Another month has come and gone. For many of us, the riding days are getting fewer for the year and we can't get out in the wind as much. I know that we've been through a couple of winters since we started the mission, but please remember we stand the flag line whether we're on two wheels or four. We all stand and care, so please don't forget that it doesn't matter how we get there as long as we do.
I'm very pleased to be able to announce a couple of updates to the National Staff. Clay "Lone Biker Dude" Tarpley has been appointed as the new National Captain. Clay has been deeply involved in the PGR mission both locally and on the National front. Since joining the PGR, Clay has served as a RC, ASC, the National Communications Officer, and Capitol Regional Captain. Clay served in the US Army from 1978-1985. He has already made several suggestions to improve communications and processes in the PGR as well as ways to continue to move forward to grow with and improve support for the mission.
I'm also grateful, and relieved, that Diane "Zippy" Anderson has returned. The BoD has approved Diane's request to withdraw her resignation as Operations Director. Diane made a difficult and painful choice to step away from her many duties after being maliciously and falsely accused of wrongdoing. Those concerns were immediately investigated by an independent attorney who has written a legal opinion that dismissed these attacks.
Please welcome and support both Clay and Diane as I know they will both work to support the mission and the members.
Back in the first part of September, BoD nomination letters were sent to all of the SCs, Regional Captains, and National Directors. The nomination were reviewed by the BoD and the nominees were asked if they wished to be considered and to submit a brief biography. The BoD also communicated with nominees if additional info was needed.
The BoD elections were completed last Sunday evening. Congratulations to James "Sneaky Snake" Davis and Jim "Cyber" Grant for election to the Patriot Guard Riders Board of Directors. Both James and Jim have been tremendously active in supporting the mission in many ways and places; James as the Dixie Regional Captain and Jim as the National HOTH Director. Additionally, I have accepted the nomination to remain on the BoD at this time.
I'm going to say a bit more about the nomination results than I would normally think necessary or even appropriate, but I think they are needed at this time. Straight down the line, the majority of the nominations were for the existing BoD to retain their seats. I'm certain that neither James or Jim feel slighted by that statement. We generally hope that BoD positions are not "sought" but taken on as a serious and time consuming duty. My point for sharing this info is that the majority of the SCs and above do support the organizational structure and leadership that we have as well as the general path we are on.
At the same time, none of us want to see the PGR become locked into a set viewpoint either. As a "condition" of accepting my nomination, I requested that the bylaws be modified to limit a BoD member to two consecutive terms. The BoD voted unanimously to approve this amendment to the bylaws.
While I believe that Donnie and Gary will write comments of their own, I am certain that we are all honored and humbled to have been entrusted to served as members of the Patriot Guard Riders Board of Directors. It's been a tiring and at times frustrating two years, but each of us remain committed to the mission and the membership who make the mission happen. Thank you for the support and communications we have received over the past two years and congratulations to Gary and Donnie on their upcoming promotion to the flag line. It's very well deserved.
I'm honored to have served with Donnie and Gary and though we only met for the first time at GOTG 09, I consider them both as friends as well. I cannot imagine having gone through the last two years without working with them. Ride safe my friends... Thanks also to Marilyn and Linda for all they have given up during your time on the BoD.
There isn't much new to report on the Trademark Defense. We filed a Motion to Strike or Dismiss our Opposer's amended Notice of Opposition. I would expect a decision on that motion within the next few weeks and we'll be able to post a new timeline for the action at that time.