Deployment mission for the 34th ID Band, Rosemount, MN

28 Patriot Guard Members assembled at the Rosemount Training & Community Center to honor the send off of 45 Minnesota National Guard Soldiers. We assembled at 5:00am and had the Flag Line in place at 5:45am. Soldiers and Families began to arrive at 6:00am. The Rosemount Fire Department staged a ladder truck with a US Flag that was lighted and extended over the main entrance driveway. Rosemount Fire and Police provided an escort for the soldiers to the Minneapolis Airport at 7:00am. We stood the flagline until family members departed after seeing the soldiers off.

Our PGR members were invited to rotate thru indoors for a cup of coffee and to warm cold hands and feet. Numerous comments were recieved from the family members expressing thanks and gratitude for supporting them and there loved ones as they begin their tour of duty to Iraq.

We had 1 PGR member that was on the other side of the line today supporting his father who was a member of the unit being sent off. After the mission stood down 4 PGR members met for coffee and hot chocolate and chatted with our member that saw his father off. To reflect and gain the perspective of being on the "other side" of the line had a profound effect on all in attendance.

I would like to add a personal note of thanks for those in attendance this morning. 4am on the alarm clock is awful sight on a saturday morning, your presence and support for the families and soldiers today has not gone unnoticed. Your dedication to the PGR mission is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully Submitted:

--
Rick Williams
"Soldierboy"
SE Metro ARC