MISSION REPORT – SSG GREG GORTER; PIPESTONE, MN 03,04 SEPT 08

In spite of very short notice for this mission, we had a total of 49 Patriot Guard Riders attend the visitation on Sept 3 and the funeral on Sept 4. Although this mission was not confirmed until the day prior to the visitation, 15 members were able to form a silent flag line the next evening to stand with Honor, Dignity and Respect for SSG Greg Gorter. Approximately 700 people came to pay their respects to SSG Gorter and support his family during the visitation.

On Thurs, Sept 4, 34 PGR members from as far away as Detroit Lakes, Alexandria, Willmar, Fairmont and South Dakota arrived at the staging area on a calm, clear day to Honor our PGR Brother and True American Hero. After staging, we were escorted by Pipestone County Sheriff Dan Delaney as we rode with our flags flying proudly until we parked across the street from the church. We then established the flag line as an estimated 750 people arrived for the funeral service.

Following the service, the Patriot Guard led the escort and was joined by 10 more motorcycles representing friends and family of SSG Gorter. Following the PGR escort was a Hummer driven by some of the many military personnel who had come to honor SSG Gorter, another friend on Greg's Harley, the hearse, the family and more than 200 vehicles. The escort took us 17 miles to the small town of Edgerton, MN where we formed our final flag line during the graveside service. The sun continued to shine and the skies were fair as many tears were shed. SSG Gorter was a Hero and a friend to many in this small rural area of SW MN and he will be greatly missed.

My thanks to all who were able to support this mission, either with your physical presence or by being with SSG Gorter and his family with your thoughts and prayers.

Here is a link to pictures that I was able to gather from various sources:

(@) Photos from mission


(@) newspaper article from mission, Page 1
(@) newspaper article from mission, Page 2
(@) newspaper article from mission, Page 3
(@) newspaper article from mission, Page 4

Respectfully submitted,
Paul Ramsbey
Ride Captain