Patriot Guard Riders

Mission Details: The PGR has been requested, and is Honored to escort the “Wall That Heals (WTH)” into Virginia Beach Va. on Thursday, June 2, 2016, where it will be on display at the Virginia Beach Ocean Front thru Sunday June 5th.

The “Wall That Heals” is designed to travel to communities throughout the United States allowing the souls enshrined on the Memorial to exist once more among families and friends in the peace and comfort of familiar surroundings. The Traveling Wall exhibit provides thousands of veterans who have not been able to cope with the prospect of facing The Wall to find the strength and courage to do so within their own communities, thus allowing the healing process to begin.

The Wall That Heals exhibition features a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is approximately 250 feet in length, and like the original Memorial is erected in a chevron-shape. The replica is constructed of powder-coated aluminum, supported by an aluminum frame, and is made up of 24 individual panels, each containing six columns of names. The panels join together to form a nearly 250 feet wide structure. As on The Wall, the names on The Wall That Heals are listed by day of casualty. Beginning at the center/apex, the names start on the East Wall (right-hand side) working their way out to the end of that wing, picking up again at the far end of the West Wall (left-hand side) and working their way back in to the center/apex, joining the beginning and ending of the conflict at the center.

The exterior sides of the trailer that carries The Wall That Heals open to become a mobile museum. Information cases display photos of service members whose names are found on The Wall, along with letters and memorabilia left at The Wall in D.C. The Museum also includes a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the conflict in Vietnam. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.

ESCORT – We will escort the “Wall that Heals” truck and trailer from the Farm Fresh parking lot, 928 Diamond Springs Rd. Virginia Beach, Va. to the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

We will be transiting at Highway speeds – ensure all flags are properly rigged. All flags will be inspected prior to departure. Inspection does not constitute approval. Any flag mount deemed unsafe will be requested to be removed. Each rider is responsible for their own mount.

There will be several Veteran Groups joining in the escort. Each group will be grouped together. This will be a LEO supported escort.

No persons or groups may join the escort without attending the Mission Brief prior to KSU.

All wishing to join in this escort:
Stage – NLT 11:30 A private display of the WTH will be available to those arriving early at the staging area. Staging can begin as early as 10:30 for those wishing take advantage of this opportunity.
Brief – 12:15 KSU – approx. 12:45
Arrive at the Convention Center – 14:00

All and any questions concerning this Mission should be directed to the Listed Ride Captain only.

Ride Captain: Roy “highwinder” Hankinson 757-553-2470 highwinder747@yahoo.com

Co-Ride Captain: Dan “Fathertime” Raffersperger Bill “Strech” Gregory
Rich “Roadrunner II” Fredley

Ride Protocol:
Bikes and Trikes:
– Large (3X5) Flags
– Small(er) Flags
– No Flags

Autos: Same protocol as bikes

SPECIAL NOTE: Safety is of our utmost priority. Every effort possible is made in planning and executing the PGR MISSION Statement in a manner that minimizes the inherit dangers of riding a motorcycle, including riding in groups of all sizes and any situation. While the PGR and its riders have a remarkable safety record in the execution of our missions, infrequently members have been injured in unforeseen accidents. In an effort to mitigate the risk of preventable accidents, all attendees who wish to ride in a Patriot Guard motorcycle escort or Honor Mission are asked to attend the pre-mission briefing. It will include a safety briefing and any unique ride information known to our Ride Captain(s) that may be specific to the mission. Member safety and well-being is always a principal ongoing concern. Our Ride Captains are asked to stand down from any mission that cannot be accomplished in relative safety or unreasonable risk. This includes both rides and flag lines in inclement weather and other conditions. It remains each individual PGR member’s responsibility to ride within their own comfort zone and be cognizant of their surroundings and skill limitations as well as any physical needs or limitations. If the ride and/or mission conditions present challenges beyond your skill, comfort, or needs, you are expected to exercise good judgment in foregoing any planned participation.