PFC Kham Xiong, 23, Minneapolis, MN, 30 NOV 09



85 PGR had the honor of showing a flagline of respect for Kham and his family at FSNC. The mission started out a little quicker than planned with the funeral procession being 45 minutes ahead of schedule. During the briefing at the Officers Club parking lot, Rick received a call from Gary that informed us that the procession was only 5-10 minutes from FSNC. We immediately saddled up and were on the road in about 2 minutes. Joe and Phil took the lead out of the parking lot and controlled traffic at the on-ramp intersection at Post Road.

When our group got to where the 494 & 5 ramps met, the procession beat us there, we stopped and waited for them to pass. Earlier in the day I had scoped and went over interment details with the grounds crew, so while waiting for the procession to pass. I changed the mission midstream to go directly to the shelter through Gate #1 instead of going up to Gate #2 and through staging lane #3. I was hoping the members behind me would pick up on the change. I signaled the ones behind me to follow me and made the turn and was exhilarated to see the group following me in. I got to the shelter as the coach did and made a U turn and parked on the side of the main drive as far up as I could.

I jumped out and motioned part of our group still driving in the gate to park on the opposite side of the other drive. Everyone exited their vehicles and moved to the flagline along the oppoisit side of the road from the shelter. There was enough people to have a second line about 20 ft behind the flagline at the curb, this arrangement looked great.

This Mission was unique in which after the ceremony at the shelter, the casket was carried to the gravesite about 75 ft behind the shelter. The family gathered at the location and further ceremonies were performed, after which the interment was completed with the lowering of the casket, sealing of the vault, dirt compacted, and grave marker installed.

During the interment the “Grandfather” came over and thanked the PGR for being there. He stated that he had guided Kham to join. I got the aire that he had heavy guilt. I told him that he only showed Kham a suggested path and it was Kham’s decision to take it. What happen at Ft Hood wasn’t any part of the discussion that he had with Kham. He had harsh words for the one that did the shooting, I listened.

This mission had it’s tense moments considering the timing issues. However, due to teamwork, communications, and our ability to roll with last minute changes at all levels our organization once again showed honor, respect, & dignity to Kham Xiong and his family the way it should be.

(@) PGR National Thread

Thank You Kham & his family for your sacrifice, Thank you PGR for doing what you do.

Tim Leonhardt