SPC Cauley's Flag Pole dedication, 15 May 10

The 15th of May entered in my memory books as one of the most awesome fishing openers ever for MN and I never touched a rod and reel. The people that belong to the MN PGR (YES YOU) are unbelievable. I want to be the first to Thank everyone that showed up in body or spirit to help SPC Cauleys' family for their Flag Pole dedication. I don't have pictures yet but will soon. I just could not wait for pictures to Thank You. WOW! does not do justice to the site of YOU totally surrounding the front yard near the new flag pole and seeing countless RED, WHITE, AND BLUE! This family was so proud of their son this day I can't put into words what it meant, you had to be there. For me, Niagra Falls all the way. As I shook the fathers hand and gave him a hug I could feel the rapid beating of his heat because he felt so blessed to have our support. I had the same feeling from SPC Cauley's mother that remained speechless.

On this day this family did not mourn, what they did was realize just how big a family they really have and that is because of what "YOU" did this day. There tears were not because their son was not there, but because "YOU" were there for him. As much as I hate these showers of tears, you could never get me into a boat to fish if this was my second option to do.

For our St Cloud Sector and members from other area sectors that came to St Cloud to ' THE RIVERBOAT DEPOT" (Tim and Jack and other names that I forget) Thank you for making the morning experience at the Riverboat and ride a great, great day! The staff at the Depot treated us like Kings and Queens with superb service to get us in and out in time for the ride.

To the "FISH GODS" THANK YOU for the mid summer day that was breathtaking for 31 bikes, 2 Trikes, and 1 convertible. As the Harleys "BARKED" the "BMW" beamed, the Goldwings "Glided" and the convertible floated it was as awesome a ride that you could ever go on and truly enjoy what was around you. Overall for the day I logged 194 miles and every mile was great.

We were blessed this day as everything was better than what anyone could have pre-ordered.

To Rick Johnson and the great people that staged in Brainerd Thank you all. The numbers there added to ours were unbelievable, given this was Minnesota's "HOLY" day for "FISHING".

Two last stories: From St Cloud we had 1 couple with that was celebrating their wedding anniversary, and 1 awesome member that should of been home helping to set up for a family wedding but all were with us. As said by so many, "This was to important not to be here"

Because of all of "YOU" "WE" did the right thing and made this family very proud. If you did go fishing after the Mission I hope your day continued to be blessed and the "fish gods" rewarded you.

(@) Pictures from mission

(@) Thank you note

I am writing this on Behalf of: Gary, Joanne , Greg , "Fuzzy", Yvonne, Rick, The Riverboat Depot staff, and the Ogilivie Race Track (we really got advertised by the PA man). THANK YOU ALL!!!!

Rick Rakow
Asst. RC, St.Cloud sector