Alan Powers, USN Veteran, Brainerd, MN, 23 DEC 09

Despite a severe storm warning and a day before Christmas eve we had 12 dedicated Patriot Guard members sign in.

The temps were in the mid 20's but there was a 10-15 mph wind which made the wind chill quite cool. With the winter short daylight hours and a storm approaching it was quite dark at the start of the mission. The outside of the funeral home has good lighting so all the PG riders and their flags could be seen. After the briefing everyone drove to the funeral home and the flag line was assembled.

Randy Powers (Alan's brother) came out and let everyone in the flag line know he thought of them as "Family". He also asked that everyone would take advantage of going inside for coffee and warm up every so often.

A little after 6 pm the VFW Post No. 1647 Color Guard arrived with a full complement for a 21 gun salute and taps for Alan Powers. Shortly thereafter a member of the Navy presented the American Flag to the color guard commander which in turn presented it to the family. A short time later Randy came out and requested us to stand down as the "Sharing Time" services inside were over and the family was going to remain for some time.

A big thank you goes out to all that attended. I trust everyone made it home OK.

A post briefing was held at "Jacks Place" near the junction of hwy 18 & 25.

(@) Pictures from mission

(@) PGR National Thread

Submitted by John "Flash" Thomas