Leo Loscheider
December 11, 2008

This is a completed mission report to honor Leo Anton Loscheider of Little Falls MN. Leo served his country in WWII and saw combat in Italy. He is 87 years old and was finally being awarded the Bronze Star at a very special ceremony at the Morrison County Court House after a long wait. The Patriot Guard was invited to be present by the family (daughter Jean).

Staging:

We staged at our primary staging area in Little Falls and 17 Patriot Guard members showed up including some from other sectors. Most of us were disappointed that no motorcycles showed up. We covered the normal items on the briefing and the specifics on the mission, everyone signed the waiver and Pastor Chuck did a brief prayer to ask for a safe and successful mission.

The Holiday gas station refused to take money from us for coffee and etc. When we tried to pay they told us "we like what you guys are doing". They also let us do our briefing in the store so we did not have to do it outside in the cold. As we left the store we all sang out a thank you to the Holiday station people who have been so hospitable to us. Event:

We arrived at the Court House and set up our flags in the entry-way. When everyone was set up we went to the Morrison County Commissioners Board room where the ceremony was to take place and we lined both sides of the hallway.

The paper had announced the ceremony for 1:30 PM and we had to set up for that by 1 PM but we found out that the actual event was to take place at 2:30. No one complained and we had a chance to visit before the arrival of the family.

When the family arrived we all applauded and then as Leo and his wife passed by we all saluted. We had several family members come by and shake all the PGR members hand and thank them. The Morrison County Sheriff came by and thanked us for being there.

Shortly thereafter General Shellito arrived and we all saluted him as he went by. As he went by he said, "you guys are everywhere" not once but twice where we could all hear it. What an honor for us. Also Col. Weaver, the Camp Commander for Camp Ripley, came by and talked to us.

We gathered around to watch the presentation and as tears fell we saw the significance of the event for this War Hero and his family. We stood the flagline until the County Commisioners, the military and the family left. We then followed downstairs to visit and enjoy cake and beverages. Because of this there was no post mission briefing.

We all came away feeling we had made a difference to a lot of people today.

Special Note:

There were several significant things about this event worth mentioning.

1 – Leo is the father of one of our own Patriot Guard members from the St. Cloud sector.

2 – Leo's wife has terminal cancer and this was a special event for us to honor her also. A two for one day so-to-speak.

3 – The new patch that was specially designed for the Patriot Guard members who did the ride of honor at the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall was debuted. Everyone who saw it was very pleased and accolades went to new member Joy Weidenbach for designing it, Paul from the Veterans Office for supporting it and to our own Hoth Representative Monique Pekula (who was not present to see the great reaction) for making them. WOW.

4 –A very special picture is part of the photos of this mission as General Shellito took the time to pose with our very own Mike McDonough. Apparently Mike has done so many missions that he now counts Generals among his friends. Be aware that Mike is "connected". Hopefully this makes up for Mike not being able to bike up today.

5 – Brainerd Sector member Paulette Pappenfus brought her father, a WWII Veteran and past post commander to stand the flag-line with us. What an honor for us.

Note from Flash:
Hello Starr;

Just a few notes for whoever writes the mission report. The first set of pix is the Patriot Guard members arriving at the event before the arrival of Leo. The gentleman standing by the Christmas tree is Leo's son Tom awaiting Leo's arrival. One pix is edited. Mike & the General shaking hands. I sent some prints to Mike.

A note to the members; The photo's that are uploaded to the web have been reduced in size for display on a computer screen. If anyone would like any originals for printing I can send them via E-Mail or have prints made from the originals delivered directly to them.

"Flash"

(@) Pictures from mission

Thank you to all who made this such a special and memorable day.... Jim Parent