Misc
Mission
Report
 

James Pint Event April 19, 2009

The day started out a balmy 41 degrees. I left home at a little after nine and met up with Karla here in Motley. We rode to Pillager to meet someone but they weren't there, so after a brief warmup, we headed to Brainerd. I think the temp had climbed to 42 by the time we got to the Eagles Club!

We met up with some of the crew that was there early to help, and we got busy arranging tables and deciding who was going to do what. Jimmy's Aunt Denise was there and already had the ball rolling.

When the escort got there, we briefed, then we got on our bikes. 10 of us left the Eagles Club. When we got to Pillager, Jim was waiting with 10 more bike. They joined in with us and when we got to Jimmy's house, there were 12 more bikes! Jimmy's step-dad rides and some of his friends were there. What an honor to have them join us! The Pillager Fire Department was there and ready to roll so we pulled out and headed for the Eagles Club in Brainerd (see pic of escort, it was awesome!). The Pillager FD took us to the Baxter City line, then the Brainerd FD picked us up and took us into the Eagles Club.

When we rounded the corner we saw the flagline all set up and it looked great! By the time we got the bikes parked Jimmy and Jenny and the baby were out of the car and on the street. We had everyone come over and had a big hooyah and round of applause for Jimmy. Chaplain Chuck said a prayer and we moved inside to get the benefit started.

After everyone was inside, we had all the leadership there come up front for the presentation of the quilt and a gift card. Yvonne and Karla held up the quilt and Yvonne read the tag. This quilt was specially made for Jimmy. It is bigger than the other QOV's. Chuck presented the gift card. I talked a little bit about the Patriot Guard, and how honored we were to be there. I pointed out that if anyone was interested, especially the awesome escort people, they could talk to anyone of the people standing up front about joining, or just get information.

As you can see by the pics, SOME people really liked the cake! Thanks to Nita for taking care of the cake and for Bob working hard in the kitchen serving up the food! I appreciate you coming down from Duluth and helping us out! You Rock!

There was a steady stream of people coming and going and the benefit went really well. There were a ton of door prizes given away!

Towards 5 PM a lot of Jimmy's unit showed up that he had been deployed with. That was really special. It was good to see all the camoflauge in the room! (They had been on drills).

When I left at 5:30, it was still in full swing. I want to thank EVERYONE that came to this, whether to eat, to help, or just to wish Jimmy well. The last total I heard was over $18,000 raised! WOW! We had some very generous PG members there, you know who you are and thank you!!!!

Mike M.....it was great finally meeting your lovely wife! Mary, you are the greatest! Greg, thanks for coming up and being on the escort. Ken, good to see you down from Bemidji! We also had Alexandria, St. Cloud, SE Metro, Duluth, and DL represented. Karla, thanks for everything! You rock too! If I forgot anyone I don't mean too. You are all equally important and your presence was appreciated.

Thanks to Flash for taking the pics.

The weather actually cleared up and I rode home in 60 degrees with Sunshine!

Now for the best part: Jimmy, his mom Diedre, and his Aunt Denise all joined and Jimmy is excited about getting a patch. He has the beads! Jimmy's fiance Jenny's mother donated $100 to the Patriot Guard. Thank you to her for her generosity! She couldn't express how much she appreciated us being there in words so she helped us financially. That is so cool!

I would like to officially welcome Jimmy, Diedre, and Denise to the MN Patriot Guard and give them all a big HOOOOYAH!!! Welcome aboard! We are excited to have you with us.

(@) Pictures from mission

Thanks again everyone for a great day and an even greater benefit. God bless...

Starr Marshall
Brainerd RC
MN Patriot Guard/Patriot Guard Riders