SFC Matthew I. Pionk Mission Complete 17 Jan 08

5 Vehicles, 8 PGR mustered outside the gate to the 148th Fighter base entrance at 1100 hours. After about 6 moves, finally got into position right in front of one of the runways that a couple of C-130's were doing some touch-and-goes. Talk about fly overs, at low altitude no less. At 11:28, the Leer jet flew over us and brought Matthew home. Just around noon the procession left the base where we joined in together with, had to be 30 vehicles including Duluth and Superior PD, Minnesota Highway Patrol and St. Louis County Sheriffs. Non-stop from the Base to the funeral home. What an unbelievable sight. Arriving at the funeral home everyone waited until all lined up and then proceeded to move the casket into the home. Family and military alike were greeting PGR members to thank us for our service , They were very much appreciative. All dispersed shortly after.

Mission Complete Saturday Jan 19th

There were 36 PGR members in attendance today with temps of -22 degrees at 7:30 am warming to a high of -5 degrees by 2pm; this is without figuring in the windchill of -50 below. The sun was bright and this helped to keep your mind thinking it was going to get warmer.

I want to thank all who braved the cold to honor SFC Matthew I. Pionk, this had to be one for the record books; it was that cold.

Also, "Thank You" To the CAO in charge of this mission. To Bill the funeral director for working so well with us on coordination, and keeping us informed on what was happening, and the coffee and extra donuts.To the ladies of the church who kept the hot coffee flowing for us. The LEO's, especially the Motorcycle Officer on his bike, blocking traffic for the procession to the cemetery and that they asked us to take up the rear of the procession to the cemetery as we did.

We were out the door by 7:30am to set up flag lines before the casket was carried into the church. A few PGR members were asked to help with this honor, something I hadn't seen before. 0900 came quickly and a short briefing was completed to make sure everyone was aware of the time schedule and the location of the warm up station. I must admit, frost bite was on my mind the entire day. Dennis, Ross, and I did our best to encourage everyone to take breaks and get in out of the cold.

Several things took place today; we were asked to keep the media away from the family and to watch out for the protesters as they had posted they would be there. We did our best to accomplish this task. Police did there job as well, foot patrols were all over the place and squads were posted on every corner. We all were prepared, but no protesters were in sight of this mission, The grave sight ceremony was just as cold as they laid Matthew to his final resting place. Everyone who passed by us said they were glad we were there and thanked us for doing so . Dennis, a Vet himself, did a fine job of presenting the honorary plaque to the family. I thank him for that. I feel it means something different coming from a Vet and could see the family was very appreciative of such a gesture.

(@) PGR National Thread

Respectfully submitted,

Pete Prudhomme - Duluth RCIC
Den Padora - Duluth ARC