151st FA deployment, Olivia Report:

On Saturday, April 4 the last of eight 151st sendoffs took place in Olivia. A few PG members staged at the courthouse then moved to the school where we were joined by more members coming from other deployment ceremonies and the funeral that took place that morning in Comfrey.. A little more than two dozen PG members including 3 that arrived on bikes, stood in the chill to show support for B btry troops as they prepare to deploy to Fort Hood, TX then Kuwait for a year.

We had the honor of having the soldiers pass through the flag line on their way into the High School Gym. Ron Mackedanz and Mike McDonough and myself were already seated inside so Alan Peterson led the flag line to the balcony behind the cheap seats.

As the program got underway the MC called the attention of everyone to the PG flag line. The crowd stood, turned around and gave a very moving ovation to the PG. General Shellito mentioned the PG a number of times during his speech and told the audience of how we stood in honor of a fallen soldier in -40 wind chills.

Myself, Ron and Mike had the honor of presenting the PG flag to B Btry Commander Cpt Jamie Thompson after which we received another standing ovation.

At the end of the ceremony we returned outside and stood fast while the soldiers, their families and the public left.

A few members met for a meet and greet afterward and a few of us attended the send off supper and dance.

Without an exception it was a good day and I feel honored to have been able to attend six of the send offs. I look forward to next April when we can welcome home these heroes in true Patriot Guard fashion.

Respectfully submitted,
Chris Dunsmore, Marshall ARC