Post Mission Report – Gene Sit, 01Jul08

39 members of the MN Patriot Guard gathered in honor of Gene Sit, 69, of Edina, MN. Although Gene was not a Veteran, he was committed to serving and supporting them in an extraordinarily dedicated manner. Many who have benefited from his actions consider him a true American hero and Patriot.

To support the men and women of our military who defend our country, Gene and his wife Gail started the Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund - an organization unique to Minnesota that gives grants to all Minnesotans who've served honorably in combat zones since Sept. 11, 2001, as well as grants for the families of those wounded or killed.

The MMAF has risen over $7 million dollars for those who serve; well over $1 million came from Gene himself. The organization has helped countless people. More information on the MMAF can be found at www.thankmntroops.org.

Staging was opened at 9AM under the expectation of a large crowd attending the services. By 9:45 AM all 39 members had been stationed across the front of the church holding our flags. A few members also quickly volunteered to help with church with parking as the 500 car lot was quickly filling.

It was interesting watching the reactions of the many people attending as very few knew who we were. Many were from around the world and were not sure what to make of us. Always fulfilling though was the presence of Maj General Shellito of the MN Natl Guard. He made a point of shaking the hands of every member in attendance that day. Another special guest was retired Gen Vessey who was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Pres Ronald Reagan who spoke in honor of his friend Gene Sit.

As the service started at 11AM we stood down for what was supposed to be one hour. The funeral director kept moving his estimate back and the service finally did end at 1:15PM. Some number of members did have to leave for personal reasons or to attend the mission for Sgt O'Brien that afternoon.

As the family exited the church the remaining members of the MNPG circled the hearse to give the Sit family a comfort that the US Flag was helping watch over Gene. Many of the service attendees exited thanking us for our presence. The expressions of gratitude were later explained that the minister opened his part of the service pointing out "vets outside the church holding the flags were there to thank Gene for what he did."

At approximately 2:15 the members stood down and went to the post mission gathering spot.

As we can always learn some thing at every mission I realized that we should equip each sector with a small medical kit. One young man who was attending his first mission with his dad passed out briefly and had his face scraped slightly on the pavement. Fortunately our LEO Liaison had a small medical kit in his bike and tended the young mans scrapes.

Not thanked enough are the Asst Ride Captains who do the real hard work on mission days. Thank you to Tim Leonhardt, Laurie Leonhardt, Mike McDonough, Carrier Wahl, John Stolte, and Pat Fucile for their help.

It was an honor to play a small role for Gene Sit. He was a selfless, genuine, and honorable man who loved America. Many people in his situation of tremendous wealth, while maybe donating to a cause, seldom take an active role doing something about it. Gene not only spent his money doing but also his heart. I sincerely hope that the legacy of Gene Sit continues with the next generation of leadership of the MMAF.

(@) PGR National Thread

Doug Bley
NW Metro Ride Captain
Member, Exec Board of Directors
Minnesota Patriot Guard
In honor of all the military members we ride for... Closing goes here