E Batt 151st FA Anoka Welcome home mission report.

First off, I need to thank all that were there helping. There was a lot of behind the mission things going on with many changes going on. Mike McDonough who was RCIC at the church and parking crew there, I thank you for adapting to all the changes we threw at you as the mission was in progress. Jeff Good for arranging and leading the escort, I knew I had too much on my mind to lead the escort and it was wonderful to end up a rider in it. I was also glad I was at the stops and able to field questions as they came up.

The big change was at the second stop where we were to pick up Anoka PD (3 squads), the duce & half, and the Fire Dept. When we got there we were surprised with all the Coon Rapids squads. I am glad they were because between them and the Anoka PD they made the trip up to the church was so smooth.

Not last or least, Thank you PGR for the great turn out, a lot of you left prior to the final formation to get out of the way of the excited families. We were thanked and are very, very appreciated. You are the best, It looks like we had about 125 PGR and 105 bikes. Great weather (did anyone else get sunburned through the clouds like I did). I was thinking that there would be about 400 friends and family attending, I think the actual was closer to 1000.

The planning for the mission was easy working with SFC Haigh. The flagline along the drive at the church was beautiful and with all those bikes creating a corridor for the buses worked great, the whole church part was way way cool. The escort only had one problem with a bike fuel problem, believe me if that is all the issues we had, we did good. The soldiers have an awesome welcome home memory that will be remembered the rest of their lives.

Again THANK YOU! PGR you make a difference.

Thank You E Batt, you are our heroes. The first Veterans opened the doors to our Nations freedom in the revolutionary war wheeling farm tools and muskets. From then on patriots like you from all walks of life have stepped up to make sure those doors are kept open.

Time and time again, men and women like you have stood up and said: “send me”. Send me, to liberate the oppressed. Send me, to end tyranny, Send me, to defend the freedom of my friends, family, and fellow citizens.

Family’s of our heroes, you are heroes too, I thank you. We can’t forget what sacrifices you have given while your soldier has been away.

Thank You All
Tim