WW2 Veteran Gordon Frahm, 14 JAN 2012

Short Notice Mission
WW2 Veteran Gordon Frahm, 88
Trimont, MN
14 January 2012

The Patriot Guard members were honored to stand for fellow Patriot Guard member Mark Frahm’s father. A WW2 hero who stormed the beach at Normandy and fought through the Battle of the Bulge. Gordon was able to join other veterans through ‘Honor Flight’ to visit the WW2 memorial in Washington, D.C. in the recent year. Gordon also cherished being able to attend the ’65 Twins World Series and to watch his great – nephew, Scott Erickson, pitch in the 1991 World Series. Gordon’s service continued as a member of the Trimont Fire Department, American Legion and VFW.
Thanks to Ken Peters for the motorcycle escort and Frank Andersen who made the trek from Albert Lea on short notice to pay Respect with Honor & Dignity to an American Hero.
Bruce ( Papa Goose) Saxton
ARC Worthington Sector

Daniel Peil, 14 Jan 12, Park Rapids/Bemidji

Nine members gathered at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids to pay respects to Daniel Peil for his service in the US Army from 1960 - 1963 as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne.  Flagline was established as snow fell for visitation, and we stood down during the service, where the funeral home had set up coffee and a warm place for us.  Temps were in the mid 20's, so we were very appreciative!  Flagline was re-established as Daniel was brought out after the service.  Family and friends departed for the Park Rapids American Legion for a luncheon, while some of our members headed to the cemetery in Nary (near Bemidji) for interment, and some had to head home.  The roads were not great.  We had one new member join us - thanks Mark!

 

Eight members paid respects at interment at the Nary Cemetery, as snow fell again.  Military honors were provided by the Star of the North Marine Corps League.  Flagline was dismissed after all family and friends had departed Daniel's final resting place.

 

In talking with Daniel's lifelong partner, she stated that for many years Daniel never talked about his military service, but in later years, grew proud of the time he had served and enjoyed his friendships with other veterans and his time at the VA, and that he would have absolutely loved the PGR being there.  We learned that in the 70's, Daniel's first wife and 3 children were killed in a house fire turning his life upside down, he had a special place in his heart for the elderly and children with disabilities, and that he had a great singing voice, participating in bands across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.  During the service we heard several of his recordings that were played - he certainly was gifted!

 

It was an honor to stand in honor, dignity and respect for Daniel - thank you for all who were able to come today, and thank you to all who were with us in spirit, and thank you to Daniel for his service to our country.

Mission Report: US Navy Operation Desert Storm Veteran Brian Schlomann, 39, Butterfield, MN 12-31-11

Twenty four MN PG members from multiple sectors answered the call to stand with Honor, Dignity and Respect for US Navy Veteran Brian Schlomann at the First Lutheran Church in Butterfield, MN on 12-31-11. The turnout was excellent and we were heartfully thanked by the Schlomann family upon their arrival as they saw all of the flags and PGR members lining the sidewalks in front of the church. We established our flag line prior to the visitation and stood a silent vigil as friends and family continued to arrive at the church until the sanctuary was overflowing. The outpouring of support for the family was very moving as so many came to remember a young husband and father who left us way too soon.

During the service, we fell out with most of our members proceeding to the small cemetery south of town where Brian would be laid to rest with full military honors. Seven members remained at the church to form a flag line as the casket was placed into the hearse and then departed ahead of the procession to join the other members at the cemetery. A chilly, brisk wind blew across the cemetery as we continued to stand in honor of this veteran and in support of his family. The final words were spoken and the Honor Guard performed a 21 gun salute followed by the sound of taps drifting across the cemetery grounds. After the last members of the funeral party had departed, we broke down our flag line and bade each other farewell as we returned to our homes keeping the Schlomann family in our thoughts and prayers.

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend this mission and also all who will continue to remember US Navy Veteran Brian Schlomann and his family in the days and years ahead.

Below is a link to some photos contributed by MN PG members Dale Claussen and Shirley Ethen:
https://picasaweb.google.com/slvrvic00/USNODSVetBrianSchloman#

Respectfully submitted,
Paul Ramsbey
Worthington Sector Ride Captain