First PGR Mission

[schoeney]

I joined the Patriot Guard Riders last week. I figured I never served, it is the least I can do to show respect for the ones that did.

My brother (USMC - Vietnam Vet) and I went on my first mission (brother's second). Did a flag line at a beloved WWII vets (Chuck Grahn-Army) funeral service with full military honors.

Beautiful day. We are positioned where we could not hear the service itself but it was still very emotional and moving...especially when the military honor guard and family passed through us.

I could see from about 50 yards the folding and presenting the flag to the family...never seen that in person before....powerful.

While at the service the ride captain announced a second PGR event for the day....escorting troops vehicles about 15 miles to the airport to see them off to the Middle East. I couldn't make it but wish I could.

The PGR members I met were all very nice people. Out of the 20-25 bikes there were 3 Nomads...including mine....that was surprising...the secret is getting out!

[nomad561]

I joined the South Carolina chapter last winter then came out to the west coast for work before I had a chance to ride with them. I am looking forward to riding with the PGR alot this summer.
I consider it a great honor to be allowed to escort our troops whether it is for their first mission or their final mission.

[Cajunrider]

Recently joined myself.

[unwind2]

Been a member for a little over a year. You'll go to joyious occassions and sad ones. Wait till you're at a funeral and they do the gun salute and you were not expecting it. LOL

[schoeney]

Originally Posted by unwind2

Been a member for a little over a year. You'll go to joyious occassions and sad ones. Wait till you're at a funeral and they do the gun salute and you were not expecting it. LOL

That was exactly what happened at my first one!

[ballast]

Good for you, that is very exciting to hear. I have been thinking about it for quite some time and think I will make it official. It seems especially appropriate as I talked with my brother today and he is 3 weeks from heading back to Iraq for his second tour.

[bobhamlin]

Joining the PGR is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I am still speechless when members of the grieving family take the time to thank me for coming. That they can see a group of random riders show up to acknowledge the loss (or joy, or worry) means more than I ever would have thought.

I try to collect a picture from each mission and have posted them in my garage. It's kind of an honor wall. Sometimes I just stare at the pictures and try to reconcile the horror of war with the absolute respect I have for those who tried to make the world a better place.

And when that trash church from Kansas shows up and can't be seen by the families because of you and the rest of the PGR, you'll know that you have done the right thing.

[jagugator]

Thank you! Trust me everything you guys in the PGR do for our service men and woman is welcome and appreciated.

23 years in the military and one of the most humbling and rewarding tours I have had was when I was on the Naval Station Mayport funeral detail in the early 90's. I was very grateful to be able to pay my last respects and show the families that we remembered everything there loved ones did for us.

[biscuitsngravy]

I have participated in a funeral and a welcome home with the PGR. I am looking forward to more. So far, my Nomad has been the only one, and it gets a lot of attention. I feel fortunate that I am able to participate in honoring our veteran men and women. Someday, they will honor me when I pass on. The PGR provides a way we can show our respect and love for our country's service men and women. BnG

[patmahoney]

Thanks for this thread, I was not aware of the PGR; I am now and just signed up. I can't think of anything more important than showing our appreciation to members of our military and their families. Thanks for making me aware of this opportunity!

[peterdarby]

I have been involved in Navy Causualty for the last 12 years or so. My first interaction was about three years ago when I attended a funeral for three fallen servicemembers in Arlington Natinoal Cemetery and I was especially proud to see about thrirty bikes turned out for the funeral. It was an awe inspiring site. Thank you from the military for all you do.

[peterdarby]

I didn't say that very well. MY first interaction with motorcycles at servicemembers funerals was about three years ago at Arlington National Cemetery.

[rlfaubion]

Welcome to the PGR Schoeney. We have great participation out west due to the dedication of our leadership. Lately we're averaging about 80 bikes per mission. There is usually a number of Nomads present.

I have a two-part mission coming up this week involving the receiving a fallen hero at the Reno/Tahoe airport, escort to the funeral home, and then return on Saturday for services. This will be about a 600 mile mission. I have the honor of being chosen as Ride Captain for this mission. It will be my 2nd in this capacity.

While the funerals are very sad, there is reward in giving of yourself to our service people's families. Our flag lines are the most important to the families......

Congratulations!
VD

[patmahoney]

Thanks again Schoeney, I participated in my first mission yesterday. I would not have had that honor if not for this thread.

[psychocycle]

Well done to you all. Anything that can show support for the Troops is a good thing.