South Dakota Patriot Guard Riders

This mission is posted as a courtesy to our fellow Patriot Guard Riders in the Southwest Sector of MN.

SHORT NOTICE/Honor Mission
September 9th, 2023
Pipestone, MN

   The family of MN National Guard Veteran Joseph “Joe” Douty has invited the Patriot Guard to stand with honor, dignity and respect during his funeral service on Saturday, September 9^th, in Pipestone, MN.

Joe comes from a family with a strong military tradition of serving our Country in the National Guard.  His father, Bob, and two brothers, Jeff and Brian also served with all three brothers doing tours of duty overseas including Iraq.  Joe enlisted in the Guard at age 17 when he was a junior in high school and completed basic training at Fort Sill, OK during the summer before his senior year.  In August, 2003 he was deployed with the Battery Alpha, 1^st Battalion 125^th Field Artillery Regiment of Pipestone in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, this deployment ended in March of 2004.  In October, 2005 Joe was deployed a second time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He was deployed with the Minnesota National Guard for 22 months, 16 of which were spent in a combat zone.  This deployment is the longest in history for any unit in the United States Army National Guard.  He returned home in July of 2007.  In July, 2011 Joe was deployed for a third time, this time in support of Operation New Dawn with forward station Baghdad.  Joe was part of the historical withdrawal of US forces leaving Iraq.  Joe was one of the last Soldiers to leave Iraq.  He returned home in April of 2012.  Joe continued to serve in the Minnesota National Guard until he retired in October of 2019 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3.  He proudly served his Country for over 26 years.

Joe passed away unexpectedly on September 3^rd due to a medical emergency.  Joe had spent the day at Lake Shetek with his family, doing what he loved.  He leaves behind his wife, Alison and two daughters, Mataya and Kindra.  Joe’s brother, Brian, is a Lieutenant Colonel in the MN National Guard and is the Commander of the 1^st Battalion 151^st Field Artillery.  While in Pipestone, Brian was also a member of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Mission Itinerary:

·       9:00 AM:  Stage in the east parking lot of First Lutheran Church 401 7^th Ave SW in Pipestone.  As of now, the plan is for the Patriot Guard who are on motorcycles to park in the East parking lot by the fire truck.

·       9:15 am:  Mission Briefing

·       9:20 am:  Establish flag line for the visitation one hour prior to the service.

·       10:30 am:  Stand down during the service.

·       Est. 11:30 am:  Reform flag line at the conclusion of the service and escort to New Woodlawn Cemetery in Pipestone for interment and reformation of the flag line.

·       Est. 12:00 PM:  Dismissed at RC Discretion

Please bring your 3×5 flag and ride or drive safely as we gather to honor MN National Guard Veteran Joseph Douty and show our support for his loved ones.

Ride Captain for this mission will be Paul Ramsbey.

Respectfully submitted,
Paul Ramsbey

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