Presentation for 2 Purple Heart Recipients

Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Normandale Community College.

30 members gathered at Normandale Community College for the presentation to the 2 Purple Heart Recipients. We found that these two are more than just heroes, they both are great examples of soldiers. They were wounded in battle, battled their wounds and are making a huge come back.

The room was filled with Veterans, Patriot Guard, and members of Community College’s Senior Staff for the presentation. Right away Jeremy took charge and introduced Normandale Community College President Joseph Opatz who gave a short speech. Then Jeremy and Richard (the 2 Purple Heart Recipients) each stepped up to the podium. The two of them told the group about each of their experiences of what happen in battle and what they have gone through since. I gave a few comments and Tim Leonhardt gave a nice speech about what we are and what we do.

The Patriot Guard all recognize and appreciate all that they went through. James P., Tom G., Gene A., and Paul H. made presentations on behalf of the Minnesota Patriot Guard to Jeremy and Richard. All of us then had the chance to socialize with the all the veterans and faculty present. It was such an honor for us to meet these two men, we ended up being the ones honored to have been there with them.

Jeremy presented me with a picture of himself at Walter Reed Army Medical Center flanked by President and Mrs. Bush. Richard also presented me with a picture of himself and a friend in Iraq during his first tour.

Jeremy presented us with a very nice challenge coin with the seals of the 5 branches of the military on it. On the back of the coin it states "Given as a token of gratitude for your unselfish support and faithful dedication."

Pictures of the day's event taken by the Colleges paper photographers will be placed on the Normandale Community College Website .

(@) Jeremy

(@) Richard

(@) Normandale Community College Paper

(@) Pictures from John Redfield

(@) Pictures from Jamie Bahl

I do have to say that the Members of the Minnesota Patriot Guard are the best! To show up on a weekeday at noon in the bitter cold having to park all over in the Normandale Community College and walk a half mile into the building, these people - our members really came through for me and made it a very special event.

They are the best!!

John Redfield