“E” Battery 151st FA Send Off, 15 Apr 09, Anoka, MN.

This was part two of the send off for these great American Hero’s. 49 Patriot Guard gathered in the parking lot of the Mainstreet Theatre on Main Street & 5th in Anoka. This is the second time the theatre graciously allowed the Patriot Guard to stage in their parking lot. Good thing too, because by 06:30 it was full of family cages as they dropped off and waited with their soldier.

With the balmy temp of 35 we proceeded with a flagline for the soldiers as they loaded onto the buses. I love working with fellow Patriot Guard, all I ever need to do is say where & when things are going to happen and everyone just instinctively knows what to do. Seeing the men and women of the PGR lined up with their flags being held proudly in honor of these deploying soldiers is a honor in itself.

The soldiers loaded their gear into two 6X6’s and then said one more farewell to their families just before getting onto the bus. Lot’s of emotions happening with the soldiers and their families, the Patriot Guard stood fast showing their support.

With the buses loaded the PGR moved the flagline to the street. The escort began with two squad cars in front, seven PGR bikes, buses, 6X6’s, three more PGR bikes, and at the end of the procession was one awesome Mpls police squad. With lights flashing and sirens blaring we started down the street lined with PGR members displaying their flags with pride in support of the 151st.

Cleanest route was down 10 to 252, south to 694, west to 100, south to 494, east to the airport. We had our concerns on doing an escort during rush hour, but they were quickly dismayed as the LEO took control of the roads, the escort did not stop once, even through the heavy traffic at the stop lights on 252. I think there was only once we even needed to slow to 10 mph. Awesome LEO support, I would ride with these guys any day, any time.

I had emailed the zip code along Hwy 100 and asked for members to stand with their flags on the walk bridges that crossed 100 at Brookdale, 39th Ave N., S View Ln., and Winsor. It was really cool seeing our members up there as we passed under them. When we got to the airport, some of the soldiers made special mention of the people on the overbridges.

This mission, like all missions was as perfect as perfect gets for us. Perfect members, perfect amount of PGR, perfect LEO, all leading to a perfect mission. It was a perfect day to be a Patriot Guard and a honor to be a part of this mission.

Thank you all,

Tim