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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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busch2fan 
Posts: 337
Wauconda, IL
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| 21 Feb 2007 2:08 PM |
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Good day my PGR brotheren! (I would also add sisteren here in an effort to be politically correct... but I don't think it's a word...)
There have been a couple of BOD statements since my last "Word on the Line" update. This should be considered standard operating procedure. If the BOD has an announcement to make - it will be made here first in an effort to avoid confusion and/or duplication.
We have ALOT of updates to cover... I hope you're in a comfy chair with plenty of refreshments close by. Me? The chair is ok... but I'm stocked with Pabst Blue Ribbon, Chili Cheese Fritos, and beef jerky... I'm good to go.
MEMBER QUESTIONS
I have been asked a couple times... "Why haven't you posted an update yet - your call was two days ago?" etc. Just so the process is clear and expectations are consistent. Once the BOD concall is completed, the minutes are drafted and sent to the BOD for approval. Once this is done, they are sent to me for posting. Realistically, there is a couple days involved in each of these steps - but updates will be posted as soon as possible. I hope this helps set the bar properly moving forward.
HELP ON THE HOMEFRONT
The three criteria for qualifying for financial assistance from the PGR's HOTH efforts were clarified:
1. Wounded soldiers in need, on active duty, or hospitalized
2. Families of fallen soldiers
3. Veterans with needs specifically related to their service
It is also preferred if any one of the above can be verified - in person - by a PGR member prior to approval from the BOD. This helps in preventing erroneous or fraudulant claims just seeking a handout.
HOTH PROJECTS
The State Captain of Arizona, Louann, reported the tragic case of a young US Army veteren - with a wife and two children (2yr old and an 8mo old) - that was stabbed and severely beaten just outside his home. He was wearing his fatigues at the time of the attack and the incident is under investigation as a hate crime. Jason Okon (as of 15 FEB 07) is in a drug induced coma to allow his body to try to recover from the near fatal attack. It is sadly not known at this time if Jason will pull through. $1,000.00 was approved to donate to a fund that has been set up for this young man and his family. The BOD is also issuing a challenge to the PGR in the state of Arizona... match our contribution - heck, even surpass it through local efforts. If you wish to contribute, an account has been set up in the Okon name at: South West Health Care Credit Union 1640 W. Thomas Rd. Phoenix, Az. 85015. Please note Account #22526. In addition, there is a thread on the PGR site where you can post encouraging words that will be read to Jason.
http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/70/postid/426910/view/topic/Default.aspx
Get well Jason...
A nation of patriots is praying for your recovery.
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Cpl. Shane Parsons will be returning to his home in Ohio upon being released from Walter Reed Hospital. Cpl. Parsons lost both his legs while deployed and also suffered severe head trauma. The BOD approved up to $1,000.00 to defer materials cost in getting Cpl. Parsons' home readied and easily accessible.
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A State HOTH Coordinator requested support in putting together an Easter event at a State VA Hospital. $300.00 was approved to be used to purchase items to give to the veterans the day of teh event.
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Missing In America Project (MIAP)
The American Legion has communicated it's full support of the Patriot Guard and our efforts in regards to MIAP. They have dedicated a liason to help coordinate local American Legion involvement, in addition to assisting in verifying veteran status. This is a phenomenal endorsement by the American Legion and a testament to the efforts of everyone associated with the MIAP.
The MIAP is moving slowly - but methodically. To date 400 veteran's cremains have been postively identified, with nearly 4,000 cremains awaiting confirmation of veteran status. Those identified are being given full military funerals and proper internment. The oldest cremains that cannot be identified (due to lack of records from the period) is from the 1890's.
Folks, I want to say that this is perhaps the quietest movement out there - that is having the largest impact. To think that there were - at minimum - 400 veterans... who had not been properly honored with internment services... is a travesty. I applaud all those who are diligently working on this effort to make sure that every veteran... is honored properly as they so richly deserve.
ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS
- Corporate Sponsorship: A revised plan has been adopted. Please see previous post for the details:
http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/176/postid/429127/view/topic/Default.aspx
- Fallen Warrior Scholarship: It was decided to move the link for the Fallen Warrior Scholarship to the main navigation page to be more visible.
- Pacific Protectorates: Pat Mortiz (OR) has volunteered to be the "Captain" in charge of KIA's from Guam, American Samoa, and Saipan. While no physical PGR presence is possible, Pat will coordinate an online thread for condolences and arrange for a PGR plaque to be sent to the families.
- 501(c)3 update: Our work is done. Our legal team has the questionaire and is completing it for filing. The lawyer has stated they will need 3-4 weeks to complete and then it will be mailed for official approval. Once approved, it will be retroactive 18 months - thus covering current contributions.
- Website SPAM control: It was reported that the current software used to protect the website from SPAM is a very basic program and "no more than a Yugo - where we really need a Cadillac". (Don't you wish ALL technology conversations could be that simple?) The BOD requested the Ops Managers to research a more robust solution and report back on a future call what costs would be incurred.
FINANCIAL ITEMS
2006 financial statements are available and will be posted... but they are not on the computer from which I am typing right now. I am sorry. I will post them once I get to my other office. Your patience is applauded and appreciated... for those of you that have been anxiously awaiting them... your wait is almost over.
PGR GEAR STORE
The PGR armbands are being redesigned to be a better product. The demo's are expected to be done within a week at which point we will be able to report a reasonable expectation for production times. The woman's clothing designs were shown to the BOD and all were approved (no date or expectation yet on first availability). Patches should be in the store ready to ship within a couple weeks... and lastly... the PGR Challenge Coin is undergoing final artwork approval by the marketing team.
MISCELLANEOUS
Bugles for Vietnam - There is a father and son, both veterans, from Texas... who are buglers. They are planning a trip to several locations in Vietnam that hold historical significance from the war. At each site they will be playing Taps to honor all those lost during the Vietnam War. They are actively seeking people to go to their website and enter the names of a fallen or lost soldier from Vietnam. They will read this list of names out loud as Taps is being played. They are currently planning the trip and expect it to be in the April timeframe. Details and a link to their website will be posted in the National Happenings Forum.
Wreaths Across America - After expanding their wreath laying program in 2006, Morrill Worcester (owner of Worcester Wreath) is planning to do so again in 2007. He has embarked on an effort to raise $5 million dollars to make 500,000 wreaths to be sent out across the United States via 90 semi-trucks. Yes... you read those numbers correct... 500,000 wreaths... on 90 semi-trucks. If successful, they are requesting a full PGR escort that will be coordinated by each state the trucks pass through, and will be handing out patches made to memorialize the event. In addition, Wreaths Across America has also asked permission to use the PGR logo on a monster truck that they sponsor, as well as a bike that they are planning to have built by the Paul Teutel Sr and his crew at Orange County Choppers. The BOD approved use of the PGR logo in both instances. Please keep an eye out on the PGR forums as more news will surely be coming on Morrill's ambitious plans and efforts.
WHAT'S TO COME?
Check back soon as I am completing a story of our PGR membership in Montana that will absolutely blow you away...
CLOSING
And thus we come to the end of another fun episode of BOD updates...
All kidding aside... this is a great bunch of people that are doing their level best to make the right decisions. I'm sure, more often than not, they feel like they just pulled a double midnight shift at the local IHOP - more than they feel like they're making a positive impact on the PGR. Let me step forward and say... I - for one - can see that they are. And so...
(Raise favorite beverage in the air... for me --- Pabst Blue Ribbon)
To the Board... you keep learning every day - you keep putting yourself in front of criticism every day - you keep trying to do what is right every day. While we surely don't say this enough... THANK YOU.
And lastly, thank you all for the warm wishes for Cameron. I can tell you that I learn every day... that I have absolutely NO CLUE what I'm doing when it comes to being a Dad. It's all good though. I'm changing diapers - swaddling - rocking - shushing - and doing a hundred other things I've never done before. I wish I could say I'm enjoying every minute of it... but... at 3am with a dirty diaper in one hand, and a screaming youngster in the other... it's just darn tough to find ANY silver lining in that moment... LOL! But then he does some quick jerky movement that scares the cat... and he makes Dad proud all over again...
God Bless!
Until next time, that's the word --- on the line.
Respectfully,
Jeff
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"Life... Liberty... and the pursuit of all who threaten it."
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