Welcome to Ed's Shed, the place where the President of the Patriot Guard Riders gets to place his thoughts, vent, post up thanks, throw out ideas, and sometimes just ramble on.

 

Let me begin by wishing the Patriot Guard Riders a Happy 2ND birthday.  It's hard to believe that this organization  has grown so quickly, and has spread thru not only the United States, but also into many other countries, is now only 2 years old.

 

It is a great honor to have been named  the President of such an outstanding group.  Having joined PGR way back in the early days of Nov 2005, I have watched this organization grow  in numbers, but more importantly, in the enthusiasm and dedication to our Mission. 

 

Many have tried to make us out to be a Motorcycle Club, or a Riding club, when in fact, we are just a group of Patriots, who come together to do the right thing.

 

I have watched a young struggling group, of what some called, a rag tag group of bikers, mature into a truly caring group, made up of individuals from ALL walks of life, who come together for one purpose. 

 

I have watched how the PGR has grown as it interacts with other organizations. One of the first missions which I attended, we were met by the local LEO's who greeted us in full riot gear.  Today, they welcome us, and work hand in hand to assist us in making sure our Missions are smoothly executed.  CAO's who were once hesitant to speak with us, now communicate more openly with our State and Ride Captains.  Our Military Hospitals, welcome members of the PGR as we assist our wounded heroes. 

 

These achievements were accomplished by each and every member of the PGR.  Its because of your hard work and dedication to our Mission Statement, that this organization continues to grow.  Its because of you, that these inroads have been made, and its because of you, that our Missions are completed, with respect and dignity.

 

Many have asked, what about GOTG 08 ?   At this time exact dates are not available as that is still being worked on, but I can tell you this year, we will be heading east, to the great state of Virginia.  This would have been announced earlier, unfortunately, the State Captain Tony Turner, and Bambi decided to meet up in the middle of a country road.  Tony is working on getting his committee together at this time, and announcements as to the exact location and dates will be published, as soon as possible.

 

As we move into our 3rd year, sure there will be bumps in the road.  I don't understand it, but there will always be someone, or some other organization which tries to tear us apart.  But with the attitude of Mission First......we will continue to prevail.

 

In closing, I would like to acknowledge the hard work of those who proceeded me and the current Board of Directors.  Many have said, keeping the PGR headed in the right direction, is like herding cats, and boy, that's an understatement.  When you mix bikers, with cagers, Veterans, with those who never served, hawks and doves, you can see that it is a challenge.  Our Past President's and Board members did an outstanding job of managing this Rag tag group, and need to be recognized for their contributions.

 

Let us all continue to remember...........Never Again........and Mission First......

 

Respects to all,

Ed

Good luck and God's speed.

Thank you and good luck to us all.

I simply want to say thank you for stepping up to the plate. Your willingness to serve this great organization is appreciated a great deal. It is my honor to be a part of this organization and to stand when called upon with the fine patriots who make it what it is.

Thank you Ed, and the entire BOD for stepping up! Please know that it is DEEPLY appreciated!

Godspeed & God Bless

Ed,

I want to add my thanks to you for stepping up and taking on the responsiblities of President. In my short time as a state captain I can only 'amen' to your references of our differences. I believe those differences serve to keep us focused on who we are... the Patriot Guard.

Best wishes as we all move forward... together.

Our mission first and foremost.

Biker Bill

AS A NEW MEMBER I DO NOT KNOW THE ISSUES YALL HAVE HAD WHAT I DO KNOW AS A GOLD STAR MOTHER WHO WAS IGNORED BY ALOT OF PEOPLE THE PGR NOT ONLY STOOD FOR MY SON ON JULY 3OTH THEY STOOD FOR ME AND FOR THAT I SO GRATEFUL THE GROUP HERE IN HOUSTON HAS BEEN THE GREATEST BLESSING TO ME I GO ON MISSIONS WHEN I AM ABLE AND I STAND WITH YALL TO PASS THE GIFT YOU ALL GAVE ME ON TO ANOTHER FAMILY I CANNOT PUT INTO WORDS WHAT I FELT THAT DAY WHEN I SAW SO MANY BEAUTIFUL BIKERS STANDING WITH FLAGS IN HONOR OF MY SON.AND YOU DID NOT JUDGE YOU JUST LOVED ME THRU IT.SO TO ALL PGR RIDERS YOU ARE ALSO HEROS FOR MOMS AND DADS WHO WOULD NOT BE RECOGNIZED AS A GRIEVING PARENT BECAUSE OF SOME MIUNDERSTANDING IN THEIR PAST.I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU AND NOW I AM DOING WHAT I CAN TO STAND WITH YOU AT EVERY MISSION I AM ABLE TO ATTEND.WITH LOVE ANGEL (AKA)BOBBYSMAMA)

It's going to be a good year Ed. The Guard is stronger than ever and growing exponentially. Bumps we can handle. Cooler heads have to prevail. I've never been more proud of an organization I was a member of. Good luck.
Harley Dave in CT

Where do I Stand?...

I've been a member for a year in AZ and now 6 months in FL. I've also ridden missions in MN and WI. It all comes together when the focus is on the mission. I sincerely appreciate the PGR leadership. Thanks.

I recently joined and have accompanied my husband on a couple missions. I'm impressed by the local leadership and also by the number of couples and families who are involved. It's truly a blessing to be a PGR member.

I came back as a Vietnam Vet in 1970. Wish you would have been there then. I'm awfully glad that you are in the US now. I am a 24 year Retired Navy Chief, now working in Germany for the Army. When I get back in the US in two years I'll ride with whatever chapter is where we decide to settle. I just joined via the net today. :)
Rezman

Great attitude Ed.
We serve those who deserve it.. because we care.
If they have to ask.. they'll never understand.
Thank you for leading the way.

Dave NYS Captain

I'm in...and thanks, Ed, for your continued hard work.

Ed ~ Thank you for leading US into the Patriot Guard's third year.... Fifty states ~ no borders ~ ONE GREAT NATION.

Dietsche12762

A brave man once said, "lets roll" and so....lets! And to the Vietnam vet who posted here "I wish you were around then" WELCOME HOME BROTHER! Because its NEVER TO LATE!
Joshua
U.S. Navy 1979 - 2000
Chief Petty Officer / Submarines (retired)
Proud to have served...
Honored to be standing...

Ed:

You are the right one at the right time. Best wishes for the new year. I will be riding and standing near by.

Al Oller
PGR Lake County

Riding in memory of BGBIRD.

Thank you for stepping up and accepting a very difficult job. When challanges arise, and you know they will, remember "There are no problems, only opportunities to excell". I know that you and the board will do a great job!

Looking forward to heading to VA in '08 and looking forward to seeing the PGR grow stronger with every passing year. If we always remember that we are together for one purpose only, to honor our soldiers and their families, then no one can tear us apart.
Debbie Johnson
RC Region 1
Western NY

I just registered today. I have worked with the PGR during a few friend's funerals here in the St. Louis Area. I also greeted them at the St. Louis Veteran's Day parade ( I am a Viet Nam Vet) and gave one member a cd with all the Military Music on it to use in the parade.
I do not ride but feel I can help some in other areas.
Thanks for the great work you have done in the past and the Fantastic work you will be accomplishing in the future. It is a NOBLE DEED YOU DO!.

I am a vet, and my neighbor recently passed on into the next great adventure and you guys gave him (also a vet) the greatest respect at the funeral home and at his burial, I was proud to call him my friend , and still am proud to call him my friend. I JUST JOINED TODAY VIA THE NET, AND AM NOW PROUD TO CALL ALL OF YOU MY FRIENDS AS WELL. SO TO LT. ERNIE SPARKS(now commanding angels) I salute you my friend, and I will ride on your behalf and see your pride light up as you hear our rumble in the air. Your friend and brother-in-arms, David Gargus, Sherwood, AR.

Ed..........I know this is a little late, no idea how I even got here...........anyway, I just wanted to say that I appreciate you stepping up to the plate. We need good leadership, not sure where we would be without it. The PGR has come a long way in a short time, but there's a long hard road ahead, a lot of changes to be made, things to overcome, new challenges to face, and for all that we need Leadership, so I Salute You, and pledge my support.
T-Bone