Brainerd, Starr Marshall

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Camp Ripley Mission Report ~ Homecoming

First I need to say this: The laughter, smiles, and tears that were shared today will stay with me the rest of my life. I can't even express the words to fit the emotions. I was never more proud in my life than today when we went through Little Falls on the escort.

Nine of us met in Clearwater at the Holiday gas station for the escort at 1015. My boss Dan called about 1025 and said they were in Monticello, they were in a silver St. Cloud Trailways bus, and his friend was in a green Toyota Tundra in front of the bus. We told him we were going to pick them up in Hasty and he said his friend would open the path in front of the bus. I don't think this could have went any smoother! We rode to Hasty, went up the off ramp, circled around to the on ramp, and parked. About 3 minutes lates the bus came around the corner and went by. We hit the highway and came around the bus (my boss took pics), and we got in front. before we got back to Clearwater the Highway PAtrol had got in front and was leading us. The LEO had road guards on all the corners so we were able to sail straight through to St. Cloud. By that time there was another police car in front of the bus, us 9 riders, and the police in front of us.

When we got through St. Cloud, we headed towards Rice, and on the overpasses there were people with flags and signs cheering. Thats when I started crying and I am not sure if I am done yet. Fire trucks were on the side of the road with flags and some of the officers saluted us!! Thats when the pride welled up in me and I have never more proud to be an American. I am not the only one who felt that way. I think all of us did.........

Just outside of Little Falls a firetruck came and got in front and they led us through town. The town peoples were on the sidewalks, waving flags and clapping, all the way through. The support these people showed was overwhelming. The firetruck took us all the way to Camp Ripley.

Roger and Louise had the flagline (16 on the line, about a dozen bikes, and then ours) all set up and a rider waiting to take us in. There are no words to describe seeing the flagline and all of the people waiting there for their loved one. It was incredible. We had time to park and run over there so we could clap and cheer. I got to see my boss pick up his little son, who was 3 when he left, and that was all I could see for a little bit because of the tears.

Some of us on the escort shared some tears together in the parking lot before we went to the bus and I need to say what an awesome feeling of support we had for each other and our emotions. We were all truly connected.

After everyone left, we went to the Canteen and had a burger and it was just a joyous gathering! Greg did a great job, escort riders did a great job, Roger and Louise did a great job, and mostly, our members that showed up to support this did a great job. Thank you everyone, for making this a day that these soldiers will never forget. Neither will I.

IT ROCKS TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!!!!

God Bless America and those that serve this great nation ~ Freedom isn't Free!!

Starr Marshall
Brainerd Sector RC

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