COMMENTS
ENJOY~
I am thankful you are who you are and have done what you have so that *i* could have SO many NEW and iNCREDIBLE brothers and sisters...
I love them ALL...YOU included
HUGS,
ALWAYS,
T
It sure does, Jeff. I do that everytime I've had a particularly hard day in the forums. I love you guys for all you're doing and for giving me the chance to do it with you.
Your sister,
zippy
It is the families that keep us going.
I am sorry you are tired. I am sure you sometimes feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. I am from Illinois and we may never meet, but always know I continually pray for you and all of the PGR leadership. For something to be worthwhile, there will always be a few bumps in the road. Take care.
Karen
Twister, I don't know what to say, other than I support you. I joined because I believe in our mission statement. I believe it now more than the day I joined (Thank you for letting me join, I'm a cager!). Like a fellow member's signature says: "Tell me where to go, show me where to stand". I don't care who I stand next to. I personally have never seen anyone not welcomed at a mission. In fact, we have always been thanked by the captains for our attendance. Please know that with 50,000+ members in one year, you are fighting the good fight.
Godspeed and God Bless
It has always worked for me.
But I'm sorry if pages 4 and 5 are stuck together. I was eating an icecream bar the other night while reading them.
Friends always,
Reaps
Take care of Jeff. Rest. While you’re resting allow me to share a few thoughts with you if I might. This was an obscenely long week, Our company was bought out by another company this week. No one was terminated although the rumor mill was in full spin. Rumors of disaster, of an end of an era and a way of life, how will it turn out, was it fair, spun faster than tires on a racecar at Indy during time trials. At weeks end, the only the fact which remained true was that we had been acquired. Time will tell as to how the cards played this week will fall and how they will forge the future. The other company seems to embrace what we believe and seems to exhibit a similar sprit of “family” in the workplace. Both companies work in the areas of emergency preparedness. But, make no mistake as when the week was over, I was worn out. When something one believes so strongly in changes or is encumbered due to rumor and “insinuendo”, sorry creative English, it’s a 110% emotionally charged stage and we rise to the challenge, but must regroup at some point to review, plan and execute. I figured it was time for a run to the mountains, to find a high point to park the bike, sit and listen to the wind, search the silence and peace created in my heart by the full view of a mountain range before my eyes and wait for wisdom to arrive about how to move into a new week. Well, that didn’t happen and my plans changed, no mountains this weekend. Instead I was able to make a Sunday Mission, and I missed one on Saturday due to my own error. The one I was on today provided that clarity I was seeking. Many turned out from the PGR and several from Rolling Thunder to honor one fallen and family remaining. A Major General shook everyone’s hand and thanked us for being there. He walked through the flag line, went past me on my right and as he began to pass behind me, he put his hand on my right shoulder and said “thank you” in a small and humble voice. I am non-military but I know that man has an extraordinary amount of responsibility and is charged by his commission with more than I will ever have to deal with in my lifetime. This matters. On-site, another Officer followed behind him shaking hands and offering thanks while looking you straight in the eyes offering the plain truth.. This matters. I looked at the widow of the soldier as she wept, family held on to her, petting her, hugging her and I thought to myself how defenseless she is, how incredibly fragile, the tears rolled. If others had come to this funeral to disrupt it, thank God we had the burial site and family surrounded by flags and people believing a common accord. And that is, this matters. It matters to the family, it matters to the friends of the family, it matters to the military personnel present, it matters to the LEOs present, it matters to guys and gals many miles away on foreign and domestic soil and it matters to us. This is real and tremendously personal and I catch myself hardly breathing at times and at times looking off up in the trees to break the intensity of passion in front of my eyes. I stand there in silence locked in the event feeling everything. I see the emotion on everyone’s faces, the swallows, the small quick sniffs. One cannot escape into a personal world of TV, air conditioning and video as it is not a distant and removed 15 second clip on national news by someone reading a teleprompter. Attending a military funeral strips everything down to the simplest elements of human sacrifice, honor and the resolve of the human spirit to carry on. It demands your full attention, your involvement, your empathy and sympathy. The precision of military movement, the slicing crack of the rifles, the 13 folds of the flag, the presentation of the flag and the tears of the widow. I really have to believe this is a calling and that by our actions, we have made a difference at the end of the day in the eyes of those most important, the family. As I said, I am a civilian but this is the most profound service to my country I can think of to perform, this is my contribution to a hope of greater community of appreciation for these sacrifices. So, am I tired? Yeah, I still am. But the resolve to carry on and make a difference was my answer and I guess it came from a mountain top of sorts…….. Rest please, Lord knows you deserve it. And I need more water…<G> What ever it is will work itself out. Thanks to you and others who rolled on that first mission. There are 54000 plus people who support this organization and more each day. And I can’t help but believe that they also believe in and pray for you as well as all Leadership.
Get some rest Jeff, you have earned a breather after all the hard work and dedication you have, and will, put into this organization.
Jeff,
You go read those letters... you read those letters and you remember the family coming up to you and thanking you (not that that is needed) you remember the good of the family and friends when you are part of a human wall of Flags blocking out unwanted input.
Jeff, you especialy remember those welcome home missions... and that we hopefully have so many more to do.
Please Jeff, take a day or a couple hours (if you can) and dont do anything... go get some rest/sleep remembering only the good and what it would be like with out the PGR. Pray (if you will) that God give you strength... draw from all our support for you and the Mission.
Then Jeff, you wake up tomarrow with a renewed spirit, faith in what you and the PGR are doing... and what our Heros are giving us. You get strong and stay strong. Carry on!
The oposition is only a drop in the ocean of support, appreciation, and Flags.
We got your back...
God Bless...
Bryan.
The letters we get are a testament that what we are doing is right . . . and as long as we keep getting letters, we know for a fact that we are on the right page. God bless the PGR, and help uas all stay the course!! God bless America, and God bless our troops and keep them safe . . . AMEN
Jeff, you have my support, keep up the good work.
GOD bLESS YOU AND THE PGR
Lloyd CMA
When you forget or are unsure what your are, go back to those who can tell you. The families. Get yoiur nourishment and strength from them, not from hatred.
Dan 'dbeesh' Biesheuvel
Jeff,
I've not met you in person, but we have talked on the telephone.
You rest, my friend. Take care of you. I think I speak for many othes...we have your back.
God bless you.
Red (Granny Red), Chip (Dragonmaster, Scott (Psycho1), and Brooke
Jeff
You have my upmost support for all you have done in the past and now. Being a leader is a very hard job. Some low life is always trying to undercut a leader. I will post more when I get my emotions under control.
I do not understand number stuff up above, but assume 5 is the best
Old Silver Honda Rider
Good idea, Jeff, Look at the positive. This will always help in dealing with the negative.
Take comfort in the knowledge that you guys started a family that cares and supports you. I know in my heart that if it were possible many, many members of this PGR family would leave what they are doing right now to be by your side.
Stay strong, my friend, and God Bless.
Hey Jeff,
We have never met, but I have proudly served under your amazing leadership since Nov. 2005. You have given your all to make this humble group of a few hundred turn into a national campaign of REAL patriotism.
Your choosing to honor EVERYONE in uniform has changed my life for the better. Your accepting of EVERYONE and reinforced my love for this organization and reminded me of why 56 men signed that piece of paper 230 years ago.
Love of Country and the willingness to fight for it.
I will be you Brother and I will stand with you without question.
Now take a nap...
Adios
Whispanic
West Texas Ride Captain
VP Road Runners MC TGC
Attention Jeff!!! If you need something great to read...go to the "Letters of Appreciation" section, there is one that will blow you away from Taylor's mom. I am proud to have stood wiith this amazing child and her family this past saturday at a mission. It will renew your faith in people and the things we hold right. Rest, renew and may God's love be with you and yours. You have done alot and we do appreciate all your work and efforts with the PGR...Thank You!
Jeff and Johnnyride
If you are wanting a good letter #1 on the letters of appeciation buttons to the left will ring your bell.
I to have had that week and will have another one this week. We had 4 missions in 9 days here in MI and then I add my duties as a Pastor of a growing church and by Friday I couldn't even get out of bed.
I KNOW THIS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!
HONOR HAS IT'S ORIGINATION IN GOD ALMIGHTY. Not some church or religous organizaiton. Honor is in you and I as Patriots and it is coming out of us. One of the first actions when I could finally move Friday was to get to my computer and find out what my brothers and sisters were doing on the line of honor somewhere. So many areas of our liives have no honor in them, however, I KNOW THAT WHEN I OPEN UP THIS WEB-SITE THERE WILL BE PEOPLE WHO HAVE ONE COMMON GROUND AND THAT IS THEY ARE WILLING TO HONOR A TRUE AMERICAN HERO!!!!
Thank you Patriots! You have been a strength to me that can only be found with honorable people and from heaven above, however you find that.
Jeff, I pray that God strengthens you with HIS strength that gives you the strength of ten men. May people look at you and say, "he is just like Samson". I have sought for years for a way to express my appreciation to our American Hero Soldiers and never felt like my voice was heard, mainly because I have never served over there. Thank you Patriot Guard! Jeff, you need to know that in almost every service at our church I start with a story that has come from the Patriot Guard web-site. Many of the people in my church come with me to missions and they are not members nor do they even have computers to know what is going on but they love this country, our soldeir heor's and the Patriot Guard Riders. I have preached all summer long in my Patriot Guard vest, my jeans, and my Patriot Guard hat. I have found people that know honor and I am not ashamed but extremely proud to be one of them.
THANK GOD FOR THIS COUNTRY! (even with it's problems)
THANK GOD FOR MY SOLDIER HEROES!
THANK GOD FOR THE PATRIOT GUARD!
We will not falter, We will not weaken, We will not fail! I know this week is another I have 5-7 conference meetings, a retirement party, a wedding, a Patroit Guard mission in the U.P.(you have to be a Michigander to know that:) a mission in Alpena for a pastor who is a Lt. Colonel moving to D.C. When it is all finished I will be looking at next week saying where are we going now.
God Bless you all!
Ride, drive, buss, train, walk, horse, however you move about, Safely!
I love you all, Sam!
Jeff,
We've never met, we've never talked, I am but one of the 50,000+...while you rest I will continue to stand for you. When you're rested I would be honored to stand by you anytime.
Don Reid
MTCS-SS,USN Submarine Service, Retired
Jeff, stay strong , you have 50k plus brothers and sisters who support you and will stand beside you in your beliefs. I just read the same letter that Maggie51 speaks about, awesome.
Kenny B....
USN {ret}
Thank you for all your previous and continuing work with the PGR. I am so grateful for this orginization. It's amazing to read the thank yous from the families. Being a part of the PGR has opened my eyes - it has given me a sence of purpose and dedication I haven't experienced before.
It's because of my experience iof service in the Patriot Guard and these families that I am seriously considering serving my country in JAG after I graduate law school.
You make a difference. They make a difference. And yes, we make a difference. Thank you for this opportunity.
-svSheri, MO
Jeff,
Rest well brother. The letters are a strong source of comfort for me at the end of a long hard day. When one of the family comes up and says "thank you" it makes it all so worthwhile. Excuse me while I dry my keyboard.......emotions are real......that is why we do what we do.
I will stand by your side whenever and wherever so that people will never forget and we can all say NEVER AGAIN.
Jeff
Hang in there Bud we're behind you 100% this great bunch of people are the best thing that has happened in a long long time. Rest my friend and take up the fight another day. Wayne Hembrook in Wisconsin
Jeff , tomorrow is another day and rest assured there are issues that will find there way to rest. Only the few who choose to lead will be devowered by the beasts but like so many in the past had good saying..ie..We are retreating in the direction of the enemy..Now we have them(N Kor) right where we want them.. "Nuts" Catch my drift< Jeff..The vision to pay honorable respects to a family is well within the heart and shall sooth the souls of parents having a hard time accepting the loss of a son or daughter....... Subsquirrel
Jeff,
Hang in there, Thank You for helping Start the PGR
Mike
one day at a time, jeff.... believe me, your work is appreciated.... God Bless...
borlo
Months ago, when I first wnet to the PGr website and read the Mission Statement, I joined immediately.
It says "we don't care what you ride"......I saw a scooter at a mission last week.
It says"we don't care if you're a hawk or a dove".....the subject has never come up at any of the three missions I have been honored to be a part of.
It says"honor and respect".....and I have never seen or heard anything but.
Honor the fallen, honor the living, honor the memories.
You rest.....we will be here standing Patriot Guard for you.
Jeff, you have seen the PGR grow from just over 2000 in December 2005 to over 55,000 strong just 9 months later. Without the leadership of yourself and the many dedicated folks who have helped you along the way, we wouldn't be where we are now. My husband (BluHog) and I rode our bikes from TX to CA last month with our PGR banners on our windshields. You would be amazed at the number of people who came up to us, asking if we rode with them and when we said yes, they started asking lots of questions. We handed out our business cards, then encouraged them to come to the website and read for themselves what we are all about. Most conversations started with "We saw a story about you guys on tv, what you are doing is great!"
Jeff, hang tough, you've got 55,000+ folks standing right next to you, supporting you and all you have done. I have a feeling their noise will die down in a short amount of time. The reputation of the PGR will stand up tall and proud against their garbage, just like we stood up to another small group of dissenters.
Keep reading the letters, THEY are why we do what we do and why the PGR exists.
Jeff, My son is Pfc. Jeffrey Shaffer. He was KIA last week, SEpt. 13, 2006 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq doing what he believed in. His Fsrgt. and Capt. called from Iraq two days ago to let us know about Jeffs commitment to what he was doing and the kind of soldier that he was. He told his Srgt. in the morning that this was the day they were going to be hit. He said Jeffrey said that to him about 20 times. He told his Sgt. that he was eger to go out and get his mission started. He took with great pride what he was doing. I understand why you are tired. People can be real jerks and somewhat stupid at times. But it's not for those that we ride for our represent. It is the ones like Jeff and the ones who have gone on before him while serving our great country. Maybe we will get to meet someday and I will beable to shake your hand and give a hug of appreciation for what you are doing and what the PGR does amd means to use as parents and family members. May my God give you strenght, peace and patience in the great service that you have done and are doing. Forever in my gratitude. A Soldiers Dad
Jeff--My husband and I were so pleased at the chance to meet you in person at the Gathering of the Guard in June, as we have found a deeper, richer meaning to our lives because of the PGR. He is a Viernam vet and never dreamed of joining any organization, but once we went on our first mission in April, we both agreed that this is truly is life-changing and an organization we are proud to be a part of. Every mission touches us as if it were the first...every fallen soldier and family is remembered. We are all only human and can only take on so much...please take care of yourself, as we would find a large hole where you once were if you allow yourself to be overdone and burned out. We are all brothers in the PGR and I have NEVER come in contact with ANYONE in the PGR who wouldn't give me the shirt off their back if I needed it. The instances of kindness and brother hood exhibited to me are too numerous to meniton...just as fellow PGR members on missions. We are better Americans and find a deeper meaning in our lives because of our ability to serve in the PGR. Not only do the families thank you (us), WE, proud PGR members, thank you for having the vision and showing us how we can support our American heros and their families. May God give you peace in your soul and rest to your body. Love from Liz and Joe in Lees Summit, MO
Jeff,
Rest peacefully and remember Footprints.
You are being carried.
Joyce
rest easy Jeff, never think for a minute that you haven't greatly served you country with the founding of this awsome group. you are fortunate to be one of the people who has made this world alittle better. Thank you. if you need a beer and to vent I'm there.
Brian
Rest easy Jeff!!!! As a civilian I thank you and all our veterans, yesterday, today, and in the future. You are in charge of an organization that is long in coming. It should have been there to honor the dead of Korea or to welcome them home, then there was Vietnam (don't need to say more) The only reason I don't mention WWII is because the country was not divided as it is now. Korea was basically not known about, Vietnam was exploited and run by morons in my opinion. But I ramble on, sorry.
Rest well Sir, we need you.
Jim Reime PGR Cager
Colorado Springs
Rest well my new friend. You deserve it after all you do. You are in my thoughts and prayers. From Minnesota SHARRY
A well deserved rest, my friend.
An empty glass is not good for anyone. But once it is replenished, it does a great deal of good.
Robert L. Flores
Captain, US Army
Burn Center
Brooke Army Medical Center
Fort Sam Houston, Texas
Jeff, Being selfless is usually physically and emotionaly tiring, however, when you are standing at the gates and your maker points to the souls your life on earth has touched, you will be renewed forever. What you do and have done is, well, amazing. I am honored to stand with you and the PGR and thank God for all of you.
I might suggest the FPR members reread our mission statement, put aside any feelings of self worth and selfishness and rejoin the PGR and truely make a difference.
Keep the Faith, Jeff
Keep the Peace, "stripah"
Tired? You aren't allowed to be tired. That's why we pay you the big bucks, right?
Many thanks and mucho appreciado for what you do, from one of the faithful 55,000+.
Streaker
Jeff, rest easy my brother!!! I am sure that the many brothers and sisters here will say a prayer of renewal for you. I know I am!!! God bless you brother. Kai
Jeff rest thy tired body and soul, for others will carry on until you decide to return. Blue Fox
Jeff do not allow a few to bring you down. What you are doing is the right thing.
Dadoftwins1
Jeff-Rest and be assured you are in my thoughts and prayers. The PGR will be awaiting your return to the helm as soon as you are ready, HUGGS JoAnn
Jeff I have never been so proud to belong to anything as I am the PGR....Thank you for what you do.......
Jeff,
I am very thankful for what you do and what you started. You started a wonderful organization that we didn't have when i returned from vietnam, instead we were spat on, hit with eggs oh and veggies. We were called murderers, baby killers and warmongers, and I was on a destroyer in the Bay of Tonkin. We knew not who we killed when we lanched a shell or blew a chinese junk out of the water we just knew it was kill or be killed and we chose the latter. I was on orders from the United States Government and I was told what to do and if I had to do it all over again.....I WOULD. So Jeff get some rest I commend you for your strength, and maybe someday I can meet you face to face and shake the hand of a man who got all this started. Godspeed my friend
Oh sorry for the misspelling and what I forgot was is that I am proud to be and always will be a Patriot Guard Rider, and on the kill or be killed part ...we chose the first part. As for me I am a Patriot Guard Forever... Thanks
Jeff I've read a lot about "profit taking" "in it for the money" and a lot of other stuff like that. This Organization has grown to the point that strictly volunteer, partime people may not get the job done. I truly admire what you and others have done so far. The State Captains have tried to take a lot of the load but the load grows.
It may be time for National to reevaluate your time and efforts and see how they can be best served with a staff.
Every candle will eventually burn out shedding its light.
Keep that in mind Brother.
Humbled to be a Patriot Guard Rider.
Later
Mike
Mr. Twister. I met you at the Gathering of the Guard in Ardmore back in July (I thought you'd be much taller). I had a lot of words I wanted to say but blubbering like a baby when you're in the presence of someone you respect is not flattering. So, I simply shook your hand, thanked you and asked some unintelligent questions to try to maintain composure.
I've said it numerous times.....the PGR has renewed my faith in mankind. It has renewed emotions long deceased. It's given me a chance to give back to something.
You need a rest? You danged sure deserve a rest. I wish there was more I could do for the PGR.
As said before:
God Bless you
God Bless the PGR
God Bless America.
We all need to thank God, that there is someone that cares about our children that protect us. We need to thank our Lord, that there is someone that is there to remember those that have given all, most before we were old enough to know or care & most of all, that threre are a few that will carry on, & make all of us remember that we all need to remember, every day, every hour, every minute, every second, there are a few, the proud, may it be, airforce, army, navy, coastguard, or marine, They are all honored to serve, & never let one of us forget that.
We can never let them down or forget that they are there.
Your deserve to be tired, rest & then,
get it done!
Jim Graham
jeff
I thank you for what you and the PGR has started. It bring us the question why are we doing this? In all of us there's a hidden feelings about Patriotism, in what we can do to show it or feel it. Just like what you have said it's "NOTABOUT US". It's about what's right. and you are right all along. People will desagree sometime and we go on.
I am not a motorcyclist, nor am I a veteran....just a plain ol' simple guy from Northern Illinois who decided to join after hearing that the Rev. Fred Phelps is still at it (I grew up not far from Topeka, KS)...as I am retired with too much time on my hands, I would like to volunteer for anything I can do to help the cause of the PGR...
Jeff,
Reading the "Letters of Appreciation" always helps me too when I'm "tired". I always recommend it to folks who get too wrapped up in the discussion boards. Hope all is well.
David Lema - Rhode Island
Ride Captain