COMMENTS
Twister,
I love your last line, “'this is not about us'…well, yes…and no." You're right - PGR has awakened a sleeping giant named the Silent Majority. All of a sudden, it's not about what the media is telling on the 6:00 news, it's about Americans like the ones in Venus, TX yesterday. They turned out the schools at noon to wave and cheer as a limo carrying one of their own, a Combat Wounded Veteran, a Hero, around their tiny little town. And the Patriot Guard was there - at the invitation of the Mayor after she met us at a mission last month. It's about something called patriotism that I honestly thought America had forgotten. Yeah, our missions will always come first, but I'll ride parades, parties or bar-mitzvahs if I'm invited - and they don't mind me carrying a flag and telling them about the Patriot Guard!
Jeff,
Thank you for starting the PGR, and thank you for your comment. I completely agree with you.
Tony
"How many of us feel that our membership in the PGR has helped fill a void in our lives by giving us an effective outlet to show our support. Promoting the PGR introduces that opportunity to others who may need the same outlet. It promotes membership growth…can we ever have to many supporters at a mission? If the family appreciates 50 members at a mission, wouldn’t 100 members be even better?"
Amen. Without going into too much detail, not only has my service with the PGR been a help to grieving families, it's been a great boost to my own sense of self-worth, and DEFINITELY filled a void in my life. I feel that I have an added purpose, besides that of wife, mother, and airman. I just can't express how proud I am to be a part of the PGR.
Frankly, after service in the Viet Nam era USAF, I feel we are showing Americans that we were doing the right thing THEN as we are doing the right thing NOW. It wasn't popular to be a soldier then. Instead of respect and honor, we received scorn, and some soldiers were even afraid to wear their uniform.
When we stand for the current military in a showing of respect, honor, and support, we are in essence doing the same for ourselves. We are setting the example.
I got that swagger back, even at 51. I FEEL taller,almost like when I had hair.
I will serve until the day I die. And that day, I will be watching you, standing for me. Until that time, I have a purpose, a meaning, a mission in life.
Another positive thing is the PGR is enabling those that could not serve the military and our country, to now serve, in support. And they stand as proud of our country, as all should. It gives all Americans to show, face up front that we appreciate the sacrifices made by all military.
It serves as notice to all current military that we have there back. We care, love, and miss them. It gives them something to fight for, to live for, and to complete their missions for.
We must continue to complete our missions, and offer support to those that need us. We are needed, badly.
The hug from the mother of a casualty at a mission, and the fathers handshake that also quickly turned into a hug, changed my life forever.
And I am proud to shed tears for them. To share in their pain. To feel their love. To be part of their family that day, and beyond that day, for the rest of my life.
It is all about them, everything. Our existence, our start, our growth, our diligence and drive, is all for them.
And America is finally WELCOMING US HOME ! It's all I ever wanted and dreamed of. We are living it now.
WELCOME HOME, GOD BLESS YOU ALL, AND WELCOME HOME
Jeff,
As I've said before ( at my age, we start repeating ourselves ) I don't know you, but I do. As a Vietnam vet, who also lost a brother there, I know what PGR would have meant to my family. So I ride and serve now for myself and them. The healing that happens is a bonus that I didn't expect. PGR has become my focus and I am glad that we are here. You are right, it is also about us. You good people, by your friendship and respect, are helping me more than you know.
LLRB
Snap
ARLTater;
Brother, your words have touched my heart. Thank you for sharing them from yours.
I was going to write some litany of my own to express my pride in being a part of it all, but I think what you said puts everything in the proper perspective.
I am proud to shed a tear for you, Brother. And thank you for your service before me.
Indeed, welcome home. I am proud of you, and all Viet Nam vets. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Ido not know what to say after reading all those comments they have touched my inner souland realized God has brought me to the patriot guards,although i have not gone on my first mission and i pray to god that i don'thave to. i weep for all my brothers past and present. HOOAH1
At age 68, I'm preparing for another Run for the Wall. My good ol' '93 Harley is very tired and I was hoping it would make one more run. (I had problems with it on my last PGR mission) I have a condition similar to MS and this may be my last RFTW. But, then I thought about future PGR missions and how important that has become to me. Can't risk any more breakdowns; two days ago I bought a new HD Road King. Hooooaaaaaa!
Ray "Noodle" Ross
Sun City West, AZ
Since I became a member of the PGR, I have talked to a lot of people about who we are and what we do. I hear "thank you for what you have done" so many times and I still swell with pride when i hear it. When I talk to vets especially. And when they say thanks I tell them that it's me that should be thanking them for doing what they do or have done because without them, God only knows where we would be. So to all vets i say thank you for what YOU have done and may God bless.
While reading all these fine comments it brings a tear to the eye, what everyone here has said is true, it is just fantastic that so many people have come together via this site to promote their partriotism for all our veterans past, present and future (lets hope not), it makes a person proud to be a member of something so great as this...John
At our mission in Waco last month, it really sunk home what the PGR means to the families of these vets, and also what it means to me.
When we were called to attention, and given the command 'hand salute', every member stood tall, and as I glanced out the corner of my eye, I can tell you every salute, to a man, was crisp, professional, and proudly given in honor of the young Marine we were there to pay respects to.
Maybe it's not about us. But then again maybe it is, for the simple reason it's our way of showing what we've all always known. And that is, there is still pride in our country, our flag, and the men who are willing to lay down there lives for the freedom of life we enjoy each and every day.
Yes I'm a vet, proud of it, and proud to pay honor to those that have gone before me past and present.
The PGR truly has become a brotherhood, and has become a statement of the will of those that truly care.
When we cane back from Vietnam. I was meet by protesters. They threw stuff at us, I was unlucky enought to recieve a baggy of dog dung. The cops just stood by and watched some even smiled. I have carried that day with me for so long. Since working with the PGR I think some healing has begun. I will never let that happen again to any returning service member as long as I live. I fought for the right so that anyone can protest anything they want. But, not at the funerals or the homecomings of service members. Anyother time any other place is just fine with me. Heck I might even join the right protest. But, never at a funeral or a homecoming. The PGR is keeping me on the straight and narrow and I'll not devate so long as a brother/sister is there to help me.
WOW!!! ALRtater, seems like you can read my mind ! I joined the Marine Corps at 17 hoping to fulfill a dream I had had since I was about 12. In bootcamp a medical condition was discovered that they missed at my physical and I was sent home 3 weeks short of graduation. Since then I have supported our military any way I could. But as you said so eloquently "I have a purpose, a meaning, a mission in life". Every chance I get I personally thank our military personnel for what they have done, and are doing, in service to our country. I have yet to go on a mission and it will be bittersweet if I do: proud to honor the fallen, sad that a young life is gone. WELCOME HOME !! to all from Iraqi Fredom, Desert Storm, Viet Nam, Korea, and World War II. In my eyes you all are heroes.
Jeff and All Aging Vets,
You are absolutely, positively correct!! You have given a special purpose to my life. I pray I never have to attend another combat fatality mission. I look forward to the day that I am your age, and teaching a 38 year old like myself the ropes you have taught me. There are so many of you who have opened the door to your lives to me, and I will stand in honor for you when this great organization has stood the test of time and your mourning family needs this group who rides with respect!!! I got your back my friends.
"Though we gather for the worst of reasons, We ride for the best of causes!!!"
Ronny "BEAR" Awtry
I have to add, for me the PGR gives me an outlet for my energy - and keeps me busy so that I have less time to worry about my Marine!
That is value worth more than Gold!
To all who are members, veterans or not, as a non-combat vet of the Viet Nam era let me just add my two cents here. As has been said so eloquently by so many here already, the PGR has become some of the best medicine for not only the families of our fallen heroes but also for veterans of past conflicts. Most, if not all, vets of Viet Nam were met with derision from the American people and were never able to obtain 'closure'. This is simply a way of getting that necessary 'closure' by giving to these loved ones what was, basically, denied 30+ years ago.
To all the founders of the PGR, may I just say "Thank you" for this grassroots idea you had that has spread throughout this country like wildfire. Although done in a much better manner than Al Queida, you have succeeded in awakening a 'sleeping giant' by your efforts here.
The pride I feel in displaying the 'colors' of the PGR is matched only that which is felt when hearing Lee Greenwood's rendition of God Bless the U.S.A.
Thank you again.
It is about us for sure Jeff. As Americans, it's about all of us. I could ramble on about what the PGR has meant, but you expressed it very well. I add my sincere Thanks! Riding with respect Solo.
it,s not about me and glory but yes it,s about us and this world..GLAD to be a PGR MEMBER
To the brotherhood, hoah
I am a Army First Sergeant, have served for 20 yrs now. At every mission I get thanked for my service (as most in the Tx PGR know that I am still active) by veterans of an era that it was not "cool" to be a Soldier, Marine, or Airmen, it is I who shoud be thanking you. I stand PROUD to be able to "serve" in this brotherhood, I am also grateful for this group for you all show what America IS. I have been to many countries, Japan, South America, Korea, and the Middle East to name most; America is not perfect but I would not live aywhere else. This brotherhood shows the spirit of what is great about the U.S. (we do have are times of "shame", but never try to exploit that because you will regret it).
So as far as it not being about "US" well the way I look at it "US" and the U.S. are the same.
To all the brotherhood, I thank all those who have served, will serve, or just support, you all are great in my book.
TOP
it,s not about me and glory but yes it,s about us and this world..GLAD to be a PGR MEMBER
I respectfully disagree and always try to redirect whatever attention or praise that happens to come our way back to the people we are there to honor. What we are doing should be felt as an obligation by every citizen who benefits from the service and sacrifice endured by these families on our behalf. Its the Red, White, and Blue flag that needs to be promoted.
there are no words to properly express how proud i am to be a part of the PGR. to stand beside and be included by all you great people i am honored beyond words.
To all members, especially those who have served in the Vietnam era, I agree with Ronny "BEAR" Awtry!! I am currently on active duty, a SFC in the Army. I do now and will always "have your back!" as I hope the next gereation has mine. I am extremely proud to be part of an organization that is so selfless and so focused on the "real" that it's own members and founder fell the need to continually draw focus away from themselves and onto the real issues, like our fallen comrades, our freedom and our sincere gratitude in all who have served and/or supported this great country!
Aaron
" Most, if not all, vets of Viet Nam were met with derision from the American people and were never able to obtain 'closure'. This is simply a way of getting that necessary 'closure' by giving to these loved ones what was, basically, denied 30+ years ago."
Ultraclassic,
Sorry, but I have to disagree with you. It was not the "American People" who spat on the soldiers and through bags of dung and desecrated the uniform and American flag! These doings were started by a few small groups of misguided idiots and morons not unlike the one's we are dealing with today!! Brought on by the media showing our troops at their very worst. The media showing war in any light tends to have very ill effects, as we are also seeing today.
I just want to clear up one thing for good! At my house I was young but I and all my family members were very proud of my Uncle who was in action and all of the Vets of Viet Nam! Though very patriotic, we just didn't know how to show it and wasn't sure what we could do at the time. Please don't say "American People" when talking about the people who were protesting the war, the people who didn't understand what was really going on and were wrong for treating our hero's in this manor.
This can and does happen even today! Thanks to groups like the PGR we can know what to do and how to help. Without opposition these groups can get out of hand and grow like in the Viet Nam era. I pray that this never has to happen again! I am very proud to be a member of the PGR and may the PGR always over shadow anything else. I am also very proud of all our Vets! I want to say Welcome Home to all our Vets Young and old. I am also sorry we couldn't have been there back in the Viet Nam era. Let's stand together to never let that happen again!! God Bless all!
Jeff:
I would totally agree with you. There are core values being defined and passed on to the younger generation, also to the “Silent Majority” who just go about their lives. The PGR is demonstrating that you can do something that makes a difference. There is magic taking place here, how many times have we heard that attending a Mission is a life changing experience. I have repeatedly heard the Vietnam vets talk about this being a healing experience; I know it has for me.
The PGR is fast becoming more than what it was. Twister, you wrote a great Mission statement. It is the backbone of what is happening. It clearly defines what to do and how. Now something more is needed. The group needs to understand where it is going. I would encourage you and the leadership to explore adding to it, a Vision Statement, what will the PGR look like in 5 or even 10 years? I agree with you in that something very special is happening, Look at the subjects, and discussions in the forums and you see, and feel the passion that has been awakened, and healing that is taking place.
It is critical that if we want to end up somewhere we must have and Idea of where that is. In this case it is critical that the entire membership understands the same thing. It shapes decision-making, emotions and actions. If not the movement risks going in unexpected and perhaps unwanted directions.
Please accept my personal thanks for the PGR and for allowing me to participate.
Varaceman
I was too young to serve in Viet Nam, but old enough to remember watching it on TV as a child. I ended up serving in the Coast Guard later in life. Here in Vegas a few months back they had a small version on the Wall on display downtown. I went there with some of my fellow STAR Touring memebers along with our STAR VETS, to see the display. I sat off on my own, since I knew of no one on the wall personally, and thought about the sheer number of names spread out before me. An old vet walked up, sat next to me and asked if I was ok. I looked at him and said,"I should be asking YOU that question". He laughed, and asked when I served, I informed him that it was alot later than he had!. Then we both laughed. I said, I remember, as a child, watching the TV and seeing what whent on over there, ( what we were ALLOWED to see, I should say), and i thought to myself, All these men are dying for us, and so many don't care!. I always found that impossible to understand, even to this day." I looked back at the old vet and said " thank you for everything you have given me". He replied by thanking me for remembering, and for what I will be giving in the future. Then he walked away. I never knew his name, what branched he served in. Just that he served his country, and our way of life, so that I could do the same, when it came my time. Then came the Patriot Guard... It IS about us! It's about us honoring those who fought and served in the past, allowing us today to do the same. I can only hope that sometime in the future, I will be "the old vet" who comes apon a young man, and asks " Are you OK?"
Life always gives us a preview of things to come.
Sometimes we just don't see it untill later on.
Robert Kwasny
Las Vegas, Nevada
STAR Touring Chapter 276
STAR VET - United StaTes Coast Guard
First I agree with the above! When someone thanks me for what "WE" do, I answer, "Thank You, Join us." And then I tell them how.
As one of the many in this group who was in the service of this great country we live in but never got the chance to defend on foriegn soil, I think a patch I once saw says it for me. " I wasn't there , but I still care." UNKL-TAZ
The mission of the PGR is an honorable grassroots American cause, for Americans... by Americans... any Americans! Period. It's just that simple. It promots itself... As a Sr. Ride Captain in my state/district... If the U.S. Commander in Chief or the Scout Master of a local B.S.A. Tropp and anyone or thing in between... I put the call out to ther PGR members in my district... if they feel the it's worthy, they'll come... if not... that's their call, their decision. I'll be there as a representive of the PGR. The organization, the mission... the message is worth it to me. That's just the way I feel.
well let me say that even though i have never served due to colon cancer at 16 and unable to enlist. i have always cared. im 34 now and before 9-11 i wasa proud American. proud of our Fore-fathers who faught for our country but have raised that level after 9-11 and again after i joined the PGR. Wish i could say that we didnt have to do this for the reason we do but i will say that i would do it even if there where no other reason then to show respect and thanks to our fallen Soldiers. R.I.P. my Brothers And Sisiters
To all,
Being part of PGR is a great honor. I am active duty Navy, and have been for 21 years. I am proud of all persons who have worn the cloth of our country. The attention PGR brings to those that have paid the ultimate, is years and years overdue. It has only been the last few years that I have received a "thank you" from the civilians in my community for my service. Again, I am proud of what I do, proud of what I stand for as a member of our country's Armed Service, and very proud and thankful for all those that have served before me. Watching those caskets coming home made me feel guilty, like I should be doing more. Showing my respect to those that have paid the ultimate price is filling a void and also instilled a sense of duty. I am honored to be a member of this group, to ride with all my brothers and sisters in arms. I do not look forward to any events with PGR (for obvious reasons), but being with like minded persons makes it much easier.
Take care and ride safe.
Diverdan
Aransas Pass, Tx
As an Army mom, I didn't know what I could do to openly and publicly support our troops besides the yellow ribbon on my truck. When I was shown the way to the PGR it took about a millisecond for me to sign up. I knew this was going to be exactly where I could give back. I'm proud to be a member and I tell everyone I can about PGR. What I am most proud of in the PGR are the Viet Nam Veterans. After all you've been through, you've risen above the scorn and degradation and held your heads up. It moves me deeply to serve alongside a group of men and women who are the epitome of class, dignity and true patriotism. Welcome home!
From a family of Vets. . . . . . and as one who COULDNT be a Vet . . . . maybe it IS about US . . . its given me a feeling that i AM doing something . . . . maybe not on the front lines . . . but SOMETHING!!! . . . . AND THATS GOING TO HAVE TO BE ENOUGH.
There are tears in this Sergeant Major's eyes tonight. Tears of sadness for those who served so honorable yet were treated with such disrespect upon their return home. Tears of joy for those who are finding healing through participation in the PGR and support of our country, our military, and our fallen comrades and their families. And tears of profound sorrow for three of my proud and brave "Screaming Eagle" soldiers that gave their lives here in Iraq during the past 48 hours in the service of our great country. The chances are high that the families of these fallen heroes will ask the PGR to attend the funerals, and if so, I know my soldiers will be treated with the utmost dignity, respect, and honor which they so richly deserve. I thank all of you for your service, past and present, in whatever form that service may have been or continues to be. I am proud of my soldiers, I am proud of each of you, and I am proud to be an American; for that what it is about...serving America and honoring those that gave their all to serve her.
Can't agree with you enough Jeff. I realized yesterday as Snap and I were sitting at the Bill Nichols Veterans Home that "We Too" could one day be residents there. It really hit home when one elderly veteran told me that he already felt dead and forgotten becasue no one comes to visit with him at the home. We can't have our Veterans from the Past (VFTP) feeling hopeless and fogotten. That's why I issued the challange to the other State Captains requesting that they "Jump on Board with Alabama" and set up a program to Visit A Vet (VAV). So far, Oregon has jumped on board but we have other SC's that believe it to much trouble, don't want to expend the man-power or their too busy. Our primary mission is the "Fallen Comrades" but I really think that our secondary mission should be making sure that Live Elderly Veterans are not forgotten about. If I can help, please let me know. Dinky Dau
Jeff:
Thank you fo everything.
Thank you to the whole PGR for what you do and allowing me to be apart of it. I tell everyone that I can about the PGR when I am not on a mission, but when I am there I have a 9" PGR flag that flies below my 3x5 Old Glory and my patch.
There's been a lot of discussion regarding this post and that's good. Some members are having a problem with my statements...
Let me see if I can be more clear... the point I was trying to make, and I guess not very successfully, is that there's has never been a question about our objectives. We were established to honor fallen heros, their families and communities. That will always remain the cornerstone of the PGR. However, we also need to be thinking about and acting on what's best for the PGR and it's future. If we don't put some thought along those lines, the ideals that we hold dear will not be passed on and the PGR will fade and die away.
Our missions hold just as true for the 80 year-old WWII vet who dies of a heart attack 60 years after serving his or her country as they do for the 19 year-old killed in Iraq...don't they?
If we choose to totally ignore the promotion, recruitment and growth of the organization, who will be here to honor the next generation of veterans? and the next...and the next.
We do a lot of good for a lot of people....I'm very proud of that and I truly believe that every PGR member should be equally proud.
If you don't feel that way, that's OK...everyone is entitled to their opinion. All I ask is that you allow me to be entitled to mine.
Jeff
I'm with you Twister. We needed a PGR in the 60's and 70's and didn't have one. And we will certainly need one in the future. In the past the sacrifice of the soldier was overshadowed by the politics of the conflict and we need to keep that from happening.
In the 60s there were reports of people spitting on returning soldiers. If it were to happen today, I feel like I have 23,000 friends who would stand up front with me and say "spit on us first you son of a b*tch".
Keep the PGR strong.
Chainsaw, I am with you 110%! I think it's to bad that we couldn't have been there in the 60s. I would have loved to say "spit on me first!!" It hurts me deeply that I couldn't do anything about it back then.........
But we have to remember to keep in mind what Jeff is saying......"We are there to honor our fallen Hero's" Not to give any light what so ever to any protestors! Let us show our true colors! And be Proud!
"RIDE SAFE" :)
Shadow69r
Jeff, you are absolutely correct. With the PGR there will be other missions that will become very important. They may be political. They may be visiting Veterans Homes. They may be teaching the youth of America the history that the schools seem to leave out. There is hope in all our hearts that the mission of fallen young men and women will one day soon end. The PGR is the fastest growing organization that I know. There is power in numbers. You can see that in DC on Memorial Day. We can as a group get good legislation passed that can help all vets, past, present and future. Keep up the good work and I know you will lead in the right direction. Don J.
I wish the PGR had been around when my uncle came back from Vietnam. He would have been so proud to ride. I was two when he returned. I remember him taking me for my first scoot ride when I was three. He was gone by the time I was five. I know that he never recovered from the scorn or found anything to fill that void, and that's what killed him.
So, I am PGR for our active duty, for those who have served, and for him.
Thank you.
Sonya
Generally, I tend to stay out of 'national' issues, but this case is the exception. There seems to be a bit of dissent over what PGR is 'about'. On one hand, it's about the mission - to Honor and Respect our fallen heroes and their families at a moment of sorrow and confusion. On the other, are we to promote PGR in the media thru interviews or...?
For a multi-national organization begun some months ago by a few riders with a noble idea and great organizational skills, PGR has grown to over 23,500 members solely on the strength of it's mission: Respect and Honor. That quiet commitment in the face of UGly and the response of patriots all over is testament to that strength. Deference in media interviews to the family and their fallen hero have done more to further our cause than any 'Madison Avenue' ad campaign could have done.
Yes, maybe it is about 'us', but only as far as 'us' supports the MISSION.
Okay, I'll shut up now....
Jeff,
First off Thank You for your service to this great country of ours.
And Thank You for this group. Every Mission the number of people swell larger and larger.
Last mission I stood beind someone holding a baby who delighted in watching the flags flow in the breeze.
I feel so honored and grateful to be able to be a part of your organization.
I'm proud to be able to pay my respect to a fallen soldier with the PGR, and I thank those who brought the PGR to us. My 17 yr. old daughter rode on a mission in Az. She saw more patriotism and honor among people within those few hours than she has all her life. I feel bad about all the events that brought us the PGR..
LONG LIVE THE PGR!
It's not about us? As we can tell from all the posts, yes it is about us, however the focus is on the family of the fallen, the support for them, and yes for us also. I have noticed so many of us are Vet's. I spent 21 years active duty most of it at Naval Reserve Centers, where we perfromed many a funeral detail for active duty, reserve, retired, and discharged military. I remember those families and I am proud to have the opportunity again through PGR to be able to be there and provide that honorable service of support. Sometimes being on the sidelines and simply being there is enough, for the family and for us.
PGR has a mission statement that is simple and clear. It does not preclude any service to a veteran or his family. The primary focus will always be the standing for our fallen hero's. But last Sunday I had a darn good time saying thank you to some old vets. With 23,000+ members, we're not short on man (and woman)power. So each of us should follow his own heart, do what makes him feel best and be kind to each other. I have my own dragons to fight and PGR is my best sword. So I'll do what I feel is right for me and PGR. But I'll respect your right to have your own opinion. But when you are stating that, please don't be so harsh. What is right for me may not be for you. Let's just respect each other. And hey, let's let Jeff have his opinion too.
LLRB
Snap
When I read posts by our younger members, some active duty, some reservist, family members, shoot just plain patriots, I am filled with pride. I know that the PGR will never die. For myself it has given me an outlet. It has restored my confidence in this nation “Doing What is Right” Although I never served in a combat unit, I was regular Army, 1972 thru 1978 and agonized over the treatment of our returning troops. I will stand with my PGR brothers and sisters in respect of ANY hero, fallen, injured, service member or not, until the day I die
Jeff, in answer to your question, “If we choose to totally ignore the promotion, recruitment and growth of the organization, who will be here to honor the next generation of veterans? and the next...and the next.” I agree. That is why I will be manning the PGR booth at the choppers4children rally at Neosho, MO on the 29th and hope see new faces and hopefully recruit a few new members….. Honored to Ride! Cliff
It is about us.... past, present & future. If you don't toot your own (organization's) horn, the horn fades away... PR, (good or bad) never killed anyone..... Just ask Madonna. IMHO, humbling promoting the Guard, the Mission and the experience will keep a long lasting and viable membership for many years to come.
Regards,
RustPicker
Virginia District 5 PGR Ride Captain (Hampton Rds, VA)
One year prior to the formation of the PGR, I coordinated an escort ride for a local fallen Hero, Christopher Adelsperger. We didn't tell the family we were coming, we just showed up. When the casket and Family exited the church, we were lining the sidewalk on both sides. We came to attention and saluted till all of the Family had passed. Chris' Father, Gary, turned around, came back, and shook the hand of each and every one of us. This while his Son was being put on a fire-truck. I have since become friends with Gary and his Family. They tell me often that what we did that day meant more to them than anything else that was done. Including the Army Honor Guard and the Gold Star presentation by the Blue Star Mothers.
Yea...our Mission is that important. It is about the Fallen and their Families. The healing that some of us get from our participation is just a bonus.
Thank you
Thank you TWISTER,for providing a positive response to the Kansas protesters. The anger i felt towards what they are doing has been replaced by the desire to unite with the men and women who honorably "STAND IN THE GAP" for our fallen heroes. The mission statement of
PGR is a testament to its noble members and to their resolve as evidenced at the POW rally for SGT.MAUPIN in Morrison,Coloradothis past sunday, at the Colorado state capitol and at military funerals all across our beloved country.
The PGR is about US or make that U.S.
It's about Americans who understand that Freedom isn't Free. And regardless of when you served, whether or not you served, if you were on the front line or in the back support, if you were a spouse that was left to take care of the home, you understand that America is made up of her people. And we are the people.
My first mission I was talking to a younger member of a VFW about how no one recruits and explains why these organizations are important. So the PGR becomes the new VFW nothing wrong with that.
Yesterday on the mission here in Indiana I was in the next to last vehicle in the procession and at one point I was at the top of a hill and could see nothing but American Flags as they waved to the top of the next hill. Cars pulled to the side as the procession passed and while I couldn't hear what they were saying I thought.. if nothing else they know this is IMPORTANT. For a moment American in all her pride and all her glory showed through.
The PGRs mission must be more encompassing. Yesterday a group of high school students from a comparison government class came out to talk to the PGRs while we waited for the funeral to end. I assure you they walked away with a better understanding of what American Means maybe the media doesn't get it yet, maybe they still think it's about "those people" but it's about pride, it's about caring, it's about the future, it's about U.S.
Rhonda
Jeff,
Thanks bro for starting this great group. This allows folks like me to continue serving proudly even after our time in in the service, (USMC), is officially ended. I have completed a couple of missions and I have to say that the demeanor of the PGR members speaks for itself. The quiet diginity shown the family and friends is enough. You are going down the right path by letting our actions speak for themselves. It is ALL ABOUT the families of those troops that have gone to rest, regardless of when and where they served. I also agree with an earlier post by an SC. He said that if a Patriotic endeavor were to arise, not necessarily a Mission, then he let's his troops know and let's them decide whether or not to participate. (Visit a Vet, or other type endeavors.) I don't see a problem with that. However, I would caution everyone that the PGR has a distinct and clear mission and the National leadership of this wonderful organization needs to stay focused on that. If the State Captains want to offer other mission-types to their troops, then it should be upon them to be responsible for them. (Sounds like how the USA was originally supposed to work, eh? Let the States handle their own affairs with General support from the Central Gov't...)
Enuf already... Sorry about the rant...
Thank you again for providing me an outlet to serve again.
Semper Fi
I'm a new member, would like my 1st ride to be for CWO3 Hartwick in Liberty Mo. 4/12, but unfortunately can't make it. Seems like a lot of the PGR are Nam vets like me (USMC, '68-'69). I think that most things we do for others we do for ourselves too...if it feels good to us for what we have done we'll continue to do it & all will benefit. Just like Nam, I did it as much for me as I did the USA & the cause. I don't have the body to do what I used to do but I've still got the spirit. I can't hump the boonies anymore but I can damn sure ride a Harley for the latest USA bred heroes that died to keep us free. Semper Fi.
Cpl Reb
First I must state that I am a new member. I am currently serving overseas in support of OIF. I really appreciate all that you have done and will continue to do. Your mission is one of Honor and integerity. Your colors say it all. I agree it isn't about us yes and no. It is because the PGR is bringing out the Patriotism in alot of Americans. Ones whom before would have just sat in the house and did nothing. Ones whom were afraid of what neighbors would think, no longer care. They proudly display Old Glory. They support the troops past and present. I have to say thank you for being at the funerals of my fallen brothers and sisters in arms you have now idea how much that truely means to me. I pray that if anything happens to me that you will be there in support of my family. The PGR is a great bunch of men and women I take my hat and helmet off to each and everyone of you. Now the no, It is about being there for the families of fallen heros, fallen soldiers. It is about a duty to protect them from protestors and people whom scorn them for service to the country. Don't ever loose sight of the mission. The PGR will grow no matter what. I don't have a motorcycle but hope to when I get home and will be proud to ride with you. God Bless everyone and every mission you go on.
SSG Kevin Patton
1107th AVCRAD
Kuwait/Iraq
twister you are right. we are raising the next generating of patriots. grand chilren are cerently servering in japan. yeaterday they got to sit on stang while lee greenwood sang i'm proud to be an american. my son thinks they are to young to know what that means. if i can find a few riders a 5yr girl and a 7yr boy will know what i't really means to an american. my point is heros come in all shape and sizes. first generatin or the next, our mission is the same, repect and protect. your right jeff it's not always about us, but it never was.
I may very well be part of the younger generation you speak of, and I find honor, and passing the ideals of honor on to others to be very important. If we don't pass it on it may fade away, and that's something I hope never happens.
The PGR is much more than it at first appear, not only to the public but to all of us collectively. What other military oriented organization do you know that has brought so many veterans together from so many war and peace time service in so many parts of the country under one organizational command. Yes the noted veteran service organizations, like the American Legion, as accomplish much in this area, however those organizations have a political agenda, cost to join, dictate policies and rules.
The PGR has but one requirement -respect. No due or fees so even the poorest amoung us can join, participate and feel proud to be a part. It is this respect that sets us apart from other organizations in that our entire base if founded on respect for Country, Flag and Military Service ane the deepest respect for those who gave it all for their country.
Above that we do not leave out those who did not serve for what ever reason, the people who, perhaps had a medical conditions that prevented them from serving in the military but love their country and support our troops and veterans. These people would not necessarily be allowed to join service organizations but they can be a participating member of the Patriot Guard and be proud of thier participation.
The Patriot Guard is truly a great and needed organization, one that needs to be carried forward generation after generation. We, the older members must insure that we educate and bring into service those who will follow us in the Patriotic service that we have set about.
Rocky
Twister, thank you guys for founding the PGR. It was a much needed organization, current times and times past. I've be able to be to a part of three missions thus far. I pray furture missions are not necessary, but we know that's not the case. It's an honor to ride with the PGR for this old Navy Vet.
When I found out what was going on with thw WBC and Phelps I was appauled. All I wanted to do was get involved some how and some way. As a vet and I come from a family with a long history in our nations military, I knew that I had to get involved and I signed up.
I never got to know my grandfather because he died in WWII defending our nation. He went when didn't have to go. He gave his life defending our way of life and our beliefs. I am so proud of that and his service. I know he would have been proud to know what the PGR stands for and what we have done for the families of fallen vets and our nations HEROS!!!!! No matter what happens we need to keep up with the PGR's vigil and never let the families of our fallen heros that we care and are very greatful for the sacarfice that they have given so we may keep our way of life and our beliefs. I thank you for starting the PGR and for what it stands for. I do and will continue to praise, promote and honor the PGR for what it stands for and what we do.
I personally want to thank all who are involved and to all who will keep supporting the PGR.
Thor
MI State Ride Captain
Thanks Jeff, that said it all for me.
Clayton
I think Jeff said most of it. I am a V V 69-70. and 72. After my first visit and the welcome I got when returning home, after my second trip, I departed my aircraft in Seattle Washington and headed home. A few years ago I joined a Vet group but it all turned political. Then a friend of mine told me about PGR.. Thanks Lee.......... I am here for the fallen, mostly. Although, this group has made me feel "at home". I have went on one ride, Christopher Marion in Anderson, Mo. I reallly felt like I was surrounded with friends. I met many. What really impressed me was the looks we got from the family... They KNEW we were there for Chris and Them. The ride to the graveside was historical to me.... It made me realize I was where I needed to be. I just wish we didn't have to make any rides, but that is fantasy. WE ALL NEED TO BE THERE. . You are right, it isn't about us it is about LOVE , Patriotism..... and Family.
I have to say thank you for the group you started, the ideals behind this group, and allowing anyone who agrees with those ideals to join. I joined because of the UGlies and stayed because of the feelings of friendship I have received from those here.
I have never felt like I fit in anywhere until I worked at the VA. When I had to leave my job there I again felt like the fish out of water. Once I found this group I started feeling at home. Even though I have never served, don't have a child who is serving, and am not a child who was alive when thier parent served inthe Military. I feel like I am welcome on the missions I have been on. I feel as if I have made a few friends here. I tell people about PGR all the time and my desk at work is decorated with pictures from missions, my PGR mission completed tags, and pictures of the bikes riding in formation on a mission. I invite everyone I tell about PGR to come with me to meet and greets and on missions. Most people would like to, other then the ones who know for a fact they would not be welcome.
I thank each and everyone one of you who served our country.
Jeff, In the past year my life was centered around alot of things! As a Vietnam vet I came to the realization that I was getting older,not unlike alot of us. But the fact I was getting older was starting to drag me down and I worried alot about my health. I was diagnosed with cancer about 3 years ago and had pretty much given up interest in alot of things. Then I found the PGR a few months ago and joined. (Hell, I hadnt been on a scoot in 20years.) So I gave in and bought a Harley and started riding again. I soon found out that the PGR was the best medicine I could have taken,(Not about Me, but other folks who were having a rougher time than I was. I found a new sense of Pride and self worth. Now I spend about every spare minute I've got on the Website and go on every mission I possibly can. Thanks for forming the PGR and to my brothers and Sisters out there, THANK YOU SO MUCH for allowing me to be a member of this great organization. God Bless all of you!
Hello, this is Lcpl J. Navarro Arellano's family, and we wanted to thank you all for everything. We really appreciate your prayers and your time, it really means a lot to us. Anyone is more than welcome to attend the ceremony at Lakewood.
Thank you again and may god bless you.
-Thank you
Navarro Family
Jeff.. thank you to all that have started and continue to make sure the mission is done right and completed.. everyone has been so articulate with how they feel .. I agree..
very proud to be part of PGR.. and until a few years ago I had never been thanked for my service.. it was amazing .. just those little words. and he was 10..*smile*
none of us do what we did or are doing for thanks.it was just the right thing for us to do at the time.. just as now. it is the right thing to do ..
keeping all the families of the fallen in my prayers..
proud Navy vet and Navy mom
Navy Corpsman ('71-'76)
Debbie
Jeff,
Let me just say this. I and 2 of my RC's went to deliver the plaques to the family of one of our fallen heros today and two things dawned on me. It is about them but also about us. They have given the ultamate the loss of a loved one. We have given the needed Respect and love to ones in need. After setting down with the family and talking for a while I think they knew there was really people who cared and we knew why we do what we do and why we were Patriot Guard Riders. The second thing I found out was, Bottom Line as it say's on our main page. Freedom Is Not Free. But rest assured there are Americans out there who will always stand up and make sure our children and the generations to folllow will be free. And rest assured there will allways be the Patriot Guard Riders making sure they are not forgotten and over looked, they are not protested and used as stats. We will be there to make sure the Americans who serve to keep us free will be held on high and given the respect a hero should.
In my short 52 years on this rock called earth, I have witnessed this nation go from a unified proud, patriotic God fearing nation to one being torn apart by extreme activists. These activists sprang into action during Viet Nam and have continued their assault on America, and everything she stands for, ever since. Some people think I make too much of it, but one need only to read some history and read the constitution and then watch the news to see the level of subversion that has been launched. Some of these extremists use our military and military actions as their wedge to devide this nation. The PGR has become the sutures that are closing the wound inflicted by these extremists. For the PGR this began with, but goes far beyond, the UG's. The unity, pride and patriotism displayed in the PGR, dispite our diversity, is bringing American pride and patriotism to the forefront on a scale not seen since the early sixties. Our mission statement is paramount to our existence, and I believe our existence is paramount to holding those who sacrifice so much to the high esteem they so richly deserve. The PGR, to me, is long overdue and I hope will forever be there for those who serve in defence of liberty.
It is about our mission, it is about our fallen heros and their families, it is about the healing, it is about bringing patriotism and pride back to the U.S..
God bless America, God bless our soldiers and God bless the PGR.
This is what "it" is about to me.
I believe the PGR will continue to be self perpetuating because the cause is most noble. Through the PGR, I believe, the silent majority now has a loud voice.
The Pride of the Patriot Gaurd was in full view on the L/Cpl Kims services. The request for long sleeve white shirts was great, as it showed the family the respect for thier wishes. It was beautiful to see all the white shirts in front of me and the flags flying. Maybe each mission should try this at least one time. No colors to worry about, and you know the PGR was riding. It was my pleasure to stand honor guard over the body of this fallen hero from 0600-1030. The brother of the fallen was very grateful, and as he took my hand we wept together. The PGR is adaptable to any request, and we will always be there when requested. Thank You Jeff and to everyone else that started this wonderful organzation.
Jeff:
As a USAF veteran from 1963-67, who did not serve in Vietnam but rather in the midwest supporting the underground missles that were ready to defend America should the USSR or anyone else attack her, and also the brother in law of two fine Vietnam Vets, who did serve there, and with honor, one of whom volunteered to stay a second term so a married man could come home, and yet was greated in San Francisco with rotten tomatoes, eggs, and spat on as he walked down the airport corridor, I am so thankful for the PGR and her mission as in her mission statement and the privilege of "showing respect to the fallen and their families". This one Nam Vet, never "healed" from his treatment when he returned home and died this past December (in a hand built log cabin in the mountains of Colorado) and was laid to rest with honors. (Now, in God's loving arms, he knows America really did appreciate him). I have had the honor of being a part of 4 missions since joining PGR a little over 6 weeks ago, and I can tell you it's done more for my soul and spirit than anything since I was a proud member of the USAF. I carry the flag that my mother in law flew over her home for many years in memory of the son that served his country so well, yet, was never shown that appreciation until his death. God bless you all for stepping up, taking the flags in hand, and honoring the fallen heros...and for founding this fantastic, patriotic organization. After 9/11/01, I wanted to re-enlist but was too old, so I hand painted my 1995, white, Jeep Wrangler with a flaming flag on both sides, named her "ole Patriot Jeep" and have used it every since then to show my love and support for ALL THOSE, PAST AND PRESENT, who love America enough to fight for her and keep Her free. It's been to the "Wall", to Walter Reed hospital, with Rolling Thunder VA Chapt 1, and now on 4 missions with PGR. I am most proud to be a small part of PGR and pray that it will go on long after I'm gone.
Thank you all for taking the leadership to start PGR and may God bless America.
Jim Sandefur III
USAF 1963-67
"ole Patriot Jeep"
Since joining the patriot guard I cant describe the honor I have felt when making a mission its incredible. As a vet myself and with a son in law in Iraq now I am proud of each and every member in this giant organization. I am not always able to ride in missions out of town due to having multiple sclerosis, but know that I am always there in spirit. Thanks for allowing me to join such an honorable group
Steve Hayner aka Fugitive
Bikers Against Child Abuse
Is it about them or us........ both in Spades. My thanks to those whom started the PGR....... I am 59 and finally committed myself to going 100% Service Connected, Unemployable this past August 2005. And why do I thank those whom started the PGR?
For 35 years I avoided any Patriotic Event, especially any Viet-Nam function, any Military or Political people or discussions by those people I felt would invade the walls I had built so well.
Around last Sept, my shiny new bike broke down and I asked some men at a nearby bar for some help. They did help and invited me and the wife in for a drink. It just so happens those four men were American Legion Riders who had just finished a meeting discussing the 2005 ride to Ft. Sam Houston VA Hospital, for Wounded Warriors. Amazingly, as it turned out, these four men were the ones whom started the Ride for Wounded Warriors with about 14 people, and were making plans for the 2006 Ride. They expect around a Thousand this year and I will be one of them.
The reason I mention this group is that they got to me and broke into my carefully built wall. After meeting them, I went to another of their meetings in Tucson AZ, and subsiquently met some PGR Riders and found out about what they were doing for the families of Fallen Heroes. That too, did touch my heart and opened me up to the first Organizations I would be willing to be involved with in 35 years. I have seen nothing in 35 years I felt was worthy of being a part of untill now. That has changed now!
After completing 4 missions here in Arizona, and meeting dozens of men and women like myself. I am indebted to the American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard Riders for awakening a long dead portion of myself that was lost in Viet-Nam. I am now a member of both and Proud of It.
My wife now says she is proud of me for what I am doing. She says I have changed so much in 9 short months and all for the good. The PGR is not only helping the Fallen Heroes and their Families. The PGR is helping many, many ageing Veterans come to terms with old issues and hurts. Along with this, America is getting a real wakeup call to restore a Patriotism in all of us that has also been diminished over the last 40 years.
GOD bless the PGR Founders, the PGR Riders and the American Legion Riders and those 4 men who helped me out that night and woke me up.
As a widow who buried my Viet Nam vet almost two years ago, this struck a cord in me. My husband talked of the protests at the airports when he returned to the USA and that caused him pain. He was instructed to get out of his uniform ASAP after touching US soil so the protesters wouldn’t recognize him but the hair cut gave him away every time. What were they thinking? Most of those boys were drafted so it wasn’t even a choice for them. I am so very proud to be a part of this group, even though I haven’t seen a mission yet and hope I never do. I spread the word every chance I get, I even made a 13 year old neighbor boy add this to a project on the Viet Nam war.
It has occurred to that maybe God sent us Mr. Phelps to make this group so powerful. Nothing less would have woke the sleeping giant quite like this. The passion to reverse the past mistakes is so great. The idea that this was done by the very same boys who were jeered and abused unfairly just 30 years ago is a lesson I hope this country never looses. The message of standing with our backs to the protesters and just showing respect and shielding the family and friends is so wonderful that it brings tears to my eyes. This is the right thing to do. Please never let that change.
I went to my first PGR ride this last weekend. I was in awe. I'm an Iraq vet, my dad is a Vietnam VET, he wasn't able to come, but I was there for him. Dad never really talked much about what happened over there, until I came back from Iraq. I undersood why. When I came back I really didnt want to talk about it to anyone, except my dad, because I knew that unless they had been there, they couldn't understand.
When I showed up in the church parking lot for the PGR ride, I began to see part of my dad in all these men. I was amazed that all these men and women were here to honor a man they never knew. But then it occured to me, they did know him. Just as I began to see my dad in all these men, their shared experience, shared pain, shared honor, shared sense of duty and love of country, I began to understand that they did know this fallen soldier. He was in each of them, and they were part of him. My dad always told me that the Vietnam Veterans have a special bond unlike other veterans, and I witnessed that first hand. So, it is about the men and women of PGR just as much as it is about the heroes they honor. Because as I witnessed last weekend, they are one in the same.
I am proud to be a member of the PGR. This organization stands for everything I believe in. As a non-military personnel, I have worked with retired, disabled Vets for 26 years, they will forever hold a very special place in my heart, past, present and future.
So yes Jeff, you are correct, it is and it isn't about us. The PGR stands tall and respectful in sending our Heroes into God's Hands and there to embrace our Men/Women in a welcome home they so deeply deserve.
BUT the most importance, is that we will never allow history to repeat itself in their homecoming!
Be safe, Be well everyone,
Jen
To all,
I just filled out my application today and this is my first thread. I've often wondered, as a member of the TN Army National Guard, who would keep the protesters at bay if, God forbid, my wife gets that dreaded visit while I'm deployed. Now I know. I came upon the Patriot Guard Riders web site quite by accident and the more I read, the more I liked. I can't count the times I've read or heard about the WBC protesting at a fallen brother or sister's funeral and wondered, "Where is the other side showing support for that soldier/sailor/airman/marine?". I will do what I can to get the word out that there is someone there to support those serivce men and women who make the ultimate sacrifice. I'll be proud to attend my first ride and pay my respects.
SSG Dale "OT" Overturf
Thanks to all here past and present
I am also a Vietnam vet,...........( 1970 - 1972 )
Just joined last night.
I have been aching for years for just this very type group to become a purposeful member.
I will be riding my first Patior Guard Riders missioin Friday April 21, 2006
Thanks to the founders and you Jeff,... and all members who are tired of the media and the NEGATIVE INSANITY.
I ONLY watch the FOX NEWS Network. I read about this Group in the St Pete Times, but heard about them on Fox first.
Would welcome any riders who would like to meet me for the ride Friday for Pfc. Jody Missildine. I will be at the 7-11 store, in Holiday, at the intersection of U.S. 19 & Moog Road.
I ride Annually in the 9-11 Rememberance ride in Tampa, Florida. I will continue with that ride, as well as any and all rides I can get to in FLORIDA, and maybe any other state at a later date.
ALL emails welcome,.....
"Jsimpson477@tampabay.rr.com"
JWS3 is my user name here.
John Simpson.
I gotta go get some rest now. I will be back and read more comments tomorrow. Just getting a little familiar with this site.
This site is a BLESSING
I think that every mission should only be about the fallen soldier. We shouldn't be doing this to see "how many missions can I go on" or how is PGR going to do in the future. We just do what's right. We aren't here to protest, we are there whether they are or not. We are here to do the right thing by the fallen soldier, bottom line. This is not about us. We shouldn't do this for the glory but for what it does for the military morale and the families. We should feel good about what we do and the feelings that it gives us but it does that because we know we are doing good by the family and the one that deserves it. Hope I expressed myself well enough because I am really tired right now but again, this should never be about us personally but about doing right by a fallen soldier. That's just my opinion and thank goodness we live in the United States where I can state it:)
WOW!! Just reading these comments from all of you, makes me proud to be an AMERICAN. Very powerful. These kookoo bird protesters just don't get it, and maybe never will. They want us to believe they are speaking the word of GOD, for GOD. Like other phonies, they quote only scripture that helps them. Here is one they forgot:" MANY WILL COME IN MY NAME, BUT MY SHEEP KNOW MY VOICE." GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES. SeeYa on a ride. To all... Sun in your face, Wind to your back.
As a new member, I can't comment on the feelings about a mission, yet. Also, I can't comment on the VietNam era because I was small when it happened. But, as a Navy vet in the early '80s, I would like to state my feelings. We went to the Persian Gulf in '85, and when we came back,there was no one there that evedn cared about if we were home or not. I felt that because there was not a war or any conflict going on, the general public wasn't concerned about the military or our well being. It made myself and a lot of my shipmates feelthat we were not important. I joined the PGR to try to make sure that, by any of my actions, no one serving this great country feels the same way.thanks for having a wonderful organization tha tis concerned about all military, past and present.
I am proud to be a new member and wish I never have to ride but will do so with great pride.
I have been a PGR member for a few months, but due to work; I have not been able to attend a mission yet. None the less, I am proud to wear the PGR patch on my vest and I know that I will get to participate in a mission. I too, am a Vietnam vet and what PGR stands for and does swells my heart with pride. This is a good thing that we do. I tell folks about PGR and about the dim-wits that protest at funerals and people can't believe that this is happening at the funerals of our fallen comrades.
Thank you for forming the PGR and Thank us all for the service that we perform. Funerals are always a sad event, but a military funeral seems to be the worse; emotionally. Still we vets will ride with pride and show our respect for the families and the fallen comrades.
Until I get to ride with most of you, I salute this fine organization and the people in it.
God Bless America!!
I am a newbee. I have not gone on a mission yet, but I can tell by all the comments that you all are a great bunch in a great organization. Thank you for all you do and hope to meet you down the road.
I also am a newbie. Even though I may be an old vet, 1958-1961, I still believe in honor the American way. Thank you for what you said and thank you for what you do.
My joining the PGR gives me a way to fight the UG's and stand up for what truely is right and for what truely matters!!!!
I am thankful for seeing the Good Morning American piece about the PGR and then finding this website not too soon after that!!
Do I feel like I am tooting my own horn when I talk about my involvement in the PGR missions....Maybe...but I am proud to be part of an orgainzation like the PGR and why not talk about the things I am proud about!?!?!
Thanks for letting me post my two cents!!! :)
God bless our fallen heroes, America and the PGR!!!!
KD <><
AS a retiree of the US Army with 21 years of service, I can realte to all that everyone here has said. I remember my first Christmas away from my family. I wasn't in combat and it wasn't glorious, it was still horrible. I remember standing guard in Germany between those who were free and those who were oppressed on the border when the temperatures were in the minus-degree range and shivering against the cold. I remember hearing the cries of a wounded East German civilian who lay in the underbrush in a snow storm on Christmas Eve with his family. He never made it to freedom cause he died that night in the arms of his wife. I remeber the nights on patrol in the jungles of Honduras and the deaths of my comrads in a conflict that America denies ever happened. I remember hearing Lee Greenwood sing "God Bless the USA" as the sun rose behind the American flag at OP Alpha. I knew from that moment that I was a patriot and no matter the sacrifice, I'd be a patriot until I die. After spending all my adult life with other patriots, I joined the ranks of civilians who just didn't seem to understand me or those like me. I searched for ways to continue to serve my country, but was met with resistance at every turn. Then, God bless them, the Patriot Guard appears. Now I have a means to serve my country and the men and women who have shared the hardships of service in lonely places as well as the horrors of combat. Serving my country and its soldiers has been my life. I'm proud that I can continue to serve through my association with the PGR as we welcome home our fallen and provide comfort and security to their families. Is it about us? Nah, it's always been about them, the soldiers, and this great country. Thank you PGR for what you have returned to me... My purpose!
Jeff, now that you re-stated your meaning of "It's not about us", I guess I'll have to agree. I've made that statement myself. It just didn't seem right to me that we (I) would receive thanks and praise from the very folks we were there to honor and thank.
We had a special mission here yesterday, sending off memebers of the Maine National Guard Security Force to Iraq. We were thatnked and praised, even applauded. It still didn't seem "right" to me, but I kept thinking of this thread.
I made a promise to a young wife yesterday, that, if asked, we'd be there when her Soldier came home, too. I'd like very much to keep that promise, so if it means that we have to ensure a PGR for the future, then, OK, it is about us. Too.
Jeff, I want to thank you and everyone else who put this phenomenal organization together.
I didn't serve my country in our military, I was too much of a coward. Or so I thought. It turns out like many other people I have a severe anxiety disorder which is now (thiry years later) being controlled with medication. If I hadn't had this issue I may have had a different outlook back then.
But having said that, I have and always have had nothing but immense respect for our soldiers and their families. They did and are doing something I never could and I appreciate that. I've always verbally supported our military even when I disagree with something they're asked to do, but I've never had a way to actually show it. Until now.
The PGR gives me a way to show our country that I do care, I do support and I do honor our military men and women. This unfortunately may not have happened if it weren't for the protestors, but regardless of the reason it was an awakening for me. Yesterday in Waterford, MI I was much calmer without the protestors. It allowed me to really take in the reason for being there and it allowed my 15 year old daughter to see with her own eyes what I've been talking about. I hope we don't have any more missions to go to, but if we do I will make every effort to attend.
This is something that has become important to me. Not to look good or grab some face time on TV, but it's a way I can give something back to these families in a small, but I believe important way. Being proud of my country is something that has stirred in my soul for most of my life, but only having two family members that served in our military in the last 150 years (both were WWII) I didn't have much of an example of why we need to serve.
I look at each and every one of you, my fellow members, many of which have served our country and I see patriotic people with a pride in their nation that runs deep. I also see the good part of humanity that most people don't when they see someone in leather. I just pray that we will never lose our focus and will always remember the mission.
God bless you all!
Being a member of PGR and supporting the PGR is supportig our Troops and Fallen Heroes. PGR is Americans coming together to stand together for our Troops. I wish there was the PGR back for our Vietnam Heroes. Thank God there here now. Patriot Riders M/C is proud to be a part of the Patriot Guard Riders.
Again, I have had the opportunity to read most of the posts, and feel that the PGR has been a conduit for healing many of our Vietnam Veterans.
I have ridden on two missions, and as I told one of my fellow riders it never gets easier. When I was young in my career, I attended many funerals. Now, 33 years later, I am attending funerals of children, younger than my own, who have given their all for what they believe.
Thanks PGR for what you do!!
I am a new member. I am active duty and 32. I learnded of the PGR through the AVA here in Jacksonville, Fl where both my wife and I are active members. These two groups (and the many others that support them) are exactly what the military needs to show support.
I am proud to have joined and will do what I can to keep this alive till the day I die and PGR rides for me.
I was not born during Nam (but can not see myself anywhere but on a ship or in the trenches if I was) but have always shown the respect owed to vets before me. They are the ones that kept this great nation free and allowed me to choose the life to insure it will be for many generations to come.
I will always support our cause to the best of my abilitys and remember its not about me or us, but my shipmates, brothers and sisters in all branches of the military.
We can never let the ringing of freedom be silenceds or forgotten lest everything that has been fought for be lost.
Roach
On 3/13/06 I requested a Special Mission for my Father ( JIM GRANT) who was close to death! I rode to Virginia in some of the most oddest condition I've ever experienced. I had a lot of time to consider what was ahead of me, both emotionally and in other ways! The NM coordinator (Potsie) rose to the challenge and has produced in my regard the biggest and most welcomed response from the request itself. To include assisting me to get back to Arlington National my fathers funeral. I don't know if my request was the first but it seems there is a explosion of making the special effort, to reach out to all who need this group. The wishes I have recieved and outpouring of true caring for another human who is hurting is truly amazing. I was worried how I was going to handle my fathers death, but I recieved a gift along with the passing of my father. I recieved proof that others truly care for strangers (Frank and his group in VA.) when the need or request is placed in front of them. If I could I'd go on TV/Radio/ anywhere to explain how this group has become as far as I'm concerned a truely Patriot Endevour. Take a moment and read the most touching and coordinated events that have happened on this site. All Veterans "OLD" and "NEW" have a angel watching over their needs and families. It is the PGR! I urge all of you to reach out to each other and give yourselves a rousing round of applause. Thanks to all _Cyber
I am so proud to be apart of this fine organization,I believe we are not about ourselves we are about the the MISSION. But one request to some older vets, never assume the age of another vet !!Or question his patches, some of us were just blessed and look YOUNG. I wear mine proud .........1973-1983 Love to my Brothers and WELCOME HOME.............
Beautiful words and so meaningful!
I have had self respect issues since having rocks and soda bottles thrown at me when marching in a 4th of July parade after returning from my tour in SE Asia in 1966. Belonging to PGR has given me back the self esteem I have not been able to retrieve through therapy or meds.
Thank you for what you do and especially for allowing me to participate.
My son, who was recently honorably discharged from the USAF after 16 years and retired on 100% disability has just purchased a bike and has joined the PGR.
I asked him how he can ride considering he has more titanium than bone in his back and is in constant pain.
He replied, "Dad, this pain is nothing compared to the pain of those who knew and loved the fallen".
Damn, I'm proud of my son and the values the PGR hold dear!
Jeff,
I may be in the minority not being a vet but I am an American. I am NOT a white American, a black American, a hispanic American, but AN AMERICAN. And as a member of PGR I feel that is the real issue, being a proud, Patriotic American. In 1907 President Rooselvelt said America has place but for one flag "Old Glory" one language "English" and all who come to America must come on the terms of becomming an American. I love what PGR is accompolishing, they are promoting UNITY and not dirversity. I am
proud to serve PGR in honoring true American hero's, reguardless of race, religion or anything else that divides us.
We have prayed for God to bless America now we are given an opportunity for Americans to bless God by our display of unity and a display of love and compassion through PGR missions.
Proud to be AN AMERICAN
Twister! I have watched TV for a long time and heard a lot of people complain and whine about some of our americans and the way they act towards our troops! Finally I'm part of a group that is not ashame of who we are or what we had to go through to be free! It's ashame that these protesters don't understand that our troops are also giving their lives so that they (the protesters) can stand on the streets and say the awful things that they are saying! "Tri-pod"
joining the PGR has filled a void for me. I now feel that I might be able to give back that which I was unable to give by not going to Nam. I can do this by honoring those who have. By riding along side those who have. Our group being new in our community many people look at us like. "Where are these guys from". Now they are getting accustom to us and what the patch we wear on our vest means. People will come up to us and speak. We have had them pay for our meals in a restaruant, or our coffee. At a red light people will blow their horn, when we look at the the give us thumbs up. or roll down their window and simply say thank you for what you done. Young people who really know nothing about Nam will ask questions concerning the various patches and pins wear. They see the PGR patch or pin and say," I heard about what you are doing on the news. How different it is? I Do not think anyone really knew the impact that the PGR would have on our society, but believe me it has had a positive impact from what I have seen.
keep up the good word and God Bless
I just joined the PGR about a month ago. My wife and I went on a mission in Ajpril and a little while later she went on another because i had to work.
When I came back in this country in 69 i walked in to the Airport in my dress uniform. in those days we were suppose to travel in them. I was met with protesters. I was called names and spit on. This was no kind of home coming. When I found out about the PGR and what its mission was I knew that after all these yrs I could so something to help make sure that no other brother or sister had to go thru that nor their families. We not only can stand tall but walk tall. Thank You for starting the PGR
All, I have just registered as a member, and must tell you that I will stand proudly beside any one or all of you to pay respects to our fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, or Marines.
I am retired Army - Viet Nam era, Cold War, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. I still try to contribute as a DA civilain working OIF issues. Nothing I have ever done ranks higher in importance with what this organization is about.
I've been a PGR member since March 3. Unfortunately, I've been on 3 missions and attending a "Special" mission Saturday May 13 for a soldier KIA in Korea in 1950. He was only 17y/o at the time. Somehow, the PGR has changed my life. I have always had respect for our military, particularly Viet Nam Veterans, but never had an outlet to express my feelings. I have finally found what I'm looking for, other Americans who care about America and aren't afraid to stand up and show it. I agree that the PGR has woken up a giant. Americans doing the right thing. I can't help but shed tears everytime I come to this web site. I am proud to stand, shoulder to shoulder, in the company of Veterans, current Soldiers, and other civilians. God Bless our soldiers and God bless America.
David Lema
Ride Captain - Rhode Island
I must agree with almost everyone here. Having served 20 years in the Army. It's about time an organization like this was formed to Honor and show Respect for ANYONE who has served this Great Country. If not for the Veterans of this nation, where would WE be, speaking German or another language NOT our own? I am So PROUD to be a PGR Member that I had to get bigger shirts because my chest swells so much when I am in the presence of such Great Americans. Thank You Jeff and the others that had the courage to start such an organization. I will be at every mission that I can. I can now say that I have a MISSION, to assist anyone that has served this country with Honor and give them the Respect AND Honor that is DUE to them.
Shooter
May, 1971. Returning from duty, on crutches due to being combat wounded. Was spit on at SFO.
Am proud and honored to now stand shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters to ensure that never happens again. Bless the founders of PGR, their vision and their dedication!
Jeff states, "...it's not about us, well, yes and no..."
I posted the following on another thread but remembering seeing this thread in Jeff's Corner quite some time ago. I really felt the story was relevent and bears out the feeling I've had since my first mission; since the PGR is SO visible to our countrymen, (and becoming more visible by the day) in a very important way, it IS about us. We have a history before the PGR was conceived and a legacy that our (and other's) children will long remember.
The story, then. Sorry if it's too long.....
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True story that I've been meaning to post for some time. Should have done it on our ride report but here it is. I'm truly sorry for my delay.
On our Sonny Montgomery mission in Meridian, MS, we all formed up at the cemetery. We were passing out flags from one of the cages and I noticed a man and his young son -maybe 11 or 12 years old - sitting in a lawn chair just about center of our line right next to the street. I carried a flag over to him and offered it to his son. The boy said instantly, "I DON'T WANNA HOLD THAT!"
You could tell his dad was rather embarrassed at the boy's attitude and took the flag and thanked me for the offer. I thought a bit about it, tried to put it out of my head and walked away to assume my post across the street almost directly in front of the two of them.
They stayed seated until Sonny's funeral procession appeared at the crest of the hill coming toward us. It was just a few minutes prior to that moment that the skies opened and the rain fell in earnest. Father and son huddled together under an umbrella and stood when the first vehicle drew near, the father holding the flag high.
The Guard Riders snapped present arms as the hearse drew close and the young boy looked intently up and down our line. Strong men and women alike either side of him trembled to contain their emotions holding firm their salute to our hero.
My own salute and stance of attention keep my gaze across the street and I watched the boy to try to contain my own emotions. What I saw next made useless all attempts at holding back my tears of both sorrow at our great loss and awesome pride of our purpose.
This young man now took the flag from his father, stepped out from beneath the umbrella into the rain, held the flag high as he could and snapped as smart a salute as I've seen. His gaze held arrow straight as the vehicles made the turn directly at his front.
I looked to his father who, still under the umbrella, his hand over his heart, had his own tears of pride flowing down his cheeks as he watched his son learning one of the most precious and valuable lessons of his life.
LadyTrog put it pretty plainly later when I told her what I had witnessed. She said, "He learned that sometimes it's cool not to be cool,"
Some folks may indeed think it uncool to demonstrate their patriotism, their honor and RESPECT when those most familiar refrain from doing the same. The boy may have thought his friends might see him. Who knows? But when it was all said and done, America gained a new patriot. I pray he will grow into manhood remembering that moment. I know I will grow into my twilight years remembering him.
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Ride safe, brothers and sisters and ride proud. We never know who may be watching.
Jera "Trog" Anderson