2nd Part LCPL Beise

All

 

 The St Cloud Sector completed the escort Mission today for LCPL Beise thanks in part to Members stepping up and being there for this family. 

 

 I started my day by watching it rain like a broken water pipe but thinking we need the moisture, then the light came on that we needed to complete the last step for St Cloud and escort LCPL Beise from Princeton MN to St Francis MN. Now I am in a panic trying to figure out how to shut the rain off. I checked the "All reliable" forecast and radar which showed no clouds and no rain so I ran back to the window to see the rain still coming down with no let up in sight. You really have to love all our technology but you can't beat what you see with your own eyes! By 11:00 AM I figured I have to do the escort even if it is just me and my car as I believe it was the least I could do for this Veteran. By noon the rain was just a very little drizzle so I figured it finally caught up to the Radar and I am good to go. As I am about a half mile from home I am looking for some type of sign that the rain is done and it will be a dry ride, really hoping to see an eagle the sure sign things are good. Bam! 2 ducks fly over the bike so I knew it was not going to be dry! Ducks and not eagles just ruined my day and within about 2 miles the rain returned yes I had left home with my rain gear in one of my trunks so it was dry but not me.

 

 Arriving at the staging site I knew Rick J was going to be there but after that I figured why would anyone else want to get wet on purpose. Within 15 minutes we had 7 wet members all looking at each other and comparing radar images that showed no rain, go figure! We waited a little passed the time I wanted to leave because the rain was coming down a little harder than what I wanted. By 12:45 I figured now or never and we headed out, well a few feet anyway, then Rick and I asked the question to each other one more time, Are we taking safety into consideration, and we both agreed that it was just a drizzle. Off we went and to my surprise it was not to bad. There was enough wind that the rain flew by you more than puddling on you. We arrived in Princeton with plenty of time to spare and just in time to see Geno (Metro ARC) drive up to help us out.

 

 We quickly met with the director and put a plan together to get to St Francis and arranging who would fill what role and how many vehicles we had. Within 15 minutes the director was ready and the 6 Marines that stayed on watch moved LCPL Beise from the inside lobby to the front doors. We formed a a 4 person file on each side of walk way for the Marines to bring LCPL Beise through to get him to the Hurst. As the LCPL passed by we presented arms and held it until he was placed in the vehicle.

 

 The funeral director led the procession of 6 Bikes,1 Hurst, 2 trail vehicles and then 2 more bikes from Princeton to St Francis keeping us all in tow throughout the trip. Unknown to any of use the Beise family farm is about 3 miles away from the Church and on the way there we had to pass their house to get to the Church. As we rounded a corner and went over a little hill we passed the Beise House where the whole family was standing at the end of their drive way as we passed by. I could not help but to feel the pain this must have been for them at the site of our procession, but yet I sensed the calm from our presence.

 

 Upon arrival at the church we parked our bikes and again formed 2 rows with ourselves and 2 other PGR members that were at the Church so there was a pathway for the Marines to bring LCPL through to get into the Church. We all presented arms as the Marines passed and entered the Church. Due to the conditions of the roads and it still raining we all decided it was best for us to get back to the St Cloud area as the Metro team was there and ready to take over for us.

 

 I know for me I would do all the same things again to include all the driving if it meant I could bring just a small amount of healing to any Veteran family. I want to give a special Thank You to Rick J, Bob Larson, Ron Daniels, Todd Vogel, John Clarmont, and Paul Brandmire for being with today and the Metro Team that was there to take over.

 

 I can't tell you how many times the family Thanked us for what we did yesterday and today they were totally in awe of what we do and how we do it. We do make a difference and this family got to see the best of everything because of a lot of great people. Thank You ALL.

--

Rick Rakow

St Cloud Sector Ride Captain
Phone. Cell 320-360-2500 Work. 320-616-2662

email: stcloudrc@mnpatriotguard.org
Work email: richard.rakow@us.army.mil
MN Patriot Guard Riders

Lance Corporal Beise

RC'S share as you see fit.

 

ALL

 

 On a clear warm afternoon 8 Members from St Cloud met at the Clear Water Travel Plaza at 3 pm and after a short briefing we headed for the Metro to Fire Station # 1 to stage for the escort of LCPC Beise. We made good time and the ride allowed us to get comfortable riding as a group in preparation for the ride to Princeton MN. Upon arriving at the Fire Station about 4:30 pm the Metro team had already staged and were proceeding to take their places for the flag line. Rick Johnson and I met with the Funeral Director and made our plans for the escort to Princeton and then held a short briefing with our escort riders so we all were clear on what we would do. Around 6 pm the plane arrived and the family moved from the fire station to the landing area. The metro PGR moved the flag line to directly in front of the Guard gate on both sides of the road and the more than 40 members made a scene for all to be proud of.  As the family left we moved into position to pick up the vehicles as they approached the Gate Guard. We were escorted from the area by the airport police so we had a clear path from the fire station to HWY 494. We hit the freeway with 6 Bikes leading 8 vehicles following and 2 bikes in the rear. We were not sure how it would turn out with such a large convoy but I guess people just know when they seen a bunch of bikes and a Hurst to get out of the way because it went as smooth as clock work.

 We moved through the freeway system with ease and arrived in the Rogers area in what seemed like minutes. From Rogers we picked up Hwy 169 which seemed like St Cloud as every light we hit turned Red. After multiple stops for red lights we cleared the traffic lights and in no time arrived in Princeton MN. Waiting in Princeton at the funeral home was 6 Marines standing at the curb at attention and 9 PGR members with Flags waving in the breeze that you could see from 2 blocks away. We pulled in front of the Funeral home allowing enough room for the Hurst to be right in front of the Marines and parked our bikes. All the escort riders then walked to the Hurst and lined up on the street side to surround the area. As LCPL Beise was removed we saluted until he was inside the building.

 LCPL Beise would of been so proud of the treatment he received this day and his family was overwhelmed at our support. Because of the MN Patriot Guard we helped a family through one of the hardest days of their lives, the return of LCPL Beise. A special Thank you to the escort riders: Rick Johnson, Jim McMahon, Todd Vogel, Dale Klein, John Clement, Steve Anderson, and Ron Daniels I could not have done this alone and they could have said no they could not go. Thank you to all the PGR members in the Metro (awesome display) and those that made the trip to Princeton (great job). Because of all of you we did make a difference in many lives today. THANK YOU!!

--

Rick Rakow

St Cloud Sector Ride Captain
Phone. Cell 320-360-2500 Work. 320-616-2662

email: stcloudrc@mnpatriotguard.org
Work email: richard.rakow@us.army.mil
MN Patriot Guard Riders

Mission Report-Meet & Greet/Duluth Sector 2012

March 31, 2012
   On a cool and somewhat gloomy day, 38 "Hardy"  PGR Members came from near and far by motorcycle, car, and pickup  to the Elks Club in Duluth.  Thank you to all those who attended from Minnesota and Wisconsin!

As always, it was an honor and privilege to spend time with what was once quoted to me as, "The Best Group of People You Could Ever Meet!" The kindness and generosity shown will not be forgotten!  We met, we ate, we discussed, and we had fun!

Thank you to the Elks Club for providing us with a gathering place, great food, and service!