Cpl. Nathan Ridgley Welcome Home, Duluth, MN

With less than 24 hours notice, 22 dedicated PGR members arrived at the Duluth airport to welcome Nathan home. We had members from the Hibbing sector and from Moose Lake ride in despite the weather and Nathans family really appreciated it. His dad, Kevin, an ex-marine and his wife met us in the parking lot and stayed with us the whole time until shortly before Nathans plane arrived at which time we all went in and formed a flag line at the gate. The whole time we were out side and as more members would arrive, Kevin would express how wonderful and amazing it was to see so many show up in support of his son and his family. They could not thank us enough and as we tell everyone, it is our honor to be there and thanked them. When Nathans plane arrived his parents met him first and his dad then pointed down toward our flag line and the expression on Nathans face was priceless. As he walked by us everyone in the airport started to clap and shout "Welcome Home"! All he kept saying was he was speechless. Then he went to each of us, shaking our hands and thanking us. Well, you know the rest and our responses.

After he returned to his family, we quietly left the terminal and went on our way. One of the security guards who's son is in the Marines and is deployed came up to me in the flag line and thanked me again with a big hug and tears in her eyes for what we do. There's something in the air at that terminal?? Always makes my eyes water for some odd reason??

Welcome Home Nathan

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A thank you from Nathan's family.

Thank you for the wonderful turnout. Nathan has said that was just the most wonderful homecomming so thank you. You Guys kick ass keep doing what you do.

(@) Pictures from mission taken by Loretta Peterson

Thanks to all those who showed up. Especially, Mike, Joanne Holter, Rex and Sarge for coming the distance.

Respectfully submitted,

Den Padora