Probably my fav video - from a few years back

[Patriot]

Really Good PGR video by MarcellaRW who does good work...

 

[FLOWBACK]

Good men doing the right thing.

 

[Toecutter]

Original problem that formed the PGR is solved currently

Yeah, but the Guard has taken on a life of its own. I never saw any uninvited guests (other than media) at a mission I've stood, but yesterday, as I was standing 20 feet from a flag-draped casket that had just come off a plane, for 15 minutes, while a widow wept over it, I wondered how anybody who has been involved can just quit going?

Even after all the sincere thanks from family members, uniformed military and loved ones, our local chapter has dwindled to the point where only 4 riders showed for this event. I sure hope the funeral Tuesday brings more riders out, or it's gonna be downright embarrassing.

The mission last week in King City only brought about 7 bikes, until a group from the American Legion showed, not in time for the services to begin.

Is the Guard dwindling where you live? Our guys don't seem to want to leave town to stand for those who gave all for us....

 

[Patriot]

EDIT: sorry, below is my reflex about the frustration you feel and I took it out on you. I understand and agree.

yes, life has happened and mostly newbies are with us. Many/Most past participants are without jobs or discresionary money, no longer have bikes or gas money, or unsupportive familys. I agree, but don't let it bother me anymore.

I care not about numbers

I care that I'm there and even if just one or two, the family comes over with appreciation that their loved one matters

The teary hug from the widow, mother, uncle, sibling, that's what I remember. Can't even remember the "numbers".

That somebody makes them realize that they matter, even if just me, is good enough

 

[johnny80s]

Mike thanks again for a great post.

Is anyone on the forum in the San Diego Patriot Riders? I am interested in helping out.

 

[Patriot]

Mike thanks again for a great post.
Is anyone on the forum in the San Diego Patriot Riders? I am interested in helping out.

thanx

email the California State Captain who can point ya in the right direction

Rich Biddlecome

haywardrealestate AT gmail DOT com

 

[Brodie]

Mike thanks again for a great post.
Is anyone on the forum in the San Diego Patriot Riders? I am interested in helping out.

johnny80s

If you are interested point your bowowser over to www.patriotguard.org and have a look at the column on the right. There are several missions in your area coming up. If you see one that catches your eye click on it. You will be taken to the thread where you can read up on it. Typically the first post will be the DOD announcement and mission details, followed by several posts of condolences. This is where we post our intentions to be there. You may see several people forming a group ride to the assembly point, usually a funeral home. Feel free to post your condolences for the family. They read this and find comfort in the outpouring of love and respect.

If at all possible find some time to attend one of these missions. Bring a flag if you have one, but it's not required. Come dressed in your riding outfit. Be prepared to stand a lot. Bring water. Bring Kleenex, if you don't need it perhaps the one standing next to you will.

Remember the Mission - To pay respects to the fallen hero and to the family and friends.

I guarantee you will never be the same after attending your first mission.

Brodie

 

[Patriot]

Mike thanks again for a great post.
Is anyone on the forum in the San Diego Patriot Riders? I am interested in helping out.

johnny80s

If you are interested point your bowowser over to www.patriotguard.org and have a look at the column on the right. There are several missions in your area coming up. If you see one that catches your eye click on it. You will be taken to the thread where you can read up on it. Typically the first post will be the DOD announcement and mission details, followed by several posts of condolences. This is where we post our intentions to be there. You may see several people forming a group ride to the assembly point, usually a funeral home. Feel free to post your condolences for the family. They read this and find comfort in the outpouring of love and respect.

If at all possible find some time to attend one of these missions. Bring a flag if you have one, but it's not required. Come dressed in your riding outfit. Be prepared to stand a lot. Bring water. Bring Kleenex, if you don't need it perhaps the one standing next to you will.

Remember the Mission - To pay respects to the fallen hero and to the family and friends.

I guarantee you will never be the same after attending your first mission.

Brodie

thanx Brodie...

Brodie's right

just show up

introduce yourself to the Ride Captain(s) there

look for a Maroon Patriot Guard cap

tell them you are on your first mission

they'll take special care of you being a newbie and show you the ropes

or just hang around them during the mission

 

[johnny80s]

Thanks guys. I will look into it today.

 

[GypsyCaravan]

Glad to hear the PGR is up and running, and fully functional in your areas.

They've had some internal strife in my area, goin' on about a year now... Lots of aggravation. There's been quite a lot of self-destruct from the inside out... I put away my maroon hat, and became a regular...

Started riding with Warriors Watch. This seemed to be the best mix... Most WWR members are also PGR members. We can do Welcome Home and Deployment escorts with WWR... and attend funeral escorts with PGR.

www.warriorswatch.org

 

[TheAxeman]

I think I can speak from a unique perspective when it comes to the PGR since I have stood on both sides of the flag line. I had originally joined the PGR and gone on missions long before my son was old enough to join the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, I was much to familiar with the processes involved in honoring and burying a fallen warrior by the time Jordan was killed in Iraq. I knew what holding a flag for a family meant for me personally but I certainly didn't think I would ever have to ask the PGR to stand for me. I can tell you this, if any of you have ever even remotely considered going on one of these missions you should do so. The personal payback is enormous and the moral support provided the family is immeasurable. They may only see you standing proudly at a distance but I can assure you that they see you standing. Truly a sight that is etched into their memories for the rest of their lives....

 

[Patriot]

Thanx Chris...sincerely, God Bless Ya Sir...