Patriot Riders:

Like so many others, I have lost many friends and colleagues in the current conflicts; you have been there for every funeral service--  My first, I remember standing in formation, trying to be strong and look tough, as you all filed in quietly across the street and presented your flags--  I was overwhelmed at the honor of that---  the quiet and remote show of support--no--much more than that--- the show of UNION with us. We, the military, are the wall of protection for the USA, but every now and then when we honor a fallen teammate we want just for a second to be human, vulnerable, and grieving.  It is such an honor to know that when we are in that momentary state, you are there in the defensive perimeter to allow us, just for a moment, to let down our guard.  At my first CONUS funeral, I remember feeling just that when I saw you file in across the street.  You got it-- I can let down for just a moment.  Then recover, and get back in the fight.

Thanks-

JB

“Mailing holiday gifts to service members early will help ensure that a piece of home arrives in plenty of time to make the celebration complete,” said Pranab Shah, vice president and managing director, Global Business.
 
To help the families and friends of U.S. military personnel, the Postal Service offers a discount on its largest Priority Mail Flat Rate box. And flat-rate boxes are free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at The Postal Store. Postage, labels, and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship.
 
USPS also continues to show support to those serving in the armed forces by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the Care Kit. Each kit includes two “America Supports You” large Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, four medium-sized Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, six Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape, and six customs forms with envelopes.
 
Mail addressed to military post offices overseas is subject to certain conditions or restrictions regarding content, preparation and handling. APO/FPO addresses generally require customs forms.

My husband – Dean Robinson aka Bassman – AL PGR member and Ride Captain - is retired from the US Army, a civilian contractor working for the government, a HERO in my books.  He is currently embedded with a group of Marines from Camp Lejeune stationed in the Helmand Province – Combat Outpost Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Afghanistan.  He sent me these pictures this morning of his “group”. The PRG flag they are holding is the very same flag that Rob and I fly on the back of our bike on PGR missions and these fine gentlemen were so excited about it being at their camp.     I just wanted to share with you these photos.

June 2009, local Patriot Guard Riders hosted a visitation at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. 

One of our Riders from Goldendale, Washington had been assigned, as a civilian with the Corp of Engineers to Afghanistan.  While he was home on leave our signed PGR flag was given to him to present to his unit.  In October the flag from the Mid Columbia was presented at Camp Clark, Khost Afghanistan, just 10 miles from the Pakistan border. (Scott is 2nd from left, top row)