Patriot Guard Riders


Founded in 2005 to shield families of fallen heroes from those that would disrupt the services of their loved ones, the Patriot Guard Riders has grown to include thousands of members across all 50 states in the US. We are a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) organization.

As our membership has grown, so has the scope of our mission. We also honor first responders as well as our military veterans. Additionally we have an active Help On The Homefront (HOTH) program, which provides assistance to our veterans and their families.

We commonly get asked “How do I join, and what is required”.

Joining the PGR is pretty simple, click on the Login/Join link in the upper menu, or follow this link and register.

As for requirements, anyone and everyone can join and stand with us. You don’t need to be a veteran, and you don’t need to ride a bike. All you need is respect for our military, veterans, and first responders; and desire to show that respect to them and their families.

What We Do

Riding With Respect

It is an honor and privilege for the Patriot Guard Riders to ride to honor the families of our fallen military veterans and first responders.

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Standing for Those Who Stood for Us

It is our honor to stand in respect for the families of those active military, veterans, and first responders who stood for us, and for our country.

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Help On The Homefront

The Patriot Guard Riders regularly assist veteran’s and their families through our Help on the Homefront (HOTH) programs.

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Hero Down

Kickstands Up

Request the PGRMission & Vision

Video Feeds

Young Dave Keough

“Standing for Those Who Stood for Us“

The Story of Dave’s Photo

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Patriot Guard Riders

“Riding With Respect“

A 2011 documentary describing our beginnings, our mission, and the families we serve

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US House of Representatives

April 12, 2018

“Our Mission“

Rep Lee Zeldin describes the mission of the Patriot Guard Riders.

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All Videos

2018 Testimonials

Richard C Wear

Thank you Patriot Guard for giving my best friend the send-off he deserved. You are truly the heart of America.

Harlan Johnson

Driving west on a Thursday evening could have been slow, so I drove the backroads the entire way from Shakopee to St Michael tonight. It was a beautiful evening for a drive through the country. In the small town of Fletcher, I saw a group of Patriot Guard Riders on their Harleys as they approached the four-way stop sign 🛑 from my right. I motioned all of them through as they approached turning left, while giving them waves and thumbs up. Then I heard one fella say loudly, “SHE knows!” Honestly, I recognized a couple of the riders from my husband‘s (Harlan Johnson) funeral!! Then I started to cry! Happy tears! It was a great day! Thanks for making it special by crossing my path today – and for being at my husband’s funeral on 6/7/14. I hope you all feel huge appreciation for being there for the soldier and their family. I know Harlan was very proud of his 33 years of service and your utmost respect for him was so very special. Now I get emotional when I hear about or see the Riders, as I know another soldier, widow and family is going to experience your support and warm presence!! 💖🇺🇸🏍

Bob Golden

I wanted to thank you for everything you did at the service and for my Mother In law. Everyone appreciated it so much and it really meant a lot to us. Thank you so much.

David Robert Bradley

I wanted to give my thanks for coming out to my Husband’s Funeral on 10/27/2017 at Woods Funeral Home and Shelley Cemetery; both located in Idaho. Those who came made such an impression, not only with my family, but also the Funeral Home and friends that were present.
It is hard enough losing a spouse, but losing a spouse that served his country for 20 years. It is an honor to have your organization present.
Again, thanks for what your organization does, especially in a time of sorrow.

Lawrence Rumback

Recently all of you graciously joined our service in laying Mr Rumback to rest. I made a video and thought you’d like to see it.

Timothy James Wineland

Thank you so much to the PGR who stood for my friend today. To Rich Vernon, Ride Captain, a very special thank you for putting this together on such short notice. It is always so touching to see the PGR especially knowing that this is truly a mission of the heart. Tim was one of the most patriotic Americans that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and was so honored/proud to have served his country. He would have had a smile a mile wide to have seen each of you standing there today.
On behalf of his family, our sincere appreciation for being there today and for all that you do.
Ride safe.

Judy Edwards
Former President of FL Blue Star Moms
Chapter 1 (no longer an active chapter)

Kathryn Close

Your presence at the church and at Bear Creek Cemetery was a special tribute to Kathryn and her family.

Therese Ann Henrion

Thank you and all who rode in honor of my wife on Saturday 23, at St Mark Catholic Church, Norman OK. I had many comments on your professionalism and dedication to those hero’s who have taken their final ride. I wish I had taken down the names of all the riders who escorted my wife on that final day so I could personally thank them. I tried to meet as many as I could that morning however, events kind of over took me and I missed that opportunity. My family read aloud the notes left in the back of the framed Patriot Rider Invocation. God Bless you one and all for all that you do for our hero’s.

Charles JL Gallegos

What you do is truly amazing and well respected. I could not be more happy to send him off without you’re support.

david mcgill sr

Thank you. You guys were there 5 1/2 yrs ago for David. Thank you again, God bless all of you

SMSgt. Phillip Pienta Ret.

Back in February, I invited the PGR to my father’s funeral in Niceville, Fl. I have ridden many a mission with the PGR prior. I know it is our honor as members to ride. But know that I am grateful and thankful from the bottom of my heart to have the support of my fellow members. Nothing takes away the loss or the pain, but your presence makes it more bearable.

With respect, thanks and admiration,

David Pienta

Earl Fisher Veteran of the month

Thank you for showing your respect for this WWII Veteran as he was honored as Veteran of the month. We would like to donate for gas or other items so you can continue this wonderful act of kindness and pride.

Funeral of Sergeant Major A.G. Wright (Ret.)

Dear Patriot Riders,
It is with sincere gratitude that I express my deep appreciation for your presence and motorcycle escort at my father’s funeral (Sergeant Major A.G. Wright, Ret.) on 19 June 2018 in Sarasota, Florida.

The Patriots contributed beautifully to the ceremony at the National Cemetery by individually saluting my father’s casket and forming a flag line for me to escort my mother through upon completion.

I received many compliments from family and friends about how touching their tribute was, and the entire Wright family is collectively grateful.

Please know that you have my personal gratitude in providing the Sergeant Major a proper and fitting tribute to his service to our Corps and Nation.
Semper Fidelis,
J.A. Wright (Son)
Colonel, U.S. Marines

Kenneth Mac Caraway

I want to thank Beth, our mission coordinator, Billy Morgan, our Ride Captain, and the Patriot Guard Riders from Apple Valley, Ridgecrest, and Tehachapi, California for honoring my brother-in-law at his escort and interment in Bakersfield National Cemetery. I have ridden many missions with the PGR and all are accomplished with great respect and love for the families involved. In this instance, the Caraway family simply could not stop talking about the PGR, their love for Country, the respect demonstrated at the interment, their professionalism and the outpouring of love they provided to our entire family. I am confident my brother in law was looking down from Heaven and would want all to know he is most proud of the riders, the sacrifice they made in some very hot weather, the honor provided to him, and the love and compassion demonstrated to my sister and family. May God Bless all of you and watch over you on every mission. You are doing God’s work on every mission. Semper Fi PGR!!!!

Ronald L. Harper

My heart sends you all a great big Thank you for making my husband’s burial a proud one. I know he would be smiling with a wonderful escort. He was a huge fan of the flag and you made his trip to the cemetery a proud one for our family.

Nathan Hazelton

My husband passed away on Memorial Day. He was a 20-year veteran of the Navy. Your group attended his funeral in Georgetown, Texas and burial in Pflugerville, Texas, June 1. It was a glorious sight to see all the flags, the riders, and the honor you brought on my loved one. Thank you for this service. It added a lot to his services, and I really appreciate it.

Charles Walker

It was an extremely cold day as we laid my Father to rest and to have you all there to pay your respects was very beautiful and was very much appreciated.

John Q Kennedy

I wanted to send my thanks from the family to Bruce Holmes, State Captain, along with Betty and Dennis Wright, ride captains.

James Marshall White

We would like to thank the following riders : Roy Hankinson, Bill Gardner, Dan Johnson, William Bayes, Billy Hurt and Bill Strasburg.
We so appreciate your escort and attendance at our father’s service on Thursday, June 21, 2018. We were all very touched by your presence and our dad would have been so proud. We also received a plaque from the group which we will treasure. Our dad served in WWII and was so very proud to have served his country. You all are part of a wonderful organization and we appreciate what you do so very much.
Sincerely,
Family of James Marshall White

Clare William Morton

Thanking all who were there honoring Clare on Tuesday June 26th at the Great Lakes National Cemetary…
Your attendance was dignified and beautiful and touched all that were gathered for this wonderful man who loved his country … words cannot express how grateful we are that you there for us .

Sincerely, Roberta and family

Donald ‘Chip’ Morrison

I’ve done memorial and funeral details a number of times with the Patriot Guard Riders but this time meant a lot to me and our family and we wanted to say a special thank you for all you do for the families and for our fallen comrades

Joe Kelly Reynolds

My husband was a Captain on Berryhill Fire Department. He passed away on March 13th, 2018. The Patriot Guard came to his memorial service and presented me a plaque. I cannot thank them enough for being there that day. It meant the world to me and my sons.

Arthur Jeffery Noble

I want to thank the PGR Funeral Escort. My Son’s mission: Arthur Jeffery Noble, June 23rd, Grandview, WA. Our Captain was John Harpe, Yakima, WA We are very pleased with the mission for my Son. Everyone was professional yet showed respect simply by there for us. Thanks & We will not forget our VETS, our Heroes.

Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Brookins USMC

I can’t thank you enough and may God watch over all of you and guide you on every mission.

John S. Dickson

You helped honor my father and I cannot thank you enough. So many men were there and it was, quite frankly, overwhelming. Thank you for what you did for him and what you do for veterans everywhere.

William C. Lucas, Jr. Cdr USN, USNR Retired

Thank you so much for riding yesterday, honoring my husband, on July 3, 2018 at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA.
He was so proud of serving in the United States Navy, and for our great United States of America.
He had on his Navy uniform blues, in a Navy casket, and then honored by the riders who took the time to make his last appearance on this earth a better day.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Donald Ray Meadows

I wanted to send you a thank you card but I could not find an address. I want to thank the Patriots Guard for coming out to honor my husband, Donald Meadows on 06/02/2018 at White Chapel Funeral Home in Gladstone, MO. It meant a lot to me and my family. Thank you for all that you do. It was so much appreciated!!

Sincerely,

Sherri Meadows

Gerald Sell

Thank you for going above the call of duty in escorting Mr Sell’ s procession on a nearly 5 hour trip from Boonville, Mo to central Illinois. Special thanks to Dave Wallingford for acting as ride captain for organizing the route picking up many more riders at each stop. Truly an amazing honor and tribute to Mr Sell and his family.
In Friendship,
Vernon Yager
Markland Yager Funeral Home
New Franklin, Mo.

John Robert Hamner

To the men and women who showed up with flags and honor for my father, THANK YOU.
MRC Dan Mathys and Darl Easton did an excellent job coordinating the event. The entire family from across the US was impressed and thankful that you were there. Bless you! Jennifer M Smith

ALLEN TUCKER

I wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me give my father the best service possible. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Karen Hall

Prior Years

John Robert Hamner

To the men and women who showed up with flags and honor for my father, THANK YOU.
MRC Dan Mathys and Darl Easton did an excellent job coordinating the event. The entire family from across the US was impressed and thankful that you were there. Bless you! Jennifer M Smith

Bob Golden

I wanted to thank you for everything you did at the service and for my Mother In law. Everyone appreciated it so much and it really meant a lot to us. Thank you so much.

Ronald L. Harper

My heart sends you all a great big Thank you for making my husband’s burial a proud one. I know he would be smiling with a wonderful escort. He was a huge fan of the flag and you made his trip to the cemetery a proud one for our family.

Joe Kelly Reynolds

My husband was a Captain on Berryhill Fire Department. He passed away on March 13th, 2018. The Patriot Guard came to his memorial service and presented me a plaque. I cannot thank them enough for being there that day. It meant the world to me and my sons.

Earl Fisher Veteran of the month

Thank you for showing your respect for this WWII Veteran as he was honored as Veteran of the month. We would like to donate for gas or other items so you can continue this wonderful act of kindness and pride.

Donald ‘Chip’ Morrison

I’ve done memorial and funeral details a number of times with the Patriot Guard Riders but this time meant a lot to me and our family and we wanted to say a special thank you for all you do for the families and for our fallen comrades

Gerald Sell

Thank you for going above the call of duty in escorting Mr Sell’ s procession on a nearly 5 hour trip from Boonville, Mo to central Illinois. Special thanks to Dave Wallingford for acting as ride captain for organizing the route picking up many more riders at each stop. Truly an amazing honor and tribute to Mr Sell and his family.
In Friendship,
Vernon Yager
Markland Yager Funeral Home
New Franklin, Mo.

William C. Lucas, Jr. Cdr USN, USNR Retired

Thank you so much for riding yesterday, honoring my husband, on July 3, 2018 at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA.
He was so proud of serving in the United States Navy, and for our great United States of America.
He had on his Navy uniform blues, in a Navy casket, and then honored by the riders who took the time to make his last appearance on this earth a better day.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Kenneth Mac Caraway

I want to thank Beth, our mission coordinator, Billy Morgan, our Ride Captain, and the Patriot Guard Riders from Apple Valley, Ridgecrest, and Tehachapi, California for honoring my brother-in-law at his escort and interment in Bakersfield National Cemetery. I have ridden many missions with the PGR and all are accomplished with great respect and love for the families involved. In this instance, the Caraway family simply could not stop talking about the PGR, their love for Country, the respect demonstrated at the interment, their professionalism and the outpouring of love they provided to our entire family. I am confident my brother in law was looking down from Heaven and would want all to know he is most proud of the riders, the sacrifice they made in some very hot weather, the honor provided to him, and the love and compassion demonstrated to my sister and family. May God Bless all of you and watch over you on every mission. You are doing God’s work on every mission. Semper Fi PGR!!!!

James Marshall White

We would like to thank the following riders : Roy Hankinson, Bill Gardner, Dan Johnson, William Bayes, Billy Hurt and Bill Strasburg.
We so appreciate your escort and attendance at our father’s service on Thursday, June 21, 2018. We were all very touched by your presence and our dad would have been so proud. We also received a plaque from the group which we will treasure. Our dad served in WWII and was so very proud to have served his country. You all are part of a wonderful organization and we appreciate what you do so very much.
Sincerely,
Family of James Marshall White

Arthur Jeffery Noble

I want to thank the PGR Funeral Escort. My Son’s mission: Arthur Jeffery Noble, June 23rd, Grandview, WA. Our Captain was John Harpe, Yakima, WA We are very pleased with the mission for my Son. Everyone was professional yet showed respect simply by there for us. Thanks & We will not forget our VETS, our Heroes.

Charles JL Gallegos

What you do is truly amazing and well respected. I could not be more happy to send him off without you’re support.

Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Brookins USMC

I can’t thank you enough and may God watch over all of you and guide you on every mission.

Donald Ray Meadows

I wanted to send you a thank you card but I could not find an address. I want to thank the Patriots Guard for coming out to honor my husband, Donald Meadows on 06/02/2018 at White Chapel Funeral Home in Gladstone, MO. It meant a lot to me and my family. Thank you for all that you do. It was so much appreciated!!

Sincerely,

Sherri Meadows

Kathryn Close

Your presence at the church and at Bear Creek Cemetery was a special tribute to Kathryn and her family.

David Robert Bradley

I wanted to give my thanks for coming out to my Husband’s Funeral on 10/27/2017 at Woods Funeral Home and Shelley Cemetery; both located in Idaho. Those who came made such an impression, not only with my family, but also the Funeral Home and friends that were present.
It is hard enough losing a spouse, but losing a spouse that served his country for 20 years. It is an honor to have your organization present.
Again, thanks for what your organization does, especially in a time of sorrow.

John S. Dickson

You helped honor my father and I cannot thank you enough. So many men were there and it was, quite frankly, overwhelming. Thank you for what you did for him and what you do for veterans everywhere.

ALLEN TUCKER

I wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me give my father the best service possible. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Karen Hall

Lawrence Rumback

Recently all of you graciously joined our service in laying Mr Rumback to rest. I made a video and thought you’d like to see it.

Funeral of Sergeant Major A.G. Wright (Ret.)

Dear Patriot Riders,
It is with sincere gratitude that I express my deep appreciation for your presence and motorcycle escort at my father’s funeral (Sergeant Major A.G. Wright, Ret.) on 19 June 2018 in Sarasota, Florida.

The Patriots contributed beautifully to the ceremony at the National Cemetery by individually saluting my father’s casket and forming a flag line for me to escort my mother through upon completion.

I received many compliments from family and friends about how touching their tribute was, and the entire Wright family is collectively grateful.

Please know that you have my personal gratitude in providing the Sergeant Major a proper and fitting tribute to his service to our Corps and Nation.
Semper Fidelis,
J.A. Wright (Son)
Colonel, U.S. Marines

Clare William Morton

Thanking all who were there honoring Clare on Tuesday June 26th at the Great Lakes National Cemetary…
Your attendance was dignified and beautiful and touched all that were gathered for this wonderful man who loved his country … words cannot express how grateful we are that you there for us .

Sincerely, Roberta and family

John Q Kennedy

I wanted to send my thanks from the family to Bruce Holmes, State Captain, along with Betty and Dennis Wright, ride captains.

Charles Walker

It was an extremely cold day as we laid my Father to rest and to have you all there to pay your respects was very beautiful and was very much appreciated.

Nathan Hazelton

My husband passed away on Memorial Day. He was a 20-year veteran of the Navy. Your group attended his funeral in Georgetown, Texas and burial in Pflugerville, Texas, June 1. It was a glorious sight to see all the flags, the riders, and the honor you brought on my loved one. Thank you for this service. It added a lot to his services, and I really appreciate it.

Harlan Johnson

Driving west on a Thursday evening could have been slow, so I drove the backroads the entire way from Shakopee to St Michael tonight. It was a beautiful evening for a drive through the country. In the small town of Fletcher, I saw a group of Patriot Guard Riders on their Harleys as they approached the four-way stop sign 🛑 from my right. I motioned all of them through as they approached turning left, while giving them waves and thumbs up. Then I heard one fella say loudly, “SHE knows!” Honestly, I recognized a couple of the riders from my husband‘s (Harlan Johnson) funeral!! Then I started to cry! Happy tears! It was a great day! Thanks for making it special by crossing my path today – and for being at my husband’s funeral on 6/7/14. I hope you all feel huge appreciation for being there for the soldier and their family. I know Harlan was very proud of his 33 years of service and your utmost respect for him was so very special. Now I get emotional when I hear about or see the Riders, as I know another soldier, widow and family is going to experience your support and warm presence!! 💖🇺🇸🏍

Timothy James Wineland

Thank you so much to the PGR who stood for my friend today. To Rich Vernon, Ride Captain, a very special thank you for putting this together on such short notice. It is always so touching to see the PGR especially knowing that this is truly a mission of the heart. Tim was one of the most patriotic Americans that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and was so honored/proud to have served his country. He would have had a smile a mile wide to have seen each of you standing there today.
On behalf of his family, our sincere appreciation for being there today and for all that you do.
Ride safe.

Judy Edwards
Former President of FL Blue Star Moms
Chapter 1 (no longer an active chapter)

Richard C Wear

Thank you Patriot Guard for giving my best friend the send-off he deserved. You are truly the heart of America.

david mcgill sr

Thank you. You guys were there 5 1/2 yrs ago for David. Thank you again, God bless all of you

SMSgt. Phillip Pienta Ret.

Back in February, I invited the PGR to my father’s funeral in Niceville, Fl. I have ridden many a mission with the PGR prior. I know it is our honor as members to ride. But know that I am grateful and thankful from the bottom of my heart to have the support of my fellow members. Nothing takes away the loss or the pain, but your presence makes it more bearable.

With respect, thanks and admiration,

David Pienta

Therese Ann Henrion

Thank you and all who rode in honor of my wife on Saturday 23, at St Mark Catholic Church, Norman OK. I had many comments on your professionalism and dedication to those hero’s who have taken their final ride. I wish I had taken down the names of all the riders who escorted my wife on that final day so I could personally thank them. I tried to meet as many as I could that morning however, events kind of over took me and I missed that opportunity. My family read aloud the notes left in the back of the framed Patriot Rider Invocation. God Bless you one and all for all that you do for our hero’s.

Tributes

Steven LeMaster

CWF donated to the PGR in memory of Steven LeMaster.

Steven R. LeMaster

Victoria Torres, Ashley Barrett and Sandra Johnson donated to the PGR in memory of Steven R. LeMaster In honor and memory of Steve LeMaster, honorable veteran, loving husband, father and grandfather.

Howard Chaney

Kat Murphy donated to the PGR in memory of Howard Chaney. In memory of Howard Chaney, and with love to all his family – from your friends in England x

Wendell Smith

Jon Ziegler donated to the PGR in memory of Wendell Smith

Steve W. Maddox

Janet Maddox donated to the PGR in memory of Steve W. Maddox

Jimmy Wells

Emilie Lamar donated to the PGR in memory of Jimmy Wells. We all loved Jim and will never forget him and the service he gave to our country. God bless him.

Paul Belleperche

Gail Warren donated to the PGR in memory of Paul Belleperche. Linda and Family my heart goes out to you…Love, gail warren

Jim Doyle Wells

Debra Mattheyer donated to the PGR in memory of Jim Doyle Wells

Daniel Wick

Audrey Wick donated to the PGR in memory of Daniel Wick

Paul Belleperche

Jason Gravelle donated to the PGR in memory of Paul Belleperche.

James Henderson

Ona Henderson donated to the PGR in memory of James Henderson

Therese Henrion

Frank Henrion donated to the PGR in memory of Therese Henrion

Charles Trebino

Marjorie Trebino donated to the PGR in memory of Charles Trebino.

LTC Gerald “Dax” Pummill

Heather Morlang donated to the PGR in memory of LTC Gerald “Dax” Pummill

Ed Hord

Suzanne Wall donated to the PGR in memory Ed Hord

Jim Wells

Kristin MacKelvey donated to the PGR in memory of Jim Wells.

David Lummus

Courtney Tatum donated to the PGR in memory of David Lummus In loving memory of my daddy, my hero.

Joseph Weaver

Brian Weaver donated to the PGR in memory of Joseph Weaver

Paul Belleperch

The Towering Oaks HOA  donated to the PGR in memory of Paul Belleperch

John R Hamner

Jennifer Smith donated to the Patriot Guard Riders in memory of John R Hamner. Thank you to the tremendous turnout for my dad, John Robert Hamner by the members of the Patriot Guard Riders. What a wonderful experience for our entire family. Blessings to all of you. Jennifer M Smith

Floyd Arvin Hollingshead

The PGR of San Diego came to our rescue, and performed the most wonderful flag folding ceremony for us. I loved the narration and explanation of each step, all the significance, and the heartfelt tribute and dedication of each of the 20 or so riders who contributed to the ceremony was absolutely amazing. There was not a dry eye in our group, thanks to the love and kindness that these people exhibited. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to our aid, and then absolutely blowing us away with the meaningful service you gave to honor my father. We made a donation today in gratitude.

Jimmy Wells

Elizabeth Purkiss donated to the PGR in memory of Jimmy Wells.

David Haun

Lindsey Adamoski donated to the PGR in honor of David Haun.

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