Wounded soldier honored at airport ceremony

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Source: ABC Newspapers | Read entire article

image: ABC Newspapersimage: ABC NewspapersCivil Air Patrol (CAP) Anoka Composite Squadron members have dedicated a new flag pole to honor a former cadet who was seriously wounded during his service in Afghanistan.

Pfc.Matthew Birr returned to the Anoka County-Blaine Airport July 20 for an emotional evening ceremony that featured a U.S. flag flown over war-torn Kunnar Province.

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He was wounded Aug. 9, 2009, while on active duty with Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion of the 77th Field Artillery Regiment. Birr received a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal from Gen. (Ret.) John Vessey, former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman.

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Birr played a key role in replacing the Anoka squadron’s flag pole, which was hit by a vehicle, damaged and subsequently removed.

Birr noticed the missing pole during a return visit to Minnesota and started asking about it, because he had a special U.S. flag to fly.

According to Capt. George Supan, the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets and public information officer, Birr did not hesitate in making a spot donation, jump starting the fund-raising effort.

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Supan said it wasn’t long before a new and much larger concrete base, four white protective bollards, lighting and a new pole were installed with help from volunteers representing IBEW Local 110, Muska Electric Co., Ground Tech and Total Fire Protection.

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“This mission was special, because it involved a person who has served our country,” Supan said.

 

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