Civil Air Patrol - St Croix Composite Squadron

On Saturday, 16 January 2010, members from around the Minnesota Wings Civil Air Patrol (CAP) attended a presentation by a former Honor Guard member from the Tomb of the Unknown Solider Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

The Civil Air Patrols, St. Paul Squadron hosted this event at the Minnesota Army National Guard Headquarters facility located at the St. Paul Downtown Airport, at six o’clock in the evening. Capt. Richard Geis, Ft. Snelling Squadron Commander was instrumental in helping put this presentation together for all our members to hear.

Mr. Jamie Goebel of St. Cloud, Minnesota a former U.S. Army Specialist who was with the 3rd Infantry Regiment who is responsible for guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns, gave a personal presentation of his eighteen-month tour as a member of this prestigious regiment. He talked about the rigors of training and the discipline it took to be selected as an Honor Guard.

Mr. Goebel talked for about two hours to the assembled group, which heard his fascinating stories, videos and personal accounts of his time as an Honor Guard for this sacred National monument.

You could get a deep sense of his personal pride and reverence he had for his time at this post just by the tone of his voice, the proud way he presented his personal accounts and the qualities and requirements of the soldiers who serve and guard this sacred national monument.

Every member who attended this event thoroughly enjoyed this presentation very much and had many questions about the history and traditions of this very popular and sacred monument. The historical background in which were presented, gave one a very different point of view of this national monument and some insights in which most people probably did not know.

The St. Croix Squadron was honored to attend this event and those members who attended were Squadron Commander, Capt. David Yost, 2d. Lt. Scott Richardson, C/MSgt. Noah Hite, C/SSgt. Ethan Pike, C/A1C. Grant Starr and C/Amn. Ryan Malcolm. Our cadets who attended this presentation are from our very own color guard squad and had a special interest and enjoyed listening to this very honored guest.

On behalf of all the members who attended this special presentation, I would like to thank Mr. Jamie Goebel for his time and talents for putting on this wonderful and informative presentation. I would also like to thank all of the fine soldiers who willingly sacrifice their time and dedication for honoring and protecting one of our countries most sacred National monument.

If you would like to know more about this historical National Monument please visit www.tombguard.org

Story submitted by:
Scott Richardson, 2Lt. CAP
Public Affairs Officer
St. Croix Composite Squadron
Minnesota Wing - Civil Air Patrol