Honestly, I don't know where to begin. But I'll try.

First of all I want to thank the 148th Fighter Wing for asking us to participate in their ceremony. What an experience. I also want to thank John Redfield for getting us a flag signed by the Governor and his willingness to ride up here to Duluth so we would have it on time. Luckily, Pete had the day off and rode down to Hinckley to meet John half way. Thank you both. It is the dedication like that of John and Pete that make this organization what it is today. We had 33 members including first time mission members present. 20 bikes and about 5 cages. There were members from the Twin Cities, Aitkin and Bemidji, Hoyt Lakes etc. to name a few. After the briefing, we rode up and parked on both sides of the entrance to the DECC and set up our flag line on both sides of the entrance. We even had a prospective member stand with us but the little guy didn't have a flag. I just happened to have a small one in the truck and my wife went and got it and I handed to him to hold. I must apologize for not remebering his name, but that young man stood just as tall as all of us there. So many Thank You's and compliments from the Airmen and their families and friends it was really heart warming to us all. My wife, Colleen, said as she was all over, inside and out taking pictures, that she heard nothing but compliments and comments on how they were impressed and how some felt honored to walk thru a wall of flags. We stood outside for about an hour, then we were asked to come in for the ceremony. We lined both sides of the auditourium from top to bottom. After they posted colors and the Chaplin gave the invocation, one of the Airman sung the National Anthem and if chills didn't go up your spine and end up in your tear ducts then I just would'nt know what to say. She just wailed. They then introduced all the dignitaries and as a suprise to me especially started out by introducing me first as the ride captain of the Patriot Guard. What an honor to represent all the Patriot Guard there and the Guard in all. The best honor bestowed upon us all standing there for all those airmen and their families came when the narrator announced the Patriot Guard. Instantly, we received a standing ovation by everyone in the auditorium and it felt like it lasted forever. After all settled down the speaker said "Wow, I can't top that!" Then after a while it was Pete and my turn to go up and present the Patriot Guard flag to the Senior enlisted Chief Master Sergeant and the new Commander. As the narrator explained what was going on, even that the Governor signed it, they had the Patriot Guard flag up on both sides of the American flag on the huge trintron screen. Uneleivable sight and to be up on stage representing all of you could not have made me more proud of being a part of the Patriot Guard. Numerous speakers,especially the Adjudtant General, thanked us for being there and doing what we do.

We stayed lined up until everyone left the auditorium then dismissed. All the way out to our bikes the Thank you's kept coming. All in all, I beleive it to be a huge success, thanks to those who came to represent the Patriot Guard and be there for all the Airmen and their families. Thank You, again to all.

(@) Pictures from mission

(@) letter received from the Wing Commander of the 148th Fighter Wing.

Respectfully submitted,
Den Padora