Brad Crow, U.S. Army and Mn National Guard, Windom, MN 31 May 10

Mission report for the funeral of Brad Crow, a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army and Mn National Guard, Windom, MN who passed away following a courageous battle with cancer at 48 years of age.

Brad was also an avid motorcyclist. Brad's funeral was on Monday, May 31st in Windom. The request for the Patriot Guard came from his sister, Jean who along with her husband, Ken Fast are members of the Patriot Guard.

This mission report sounds so standard, let me spice it up a bit. It's Memorial weekend - and everyone has made their plans. Road Captain Ramsbey is in the sticks with phone email access only and a phone signal that allows the listener to hear every other word. The request comes across late Friday evening, particulars are forwarded Sat. afternoon for ARC help. By midnight Saturday the meeting place and church are set. Mission emails are sent out Sunday at 9:30 am for the noon Monday mission. I knew of 2 Patriot Guard from Windom that would be there and I know that the Patriot Guard members are awesome........but I took along 3 extra flags to hopefully get some one to hold until the family arrived at the church.

At 11:30 on Monday I see a bike with a pipe on the back, then another, then another. "The Rest of the Mission"..... 16 Patriot Guards made this Memorial Day mission with less than 20 hours notice. We were all in place to witness the family and friends of Brad Crow arrive on their motorcycles 55 strong carrying the remains of their loved one in a color matched sportster tank that matched the Street Glide that Brad rode.

The mission was a success - unbelievable short notice response. Thank you for your loyalty and dedication to honor a true hero.

(@) Pictures from mission

My special thanks to Patriot Guard Dean Smestad for assistance with logistics.

Bruce E. Saxton, ARC Fairmont