How many Patriot Guard Riders???

I ride with the PGR, just curious as to how many of us ride with them.

Mike

I ride with the PGR, just curious as to how many of us ride with them.

Mike

I belong to the C.A.V Canadian Army Veterans, We have had some PGR up from New York State and Michigan on our Re-pat for our fallen soldiers.

Cookie
1st CAV
Vimy, Kingston
Ontario, Canada
Colour Party Sgt.

[rlfaubion]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Marineemblem.jpg

Semper Fi

[jussmatt]

I'm a member!

[flightdoc]

I'm a member

[dragon57]

I'm a member

[mercianbike]

Count me in. Covering Shenandoah Valley in Northern Virginia.

For those not familiar with the PGR, this is their web site:

http://www.patriotguard.org/

You do not have to be a veteran to be involved.

[watchman]

And me also

I tried to sign up on their web site and never heard back from anyone

[jayc]

PGR rider here. Haven't done any missions yet.

If I remember correctly, one just registers. I think the first I heard anything was when they sent out a statewide e-mail for a mission.

[mercianbike]

If I remember correctly, one just registers. I think the first I heard anything was when they sent out a statewide e-mail for a mission.

That was my experience too. However, if you registered and are not getting any mission emails, you might want to notify the State Captain for your region as discussed in the PGR FAQ:

http://www.patriotguard.org/PGRFAQ/tabid/250/Default.aspx

[rlfaubion]

Wolf, After you register, you need to go to the web site on a regular basis and click on "All Forums" on the left-hand side. Then click on "Confirmed Missions". Once you see one in your area, look for a little check-box above stating you want to receive future emails about this mission. Once it is confirmed, just show up. You'll get guidance from there. Also in "All Forums", check "Welcome Homes". Also as said, send your state captain an email with your personal info, but don't expect a response. These boys are real busy, and it's up to each of us to figure it out. Eventually, you'll end up on an email list and be better informed. It takes awhile is all.

I'd just like to add - The PGR has nothing to do with politics. It's not about being for or against the war - It has nothing to do with you or me. It's about respect to the Soldiers, and families that have sacrificed for for the rest of us. We only attend if invited by the families and are not confrontational.

Thanks I'll go back and check it out. I saw a bunch of them riding in a Veterans Day Parade in '06. I went home and emailed the state captain and didn't hear back. Didn't want to show up somewhere uninvited.

[biscuitsngravy]

Thanks for the "heads-up." I just joined and will contact the State Captain.
BnG

[towering]

I just joined

[Todd]

I joined too

[socwkbiker]

Same here

Oh, a note. You don't have to ride to be a member.We have people that support us by bringing ice and water during the summer, and provide coffee and hot chocolate during the winter. If you know others that don't ride but might be interested, point them in the direction of the website.

Mike

[nightmare]

I'm a member, great group. Ridden several missions

[dano]

I'm a member

[rickmeister56]

i am also a pgr member

I think everyone in Kansas that rides is a PGR member. There are always riders from Ks on missions in Nebraska. You guys really put forth the extra effort.

[davidjones1]

I'm not one but I have the upmost respect for all of you that are. your a great group of riders and do so much good for all you come in contact with, Thank You!
ride safe.

[buckeye]

I just joined today.

Thank you david. The respect we have is for the fallen soldiers and their families. If you are curious and want to know more check out the PGR website @ patriotguardriders.org. It is not a pro or anti war group.Just a bunch of people showing respect for those that protect us and our freedoms. On a lighter note, I always wish there were more Nomads to counter the Harleys.

[kawgirl]

I joined up quite some time ago but never been on a mission.

[davidjones1]

I just joined

[ridemslow]

I ride with PGR. Don't make a lot of rides, due to work restrictions, I'm an OTR trucker. See a lot of nomads out there on the open road sometimes tho... Ride on!

[lonewolf]

pgr member in mn. have a funeral for a fallen lad today ! wind chills expected to be between -40 to -50 below. my heart goes out to the family! to have to endure this, with mother nature showing her worse 1

[hollywood]

I joined sometime ago and I have been on one mission. Very emotional experience. Glad I took the opportunity to show my condolences to the family of our fallen hero

[mmartin]

I'm a PGR member

[nogiggy]

am a PGR member

[bigdog]

My wife and I both joined our NTX chapter and have completed several missions. They have monthly get acquainted missions that are worth all checking out also. A good time to meet your fellow patriots.

We have been fortunate lately.We have not had a funeral mission for a couple of months now. It's nice to do the welcome home missions instead.

[jaydub]

I'm a Ga State Ride Captain with the PGR. Here in Ga. the Ride Captains always try to send a welcome letter to new members and give them a heads up about what they need to do next.
We communicate very well and pretty much know each other very well. It is very common for many of us to not even think twice about traveling the distance of our state and our neighboring ones as well to honor a fallen hero. We are like a huge dysfunctional family with one main objective. To show sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families and their communities.
If I can ever answer any of your questions about the PGR, please don't hesitate to ask. You will find that I'm very passionate about it.
Thanks for starting this thread meanstreak. I've seen your posts before on the PGR website.

Jaydub, my hats off to you and all the SCs and RCs. It takes a lot of time and sacrifice to do what you guys do.

[triguy32]

I'm a proud member. Just for those of you who may be interested, it is a very honorable thing to do. The funeral missions, of course, are always sad, but you will have emotions stirred which you may not have felt in a long time. You will receive the gratitude of people you would never have thought would "associate" with "bikers". We also do welcome home rides, they are OUTSTANDING. My favorite ride was escorting a bus load home (about 60 miles). We had a train of bikes leading the buses, and another following. Flags were flying, and you could hear the troups in the buses over the noise of our bikes. Ironically we road a send-off mission for this same group. After the send-off I felt compelled to write the following little story.

Who could have known? Who could have known that riding an obnoxiously loud motorcycle, and holding an American flag could stir so much emotion. I have been riding for nearly 40 years, never to give much thought (or care too much) about what others thought. I have just always felt “right” on a motorcycle, probably my grandfather’s fault as a racer in the early 1900’s. I just completed my second Patriot Guard ride, this time however, not a funeral, but a troop send-off. It was quite awesome!

We rolled onto the armory grounds as the troops were already in formation, with their families and loved ones gathered nearby. The reception we got as we rumbled past the crowd was totally unexpected by me. The families were cheering, and proud smiles spread across the soldiers’ faces. After dismounting and gathering up our hand held flags, we approached the troop formation at which time our ride captain presented the commanding officer with a Patriot Guard Riders flag. He made it perfectly clear that he was only loaning them the flag, and wished to have it returned to him personally upon their return home after their tour of duty. After this, we created isles of flags at the entrance to each of the buses, and were fortunate enough to be able to shake the hands and say a few words to each soldier. As the busses rolled out of the parking lot, we lined the exit way, again with flags held high, to bid adieu with waves and salutes.

As we stowed our gear, preparing to leave, one family member approached me with tears in her eyes. She wanted to thank me and express her appreciation for our show of support. I was stumbling over my words almost in shock as I tried to explain the converse, that we were grateful for what their sons, dads, moms, daughters, husbands, and wives were doing. That they were the ones we were here to honor, and show our appreciation for our freedom. Hopefully they will all return safely, and they too, may join up with the Patriot Guard Riders as this movement FOR AMERICA steadily grows, showing just why we are the greatest nation on earth. Let the whiners, and complainers, stand in the background for once!

…Who could have known, that riding my bike could actually help to make a difference!

Triguy

p.s. THEY DID RETURN THE FLAG, it was so cool!

[dragon57]

I belong

[jaydub]

Triguy, that was very well written and expresses the emotions so many of us feel after our missions so well. You are correct the welcome home rides are my favorite feelgood type missions, unfortunately they are few and far between. I have a couple of units of Marines coming home next month that I sent off last year and we've been counting the days.

Did you here about our mission a couple of weeks ago where we escorted and had the chance to meet and interact with the some of the remaining members of the Tuskegee Airman? THAT was a feelgood mission will remember for some time. We got to meet history.

[jaydub]

Dragon do we know each other? You're right down the road from me

[ridemslow]

I AM WITH PGR ALSO. ALL VETERANS WHO ARE RIDERS SHOULD CONSIDER JOINING. RIDE ON BROTHERS.

[bkmaxvrb]

I don't know how I missed this thread. I've been a member for a couple of years now and am proud to ride and stand a line in honor of those who have passed before us.

[lonewolf]

proud member !

[jaydub]

Still here. Any new members who are Patriot Guard Riders/ Where are you located? Hoping to hear from some of you

[ken]

I'm a member as well although I live in Germany and have never participated in an event (is that the right word to use???). I like what the organization does and wanted to be a part, even if on the periphery.

[jaydub]

Once you've registered with National you are automatically placed on that States,Statewide Email list. After you register you are usually directed to send a message to your State Captain with a short introduction. I always try to answer my new members email introductions and then I forward it to one of our appointed mentors whose job it is to welcome new members with a welcome packet with guidelines and advice for newbies.

If ever I can answer any questions about the PGR let me know. If I don't know the answer I can find it.

Jeff 'JayDub' Goodiel
Ga State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Member in the southeaster US.

[moloprintz]

I'm a member.

[bobhamlin]

I've been a member since '06 and am now a Ride Captain in MD.

One of the previous posters stated that PGR missions touch on emotions that are surprising. I second that fully. Some moments connect with something so deep within me that I'm still trying to figure out what it is. There is the obvious sadness of observing grieving family and friends. But there are other random moments that can bring me to tears: Taps, "Amazing Grace" on the bag pipes, random people who pull over to the side off the road and salute a procession, a family member thanking us for being there.

If anyone wonders whether riding a motorcycle and holding a flag makes any difference, please read the "Letters of Appreciation" on the PGR site (link in left column on home page).

I want to emphasize: Doesn't matter about politics, former military service, or what you ride. One of Maryland's Board of Directors does not ride a bike and proudly wears a "Scooter Sissy" patch.

[aldridgekennedy]

I'm retired Air Force (1984-2009) and due to time/work issues never got involved in the PG. After reading all these posts, i just changed my mind. To hell with work!!!!

This is more important.

Thanks. Hope to ride with ya'll soon.

[jendesigner]

I'm a member in Illinois.

[Kawhead]

Another rider here. The most rewarding, and satisfying thing I've done in a while.

[ringadingh]

I'm retired Air Force (1984-2009) and due to time/work issues never got involved in the PG. After reading all these posts, i just changed my mind. To hell with work!!!!

This is more important.

Thanks. Hope to ride with ya'll soon.

Good for you! Some things are worth making time for.

[desertdog]

I am a member, have been for 3 years now. I ride missions when ever I can, unfortuantely this last summer we had a number of fallen warriors who came home.

It is very emotional and I am humbled at these young men that give all and that we ask so much of.

[NyhtRyder]

I've been a member since 07

[brote]

Member here in Georgia

[lar]

I am a member.

[wompus]

Been a member for quiet q few years.

.

[dkdixie]

I'm also a member

[Idaho]

I am a member. Have not been called to serve yet.

[Yellow Jacket]

My wife and I go on missions whenever we can.

[roads1]

I Ride.

[ridemslow]

Member too!

[jimo]

I also joined, especially after we called the Patriot Guard to assist us and they came out in droves! Attached is the article from a local paper that tells the story of how they escorted our World Trade Center artifact to our fire department in rural illinois.

http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/beam-58559-shores-holiday.html

We had about 180 bikes total show up, including a bunch of us that are on the department. You can't imagine how breathtaking and moving it was to have that line of bikes meandering its way through small towns, rural highways, and then to our department. This is a youtube video of the processing, it's like 5 minutes long of just bikes passing by! What a great organization, I look forward to serving and I hope they expand their missions to be representatives, protectors and loud reminders of what it means to be an American.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3KTuIloCTM