SPC Gregory B. Rundell, 21



The Visitation

We gathered in the afternoon at the church parking lot across from the school, the sun was shining. There were over a dozen bikes with about 50 people waiting to go line the school entrance to honor this American hero. I spotted the school principle walking our way and noticed that he had a look on his face of "All these bikers, what have I got myself into". I spoke to him about the Patriot Guard and put his mind at ease as he had only brief knowledge about our group from the funeral director. When we were done talking he looked at me and said, thank you for coming, as I could tell, he to was feeling the hurt as Greg was a graduate of this school.

We lined the front entrance to the school with bikes and members, which by the end of the night totaled over 75. The local fire dept. and Elk River fire dept. set up their ladder trucks and suspended a large Perkins size flag over the road in front of the school, it was a beautiful sight as it slowly wavered in the wind. As we stood into the evening hours the family, friends and soldiers came by the hundreds to pay their respects to this young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Darkness fell and the American flag was illuminated by spot lights from the trucks as it was nearing the end for all to say their final goodbye's to Greg. The family gave us all the honor to come in and pay our respects to their lost loved one. That was hard for Deb and I to see this family in so much pain, we could only hope that our presence helped give a small amount of comfort.

As we waited outside once again on the flagline I was told by Mary (funeral director) that they were going to bring Greg out first and that the family requested Patriot Guard assistance. I gathered up 6 of us not knowing what exactly we were going to help with but it didn't matter, the family needed us. I quickly learned that we were actually going to have the honor to carry Greg to the awaiting hearse outside. I think I can speak for all that held on to that coffin the feeling of honor was so overwhelming to the point that I was literally shaking.

As the hearse drove off under the brightly lit flag, it was somewhat of a blur as the tears welled up in my eyes knowing that America has lost yet another brave and courageous young man for our freedom. As the last of the family drove away the night was over and the MNPG gathered in front of the school for a final debriefing. I stood on a bench and spoke to the group to tell all, job well done, and to thank everyone for coming as they could see how much it meant to this family. At this point Deb and others got my attention and pointed to something behind me. I turned around to see Wayne, the youngest of Greg's brothers (18) standing there. I told him to come up and join me as he wanted to say a few words to our group. He spoke to us with tears rolling down his cheeks and at times difficulty getting the words out, he wanted us all to know how much it meant to him and his family that we were there to honor his brother. When he was done I hugged him like he was my son to give him some comfort. I can tell you this folks, speaking for every teary eyed person standing there, if you ever question yourself, "do I have the time to do this tonight" or someone asks, why do you do it, think of this young brother standing on a school bench with tears in his eyes telling a group of people he doesn't even know, saying how much it means to him that we were there.

The Funeral Service

We lined the sidewalk in front of the church with about a dozen bikes as they would be the escort at the families request to take Greg to his final resting place. With over 60 Patriot Guard standing in front of the church, family and friends began to arrive for the services. The fire Dept. once again suspended a large American flag in front of the church in honor of Greg. Before the service began we were requested by a two star General to come join him with the family as he knew we were going to present a plaque. As we entered the small room filled with family once again the reality of the price paid for our freedom hit home and hard on our hearts. The general introduced us to the family explaining a little bit about the Patriot Guard and how highly he regards our group as American Patriots. Although his words were greatly appreciated I already knew that Joanne, Greg's mom, knew exactly who we were and she had already made us a part of her family.

Once the service began the main group was off to IKEA where 80 bikes total had gathered and more than 100 Patriot Guard. As the service had ended it was time for the journey to this heroes final resting place. The Procession left the church with a Squad in front followed by two fire trucks and the bikes of the Patriot Gaurd leading the way for this American Hero. We made our way to Fort Snelling and as I looked to the front the fire trucks seemed to glow with pride and as I looked in my mirror to the rear I could see the column of bikes leading the way in complete honor of the soldier that gave his all. When we arrived at our destination we were lead through the maze of the many past heroes that had given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As I looked across what seemed to be endless white grave stones it hit me once again the price that is paid for our freedom. As we rounded the corner I could see the flags flying in the wind. As we passed the flags the site was overwhelming and again through my blurred vision of tears I saw over 100 Patriot Guard members standing proud and tall for Greg as he was escorted to his final place of rest.

The service proceeded and as many times before not being able to hear what is being said but only the flags snapping to attention in the wind. I knew all to well what was to come next, the 21 gun salute was rendered with the bugler playing taps to follow. The playing of taps always gets to me, I can never seem to get past that point it always breaks my heart.

As the family retreated to their cars and drove off we saluted them letting them know that we hold them at the highest honor, they to had made the ultimate sacrifice. As we stood the flagline and all had departed except the hearse and one soldier in class A uniform, Greg's brother Kyle. I went to Kyle with a mission pin and spoke these words, "Greg's mission is over and is accomplished, it is time for him to stand down and rest." I gave Kyle the pin and gave him a hug again as I would hug my own son. As we parted I told him that Greg would not be forgotten and that we would always be thinking of him and the family.


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(@) PGR National Thread



Once again mission accomplished, I can not tell you how proud I am of all the members and leadership that helped make this mission special for the family. I would like to extend a big thanks to my ARC's Larry Granberg ,Chris Lind and Pam Johnson. for helping Deb and I out with everything. Thanks to Indian John the SE Ride Captain for your help with the IKEA staging and getting that beautiful flagline in place at Ft. Snelling.

(@) Pictures from mission

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Jeff & Deb Good
NE Metro Ride Captains