Late as usual... One of these months I may to have to title the letter with both months to try and get "on time" again! As anyone who has tried to reach me in the last couple of weeks may be aware, I've been down for surgery on my hand. It worked out well being off work though, I was able to travel to the Dixie Region's First Annual Gathering and meet and talk with many of our members from the region.
I'd like to start this letter with a note of thanks and respect for Paul Reynolds, our Alabama State Captain, who hosted the event. Part of the festivities included a Proclamation of Patriot Guard Riders Day, with a presentation by the Alabama State Governor, Bob Riley. I'd also like to express the same thanks to National Captain Louann Thomas, Dixie Regional Captain James Davis, and the SCs and ASCs; Mike Childree and Scott Carle (AL), Annette Robeck and Randy Hall (TN), Mike Louviere and Jeff Goodiel (GA), Mike Donohoe (FL), John Colter (LA), and Ed Baker (MS). Apologies in advance if I have missed recognizing any of these leaders who attended.
Mike Donohoe informed me of his challenge within Florida state to raise donations for the organization, and unless I have been misinformed, Ed Baker won a "prestigious" title at the Gathering.
It was also great to visit again with former National President Bill "Snap" Lines and the previous Dixie Captain Jim "DinkyDau" Lorenzo.
The members putting the event together did an awesome job with hospitality rooms at the hotel, a scenic poker run that included lunch and a live band, and dinners on Friday and Saturday. In true PGR fashion, they also raised over $3,000 to support HOTH project in Georgia during the event. The "Captains" took a hand at the grill to provide dinner for the membership on Saturday evening. On the less exciting side, the SCs and ASCs held an informal meeting with Louann and myself to discuss concerns such as the proper use of the forums, the LDF/trademark, and other topics. The Dixie Region leadership was warmly outspoken in their support and commitment to the organization.
To all that attended, I'd like to repeat my thanks and what an honor it was to be with them for this event. I'd also like to reaffirm that the membership makes the missions happen!
The Missouri members have made a donation in the amount of $1,500.00 to help support the organization through our current challenges. Our thanks to all of the Missouri leadership for approving this donation.
On the corporate side, the one new development on the trademark defense is that we have filed our final replies and arguments for both Summary Judgment motions; ours and the Opposer’ s. To the best of my knowledge, Opposer did not file final responses to either motion. I cannot speculate as to why; they may have felt they didn't need them; but I am glad we were able to make the fullest arguments and objections that we were entitled to. My understanding is that it could be several months before we know if a Summary Judgment will be granted to either party or if we will make full arguments. In either case, the majority of our legal expenses are already committed to.
We remain challenged by the cost of the trademark defense. Dixie Regional Captain James Davis continues to operate the Patriot Guard Riders “Garage Sale” and will be grateful for any scooter parts left over from upgrades you have made, as well as selling “Fallen Heroes” patches. Additionally, I understand that we will soon have several new items available as well as significant improvements in the PGR store operation. I do understand that we’ve been talking about store changes for a few months now, but evaluating the “business” of the store and correcting the errors of the past are not simple decisions.
We've also named a new Indian Nations Liaison, Frank "PITA" Lewis, as well as a new HOTH Director, Jim "Cyber" Grant. In an additional change, the National Public Relations and Media position has not been a position that the BoD has utilized well. Media requests have been generally shifted to being handled on a state and local level and National has generally refrained from media involvement. As a result, Max Howerter has resigned from this position and we agree with his assessment that the position is not currently needed. Max worked for Kurt "Cowboy" Mayer as the "Assistant Director for Public Relations & Media" prior to his retirement and then took over upon his retirement. In the early "growth" years of the Patriot Guard Riders, Max was instrumental in sharing the word about the mission working with every President the organization has ever had. On behalf of the BoD, we ask that all members join in appreciation to Max for his support of the mission.
I'd like to share some additional thanks to someone who goes along doing his part everyday for several years now but is rarely mentioned. Jay Hill has been posting our photo gallery for several years with great professionalism. Jay takes what needs done and makes it happen and I can't remember the last time that he has asked for any assistance or failed to respond. Jay has also been involved in placing photos on the homepage. Thank you Jay!
As always, the important thing is that we continue to serve our military and their families every day. I hope that everyone takes the time to visit the Letters of Appreciation section on a regular basis. As important as we know the mission to be, there is a cost we all pay when witnessing the tragedy of the fallen and the pain of our families. I believe it is always important to hold in our hearts the comments from our families and what the mission means to them and through the eyes of those we ride for or in support of. Please continue to ride safely and support the mission to the best of your ability. The service and commitment of our heroes is a debt that we will never again forget or fail to recognize.
Thank you all ~ Whirlwind