Hello All,

Thank you much for the prayers and well wishes!! After serving on three of the boards for the most part, I have seen this organization grow and prosper. I would like to make a few observations as a BOD Member and a farewell from being a BOD Member.

The first BOD was a rollercoaster. We all just held on tight and tried to steer the rowboat in a hurricane. The second BOD began the process of structure and rebuilding, all the pieces were there, just scattered from Maine to California for lack of a better way to put it!! The current BOD has the chance to finally start the process of really organizing this monster into the long-lasting American Institution it was meant to be. Pease don't loose faith or become disgruntled. Change happens and if we are to be a lasting organization, we need structure and legitimacy. It is coming together as it should......

Our National BOD members are just that, members, just like every single one of us. They are Americans with families and jobs, and they are volunteers, just like all of us. The job of National is to assist in uniformity across this country. To unite states, not divide them, and to insure our reputation is above reproach and legitimate on the national level. Sure, the States could function without National, but could they all? Would the respect shown over here, be similar over there? Would we be able to maintain a seamless line of communication on a state only basis? Maybe, maybe even probably!!! But maybe or probably isn't good enough for something this important!!

Cut the National team some slack!! As we grew, the ability to communicate with all members on a one on one basis became harder, therefore a command structure was developed!! Use the chain of command for effective leadership!! That said, as always, I will do my damndest, as well as anyone at National, to communicate with any member anywhere when possible. For at the end of the day we are just another member in the flag line!! And that is where the rubber meets the road!!

 

We’ve had some bumps along the way. Who hasn’t? Like any growing and developing organism or entity, the stages of life are the same. We all have to endeavor to grow and mature collectively, whether the bumps in the road seem worth it or not!! For we have to ask ourselves, “Are the bumps worth it?” I CANNOT imagine any single dedicated member answering “No, the price is too high, it isn’t worth it!!” Therefore we have but one option, knuckle down and get with the team!!!

 

This has been a wonderful ride!! My life will always be forever better from being around here in the early days!! I have many lifelong friends because of the PGR. I have seen many distant states because of the PGR. But most of all I have been able to understand words like honor and respect from a firsthand accounting. I have seen first hand the heroes that our country produces, and I have been blessed with the understanding of the high cost of freedom.

 

My Father nears his end, and I am sure an old Navy C-B will be shown the respect he deserves when the time comes. That is the main reason I step aside, time to focus on family while time still permits. I have seen his pride grow as he has heard of the tales of my travels in the PGR. That is why the Homefront has always been so close to me. I have seen not only the good we do for the current generation of Americas finest, but I have seen with misty eyes the healing and pride it has reawakened in our past generations of those same finest!! God Bless them one and all, “AMERICA’S FINEST”!!

 

I won’t be far from the fire, but I have stood in the middle of it long enough!! I intend to stay active in as the National Director of HOTH, to pick up where I left off when the BOD stole me away from my hearts joy. Been around too long, if that phrase even carries much weight these few short years later. I am hooked, PGR for life!! Hope to stand with each and every one of you on the flag line if it comes down to it, though I pray it doesn’t. For you folks on the flag line, in the hospitals, or standing somewhere for some soldier, veteran, or family are what we are really all about!!

 

I coined this phrase in February of 2006, it still shakes my soul:

“Though we gather for the worst of reasons, We ride for the best of causes!!”

 

God Bless You Each and Every One!!,

 

Ronny “BEAR” Awtry

Patriot Guard Riders, Inc.

Director- Help On The Homefront

Member on the Flag Line

Dam Ronnie, ya didn't even talk with me first ;o). I will always be available if you need a ear to bend. Thank you for all you did and all you do. For all the battles you fought, for your passion and most importantly your friendship.

Maybe now you can get you butt down here from time to time like back in the early days when we HAD to travel all over the state to support each others missions so we would have enough folks there. As always HOTH is in good hands.

JohnnyD

Bear, My Brother - my Friend...
We've been through it from the beginning, from the worst of it, to the best of it and everything in between. We'll ride together tomorrow toward whatever is down the road.

Thank you for your faithful service.
Rick

Thank you Ronny Awtry for all you have done and will do.

I was always told to leave a place better than it was when I found it. It is obvious that you were taught the same thing.

Steam

Ronny,
I hate to sound like Spock but...you have been and always will be my friend. Your heart is so full of passion for OUR wounded Warriors. When you start to talk about those guys and how you feel around them, we are all inspired. An amazing thing happens Ronny because you made us all look and see and feel it thru your eyes. That my dear friend IS passion.
Much has happened in your span as a BOD type person...and we will continue to grow and growth means change. But, we are learning and some our lessons come the hard way. Your heart has always been in the right place tho, and that's what makes you so incredible.
Thank YOU Ronny for giving so much....I will always call you friend first and foremost!!
My prayers are with you and your family thru this time...may God hold you in His loving arms,

Ronny...Bear....Brother...most of all FRIEND,
We have had our head knocking collisions...we have shed tears together and laughed our butts off....Through it all...no matter what went down...you remained and always will be...my Brother....My Friend....
You will be missed....go and take care of your Senior Chief Dad...and your family..they need you....
I am but a phone call or email away...
Joe
Master Chief

Bro Bear, we were together at the beginning, and I look forward to seeing you again.

Streaker

Bear - cherish the time you have; call me when you are ready. You have done so much for so many now take some time to take care of yourself. I love you Brother!!! 'critter

Bear,

While I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, I wanted to thank you for your on-going service to the PGR.

While the concept of a National BOD may not seem all that important to some, it is through it's efforts that we are where we are today. Some of the 'bumps' you refer to were more like sink holes... yet because our mission is rightous, and there were people in place to build bridges, we survived.

We have been called a 'rag-tag' group of individuals. Okay, so maybe we look the part, but I have never been associated with a finer group of people, and as you, I will forever be known as a Patriot Guard Rider.

I wish you and yours strength and peace as time moves ever forward.. giving to us and taking from us.

God Bless.

Biker Bill

Bear, I didn't ever meet you. I just twist the throttle and stand the flag lines. But I have the deepest respect for any one who helped get this great organization together.None of you need apologize for any short-comings. You have taken 113,000 diverse individuals and pointed them in a common direction. Herdin' cats is difficult at best.
And yet it works- and God Bless all of you who helped to make it happen.

Thx BEAR for your sweat and tears. If you could hear a collective "Thank you" from all those you've served, your ear drums would shatter.
Take care of dad.
Well done man!

BEAR
THE CHICK I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING YOU IN OK THIS SUMMER AND WE BOTH ENJOYED SHARING OUR STORIES OF MISSIONS HERE IN MISSISSIPPI WITH YOU

WE UNDERSTAND YOUR DETICATION TO YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS COME FIRST

BUT NEVER FORGET THAT YOU ALWAYS BE A PART OF OUR PGR FAMILY HERE IN MISSIPPI ALSO

I SALUTE YOU AND YOUR EFFORTS THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

03DRAGONSLAYER AND THE CHICK

Thank you Bear...

GOOD TIMES BEAR NEVER FORGOT YOU,GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE...BAIR

Bear, thank you seems so insufficient for all you've given of yourself but please accept my gratitude and heartfelt appreciation.

God bless you and your family!
Kat Atwood

dearest Bear, may the great spirit bless and your family. thank you for all that you have done for and with PGR.
calamityjane

Bear,

Thank you for all you have done in helping make the Patriot Guard what it is today. I don't know how anyone at National does it, but they do, and those of us in the trenches, so to speak, appreciate every bit of it. Hope to get together and ride with you real soon.....and most definitely we'll see you in Koyote Ranch in April!!

Love ya ... Wendy "HotLips"

Bear,
I look back on the early days when 10-15 of us would be going in every direction along the highways until we finally got enough members to cover this big State and you were always there, one of the first we met. You've worked hard and we appreciate it so take the time for you family, we'll see you when you can.
Love ya
Karen (rstamom)
Haley (olympicgirl}

bear,
you helped give it birth, you nurtured it, and now it goes on........... forever......... thanks to you. from a new PGR member

Although I am new to this group, and am just beginning to learn what you are all about, would like to extend a big THANK YOU Bear for all the dedication, sweat and tears you have put into it. God Bless you on the road you have in front of you. To you and all the PGR's Bless You!!! Job well done.

Although I am new to this group, and am just beginning to learn what you are all about, would like to extend a big THANK YOU Bear for all the dedication, sweat and tears you have put into it. God Bless you on the road you have in front of you. To you and all the PGR's Bless You!!! Job well done.

Thanks Bear. God Bless and keep you healthy and wise so that you may enjoy your family. See you on the flag line.

Bear never had the opportunity to meet you, I just want to thank you for all you've done. My prayers go to you and your family. As for your Dad, "Seabees Can Do" If he was a rider his Gold Plated one will be waiting for him. Thanks Bear

Ken (Wolfman) Brong
No. DE. Ride Capt. P.G.R.
Seabee MCB-9 RVN 66-68

Bear, Only those that have taken a leadership position can understand the weight it places on your shoulders. It is not the critic that counts it is the warrior that took up the cause and battled through the darkest of nights to see a new dawn that deserves our utmost respect. I have been impressed with this organization and it's leadership at all levels from the beginning. We have been fortunate in Nebraska to have great leadership and membership willing to participate and not just spectate. Thank you for hanging in there when the going got tough and supporting the cause above your personal comfort. Let the keyboard commandos learn to either step up or shut up. God Bless the PGR, Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”- Commander ALR Post 1 Omaha Clayton Hollister

Bear. I'm a new member serving as a civilian in the Army in Germany. I joined because I came home in 1970 to a different kind of welcome. Wish Patriot Guard would have been around then. Martyay

Bear, with your permission, I would like to use the phrase

“Though we gather for the worst of reasons, We ride for the best of causes!!” in correspondence, emails, business cards. So you have any problem with that. I would also like to locate the Pray that a PGR posted some time ago. I had a copy and used before starting on Missions, but it was misplaced when I move. Can you help me with that? See you down the rood and in The Flag Line.

Bear,
THANK you so much for your candor, your leadership and can do attitude! You are an inspiration to us all! Tell you Dad hi for us all! I will be in touch about the Wounded Warriors.....hmmmmm did I just volunteer for something? Oh well.... I am right here...and you have my email and phone number....don'tcha?

Thanks Bear...

This is absolutely the finest organization I have ever benn associated with.I love you guys.

Fair Winds and Following Seas for your future. I believe that my time with the PGR is one of the better thing I've done in my time I thank all you
"old timers" for making this happen The two three things I want to be remindered for is A loving husand, A Navy vet and one pround PGR cager

BEAR FOR GOD DIDNT SEND HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO JUDGE THE WORLD BUT THAT THE WORLD SHOULD BE SAVE THROUGH HIM

SINCE 06 I WOULD LIKE TO SAY SINCE I HAVE BEEN RIDDING WITH EVERY TIME I GO OUT TO DO WHAT EVER I SAY SOME ONE HAS DIRECTER US RITE CAUSE IT CAN ONLY GET BETTER

REDDS2 PHILLY AN AMERICAN TILL IDIE

Thank you Bear for all your hard work and time. Ever mission that I'am able to attend , and stand on the flag line , I'am honored . Thank you and all the old timers for starting this great org . God Bless all

I'm just a guy on the line, but without the efforts of people such as you, Bear, who have helped shape the PGR into what it is and will be, my hats off to you. Thanks.

THANK/S BEAR ITS GUYS LIKE YOU THAT MAKE ME A BETER PERSON GOD BLESS / IRISH PROUD P>G>R MEMBER

Thank you for all you have done!
God bless!

Bear, just caught this message best to you and yours. may you and the "old Seabee" always have a fair wind and calm seas. Riding in spirit with you always. Blue FOx

Thank you Bear for all of your hard work and commitment. Proof positive that we are making a difference in another family's life. The mission thread for SSGt Matt Maupin has 242 post 5320 views at this post. Thank God for great men like you who have fought through the "stuff" to keep this "Mission of Honor" alive, strong and growing.
God Bless You and Yours!
"preacherman"

" ... may I be worth dying for"

Bear: You have been a friend and a confidant for almost 3 years now. Your service to PGR is unquestionable and you did it for all the right reasons. Take care my friend, God Bless and Ride Safe. Dinky Dau