Specialist Nathan Guenther - Sturgeon Lake, MN. 26 May 10

We could not ask for a more perfect day to welcome Nathan home from Iraq. 8 PGR members met at the Dry Dock outside Duluth for the ride down to Sturgeon Lake. 1 member from Hibbing, 1 member from Brainerd and 1 member who rode up from Barnum just to ride back down with our group. We arrived at Dobo's to meet up with 14 more PGR members and some local riders. We had enough time to grab something eat and actually a small meet & greet, mingling with all the local residents that had come out to welcome Nathan home as well. Sarge got the call from Nathan's mom that they were in Hinckley and on their way. Sarge and Nathan's uncle left to meet them in Willow River. Not long after that, Sarge gave me the call that they are about 10 minutes out. We set up our flag line on both sides of a roped off walkway the family had set up from where Nathan was to park and walk in to Dobo's. Well, you guessed it, they didn't pull in to where we hoped. They followed the bikes in and started parking on the side of the parking lot. Well, only one to do, and that was yell "IMPROVISE"!! We all shot over to where they parked and pretty much surrounded them as they as they got out of the car. All in all, it worked out for the best and the welcome homes, applause, hugs and cameras were everywhere. The parking lot was packed with PGR members as well as local residents to welcome home one of our heroes. It was truly an awesome sight and Nathan and his family were very grateful to all. As a small token, I gave Nathan my flag to keep as a remembrance of his welcome home. Somebody asked his mom if he was surprised, and she said, all he said was "Holy Crap". I take that as being surprised. Good weather, good ride, excellent mission.

"Welcome Home" Nathan and "Thank You" for your service.

Thank you to Nathan's family for inviting us. It was a pleasure meeting you all.
Thank you to Sarge for doing all the leg work.
Thank you to Jeff and Rick from Dobo's for the use of your place. Dobo's will definitely be a stopping place on my travels.
Thank you to Mike from the Dry Dock for letting the PGR stage in your parking lot. Can't wait for Tuesday bike nite's to dig in to those burger basket specials.
Thank you to Brad Bennett for announcing it on his radio show. Some of your avid listeners from Moose Lake were there because of it. And last but not least, Thanks to all the PGR members who took the time out of such a beautiful riding day to be there for Nathan and his family.

(@) Pictures from mission

Respectfully submitted and an honor to do so,

Den Padora