This is how we roll in the Patriot Guard Riders

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We also do rides for sending off soldiers, welcoming them home, for fellow Patriot Guard members who pass, and veterans of other wars. The way it works is this. When news of a soldier killed comes, a ride captain for the area will contact the family and ask if our presence is wanted. We absolutely respect the wishes of the family. Some families want a private service without all the attention. We had one family that requested no pictures be taken of them or the graveside service and their request was honored.

We are very conscious of not taking the spotlight of the event. You all know how the media works. We keep the focus on the servicemen and women we are there to honor.

The welcome home rides are the best but can be very heartwrenching at the same time. We escorted a Marine reserve unit from the airport to their unit. We got to watch them get off their busses and be welcomed home by their loved ones. We all stood to the rear and watched. One soldier from the unit was killed and we all saw his father stand back there with us watching his son's brothers and sisters get off those buses knowing that his son wasn't going to be one of them.

There is no need to thank us. This is our way of saying thanks to those who serve our great country and to pay our respect to the families of the fallen.
 
hornadylnl:

You aren't in KS are you? I was monitoring the local VHF RACES net and some ham checked in who was riding with some guard today.
 
You may not need the thanks, but that's awe inspiring sight.

Our soldiers deserve our gratitude and respect, indeed, but you guys are ponying up in the actions speak louder than words department.

(I just shared this with my children...the boys shouted AWESOME at the same time when I explained the purpose.)
 
No, I'm not in Kansas. The Patriot Guard is nation wide. I prefer not to give out my location on these forums. Call me paranoid if you will. I'd love to credit the photographer for the pictures but I don't want to be the reason for some crazy out there doing something to him.
 
I realize the guard is nation-wide. I don't live in a cave ;)


We had some nasty storms roll through this area, so I was just curious.
 
Sorry, my post wasn't intended to sound condescending if that is how you took it. My thoughts and prayers for your fellow Kansans.
 
You guys helped in Burns Oregon this week.Thanks.
I had to leave since I was on the road, and passing through, I stopped at 9 am, but the funeral wasn't till 3 pm. Sorry I had to get on the road, so we just payed our respects and moved on. Glad the Governor made it, but don't know if any protestors were there.
Just a thought about the protestors: park your bikes up near them, and rev and rev your engines, blowing dirt and dust and noise at them. Can't touch them, but that should take care of their crap.
 
Wow, that picture of the farmer is powerful. I'm sure great things could be done with it if the original hi-res could be posted.
 
My Parents were always bikers..when My mother died in 1994,all of thier biker friends rode as an escort w/ the funeral procession..it was very moving.
My Father is Military,how can I find local chapters of the Patriot Riders?When the time comes(not for a while I'm sure)I'd like to have them at his cerimony.
 
Glad to see anothe PGR member hornadylnl. Lets see if we can get the rest of the PGR members to chime in. I know there are a lot of good people here, this place is not called The High Road for no reason.
To anyone that wants to know more on the PGR just go to the web site and look around you will be suprised at the way all walks of life come together to support the soldiers and their families.
God bless our soldiers.
 
Thank you guys. I have family in the military and I know if they were killed and some people were protesting at their funeral I'd probably end up in jail before the day was over.

No one should disrespect ANY funeral service, but especially not one of someone who gave his/her life for this country. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.:barf:

Y'all really do provide a great service. Keep it up! I should join, myself.
 
TonyB,

You can get in contact with your state Patriot Guard Riders by becoming a member at http://www.patriotguard.org/ and logging on the Patriot Guard forums at http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/Default.aspx. Scroll down until you find your state and post in that state's general thread. I'm sure someone will quickly respond and put you in touch with your state captain or a ride captain. You will meet some incredible people.
 
Another fellow PGR member here....

Wanted to say thanks for posting the pics and being there for the fallen soldier.
 
I have been a member of the PGR since FEB 2006. It is a wonderful group of people. We had a total of 4 missions last week. Needless to say it was very tough emotionally...
I also went to an Airshow yesterday with my girls. I had on a PGR T-shirt. I didnt even think about when I put it on. Its on of my favorites;) We all went through a line to get autographs from the Golden Knights and one of them looked at me and asked if I was a member. I said yes. He grabbed my hand and with some kind of clear fluid in his eye he said thank you. Why in the world is he thanking me?? I grabbed his arm and told him no I need to thank you! The same thing happened later when the girls were talking to a few Seal Team members. I have never felt so humbled in my life.
If anyone here really wants to do something join us! It is a feeling you will never forget. Standing in the flag line watching a family walk by you WILL get tears in your eyes. There is a reason we all wear dark sunglasses no matter the weather.
 
Someone's comment about hippies with Che t-shirts made me curious whether such people have protested at funerals of Iraq/Afghan vets. Is WBC the only force of evil that PGR encounters, or are there other anti-war groups that also protest at funerals?

How can non-bikers participate in the PGR?
 
Some time ago there was a story about a indian tribe in the Dakotas that has a history of sending men to the marines, and how they buried their lost soldiers. I find tributes like this heart rending
 
Without a bike, you won't be able to participate in escorts but people in cars (commonly refered to as cages in the biker circle) can go to funerals or welcome home missions and hold a flag just like any guy on a bike can. We do have people who don't have motorcycles and still come to events. Whenever there is a big group on the way to a mission, it is always nice to have a vehicle follow behind in case someone were to break down. We have guys who have big support vehicle decals on their vehicles when they follow us. I don't know if they are magnets that they stick on for the event or what. Usually someone in a vehicle will carry the flags to the places where they are needed. Anyone who wants to join is welcome, regardless of whether you are a vet or not or whether you ride or not. Join on the website and become involved on your states forum. If any help is needed, they will stear you in the right direction.
 
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