Messages for Bob and Kathy

To SSG Joshua Hanson's Dad,

It was a honor to shake your hand tonight. What you did tonight makes us all stand a little taller, a little prouder, a lot more emotional and helps define why we do what we do.

God bless you and your family.

Jeff Anderson
Alexandria Ride Captain


I was not able to make the escort ride tonight due to work but I saw it on the news and it looked like an awesome turnout.

For SSG Hanson's family: I am a former member of of the 2/136. Although I'm older now and most of the members I knew are gone from the unit I still feel a close bond to all the members of the 2/136. Currently two of my club brothers are with the unit in Iraq and I watch the news everyday in fear of hearing one of their names listed as a casualty. With my club brothers, their relatives and the people we know it's nearly impossible to not feel connected to each member of the 2/136. One of my club brother's family members works with SSG Hanson's famiy member.

We have had 4 losses in the past 6 weeks: 2 fathers, one step-mother and now, one son. As with each of them I wish there was some way to reverse the loss or at least to ease the pain of it: Unfortunately I don't have any way to do this. Although I believe in the saying that "Freedom isn't Free" and I believe in our nation's need to help promote world peace and stability the loss of even one US soldier seems to much of a price to pay.

I'm sure that Joshua was an excellent soldier, a terrific son and a good man. My condolences and prayers are with you. If there is anything that I can personally do to help you in this terrible time of mourning don't hesitate to call on me.

Standing by in Moorhead, MN.
PMC Chuck