Arthur Hinz, WWII Veteran,FAIRMONT, MN, 14 JUN 08

Below is the mission report from 14 JUNE when we gathered to Honor Arthur Hinz and support his family. This report was written by Bruce Saxton who assisted me (actually Bruce pretty much took the lead on this one which was greatly appreciated by myself and certainly the family as you will read below). We certainly did make a difference this day by showing the Honor, Dignity and Respect that this Hero deserved and I thank everyone who was able to be there with us in Fairmont.

And here is Bruce's report:

Mission Brief for Arthur Hinz

Sometimes we may question Why ride to some far reach part of the state to stand a flag line? and is it worth the time & effort?

The mission this Saturday the 14th of June was for an 88 year old WWII veteran, Arthur E. Hinz.

Arthur was born in Fairmont, Martin County, Minnesota, left for the Navy after school. Upon discharge he stayed in California and was part of the International Seamen for the next 30 years.

His parents, brother and 2 of his 3 sisters have all passed on, leaving his sister of Kansas City and a wife & son in San Francisco (who spoke limited English) to abide his wishes to be laid to rest after his death in the family plot in Martin County.

His sister Darlene, not having been back home in years, with few contacts, called the Salvation Army for the service arrangements, American Legion for military and Patriot Guard for escort to the cemetery. "I'm sure nobody probably remembers Art or the Hinz family as it has been over 65 years" said Darlene in our phone conversation.

The family showed up 14 strong from 5 states. I met his wife & son with his Father's ashes clutched in his arms. A tear slid down her cheek as she looked at a flag line of 28 Patriot Guards. I was scared, she said, that nobody would remember and there would be no one at the funeral, we would be all alone to lay him (Art) to rest. Thank you Patriot Guard so much for what you do. Art would be so happy to know he was not forgotten. He's back home now, and I am going back to San Francisco, but I know he's now in good hands, with your people (Patriot Guard) he was not forgotten.

I guess we do make a difference and every mission is comforting and special to every family, big or small!

(@) Pictures from mission taken by Dale Claussen

Thanks to all who took the time to thank Art for his 34 years of Service.

Bruce E. Saxton

--
Paul Ramsbey
Patriot Guard Riders
Minnesota Patriot Guard
Worthington Ride Captain