STURGIS, S.D. (May 18, 2006) -- The Patriot Guard Riders today announced a partnership with the Buffalo Chip Campground and the Healing Field Flag Memorial Foundation to honor America’s fallen heroes during the 2006 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  Jeff Brown, PGR’s Executive Director, says “I am absolutely excited about working with both the Buffalo Chip and the Healing Field Foundation.  The opportunity to partner with such esteemed organizations as these will be invaluable in assisting the PGR in reaching out to help and honor those men and women, their families and communities, who have given so much in defense of our nation’s freedoms.” 

 

Events that will be conducted during this year’s rally, slated for August 7-13, include a Healing Field Memorial for our fallen Heroes of the Global War on Terror, a remembrance ride to Mount Rushmore, a remembrance ride to Black Hills National Cemetery, and a salute to veterans and active duty military personnel night at the Buffalo Chip.

 

The Healing Field Foundation is honored to partner with the PGR at the 2006 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. We plan to present a Healing Field Flag Memorial of one flag posted for every fallen American service person in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The Healing Field Foundation and the Patriot Guard Riders are not about politics, and are neither pro nor anti-war.  They are not used for profit or demonstration.

 

“We feel confident that the principals, integrity and legacy the Healing Field Foundation has earned over the past 3 years will be in good hands with PGR. Now together we will further the cause of fully honoring and recognizing the sacrifices of our American servicemen and women, as well as their families,” according to Dennis Stapley –Project Consultant for the Healing Field Foundation.

 

 

 

The two memorial rides will stage from the Buffalo Chip campground and will be led by a venerable list of who’s who among the motorcycle community.  The first ride will be from the Buffalo Chip to Mount Rushmore and the second ride will be to the Black Hills National Cemetery to allow riders to stop and pay their respects to all the brave heroes that have gone on before us.

 

Additionally the Buffalo Chip is honored to invite The Patriot Guard Riders to lead the Annual Tribute to our Veterans and Active Duty Military Personnel.  The events of this memorial will include a musical tribute and flag folding ceremony.

 

All funds that are raised from sponsorships and donations during the 2006 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will go to the Patriot Guard Riders Fallen Warrior Scholarship Fund ensuring that the families that have already unselfishly sacrificed so much will have assistance sending their surviving children to college.

                                                     

 

About Patriot Guard Riders:

 

The Patriot Guard Riders are a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. We don’t care what you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a "hawk" or a "dove". It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is.  You don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

 

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

 

About Healing Field Flag Memorial Foundation:

The Healing Field Flag Memorial started out as a simple community project to remember those we lost on September 11, 2001 — (over 3,000 flags to commemorate each life lost on 9/11).  The Healing Field Flag memorial program has turned into a national movement for a growing array of causes and remembrances.

Couple of things that the story didn't mention:

1. Dinky and Snap will be leading an honor guard that will present a flag folded on stage to the family of a fallen hero from OIF

2. The healing Field flags can be "sponsored" for $25 by individual Patriot Guard Riders and can be sent to the sponsor after the rally although all of the flags that represent a hero we had a confirmed mission for will be presented to the families. Additionally you will have the option to ad these flag to the collection fro the state that may be brought to missions by riders that travel on 4 wheels as opposed to 2.

3. All of the memorial rides will be escorted by the Chip and local police so that we will not have any undue delay in getting to the prescribed destinations.

4. Rides will be $40 per ride for members but $400,000 for non members with internet connection available to make sure that people can become patriot guard riders on the spot.

5. Please send a note of thanks to our state captain for South Dakota, Jeff "Durty Bird" Anderson jeffrey.lee.anderson@us.army.mil for arranging a military flyover during the veterans night at the Chip.

Every nickle made from sponsorships, donations, and corporate sponsorships will be used to start a scholarship fund for the families we ride for.

Never been to Sturgis. Don't know how to thank PGR for the honor I feel this is. Thanks to all of you for the support and help I have received since joining PGR. You are my family.
LLRB
Snap
ICVMC for PGR

Twister, You and your team never cease to amaze me!!!
I have wondered for a long time how to be able to show the gratitude and honor I have in my heart to those who have served our country so selflessly. Thank God for the PGR!!! I love being a part of this great organization of honor.
Thank You!

Dang it all, we had planned to attend Sturgis this year but decided not to due to finances. Now I'm regretting it. What an awesome thing!

How can I help? I have never been to Sturgis in August but am willing to step outside my comfort zone to help a good cause.

[2. The healing Field flags can be "sponsored" for $25 by individual Patriot Guard Riders and can be sent to the sponsor after the rally although all of the flags that represent a hero we had a confirmed mission for will be presented to the families. Additionally you will have the option to ad these flag to the collection fro the state that may be brought to missions by riders that travel on 4 wheels as opposed to 2.]

Sorry for being "dumb as box of rocks" but who are the "sponor" I'd be donating the $25.00 for the flag for and do you have to be at the rally to put in a donation?? Thanks!

B.J. Ondo, PGR Member
Colorado Springs, CO.

I plan to make this my first Sturgis trip, and the idea of PGR functions is superb. Count me in.

RMounce

Already put my money down on a reservation - we get there Sunday. My family and I will be there for Monday.

I'm in Indiana, will leave first week of August for Sturgis, Have friends on 8th street, $20 buks a night, full use of inside home, tent camping in yard. Would stay a the Chip also for this event. Anybody else? Scott ..srbratton@verizon.net.

When making plans, remember that I will be there with my bugle, and would be honored to sound 'Taps' at any apprpriate events. My twin brother will likely be there as well, and if so we would be able to sound 'Echo Taps' together. Please keep this in mind when planning events. Also, we should keep in touch with the National Cemetery there during the rally and offer to attend any services during that time frame.

Chas Dickson
LA State Director
Bugles Across America

This is another of my annual trips to Sturgis. Just joined PGR in April and would like to participate in this event. Could someone send me what, where, when and how information? I will be staying in Rapid City at the KOA.
tex44ut@yahoo.com in Sierra Vista, AZ.

What Snap said and more! Thanks to you Jeff and to you Jason for asking Snap and I to represent PGR and do the Flag Ceremony. I'm extremely humbled beyond words. I wouldn't miss it for the world and I'm bringing a few with me. Thanks again Dinky

I too have never been there... I am planing on taking my RV and towing the bike up there.. Do any of you have contact on camp grounds I can contact?

I haven't been to Sturgis yet. But I will be there this year. Was supposed to go last year, but was deployed to Iraq. (Mar - Nov 05) See you all there. Ride safe and often.
Targe De State Cpt. PGR

Do we have any specifics on dates and events? I mean as far as day by day schedules. If anyone has any further info you can email me @ tobylong1001@yahoo.com

toby

I thank the good Lord for your organization! I'm a female Marine that served in Iraq and was fortunate to come home w/out injury. If there are any Marine Corps flags or other military paraphamelia you would like, please let me know. Respectfully submitted, Gunnery Sergeant Lia Locasto, USMC (Ooh-rah!!!!!!!)

All Concerned,

I made my first ride (NOT trailered) to Sturgis last year. It was my personal (welcome) homecoming, as I had just returned from the Iraqi War in July 2005. I live in Fayetteville, GA and it took me 3 days to ride to Sturgis. If you have never taken a ride to the mid-west, (as I have never done so before), it was exciting, relaxing and spectacular!

Sturgis is just more than partying and drinking downtown. The rides to and the views of the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument and even Devils Tower was wonderful. It truly made me feel alive and re-energized my well being.

I don't know if I will be able to attend Stugis this year due being possibly deployed again at the end of July; however, if I don't deploy I am riding out to Sturgis again. If anyone else in the Atlanta area is planning to ride to Sturgis, I would love to tag along.

If anyone is interested in Camping or RV hook ups for Sturgis, check out these websites; but there are MANY MORE:

I stayed at Rush-No-More Camgrounds...it was nice, clean and after 11 pm, kind of quite...but I never had a problem the entire week. http://www.sturgiscamping.com/rushnomore/

http://www.buffalochip.com/RESERVATIONS/TentCamping/tabid/126/Default.aspx

http://www.sturgiscamping.com

http://www.sturgiscampgrounds.com

http://www.blackhillscampgrounds.com

http://www.blackhillscampgrounds.com/sturgis.htm

http://www.blackhillscampgrounds.com/mtrushmore.htm

I already have my reservation at Buffalo Chips.. I will be there to ride both missions.... Coming from Ohio for this one.

Here's another great campground for Sturgis - www.glencoecamp.com - and check out the handsome devil on the home page! (Right next to the logo on the top.)

They have outstanding facilities and a motorcycle-only camping area with lots of shade.

I thought I had good reasons for going to Sturgis every year, now I have the best reason. God Bless us all and ride safe.

I thought I had good reasons for going to Sturgis every year, now I have the best reason. God Bless us all and ride safe.

Would it be possible to obtain information on where to form up, times and dates. I'm staying at Glencoe, will be there a week before the official start of "Bikeweek". Thanks

I was told that last year the patriot guard started in kansas. Will any of those guys be involved? As a retired Vet of 30 years, I would like to thank those guys in person.

Count me in for some of these rides, and activities. I will be staying in Rapid City @ The Hart Ranch. This gives me a good reason to go to the chip! Leaving St. Paul, 5 Aug 06. Be There! & Ride Safe!

Count me in! Forgot to leave my Name, OOPS! WNGBOB

Please Post Dates and Times of events and rides. Thank You

I will be there, and, wouldn't you know it, I'm staying at the Buffalo Chip as well. I look forward to meeting other PGR folks. By the way, the Buffalo Chip has an admission charge, so, how is that going to work for the PGR? Are they just going to have the gathering in the parking lot? Just something that I'm not sure was mentioned.

Is there a chance that the Chip is going to cut a deal for PGR folks who stay at their facility? Normally about $40 per person per night to camp there and see the shows........

I was excited about my first trip to Sturgis in 2006, but now excited doesn't even come close to how I feel.

REMEMBER, to send Jeff Anderson a quick thank you for setting up a military flyover veterans night at the Chip..... jeffrey.lee.anderson@us.army.mil

I can't go to Strugis this year but I'd like to sponsor a flag. How do I do that?

3 of us riding to Sturgis from Atlanta. I'm sole PGR member, but the others are "recruitable". Looking froward to the fellowship.

OLDNVYDVR

WINGBOB from St. Paul, MN, back at ya again. TWO WEEKS wow, its almost here, can't hardly wait. Just wondering if we can meet along the route to Mount Rushmore? With flags waving, we'll be there. cudaaar1970@yahoo.com
Sturgis 2006 Ride Safe, Arrive Safe.

I was just reading the post from the sturgis pgr rides and flag donations,,was a wonderful thing to do,,wished i could have went this year to sturgis,,if for no other reason to see this great honor as i'm a father who lost his son last year in iraq,i just want to thank everyone involved for horoning our fallen hero;s i am a bike rider myself and have riden to stugis twice from south ga.,once alone and once with a bro,words can;t say what a beatiful free country we live in,and i was looking forward to making that ride some day with my son,as he was planning to get a bike when he retuned from his deployment,i just want to thank everyone for there part in not letting our armed force;s be forgotten...thank you from the bottom of my heart...

proud father of ..hm3 travis youngblood kia..7-21-05