John P. Plein, Medical Officer, US Army Air Force and World War 2 veteran

Tuesday, April 15 Funeral Service.

We had 9 people show up for the flagline to honor another World War II veteran hero. Weather was sunny but cool and very very windy. We had one member from out of the area show up on his bike, one of only 2 bikes to show up this day. The family came along and thanked every person on the flagline for their presence. We had a helicopter fly by and we called it a flyover to honor John and his family. John's son is a PGR member.

The mission was like so many others that we have done but as each one turns out to be special so did this one. One of the church workers was awestruck by the flagline when she stepped out of the church (we looked like more as the flags were flying straight out and we were hanging on). She stepped back in the church and returned with the other church worker and as they looked at the flagline they all started to cry and then those PGR that knew what was going on started to cry also.

Wednesday, April 16 Interment Service.

Burial services were held at the Camp Ripley National Cemetary. Weather was gorgeous and we had about 6 brave souls show up with their bikes, four of which were from out of our sector to the south. We had 18 members show up for the flagline to pay this last honor to John and his family. The American Legion Honor Guard showed up and took over the entry to the main door. Johns ashes were brought in through the flagline. I noticed some of the family taking pictures.

We disassembled and reassembled on the other side of the building about 10 feet behind the AL Honor Guard so we were a part of the 21 gun salute and the playing of taps. The family crowded at the window to watch and I could see the impact it had on them.

After the Honor Guard stood down most of them thanked US for what we do and we were able to return the thank you. They left and we reassembled on the other side of the building where the family was to come out and go up to visit the gravesite. We formed two lines for the family and friends to walk between and we spread out so the flagline went all the way across the road and we looked like a lot more than we were.

After the family went to the grave site we stood down and the family again came over and thanked us. The priest came by to thank us personally for this and for all we do.

We did an optional debriefing at the Canteen and almost every member showed up.

One more success for the PGR.
James Parent
Brainerd Sector ARC
MN Patriot Guard Riders