COMMENTS
Dear Jeff,
Thank you so much for making me feel better! You had me pegged right away; a volunteer who has never been part of so large a group with so important a mission. I have seen the struggle that some of the members have had when posts do not come quickly enough or there is not the turnout that one expects. We have all been disapointed with how slowly the wheels can turn at times, but I know the frustration is out of that heartfelt desire to make these families aware of how much we honor their sons and daughters. How much we want to express our gratitude for their sacrifice. Our focus is clear even if, at times, our methods are not! Keep up the good work and thank you, again, for the words of encouragement.
Debbie Johnson
RC Region 1
Western NY
Proud to be part of the learning process !!!!!!!!Just can't wait to see what can happen when we get good at this !!!
Jeff,
We do have a lot of experience we can tap. Perhaps it will take some time to realize it. There are people in our organization who have experience in all of the areas you motioned, we just need to invite them to the leadership, or realize that when they volunteer their expertise that they are serious and valuable resources. We will miss the boat if leadership positions are assigned by personality and not experience. We will make some mistakes. MISSION FIRST!
Doc Bart
Well, I sure do fall into this catagory. I'm just an Arkansas Clod Hopper doing what I think is the right thing. Do I make misstakes sure, if you don't like it well just reach on down here and grab ahold of this here plow and feel free to drive it awhile on your own. Just remember to give as good as you get.
Jeff - When it comes to what REALLY matters - we know EXACTLY what we're doing. Keep the faith, Sean
Don't despair Jeff, you are doing a fantastic job! The most important things are getting done, the rest of it will fall in line as we all learn. I haven't been on a lot of missions, but where I have gone things were well handled. Keep your spirits up, we are getting the job done.
Well, It's been said that "there is no wrong way to do the right thing'.
We are doing alot of the right thing.
Keep up the good work & progress.
Sneakysnake
RC Panama City, Fl.
From what I've seen, the PGR runs much more smoothly than a lot of "professional" corporations out there. And when you stop and consider what is accomplished every day across this great land, it looks very much like we know what we're doing.
Jeff, Sean hit the nail on the head.........We ARE doing the right thing and we're doing it RIGHT! I too, am new to this organization but the missions that I have been a part of were handled with nothing less than GENUINE Honor and Respect, from the heart. The families and communities that we are honoring, by DOING the things that we do........see, feel, and know that it is because we WANT TO, out of Respect for those who have EARNED it.
I would rather see this, than a shiny dressed up group who is only there because, " it's another one to dress up for". This is not about us....this is about THEM.
Please believe that there are people in place who are seeing to it that this IS being DONE RIGHT. Just read those letters of appreciation and then get back to ME about what we DON'T know about what we're doing!
Jeff, I wish I had your gift with words, have you ever thought of writing a book? Yes Sir we all learn as we go or we won't go very far. Thank you for your service.
Gator,
Pine Bluff, AR.
Jeff, we're here for you. You've got some good people in place and the talent is starting to show. Little things fixed here and there. One step at a time. This mistakes happen every where, within, every organization. As the past president of another large non-profit, I can attest to the fact that a lot of what we see here exists elsewhere. Website glitches, personality clashes, mis-communications, it's nothing new. We're on the right track and doing everything we do for the right reason and that's what's important. You should be proud of what has started and become one highly recognized and honored organization. Keep the faith and the rest of us will keep plugging away at what we do to make it all come together.
The missions of the PGR are not "random acts of kindness." They are well thought out, coordinated and well attended. The brotherhood of the military commands us internally to act this way. Details are worked out at each and every site without rancor and with a willingness to show the families we serve and onlookers and bypassers who see us that there is method to our cause. Carry on Jeff, as we all will.
CODman Navy Vet
John J. Davis
The question is WHY are we doing what we do? If our motives for serving are pure then we will respect each other and overcome any mistakes.
To witness the best being brought out in people and it being transferred to a support for a grieving person...tells me we know what we are doing. God bless
Dave Kern
R/C Region 2 NY
Jeff, I beg to differ with you! We DO know what we are doing..........and we do it well.
So we make mistakes.........we aren't perfect. But our hearts are in the right place.
I for one will be PGR til you all stand for me. Thank you to you and all my Brothers and Sisters.
Susan
Boot Lady
I must also respectfully disagree with some points here. Do we and will we make mistakes? Yes. Are we perfect? No! Only one man was perfect and he died for us! Is this a learning curve? Yes. Last I checked, there was no college course or trade school to learn how to do what we do. Do we know what we are doing? I say yes. If we truely did not, we would not have over 60,000 members and a nationally positive reputation. Many of us are veterans, several of which were/are NCO's. We are trained in receiving a mission and "making it happen". We are taught how to accomplish the mission and maintain the welfare of our soldiers. (riders) Many of us have been officers in organizations such as Abate which is also 501 c (3). As mentioned above, we have an imense knowledge base among our membership. SCs, send out a state wide email asking for people with special skills. This idea was given to me from our previous Iowa SC. I was shocked at the responses I received. Every kind of skilled person from attorneys to zooligists responded (OK, I'm still waiting on the zooligist, but you get the idea!) I honestly don't think the PGR would have taken off like it has if atleast SOMEONE didn't know SOMETHING.
Ken "Preacher" Dieken
State Captain, Iowa
PGR
I,M WITH YOU TWISTER TO THE END JUST DON,T THROW ME AWAY BAIR
I normally don't post unless I feel it is important. We do have the resourses in our ranks. As far as running a (NOT-FOR-Proffit) organization, we have plenty of folks as members. Most ABATEs are 501c3 and there are plenty of folks out there that know how to run it. We have been doing it for many years. Just last week ABATE of Arkansas had classes in Hot Springs on just this subject, among others. It was taught by John Pierce from the MRF Board of Directors. A lot of other States are doing the same thing. The resorces are out there. We just have to use them.
As for missions, I see it as a chain of events that must happen. Notification is the main key. Notify and They Will Come. Untill the site is fixed for good, the notification is kind of weak. We will do what we can until it is corrected. Granted, we are all volunteers and most work full time too but we wouldn't have that if it weren't for the Fallen Heroes that we Honor.
Pete Waddell
dynagc@aol.com
South Central Region Captain
Jeff,
Who said we make mistakes let me at them! We thought we made a mistake once but we were wrong!!
Seriously though, you have made a lot of valid points but I feel you may have missed one huge stumbling block we are still crossing from time to time.
We continually have the eliminate the onus of being viewed as........ ewwwww "bikers". A good majority of the population still view all people that ride as 1%'ers drinking and looking for a fight which instills fear in having us around. Although some of our membership do belong to the 1% I have yet to see anyone one drinking or looking for a fight. All stand together for one cause. This organization has gone from ewwwww bikers to having representative invited to the White House. I would say that was quite a feat in itself.
Let's just keep moving along, adapt and over come and things will fall in place as we go. The good is too great to have it held back by a couple of mistakes.
Jeff ---
In the grand scheme of things what we're doing right is awesome! In the grand scheme of things what we're not doing right is insignificant. I'm so proud of our group and humbled by those we have the privelege of honoring.
--- "akajkc", Colorado
Jeff,
As a person in a leadership role, you will NEVER please EVERYONE. There are too many differing opinions of how things are to be done and I know that you are very aware of this. As a RC, HOTH Coordinator & Forum Moderator, I have made alot of enemies but I have made MORE friends. People always tend to focus on the negative of things and not on the positive...somehow it is in our nature. We will always make mistakes and we will always feel like we are lost and not knowing in which direction we are going but keep this in mind...God gave us His Holy Spirit to lead us, guide us, protect us and comfort us. If you feel like you are lost in not knowing if you are doing right or wrong...your not really lost...God knows where you are and He will find you and give you the strength, knowledge and willpower to continue and give you the determination to keep on doing the RIGHT thing. The PGR is that right thing! So, no, WE may not have any idea of what we are doing but He knows and He gives each of us the wisdom & strength to keep doing it for the accomplishement of HIS purpose. As Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
The PGR was formed for a purpose...God used YOU to get it started...He will continue to give you the direction even though you may think you don't know what you are doing...He knows what He's doing!
I'm a proud member of the PGR, and a newly "promoted" Ride Captain in the Central Texas Region. I also have a ton of experience in volunteer work and organizing events- the details and efforts always seem close to overwhelming. However, one thing I have learned is that if it doesn't feels like total chaos to you, you're probably doing something wrong. Unfortunately, it's supposed to feel that way. If you get comfortable and contented, you're losing your drive and determination to do as well as you possibly can.
Another thing I've learned is that even if it feels to you like it's a disorganized mess, it usually looks to others like you really have your act together. There will always be un expected surprises- but preparation for the known and expected surprises make the unexpected ones easier to attend to.
Jeff, y'all are doing great. Our skills will sharpen, experience will grow and our adaptablilty will allow us to prevail. We're making such a positive difference. We share our tears with the families, the friends, the Police- everyone we make contact with (except, perhaps, the UG's). There are no ethnic colors, only red, white and blue. There is nothing about the PGR that is not good.
As I watched our membership recently eclipse 60,000 I couldn't help but compare that number to the losses of service personnel in our Nation's conflicts. Those numbers are staggering, and such a membership total in under a year- that grows every day- is a tribute to those of us who want to heal.
Carry on, my brothers and sisters.
Andy Lough
Austin
Just think of the mess we would be in if we knew what we doing. GOD bless the PGR. GOD bless the USA. .... Ross
Jeff, I know we are growing and at times it may seem as tho we might not know exactly what we are doing.
But I must tell you and anyone who will listen that for me, the PGR has turned my life into a thing with meaning. Not that my life had no meaning befor the PGR. But rather the PGR has provided this old veteran with a new mission direction for my life. I wish the PGR would have come along so many years ago.
I know that you will at times get frustrated with all that you must have to deal with, I for one would not want to have your job.
But think about this for a moment, the PGR would not have grown by over 61,000 members in just one year if we didn"t know what we were doin. This organization that we are all a part of, has had and will have a greater influence on PATRIOTISM than anyone yet can realize. Mabe don't have Clear plan of action that will cover alll circomstance;s, but under any circumstance we do the right thing.
After all, AMERICANS doin the nright thing is what it is about , is it not. There is no one plan of action that can cover all situations. But becouse of the MISSSION STATEMENT that is the core of the PGR, we members have found true direction.
RESPECT, can be served in many ways from many differant directions the PGR way. I foe one thank all of the PGR leadership. I may not always agree with every decision, but as long as I do the PGR thing, I will do the right thing.
So in closing, please understand, you have over 61,000 brothers and sisters out here standing behind you ,, doin the right thing.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS THE PGR
It's good to know I'm not alone. Thanks Jeff for posting what I wish everyone knew. When our fellow PGR look to us for answers about a mission.....sometimes the answer is "I don't know, but we'll figure it out".
David Lema
Ride Captain - Rhode Island
An important reminder for us all to think about, thanks .
If PGR does nothing more than tell me "When & Where" thats enough for me. I don't mind digging a little to get all the details.
The gray hairs sneak in more and more every year and as each year passes I realize that I have seen far too many flag draped coffins in my lifetime (some family, some neighbors).
I take each one VERY SERIOUSLY and I expect PGR members do also. No one in our society is deserving of more respect than a Serviceman. These are not JOY RIDES. I fully expect each participant show the kind of respect due at such a somber occasion.
I has never witnessed any form of misbehavior and I hope it continues that way.
I think our leadership is doing a wonderful job considering the tasks at hand and all I can say at this point Mates is........Just do what you can & the rest of us can pick up the slack.
Hi Friend,
Great article, gotta agree with my Brother EDTHELVN, when we gather together to Honor a Fallen Hero, it's done with the best of our abilities. I've done over 30 Missions and with each of them, I am so proud of our PGR members in California! Yup, mistakes can happen, however, we'll learn by them. Am extremely proud to be a part of this wonderful Patriot Guard Organization, and have met and will meet many more PGR members at up-coming missions in the future! I'm certain that I speak of many other PGR members, when I say that we appreciate the hard work you and National do!!
Sincerely,
Jerry"PopPop"Zimmermann
US ARMY ISG(Ret.)
Encino, CA.
Ride Captain
As a proud member of PGR, I think it is amazing the things that have been accomplished in the last year. In fact, I would be shocked if there were not some growing pains. The bottomline is that we ae trying to do something that is bigger than all of us It is something VERY IMPORTANT. We can never back down or stop what we are doing. So much good has come out of this last year. I, for one, will never forget the reason we are doing this. REMEMBER THE MISSION. I believe I am in a state that has a very strong state leadership. I trust my Georgia State Captain to do what is best for our military, our state and our members. I would follow him and his wife anywhere they lead us. I wish other states had the leadership as this state does. REMEMBER THE MISSION. Gail Sorrows
Its pretty sad when people do things wrong and its pointed out to them ,they go and try and hide it or edit it or ask to lock a thread rather than apologize or admit they were wrong in their statement(s). it takes a big man or woman to admit they were wrong...
jeff, it always works out brother.we'll just keep on keepin on! the righteous cause overshadows all! MissouriMuleskinner
When someone come to you and said" I know what you were doing and keep it up, we all proud of you ." I guees it said it all. Several times I go to mission,some body will shake your hand . I think we all know what we are doing.
We all MAKE MISTAKE AND WE LEARN FROM IT. In one year the PGR has completed so many mission and I'm very proud to be part of it. Jeff your doing one hell of a good job. even if we don't know what we are doing. I know we doing the right thing and others know were doing it
right thats all I can say...
Jeff,
Another letter telling it like it is. I have to disagree. It appears you DO know what you are doing. Keep it up. Your leadership makes being a PGR so much easier.
Dan 'dbeesh' Biesheuvel
Bismarck, ND
Jeff,
Just a little insight. I have been envolved with the VFW for many years. As a commander and chaplin I have had the honor and resposibility to preside over many military funerals. The funerals that are most memorable to me are the ones that helped the families cope with their lose while tryin to rmember their loved one. In light of this I will say that the missions that I have been on may not have followed the same "book" thery all provided the same thing. Comfort and solice to the family and honor to one of Americas finest people. "THE AMERICAN VETERAN".
I am proud that we donot know what we are doing because what we do comes from the heart and each time it gets better.
Thanks for the chance to serve.
The Budman
Hey Jeff,
Anytime you get that feeling of doubt, do what I do... go read a few of the Letters of Appreciation! That'll get ya goin again!
Trust me, this is the finest group I've ever HEARD of, let alone had the pleasure to be associated with!
Jeff, you and all the PGR leaders are doin fine!
jeff think you for all the hard work you have done the growing pains just make us better if and when you may need help look me up the patroit guard riders have helped me a lot are brothers & sisiters need al tlhe help thay can get whe i went a cross the big pond in 67 no one sad hi or good by to me the pgr is helping me witch the way i live to day casper
Jeff,
Thank God we do not know what we are doing. It is working out great.
If we had a set way to do every thing then we would not be able to show how much we Honor and care for the families and there loved ones.
We would have to say it had to be this way or that way. This way works just fine.
Fueler
Brother don't let anyone fool you ... you couldn't possibly be perfect, try as hard as you may. I have yet to meet, or hear from, anyone within this organization who is set on failure as a goal. Failures will occur, growing pains will continue, but the goal is worthy and a blessing for to many families and friends of lost heros. For the record, the only perfect man to walk this earth was put to death just over 2000 years ago. Keep the goal in sight, pray to acheive it, and then get off your knees and keep walking with God to get there. You might remember in those particularly trying times to look over your shoulder and notice the 60,000 + (and growing) helpers walking that same path, each in their own particular way ... all sharing the same goal ... some willing to pick you up and carry you if need be.
There's no right way to do a wrong thing.
There's also no wrong way to do something right.
The rest is just details....
I think we're doing pretty damn good considering we don't know what we're doing! I couldn't think of a better group of people to be involved with!
I'm so happy to be a part of this organization, perfect or not. Please know that you have the support of over 60,000 members. If leadership members need to delegate certain responsibilities (like sifting through the hundreds of emails they receive daily) there are literally thousands of members ready, willing, and able to help in ANY way needed.
We could consider professional assistance also, if you decide it's needed and affordable. But also consider the members, as many people are trained and licensed in areas mentioned. I for one am a law student willing to participate in an unpaid internship with this organization if needed (research, etc). I'm willing to bet there are others like me, in more fields than just law. In less than 2 years I'll be a lawyer. I'm willing to bet there are many already with many years of experience in relevant fields that would be willing to commit to a certain project or number of hours to assist. With the miracle of the internet so much could be done by individuals in any state!
Maybe some kind of request for assistance could be made for people with the certain types of experience you are wanting. I think you'd be pleased with the responce and the result. Just an idea.
Bottom line: hang in there! we all support you completely, even if there is disagreement with details. Remember that we REALLY do make a difference. Just ask Sandy Deraps. She lost her son Leon back in May and was so impacted by what we did for her family and Leon that she decided to join to help other families. I know we make a difference when I look into her face as she stands honor guard at the funeral of a military serviceperson she never met...
-svsheri; a PGR member who lives in Missouri
May peace be with you Jeff, the PGR can never be perfect, none of us will ever be perfect. Our hearts are in the right place and with your help this will be comfort to many friends and family, the way Americans should act.
"Freedom is not free"
Argo11
Well we may not know what we're doing, but all I know is that we're very much appreciated! PGR has the respect of the U.S. military, Law Enforcement and little old ladies who come up and thank me for being a member. We MUST be doing something right! Hang in there my Friend, it may not be pretty sometimes, but we'll git er dun!
Peace from the Republic of Texas
When an organization grows so fast sometimes we can be overwhelmed at the size and all the things that need to be done to keep it running. I've seen a lot of people work hard at keeping it going but I've never seen anyone stand there patting themselves on the back. The focus has always been on the mission and what we can do to honor the hero's of not only this war but past ones as well.... and that's something we all know and are doing very well. We can't make all the missions and be all to everybody but each member does what they can and does it with all their heart, pride and patriotism they have. If the PGR doesn't know what we are doing then I hope we never do because it's working just fine as it is.
16 MISSIONS, NO COMPLAINTS. EVERYBODY I'VE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH HAS ALWAYS BEEN 100% IF THESE GUYS DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING; I'M HAPPY TO BE ONE OF THEM.
CINCO
The way I view it. Us rank amateurs are winning. When the PGR started last year, there were only 7 volunteers to face down the UGs. (an orginization that has the mission of fostering hate and disgust down to a science) Outnumbered.. a bit, but not outclassed. In a year, these few volunteers not only outnumber the UG(lies) 600 to 1, and are growing daily. Our mission has grown, patriotism has grown, and those of us stuck on the homefront finally get a chance to assist/comfort/heal all the people affected by this war and the ones we fought previously.
I leave the PGR banner on my bike full time and constantly get people wanting to talk with me, join the orginization, and tell us "Thanks". That's worth a few "Fubars" and "Snafus" from time to time.. We're human.
It has been as you stated, and I for one see that I learn each and every mission. We in Georgia have adopted the saying "Patriotism in Motion" as we and the rest of the Patriot Guard continue doing what we do remember always the main reason that we are here RESPECT.
Ancient1
I think the "not knowing what we are doing" is what makes us the PGR... because we work from our hearts.
Like I always say "It's a individual mission... we do together"
Bryan.
We must ALL crawl before we walk and then walk before we can run. Looks to me like we're getting really close to the run part. Keep it up Jeff and calll on whatever talents the PGR may need and have to offer, to keep moving in the RIGHT (and what we do IS RIGHT) direction. Keep us going, so far so GREAT.
...."Must be doing something right"
Jeff,
What we lack in experience we more than make up for in heart. I don't hesitate to say we have the best group of people imaginable in the PGR and leadership to match.
I am humbled and honored to stand with any of my PGR brothers and sisters and thank you all for that opportunity.
possek
Twister-
Someday I hope to shake your hand.
This is by far the most important public service I have ever heard of, let alone been involved with. Whether we know what we're doing or not.
9
Well that's good to hear cause no one likes a dam know it all, like me, right Jeff ;o).
I think the phrase down here to sum it up is that "you done good".
Your source for crazy ideas, and I’ll keep pitching them till one sticks on the wall.
Twister,
I thought I was the only one feeling this way! I really don't know what I am doing, but my heart shows me the way. Thank you for all you have done to allow folks like me to honor our warriors.
Top
Welcome to life. It is not plannable, or smooth, or predictable. It is a roller coaster. The more chaos, the better. Who wants boring? The nature of what we do means we have to react to events - sometimes with very little time. We try to bring some order to the chaos in order to accomplish the mission - but no plan survives intact. I have not met any PGR member who didn't have the maturity and experience to realize that we have to be flexible and adapt to different conditions and obstacles. I believe in this organization because I believe in its purpose. 60,000 + people believe in this organization. Apparently, it was an idea whose time had come. With luck and God's grace, we won't abandon it when the current hostilities end and we will continue to honor ALL of our veterans when they are called home. Keep up the excellent work.
John Colter - Secretary, Blue Knights LAVII
Semper Fi!
I concur the PGR is indeed a most honorable endeavor. To whatever degree we contribute it is all good.
I am proud to be a member of this organization because I find it to be largely selfless in its point and wholly dedicated to the single purpose of Honoring the Fallen.
I wear my PGR patch on the back of my vest proudly and when people ask me for an explanation of it ...I am eager to explain yet sad that the need for our organization exists.
well duh!
I read only the headline, and I don't think I need to read further. Actually, I'm amazed at the moment. Twice in a row I've come to the website and it's working. I'd believe all this 'working as hard as we can' story .... except ... I know what 70 hour weeks of programming are like ... and I know people who do IT now ... something is not right ... if you're really working your tushies off ... and the same problems keep happening ..... this headline is 110% accurate.
I think everyone is doing a great job. God Bless you Jeff.
Granny Red
Jeff,
As with any grassroots organization, all we had when you started the PGR was sincere, deep-rooted sense that our men and women in uniform deserved to be shown the honor and respect they have all earned, throughout time. There is no set "plan" to do something a certain way when it comes from the heart. If more human beings would listen to their hearts instead of their minds, the world would be a much better place. By doing what you did about a year ago, you have shown over 60,000 members exactly what that means. We learn by doing and as long as we continue to learn, everyday, we'll be just fine.
Thank you, sir, for stoking the embers and re-igniting the fires withing all "true" Americans.
Joe Cumblidge
WV RC
I can't speak for anyone else on here, but I think national and all the other leaders I've dealt with have done a bangup job. We get short notice (sometimes just a few hours), no planning time, very little travel time, barely time to toss rain gear in saddlebags and kiss the family before we head out. Most of us feel guilty for not being able to take half a day off to stand in the weather for a total stranger or a blood brother. When you're dealing with the population of a meduim sized city, you're never going to please everbody, especially when hackers are trying to sabotage your communication systems. You guys are doing an outstanding job.
Superbeast
Jeff and my fellow Patriots
Thank you Jeff for your words. I have been @ 18 missions 14 honor funerals this year so far. We have 3 more in MI in the next couple of weeks. I think most of us have been to maybe one a year before this.
Jeff, it is that statement you made on another post that always helps me even when I fell frustrated trying to make things happen.
Jeff's statement
"It’s very rare to have the opportunity to have a positive affect on the lives of thousands of people. We're living that opportunity right now.
I urge you to continue the mission. We do make a difference. Most families will never remember the preacher’s words or the Captain’s accolades. In times of such overpowering grief, the family will not remember who was there or who sent flowers. But they remember the strangers who came on the bikes and in cars from miles away; the men and women who stood shoulder to shoulder to share in their sorrow and their pride. They remember and they are thankful. It matters.
Sir Winston Churchill once said, “It is not enough that we do our best, sometimes we have to do what is required.”!!!"
We will not falter, We will not fail, We will not weaken!!!! The marines we stand for learned to Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!!!
God bless you all!!!
Sam
Yep. Jeff said that right!
This is America at its best. Disorganized, differing opinions, all working for one common goal.
I love everything about PGR!
God bless you all.
Jeff
I did manage to get through my son Robert's, and my wife Karens, funeral at the same time as my wife died one week after Roberts, and they were creamated and are intermed next to one another in the Veterans Memorial Cemetary in Sierra Vista Az. And with or without experience I wish I had known about the PGR then because I would have been very proud having you there, being a Nam Vet myself. If there is anything I can do or help come up with some kind of fund raising I can help with just let me know.
Trikeman01 A.K.A. Dennis Wahrer just let me know at denniswahrer@aol.com
GOD BLESS Every member we have and those who join in the future.
Jeff,
Your elequent writing is so down to earth and easy to understand and appreciate. I hope we never have to get enough experience in this honorable thing we do to get it perfact but it is so good to participate and show our honor and respect for our nations heroes, their families and their community. I believe so many Americans have felt the way we do but have just not had a way to show it. I have met so many veterians like me and non vet's, their families, riding or driving or walking to get to missions to honor our living and our dead. In my sixty one years,46 of which on a motorcycle, I've never been prouder to be associated such a fine group of people. The work of the PGR leadership is relentless in it's effort to get the job done and done right. I can't wait to retire to be the most active member I can be for this fine and just cause. My god bless us all in our mission.
Alwas Standing By, Roger Treend, Oswego, IL.
Jeff and here i joined because i thought everybody in charge new what they were doing (lol) oh well guess i'll just stick around to see what happens next. Seriously, you guys are doing a heck of a job and it makes me proud to be a part of this outfit. Blue Fox
I pray that this damn war is won long before our leaders or we who ride for the fallen can ride in honor of lost service members enough times get it perfect.
Sometimes a person is not the best one for a job but rather simply the one who was willing to do it.
That is my two cents worth,
Gerald
ISA 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Maine - Honor Mission 1 - January 2006 - 5 PGR Members stood in freezing cold temperatures holding flags in honor of an American Hero
Maine - Honor Mission 2 - February 2006 - 6 PGR Members stood in sub zero temperatures, 2 feet of snow holding flags in honor of an another American Hero.
MAINE - HONOR MISSION 3 - MARCH 2006
Over 200 motorcycles, more than 40 cagers in our procession to honor another fallen Amercian Hero - PLUS over 2,500 community members showed for this service! Not to mention 5 different Law Enforcement Departments, Fire and Rescue Squads and an UNCOUNTABLE number of Motorcycle Clubs (including 1%) from across the state.
Did I know what I was doing as the ONLY RC in the State of Maine ???? HECK NO! BUT thanks to National Leadership - PGR Members that RODE in from over 9 (YUP NINE!) states to help me when I put out a cry for help on the web site - Rolling Thunder's Assistance in getting us all there safely- Other Motorcycle Clubs Assistance - LEO's Assistance - "WE" (not "I") pulled it off with only a few blips in the radar! and if I may add...I was proud and honored to be a part of it!
"WE" honored our fallen, 'WE" supported the family, and "WE" helped the community to lay down their "signs" and come join us in a mission of "Honor & Respect".
When the "I" comes out of it and the "WE" gets put into it...THEN..."WE" got it ALL! And, together "we" will learn, grow and succeed as "we" have done in the past and continue to do so.
Carry on PGR - together as one - and WE will succeed.
Jeff, The first mission that I attended I had no clue on what to do and what to expect. I learned from others around me.All the missions that I have been on have gone very well on our part (I feel). The impact that we have on family's and friends is very high. The PGR gets last minute notices, when you find out about a mission and with in a couple of days(if you have that much time) and can get even one person showing their respect you did a good job. I can't think of any other group that can get that much done in that short of time. They have weeks to prepare. These are just my thoughts and feelings, Just a group of people that want to keep the family's safe and show our honor and respect and the amount of people in this group can get together so fast to do this on their own time is just mind blowing to me. This has changed my life and now my family's life. I'm very proud to be with the PGR and I let everyone know that ! Please keep the faith brother. Jim
as long as I know when and where the rest is just details.
The key is VOLUNTEER and VOLUNTARY. People forget that as time passes and the membership grows, the number of missions rise and fall, that it is being handled by VOLUNTEERS on a VOLUNTARY basis. You, the national leadership, regional, state, and ride captains haven't done anything wrong; you can't fault a VOLUNTEER for taking time off from work or time away from their families for doing something so honorable. If there's any fault to be found, it has to be with those who forget that it's a VOLUNTEER run organization performing a VOLUNTARY service to the famliies, communities, and nations. That being said, PGR has become the leading grass roots organization of patriotism in the country; so if we don't know what we're doing, we need to continue doing it!!
ICV ANIMAL
National Pres, In Country Vets MC
Proud Patriot Guard Rider
No one who takes on any type of leadership role within the Patriot Guard has anything to apologize for. From our Web site keepers, our State Captains’, our RC‘s or the road dogs; the duties they perform are above and beyond because it is for those who are willing to or have given the ultimate for our freedoms. The duty, honor and respect that is so much present on our missions will always over shadow any mistake. You are all doing great. You all make me very proud to be associated with the Guard. Do what you know is in your heart…stand tall and hold our colors high. You have nothing to apologize for….ever! Thanks to all my brother and sisters.
Standing by in Oceanside to Ride for our Hero’s and the Guard.
Donovan Brown