Below are some thanks received in the general e-mail address over the last 6 weeks or so. What you all do does make a difference, thanks for all of the time and effort you all put in.

Birdie
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Hi there. This is Judy, Jim Walseth's sister. Friday May 18, the Patriot Guard was at my brothers funeral and I want to say THANK YOU very much for honoring him. We were all very proud of him and proud to have you there. It was awesome. Thanks again, JUDY
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My name is Jeff Olson. I'm the one that read the reading entitled "A Soldier's Prayer". I just wanted to once again thank you from the bottom of my heart for you coming to our event. I was humbled to be there with you all and to honor our fallen soldiers. If anyone would like my email is jrolson@redred.com Also feel free to look at our webpage it is www.freewebs.com/captaindandays We've put a link on our site to your's. If you can would you please put a link to our site on your's? Once again Thank You!!
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Members of the Patriot Guard,

I am the mother of CPL Conor Gerard Masterson. Conor was a medic in the US Army and was killed in action in Afghanistan on 8 April 2007.

I want you to know how honored we were to have you present at Conor's visitation on 16 April and then at his funeral on 18 April. I also want you to know how touched we were by the many messages to Conor and to us on your website. You are an amazing group of people with such an honorable mission; I struggle to find words to express my family's gratitude to you.

Since anything I say will seem inadequate, I'm going to simply say thank you for your presence. It was absolutely breathtaking to see you when we arrived at Conor's visitation, service and burial. To know that each of you took time out of your lives to be there for Conor and for us touched each of us in a very personal way. Thank you for the honor and respect you gave Conor, the tears that many of you shed with us, and for your caring words. It all meant so much to us.

We're so very proud of Conor. At an age of only 21 years and 17 days, he showed strength and courage that we can only begin to perceive. He and his fellow soldiers are our heroes. Thank you for being proud with us.

With heartfelt thanks,

Sandy Masterson
On behalf of the Masterson and Lynch Families
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Hello: Recently, you did a mission in support of Conor G. Masterson who was KIA in Afghanistan. Conor was my cousin, so I'd like to thank you all for your generosity and your standing for those who have fallen. The service was made all the more beautiful by your standing guard - especially at the grave-side service, where the flags flapping in the wind were mindful of all who have fallen in service for our freedoms.

I would like to donate in Conor's name, so that you may continue to do this great work for all the fallen heroes. Please respond to my email with donation instructions because I'm having trouble finding information on the website.

Thank You, God Bless You, and God Speed!
Stephanie Berkebile
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Dear Patriot Guard,

I just wanted to write you to give my sincerest thank-you to all of your members who dedicated there time and services to be with me and my family at my cousins CPL Conor G. Masterson visitation and funeral services this week. I must admit I had never heard of your organization before my cousins tragic death, but I was truly amazed and felt blessed to have your members "watching" over all of us. So thank you again from my family to yours! Keep up the great work.

Mandy Andert
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To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to express my appreciation to the members of the guard who participated in the wake on monday 4 16 07 and the funeral on 4 18 07 for my cousin CPL Conor Masterson, and I am sure that Conor is smiling ear to ear from somewhere out there because of the job you poeple do. My family and I were very impressed with you and after reading the handout on monday, we know what your "mission is". Keep up the good work, and hope to see you folks around under better circumstances.

Thanks again
Joseph Polencheck ====================================================
John,

Hello my name is Collean, I am a cousin of James Wosika, you and your fellow members stood for JJ on Jan. 9th 2007. Today JJ would be 25, I just want to thank you for standing for him and all the others you have stood for. I am sure you hear over and over what an amazing and powerful sight you all are to see. Thank you, JJ is honored and he would have stood for any of you. Thank you so much.

Sincerely,
Collean Loucks
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We would like to thank the Patriot Guard for honoring our son, James Salter, at his services on April 14th in Staples. It was truly inspiring seeing the 40 or so members standing with flags as Ann and I walked up. Jmaes' biologicial father thought only 4 or 5 would be there. Little did he know how our Minnesota pride is head and shoulders above anyone elses. He was really amazed at the number of Patriot Guards. You will never know how deeply we appreciate the PG being with us to say farewell to our son. God Bless you all and again, thank you.

Robb and Ann Peterson
Staples,Mn
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Sir,

I would like to take the time to personally thank you and your fellow riders for what you do. When I heard that you were going to be at my friend's funeral, Sgt Chad Allen, I was set at ease. Your presence means a lot to me and others that care deeply about Chad and all the other servicemen and women defending this great country. I have been on active duty for 21 yrs and I do what I do so that all Americans have the freedoms that they have, but some seem to abusive those freedoms. It is a shame that an organization like yours has to exist to keep people from protesting a heroes funeral.

Just to let you know when Sgt Allen was killed, he was in an area that was the responsibility of another unit. But, because the call went out that other Marines and soldiers were in trouble and need armor support he took the lead with his vehicle to give the foot patrols that support. He was less than 40 days from returning home to his family, friends, and his true love Amanda.

Thank you!!!!!!

Semper Fi!!!!
John C. Spencer Jr.
MSgt USMC
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I was at the Deployment Ceremony today for the 2-147th Assault Helicopter Battalion at the State Fair Grounds.

I would like to thank the Patriot Guard for being there. What a great honor they served by being there.

Thank you,
Jeanine Olson
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My friend Anthony "Tony" Dispanet died this past Monday and his funeral was yesterday, Thursday March 29, in Luverne, MN. The Patriot Guard Riders lined the entrance to the church all flying the American Flag. Although I was familiar with this group it was my first direct experience with their work.

I can't begin to articulate the emotional experience this was for me and many others. Tony was a proud veteran and a great American. He loved all but truly had a special place in his heart for those that served this great country. He loved riding almost as much.

I would guess that the Patriot Guard Riders do their work, not for the attention or recognition, but out of heart felt gratitude to a fallen American veteran. But let me express my thanks and appreciation for your guys braving the cold and wet, many on their bikes, to honor Tony. They probably didn't get a "thanks" or the "hug" that says it all so would you let them know that their time was well spent and that their service means something. It's a great thing!

The Patriot Guard Riders are truly great Americans!

Matt McCormick
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