USMC Welcome Home, 17 APR 09

40 PGR members met at the staging location for the USMC Welcome Home Mission. After the mission brief and saftey checks, we proceeded as a group to the entrance gate of the base. Air Force Security personnel met us and escorted us to our designated parking area blocking crossstreets as we proceeded thru base for us.

As we assembled and made our way into the aircraft hanger the Families that were gathered gave our group a standing ovation as we entered and setup the flag line. Many comments were made from PGR members on the welcoming we recieved. As we waited for the first aricraft to arrive several PGR members were able to hand out USMC Stickers to several children awaiting there parent's return.

We shifted to a staging point outside the hangar to await the go ahead to form two flag lines from the stairs to the aircraft to the hanger for the marines to work thru. After arrival, our members reformed inside the hangar for the welcome home presentation. PGR SR Ride Captain Nate was asked to say a few words on behalf of the PGR.

After the ceremony was over our PGR members were requested to stand down and mingle with the Marine families and partake in food and beverages that were donated by several organizations.

Our members reformed for the second aircraft arrival and welcomed home the second group of Marines. After the second welcome home ceremony our members were released and proceeded off post as a group.

A great many thank you's were recieved from the Airbase Security Squadron, USMC Reserve Center and family members for our membership showing our support for these marines. The Airbase Security Squadron was quite impressed with our group as we met all of there safety requirements for entrance onto base.

Thank you to Jack Foster for securing and handing out the stickers and other items to our members for the children of the Marines. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone that was able to attend and work thru the shifting timelines and other safety requirements for this mission. You showed a great dedication to the MNPGR and of course to the Marines, that are now Veterans for serving our country.

Respectively Submitted.
--
Rick Williams
"Soldierboy"
Ride Captain, SE Metro