Patriot Guard Riders

Patriots, we have been invited to Stand with Honor for another of America’s Greatest Generation, SGT Robert J. Costen, USA. Robert served with distinction during WWII and was part of the Occupational Army in Germany at the end of the War, working in General Eisenhower’s Office. He was also an MP at the Nuremberg Trials.

After receiving his Master’s Degree Robert taught seventh grade for one year at Great Bridge High School and Distributive Education for 18 years at Maury High School. Bob, with his wife and family, were privileged to minister in the Bahamas, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Romania, and most the United States and Canada. He entered full-time ministry in 1969 although he had been ministering since the late 1950’s.

Please come out and join us as we honor this Fallen Hero and his family.

MISSION DETAILS – We establish a Flag Line and Stand Tall with Honor as Family and Guests arrive at the Chapel. We will mount up and escort SGT Costen to his Final Resting Place at the conclusion of his Service.

All wishing to join in this Mission:

Stage – Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Va
Arrive NLT: 1400
Brief: 1415
Set the Flag Line: 1430
KSU: At the Conclusion of the Service

We will escort SGT Costen to his Final Resting Area at the Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Ensure all flag mounts will withstand highway speeds.

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

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

Ride Captain: Tim “Mitch” Mitchell, tim.mitchell3@verizon.net, 757-408-1221
Co-Ride Captain: Open to all available Ride Captains
RiCE: Open to all candidates

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.