Seth Algrim, 22, a former Garden City resident who graduated from Garden City High School in 2003, died 30 October 2006 during a Marine training exercise at Camp Pendleton in California. Algrim had been in the Marines for a little more than three years. He had reenlisted and planned to continue his career attached to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Algrim, who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was scheduled to begin training in his new MOS. Algrim's personal awards include a Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
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Link to photo gallery

Following is the Patriot Guard Riders Ride Captain Mission report.
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Monday, 6 November 2006, approximately 130 motorcycles, and several automobiles, gathered in Garden City, KS to pay tribute to US Marine Sgt. Seth Algrim and his family. Riders came from all over Kansas as well as Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska covering as many as 397 miles one way. We all staged at Dean Wiley Park at 8:00 am where we were greeted by the American Red Cross who provided us with hot coffee and water. Donuts were donated by our local Dillon's store. After a short briefing, we were lead in a prayer by Rev. James Brungardt followed by Taps played by Loren Stenzel, ALR 392, Post #152, Ness City, KS. We left the staging area led by the Finney County Sheriffs Dept. Six volunteer riders at the front of the group peeled off in pairs at each major intersection to stop traffic. After we got to the last intersection where we turned south towards the United Methodist Church and the last two bikes peeled off, Ralph Rojas was left in the lead followed by the honor guard and then the rest of the riders. It was quite an impressive maneuver.

At the church we lined the sidewalks on the south and west sides of the church and up the driveway on both sides. A slight breeze kept the flags waving. Shortly before the service was over a detail of riders was sent to Valley View Cemetery to provide an avenue of flags for the family. When the Marine detail carried the casket to the hearse, our honor guard lined both sides of the walkway at the request of the family. The honor guard led the hearse and the family to the cemetery followed by the rest of the riders and behind them was all the cars. On the way to the cemetery we encountered people standing at the curb with flags and children lining the fence of their school playground with their hands over their hearts. The Patriot Guard Riders completely encircled the ceremony with flags waving in the wind. The military did an amazing job with the 21 gun salute, folding of the flag and Taps.

After the service, the Marines took the time to mingle with the riders shaking hands and expressing their gratitude for doing what we do. It was a wonderful chance to express our gratitude to them as well.

Thank you to the American Legion Auxiliary, American Legion Riders and Post 9 for the chili dinner they served after the service.

 And thank you to each and every one of the riders for all of their help and cooperation. Because of you this mission went off without a hitch. Job well done.

Mission accomplished,


Tim (Fess) Parker
Ride Captain, Patriot Guard Riders
Garden City, KS