Patriot Guard Riders

[Jackal1]

Originally posted by Maverick
It looks like I'll be riding in a mission on Saturday morning in Lafayette LA. for a Navy LtJG who died in Italy. I'd much rathe4r be doing an ascort for a unit returning home but no soldier should return home alone under any circumstances.

Yep. If they could all be escorts home it would be great.

[Masherbrum]

I don't own a motorcycle, but I really appreciate what these guys do.   So little means so much to some.    It's about "brotherhood".  

<> Mav, Jack, Wld and anyone else doing these.

[Maverick]

Mash,

You don't need to be a biker to participate. There are several members everywhere that also go on the escorts in cars. The main point is to provide a barrier to those who would dishonor the Soldier (I'm using Soldier in the generic form for all services.  Police and Firefighters are also honored) during the service and at the cemetery and to show your appreciation for their sacrifice. It's a very lonely time for the family and they do appreciate that there are others who value their family member.

[Masherbrum]

Originally posted by Maverick
Mash,

You don't need to be a biker to participate. There are several members everywhere that also go on the escorts in cars. The main point is to provide a barrier to those who would dishonor the Soldier (I'm using Soldier in the generic form for all services.  Police and Firefighters are also honored) during the service and at the cemetery and to show your appreciation for their sacrifice. It's a very lonely time for the family and they do appreciate that there are others who value their family member.

Really?   I might look into this then.   I never served, but I admire the job every soldier does for this Country.    

Thanks for the info.

[Roundeye]

<----- Member

  I encourage anyone physically able to join!  You do not need to be prior military or even own a bike.  Respect is the only requirement.

  Welcome home missions are the best!  Send-offs are kind of sad, but when you see what our presence does for the soldiers and their families, nothing can describe the feeling.  Funeral missions are downright heartbreaking, but again you see what an impact our presence has on the family and onlookers.....all those American flags flying!

  We don't have trouble with protesters down here;)

http://www.patriotguard.org/

[Jackal1]

Originally posted by Roundeye
Funeral missions are downright heartbreaking, but again you see what an impact our presence has on the family and onlookers.....all those American flags flying!

Absolutely. On my 1st I was truly amazed that nearly all the family members took the time to express how much it meant to them for the PGR to be there.
(Also had a couple of family members who wanted to take my scoot home with them after the service. )

[Maverick]

I just got back from a service for a Naval LtJG. who had prior enlisted service. Attending besides the Honor Guard were  three Lt.s, an Ensign and several Enlisted folks including a couple Master Chiefs. They almost all stopped by to say thanks for being there to honor their fellow Navy Man. The Master Chiefs in particular wanted to make sure they shook hands with all of us and said thank you for our support. The troops do appreciate that there are folks who understand what they are sacrificing and are not using them for political point gathering.

This Officer died of natural causes while on duty but his loss is still felt by his Family and Military family. It was an honor to be there to hold a flag and help escort him to his final resting place. He stood for all of us and the Patriot Guard stood for him when he came home. It was the least we could do.

[Jackal1]

This  one was a memorial this Sunday for Marvin Berry, USN Corpsman/ USMC.
Pacific theater, WWII.
Silver star/Bronze star and was nominated for The Medal Of Honor.
The battle for Guadalcanal .
The PGR presented a plaque and a medallion to his widow, Delores.