and 1 other solder injured and believe, and 3 KIA.
On Saturday, June 30th, Sgt. Corey Briest and his wife, Jenny, and children, Kylie and Connor, will arrive home. Scheduled to land at the Chan Gurney Airport (702 East 31st Street) in Yankton between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m., the public is invited to welcome the family home at the airport. From there, the PGR (Patriot Guard Riders) will escort them to the Summit Activities Center gymnasium (1801 Summit Street). The escort will bring them from the airport, west on 31st Street to Douglas Avenue, south on Douglas Avenue to 21st Street, west on 21st Street to Summit Street.
>
> Sgt. Briest will receive the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and other awards at approximately 5:00 p.m. at the Summit Activities Center gymnasium. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the short welcome home ceremony, as we honor and celebrate Charlie Battery's last soldier to return home.
He was injured in Dec. of 05.
I will post staging infor on Wednesday. |
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Craig Bowen
ARC Worthington Sector
Minnesota Patriot Guard
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WBOW
Posts: 24
Sioux City, Iowa
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| 23 Jun 2007 9:45 PM |
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Welcome home SGT.Briest, You are a true heo and an honor to your country.
It will be my pleasure to stand for you who stood for us.
Standing by in N.W. Iowa |
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Dave |
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trident_t150
Posts: 610
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota
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| 26 Jun 2007 3:38 PM |
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SGT. Briest and family, Best wishes for a continued recovery as you return home. Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you have made.
Alan Peterson
Bethany Hay
Marshall Sector Ride Captains
Mn Patriot Guard |
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Avatar picture taken at Hector, Mn., Municipal Airport. T33 erected in memory of my best friend, Capt Robert C. Swanson, USAF, in whose memory I ride with the PGR, to honor all who have served our nation.
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Wingrider00
Posts: 69
Minnesota PGR
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| 26 Jun 2007 11:43 PM |
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The plans for the Welcome Home Mission for Sgt. Corey Briest on Saturday June 30th 2007 are now complete. We have been notified that his plane will arrive between 3 & 4 PM.
Please review the itinerary below.
1:30 - 2:15pm Stage Wall-Mart Parking lot Hwy 81
2:15 pm Ride Meeting
2:30 pm Kick stands up to proceed to airport approximately 1 mi. away to await planes arrival.
Please come prepared with a 3x5 flag. We will have some extra, but we have no idea how large of turnout to expect. I have recieved confirmations from South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, & Iowa. Also inquiries from North Dakota.
The weather is expected to be sunny and warm so dress accordingly.
Upon arrival of plane PGR will stand flag lines in corridor formation on runway for Sgt. Briest and his family to exit from plane.
After all is done at airport, PGR will mount bikes for escort to Civic Center.
Award Ceremony at Civic Center is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm.
At Civic Center we will stand flag lines in front of center in honor of Sgt. Briest's return home as public enters and exits ceremony.
Seating will be arranged for PGR in auditorium if they wish to attend. Program should last approximately 1/2 hour.
Thank you in advance for helping make the Welcome Home for Sgt. Corey Briest, an American Hero, a day for him and his family a great day.
Below is a press release from the SD National Gaurd.
Please feel free to post on the thread on the PGR website listed below.
I will also post any additional information as it becomes available.
From: "Michels, Marshall T. LTC NGSD"
To: "Pauline Rhoades"
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 8:21 AM
Subject: FW: MEDIA ALERT: Last Charlie Battery Soldier to come home
Original Message-----
From: Ward, Orson M. MAJ NGSD
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2007 4:36 PM
Subject: MEDIA ALERT: Last Charlie Battery Soldier to come home
South Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office
June 25, 2007,
PAO 06-25-07
MEDIA ALERT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Last Charlie Battery Soldier to come home
YANKTON, S.D. - Sgt. Corey Briest, a member of Battery C, 1st Battalion,
147th Field Artillery, South Dakota Army National Guard, and his family will
arrive home between 3 and 4 p.m. CDT on Saturday, June 30, at the Chan
Gurney
Airport.
The public is encouraged to attend a short welcome home ceremony at 5 p.m.
CDT at the Summit Activities Center gymnasium as the surrounding communities
honor and celebrate the return home of the last Soldier from Battery C, 1st
Battalion, 147th Field Artillery.
Briest was wounded on Dec. 4, 2005, when a road side bomb exploded next to
his vehicle that was part of a convoy he and fellow Charlie Battery Soldiers
were conducting during the unit's mission to train and evaluate the Iraqi
Police in one of many Baghdad districts. He has spent the last 12 months in
physical therapy at a medical facility in Pomona, Calif.
"Corey is a true warrior who never quit fighting," said Maj. Gen. Michael
Gorman, adjutant general. "We are so happy he and his family will finally be
home."
The Briest family will be escorted to the Summit Activities Center by
Patriot
Guard Riders along a route west from the airport on 31st Street to Douglas
Avenue, south on Douglas Avenue to 21st Street, then west on 21st Street to
Summit Street and to the activities center.
During the ceremony, Sgt. Corey Briest will receive the Purple Heart Medal,
the Bronze Star Medal and other awards.
Battery C, 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery, deployed to Iraq in October
of 2005 and returned to South Dakota on Saturday, September 30, 2006.
Craig Bowen
Ride Captain
Sioux Falls
South Dakota Patriot Guard
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Craig Bowen
ARC Worthington Sector
Minnesota Patriot Guard
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trident_t150
Posts: 610
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota
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| 27 Jun 2007 9:27 AM |
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STAGING INFO:
Wounded in Action National Guardsman Sgt. Corey Briest is coming home to Yankton, SD, on June 30th. Patriot Guard Riders from at least four states are making plans to attend. I will be doing a staging here in Marshall for those who wish to attend. As usual, please email me at trident_t150@charter.net if you plan at staging in Marshall. This is a tight itinerary--Please be on time!
Marshall, Mn Staging:
10:00 a.m. Meet at Perkins/HyVee at intersection of Hwy 23 and Hwy 59 on south edge of Marshall. Hi Octane available at Hy Vee pumps. Fill tanks ! Sign ride waivers.
10:15 a.m. Kickstands Up! Leave Marshall to proceed directly to J&L Harley Davidson, Sioux Falls, SD. (95 miles)
Sioux Falls Staging at J& L Harley. Their new building is on the east side of I-29, just south of I-90, on West 60th St. Exit 83
11:45 - 12:15 pm Stage parking lot J&L Harley Davidson & sign waivers. We will be met by other groups from Minnesota, SD, and possibly North Dakota. Fill tanks at Flying J Truck Stop across street.
12:15 Ride Meeting
12:30 Kickstands up Proceed to Yankton (approx. 85 miles)
Yankton Staging:
1:30 - 2:15pm Stage Wall-Mart Parking lot Hwy 81. Mount flags on bikes for ride to airport.
2:15 pm Ride Meeting
2:30 pm Kick stands up to proceed to airport approximately 1 mi. away to await planes arrival.
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Plane arrives
Upon arrival of plane PGR will stand flag lines in corridor formation on runway for Sgt. Briest and his family to exit from plane.
After all is done at airport, PGR will mount bikes for escort to Civic Center.
Award Ceremony at Civic Center is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm.
At Civic Center we will stand flag lines in front of center in honor of Sgt. Briest's return home as public enters and exits ceremony.
Please continue to watch this thread for further updates!
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Avatar picture taken at Hector, Mn., Municipal Airport. T33 erected in memory of my best friend, Capt Robert C. Swanson, USAF, in whose memory I ride with the PGR, to honor all who have served our nation.
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jjmutti
Posts: 280
Cedar Rapids, IA
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| 27 Jun 2007 12:33 PM |
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WELCOME HOME!!! and thank you for your service, we really appreciate all you do! |
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Land of the free, because of the brave.
___________________________________
"Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less."
Gen. Robert E Lee
___________________________________
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." G.K. Chesterton
___________________________________
Jan Lucas
IA PGR - Secty/Treasurer & Ride Captain |
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Wingrider00
Posts: 69
Minnesota PGR
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| 28 Jun 2007 7:02 AM |
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| A Meet & Greet has been arranged at the VFW Post 791...209 Cedar Street, in Yankton for following the ceremony. There has been a contribution made so that food will be no charge. See you there. |
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Craig Bowen
ARC Worthington Sector
Minnesota Patriot Guard
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Dakota Freeride
Posts: 0
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| 28 Jun 2007 9:23 PM |
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| So often in this world today we forget what is important. Honor,Respect,Pride and Humbleness. We Humbly Welcome Sgt. Briest with the Respect and Honor he deserves. Very Proud of this Young Man |
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johnharley
Posts: 5
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| 29 Jun 2007 9:10 AM |
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| I will be there. Is anyone coming up from the Sioux City area? |
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1963LowRider
Posts: 30
Central NE
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| 29 Jun 2007 6:07 PM |
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| Many thanks SGT Briest, both to you and your family. You have all made sacrifices we, as a nation, are grateful for. God's Blessings for a continued and speedy recovery.
Planning on being there....anyone coming from central NE? Heading up Hwy 81? |
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Pam
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise Strength for the day, Comfort for the tears, and Light for the way.
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
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jarrod nussbaum
Posts: 3
south dakota
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| 29 Jun 2007 9:16 PM |
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| Thank you for all you do .. I will be there leaveing elk pont s.d about 1 or so
-------------------------------------------------
USMC 1992-1996
SDANG 1996-2000
VFW |
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Slowhand
Posts: 3748
Northeastern, Maryland Senior Chaplain & Ride Captain
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| 30 Jun 2007 7:48 PM |
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| On behalf of my family and myself I would like to welcome you home. We enjoy our freedom because of you and your comrades, so from the bottom of our hearts we thank you. |
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Russ "Slowhand"
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trident_t150
Posts: 610
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota
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trident_t150
Posts: 610
Marshall Sector Ride Captain, Minnesota
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| 02 Jul 2007 10:41 PM |
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Bikers Escort Sgt. Briest In Style
By: Randy Dockendorf, Yankton Press and Dakotan
As more than 100 motorcyclists from four states roared Saturday into the Wal-Mart parking lot, Donald T. and Darleen Auch stood quietly off to the side.
They weren't dressed for a ride. They didn't have a motorcycle. And they seemed awkward when ride captain Craig Bowen brought them to the bikers' attention. The group included the Patriot Guard Riders, Rolling Thunder, American Legion Riders and Christian Motorcyclists Association.
But the Lesterville couple said they needed to stop by the throng of bikers preparing to welcome home Sgt. Corey Briest. The Yankton soldier was returning home after 19 months of rehabilitation for injuries sustained by roadside bombs in Iraq.
"We're here for Corey, and we want to show support for the family," Darleen said.
The Auchs also wanted to thank the bikers for kindness in the couple's hour of need.
The Patriot Guard Riders had provided an escort last May when the body of the Auchs' grandson, Cpl. Matthew Alexander, was returned from Iraq.
Alexander, who graduated from Gretna (Neb.) High School in 2004, was married last Valentine's Day and had turned 21 shortly before he was killed.
"Matthew was riding a Striker when a roadside bomb blew up north of Baghdad," Donald said. "There were eight in there, and six soldiers and a Russian photographer were killed. The driver was the only one who wasn't killed."
Alexander was killed May 6, his body was returned to Nebraska on Mother's Day, and his funeral was held May 18, the Auchs said.
"Ever since he was in third grade, his ambition was to be a military person," Darleen said.
Cpl. Alexander was the son of Mel and Monica Ann (Auch) Alexander. Mrs. Alexander graduated from Scotland High School.
In the midst of their grief, the Auchs and the rest of the family found support from an outside source -- the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR).
"When they brought the body from the airport to the funeral home, (the PGR members) were there with flags all the way around," Darleen said. "They stood shoulder to shoulder, and they moved with us. They were all the way around us. There was no way we were going to be bothered."
The riders guaranteed that no problems arose at any time, Donald said.
"We were concerned some demonstrators would show up, but they didn't show up. The riders were overwhelming," he said.
"They never had a chance that day," Darleen said of any intruders.
While they still grieve for their grandson, the Auchs said they understand those who answer the call and pay the ultimate sacrifice.
"Somebody's got to do it," Donald said.
In the same manner, the Auchs understand the challenges facing Briest and his family. That's why they made the trip to Yankton for the Briest welcome home.
"We want to support them the best we can along the way," Donald said.
Pam Schoenrock, a Patriot Guard Rider from Ravenna, Neb., remembers the Alexander funeral well.
"That was my first mission, and it brought tears to my eyes," she said. "It was a very humbling experience."
Gary Miller of Springfield also made the Alexander mission. Miller, a veteran, said he was also at Saturday's mission because he wants to make sure other military members get the respect and honor they deserve.
Briest's return brings home the final member of the Yankton-based Charlie Battery, which left for Iraq two years ago, Miller said.
"We wish Corey all the best," he said. "This is more or less closure for the unit to have the last soldier home."
All military members need the proper welcome home from their missions, and the motorcyclists are there to provide it, Miller said.
"Whether it's one coming home or an entire unit, we will be there," he said.
Marvin Schuldt of Mitchell became a Patriot Guard Rider four years ago. He became involved to make sure today's military receive the welcome home that Vietnam veterans didn't receive.
"They were treated like a pile of manure," Schuldt said of the Vietnam vets.
Maybe the Vietnam era paid the price so today's military get the proper welcome, Schuldt said. He added that the Patriot Guard Riders are also supportive of efforts to help Prisoners Of War (POW) and the Missing In Action (MIA).
Schuldt noted a recent mission where the PGR and the Rolling Thunder attended a funeral for an MIA who was shot down in 1969 and whose remains were recently found and returned.
"The family was so appreciative that nobody forgot," Schuldt said.
The Patriot Guard Riders are no stranger to Yankton or Charlie Battery, as they escorted the unit from Sioux Falls to Yankton when it returned home last fall, Schuldt said. The PGR also provided an escort for the Alexandria funeral of Charlie Battery member Staff Sgt. Greg Wagner, who was killed by a May 2006 roadside bomb, he said.
On Saturday, the motorcyclists wanted to welcome home Briest, Schuldt said.
"Corey has gone through enough suffering. There will be trials and tribulations for him," Schuldt said. "We want to make sure he is more than welcome to his community."
Schuldt has seen his own wartime hell, surviving the Tet offensive while serving on the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Vietnam.
"Thank the Lord we came home," he said.
Rod Adams, a retired Navy veteran from Creighton, Neb., likewise wanted to show his support Saturday as a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Adams learned about Saturday's welcome home while visiting that morning with another motorcyclist at the post office.
Adams served in the military during the Vietnam era and served with Operation Desert Storm. He said he appreciated the support shown Saturday by area residents.
"I think it's absolutely great, the support from people in the community," he said. "I wish the same atmosphere had existed during Vietnam."
Briest is receiving the attention and support he deserves, Adams said.
"It's good that the people of South Dakota care for (each other)," he said. "Corey is somebody to them. It's good when you have that."
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http://www.yankton.net/stories/070207/com_181511673.shtml
For nearly two years, Sgt. Corey Briest has spent his life proving people wrong.
Some people said he wouldn't survive his blindness and traumatic brain injuries from December 2005 roadside bombs in Iraq. Others said he would never return to Yankton to live with his family friends.
Saturday, Briest proved them wrong once again.
After 19 months of rehabilitation -- the last year of it at a California private facility -- he landed aboard a National Guard C-12 plane shortly after 5 p.m. at Yankton's Chan Gurney Airport. The plane door opened, and Briest smiled and waved to about 100 cheering family members, friends and even a bagpipe player.
After a two-year absence, Corey Briest was finally home.
Jenny Briest called her husband a hero and said he refused to accept failure.
"Corey has always been defying the odds," Jenny said. "From Day 1, they said he wasn't going to make it. Then they said he was immobile and wasn't going to move again."
Briest became the final member to return from Iraq with the Yankton-based Charlie Battery of the South Dakota National Guard. The other members of the 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery unit returned exactly nine months ago, also on a Saturday, but the mission claimed four fallen soldiers and others who were injured.
Several of those Charlie Battery members greeted Briest upon his arrival, standing at attention. Briest was helped down the plane ramp and wheeled across the tarmac. Family and friends, many of them waiting in the summer heat during a one- to two-hour plane delay, yelled greetings and waved flags and yellow ribbons.
After receiving hugs and even greeting a new baby cousin, Briest was taken by van to the Summit Activities Center for the welcome-home ceremony. He was escorted by about 100 motorcyclists from four states, many bearing an American flag as they formed a long, continuous line. Well-wishers gathered at points along the route.
As he entered the Summit Center gymnasium, Briest received a thunderous standing ovation from an estimated 1,000 persons.
In a somber moment, Capt. Kerry Nilson -- who commands Charlie Battery --fhonored the unit's four fallen soldiers: Sgt. First Class Richard Schild, Staff Sgt. Daniel Cuka, Sgt. Allen Kokesh Jr. and Staff Sgt. Greg Wagner.
In one of the most dramatic moments of the welcome-home ceremony, Briest rose from his front-row seat and walked with assistance toward the stage for his awards presentation. As has been part of their lives for the last 19 months, Jenny provided her husband with both physical and emotional support as they stood for the ceremony.
"Corey's goal was to walk up and accept his medals," Jenny said afterwards. "We will have to send the videotape to his physical therapist. Every day, Corey practiced standing up. He wanted to be able to walk up and receive his medals."
Briest was presented with four awards: the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army commendation medal with a V-device for valor and a Combat Action Badge. Rather than receive his awards in a distant hospital, Briest chose to wait until he could receive the awards in front of family and friends back home.
The awards were presented by Capt. Tim Koehler with assistance from Capt. Phil Stiles and Command Sgt. Major George Arends, who had served with Briest in Iraq. As a sign of their deep friendship, Briest and Arends engaged in a playful handshake and "thumb war" during the presentation. With Jenny's help, Corey saluted his Guard brothers.
"Now and in the future, we can be sure Corey will show up at the Armory and give a lot of grief to the sergeant major," Stiles said with a laugh.
Col. Ted Johnson, the director of the SDNG joint staff, praised Briest's courage and heroism.
"You (Briest) have what we call the 'warrior ethos,'" Johnson said. "You always place the mission first; you never accept defeat; you never leave a fallen comrade; and you never quit."
Johnson also recognized Jenny Briest as a "true champion for your husband."
Stiles welcomed the Briests and expressed his pride in them. "Corey and Jenny have been an inspiration to all of us, and they will continue to be for all of us," Stiles said.
Briest will face more challenges, but "he will continue to make strides," Stiles said.
During Saturday's program, Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard noted Briest's arrival home just before Independence Day, when heroes of another kind put their lives on the line for freedom.
Daugaard then told the story of how his parents attended all of his concerts throughout school. The lieutenant governor admitted the meaning of his story likely puzzled the audience.
"The point is, my parents were born deaf. They came not to hear me, but so I could see them and know they cared about me," Daugaard said. "Today, we're not sure that Corey can hear what is going on all around him. But one thing I know, he knows how much we care."
Briest and his family face many struggles in the days ahead, Daugaard said.
"We can't know what (Briest) has gone through and what he will go through," the lieutenant governor said. "But Corey knows we care and we are grateful. And we welcome him home."
The South Dakota congressional delegation was represented at Saturday's ceremony.
U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin read the Congressional Record Statement, which she had given on the House floor, officially recognizing the Briests' homecoming.
"'Corey Briest beat all the odds and survived. In doing so, he has become an effective agent for change -- change in a system that was unprepared to deal with one of the signature injuries of this war: traumatic brain injury,'" Herseth Sandlin read.
"'The strength and tenacity of the Briest family over the past 19 months have served to inform and assist other brain-injured servicemembers and their loved ones. Their experiences have guided policymakers and administrators. And the sheer will and indomitable spirit of Corey Briest has inspired us all.'"
As she handed a copy of the Congressional Record Statement to the Briests, Herseth Sandlin whispered to the couple, drawing smiles and quiet laughter from them.
So what did the congresswoman say to them?
In an interview afterward, Herseth Sandlin preferred not to repeat the exact words. However, she shared her relationship with the family built while working together on Corey's medical care.
"I feel a special connection to the family. I share a personal feeling. Corey is my hero, and Jenny is my hero, too," she said. "As a newlywed, I understand there is a certain relationship --fhis affection for her, and her devotion to him."
The Briests' struggles over the past 19 months will help others in need, Herseth Sandlin said.
"I can't say enough about Corey and Jenny and what their experiences have meant to a whole host of other families," she said. "I had so many emotions to see Corey walk to the front of the stage and get his medals."
U.S. Sen. John Thune said Briest has attained distinction in his service to the nation.
"True greatness is not conferred by rank, title or position. It is how you respond to great adversity. It is given to those willing to brave danger and death for a cause greater than themselves," Thune said.
"(Briest has) looked death in the eye and met adversity and trials over and over again. That's why so many are here tonight (for a welcome) worthy of a hero and his family."
Thune said he had faith in Briest's ability to continue his recovery. "There are tough times ahead, but Corey will continue to beat the odds," the senator said.
Yankton native Matt Varilek represented U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, who continues his recovery from a brain hemorrhage.
Varilek referred to the effort to build a handicapped-accessible home for the Briests. The effort has raised $200,000 cash toward the $250,000 goal, and the figure raised so far doesn't include the in-kind contributions.
"I have such pride to be from a community which provides for a hero such as Sgt. Briest," Varilek said.
Yankton Mayor Curt Bernard also offered remarks.
"It's not only a good afternoon, it's a great afternoon. Charlie Battery, we were proud of you then, and we are proud of you now," he said. "This is recognition of the last remaining hero. He is forming a new life with his family."
The new Briest home will hopefully be completed in about a month, Bernard said. The community wants to continue helping the Briests and other Charlie Battery soldiers, he said.
"We say thank you and want to reach out in any way we can help," he said.
Col. Johnson noted in his remarks that Charlie Battery will send more soldiers to Iraq this fall. The public will be called upon to provide continue support, he said.
Saturday's audience included families of the four fallen Charlie Battery soldiers. Kay Schild, the widow of Rich Schild, said the welcome home brought good feelings.
"This is closure, and we are glad (Briest) is home. Rich would be very honored (at the tribute)," she said. "The community has been very supportive and in remembering Charlie Battery and the fallen soldiers. I am hopeful (the public) will continue to think of them."
After Saturday's ceremony, Jenny Briest said her husband is looking forward to the simple pleasures of life.
"(Corey) wants to sit in his recliner and pet his dog," she said. "He wants to go to the ambulance station (where he was an emergency medical technician), and he wants to eat Charlie's pizza."
Corey will continue rehabilitation locally, Jenny said. "Corey will do 10 times better here, where he can be surrounded by his friends and family," she said.
Jenny said she has been overwhelmed by the support from across the nation. "You can't put it into words. The home they are building for us -- it's more than a dream come true. Now, Corey won't be bound by anything," she said.
It's all part of rebuilding their lives, she said.
"This is a new normal. Our lives are turned upside down, but we are starting over," she said. "We have kept our (family) traditions, and we have met the challenges.
"We are happy that Yankton has supported us from Day 1." |
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Avatar picture taken at Hector, Mn., Municipal Airport. T33 erected in memory of my best friend, Capt Robert C. Swanson, USAF, in whose memory I ride with the PGR, to honor all who have served our nation.
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