On Feb. 15,  I had been asked by Al Kaderabek if I could meet him at the American Legion at 11:30 a.m.

When I arrived, Home Federal and KAAL TV were there as a surprise for me with their Pay It Forward program.

I was surprised — stunned — to learn I was receiving $600 as part of their Pay it Forward program. Al Kaderabek has been a faithful supporter of the Nation of Patriots annual events raising funds to assist combat wounded soldiers. He had nominated me to receive this honor on behalf of the volunteering that Trudy and I have been involved with during the past seven years of the Nation of Patriots events.

We are extremely honored and thankful to have received this $600 cash award. On Feb. 16, we forwarded this $600 to the Nation of Patriots 2017 Tour, donating it as part of the pay it forward to our Harley Owners Group 2017 efforts with the Nation of Patriots. Thank you  Home Federal,  KAAL TV 6 and Al  Kaderabek  for selecting us for this fantastic honor.

Through this donation,  100 percent of this donation will be used to financially assist a combat wounded soldier and his or her family.

The Nation of Patriots consists of 100 percent volunteers and no administrative costs are ever deducted from donations received.

Our 2017 Nation of Patriots Tour will come quickly this year.  The traditional route through the 48 states has been reversed, so we are at the beginning of the tour. Albert Lea will receive the Nation of Patriots Flag at 5 p.m. May 31, when Mason City volunteers will deliver it to our volunteers at Bergdale Harley Davidson. As always, we encourage the public to come attend and be part of the flag reception.

On June 1, Albert Lea volunteers will have registration at Bergdale Harley Davidson at 1 p.m. and will depart at 2 p.m. to escort the Nation of Patriots Flag to Delano.  We will arrive there at 5 p.m. for another flag-transferring reception.

Thank you sincerely to each of you who support us and our assistance to combat wounded veterans. We have met some amazing heroes, who, along with their families, have made sacrifices for our country and our way of life. They have placed themselves in harms way to keep each of us from becoming in harms way.

Mark Harig

volunteer

Nation of Patriots