Ken Spencer, the ride captain of the evening said, "He's from Louisiana, but we're going to give him an Indiana Welcome." Ken was the one to greet them at the end of the flag line. Ken is the one that the family contacts, and sets up the event for the soldiers returning home.
Sgt. Lohr's family was present too. Usually the guard allows the family to rush the soldier and welcome them home, but Lohr arrived yesterday to see his family. After the soldiers arrived, they shook hands with all the members of the Patriot Guard and received a "welcome home" multiple times. Dale Ready of the of the Patriot Guard talked about the enthusiasm its members have when they are able to welcome home soldiers. The soldiers smiled as they left the car and met with the veterans. The family was still excited to see Sgt. Lohr even after having seen him the day before. Pride and joy was shown on their faces to have them back. The soldiers were then escorted to Lohr's mother's home in Portage by the fire department, police department, and the patriot guard riders. This welcome home was one of honor. Portage is lucky to have citizens like them.
