Questions for Patriot Guard Riders

[Mel]

I have signed up with the Indiana Patriot Guide Riders. My questions are, how many of you belong to both the National and a State orginization? How many to just one of them, State or National?

 

Are there any advantages or disadvantages to belonging to both or just one? If you belong to both do you fly/display the National Patriot Guide flag, decals, etc. or the State items? Or maybe some of both?

 

Thanks in advance for your response(s).

[straycatt]

State, National, same thing.

If you belong to the State you belong to the National. Fly all, some, or nothing, it matters not.

 

Thanks for caring and joining. Welcome

[DONATALIE]

I belong to the PA PGR and National. I was automatically put on my state captain's email list when I joined on the national website. I assume that most if not all states are done this way also. As far as what to fly, and how to fly it, I don't think anyone cares as long you mount them safely, and fly Old Glory with dignity and respect. Although I'm sure that last part was unnecessary. You wouldn't have joined the PGR without already knowing that. Many of the riders here in south central PA don't fly any flags. That's okay, too. I personally have the V-shape flag holders that McHitch sells. Mounts perfectly and rock steady, even at highway speeds, on my 2000 RSV. A website called www.rivcoproducts.com has some really nice hardware for flying them, if you don't already have something. I fly the US flag (ALWAYS on the right (brake side)), and the PGR national flag on the left (clutch side). Welcome to one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life. There's nothing like the feeling you get when those families see that we're out there, supporting them and their fallen service member. Thank you for stepping up and joining the PGR. Standing for those who stood for US!

[ragtop69gs]

I joined the national before each state started their own "state" web forum. If you joined the national you are by default a PGR member of the PGR in your state. Weather you join your state's web forum or not, you are a member of the PGR. The benefit of being a Registered member of your states forum is that it's easier for you to find out about missions within your area, state and surrounding states.

 

Indiana has a great group of state leaders. I am from Michigan, but have been on several missions " south of the border".

 

It is both exhilirating and emotionally draining at times, but, never have any doubt about it being the "Right thing to Do" . As far as flags and stickers or banners go, fly what you want. If in doubt at any time just ask any RC, they will be happy to advise you on protocol.

[Bobby G]

I have been a member since April of 2007, and am a former Ride Captain here in GA. As its primary mission, the PGR has successfully stood in honor of our Fallen Heroes and shielded their families from unwanted guests or protesters. Virtually none of that exists anymore, at least not down here, so the mission seems to have expanded some.

 

I am no longer a RC, but I still attend missions when I can. Personally, I do not fly a PGR flag on any escort for a fallen soldier or veteran. Just the American Flag, the one they fought for, and in too many cases, died for, and sometimes the service flag of whatever branch of service they were in. Seeing those yellow and blue flags at a funeral mission just looks wrong to me, kind of like "advertising". I have no problem with windshield banners, patches, pins, stickers and the like. Just the flag at a memorial service.

 

I also have been very involved in other organizations that focus more on our service members currently surving, like the Warriors Watch Riders. It's a good balance of things for me, and I like meeting and supporting our troops, doing welcome home and send off missions, saying thank you to home-bound veterans, etc. More of the "feel good" missions. One funeral service after another really tends to take it's toll emotionally.

 

Thanks for stepping up to be involved in the PGR or any organization that supports our military!

[painterman67]

IM a member of the national myself. Its not a problem in my state but I have heard that flying anything with the patriot guard colors in certain states could cause problems with the local 1 % club. Not sure where it was or if it is still a problem. I fly only the american flag on my bike. For now Im using an antana mounted flag but maybey the fat man will bring me a nnicer setup for christmas.

 

 

Check with you state members to see if you fall under the pgr colors ban( their words not mine). State website should be able to tell you that,

 

 

Good luck and ride safe

 

David

[silverdeer0454]

 

 

I have the USAF (small) flag on the clutch side attached to the hardbag and the POW/MIA (small) flag on the throttle side attached to the hardbag. I found a company that sells "high wind" flags. The one on my bike for missions is a 3X5 US flag. I use a gun sock from my black powder rifle to case the flag when I'm not on an actual mission. I was headed out for an escort the day after I met Rick in Arlington Washington.

Edited August 23, 2010 by silverdeer0454
added picture

[juggler]

PGR "Colors":

 

The National PGR has banned the PGR flag and ALL PGR materials, even car window stickers, in the state of Oklahoma unless on an actual mission. The local 1% clubs have vowed to confront and possible even kill anyone they find flying rival PGR "Colors".

 

Always check with your State Road Captain as to the correct rules for displaying any and all PGR material. If you ride in multiple states or plan to, contact those states RC's to find out the rules.

[hunter 1500]

I would suggest changing the wooden flagpoles with conduit or some other metal pole. I had one break on a ride. I have since made conduit poles. I was lucky it went off to the side of the road. I also have stainless steel holders with pins through them. Take no chances.

[Mel]

Seems like a lot more "politics" involved than I could have imagined. I suppose it's all in the eye of the beholder, but I fail to understand why, if a group is asked by the family to participate and provide certain "services", it would stir up so much contreversy. If a family does not want photos taken of their final farewell gathering, then so be it. If the photographer doesn't get it, and if some group protects and acts on the family's wishes, the reporter/photographer should just hang it up. Unfortunately the press has access to a means of public communication, and can abuse the privelege under the guise of reporting news or information.

 

Is there actually a rift between National PGR and some State PGR's? If so, it's a damn shame that they can't just serve to fill a common need for the honoring of the fallen, returning, and embarking heros. Lots of conflicting and confusing information on the internet.

 

Can't/shouldn't fly colors? Flying colors would be to honor those who serve. Seems like there are some who think that flying colors is for a promotion of one self, rather than the intended purpose.

 

I'm having second thoughts and I'm not sure that joining PGR is in the best interest of honoring those heros and show support for them.

 

'Nuff said.

[Tom]

Seems like a lot more "politics" involved than I could have imagined. I suppose it's all in the eye of the beholder, but I fail to understand why, if a group is asked by the family to participate and provide certain "services", it would stir up so much contreversy. If a family does not want photos taken of their final farewell gathering, then so be it. If the photographer doesn't get it, and if some group protects and acts on the family's wishes, the reporter/photographer should just hang it up. Unfortunately the press has access to a means of public communication, and can abuse the privelege under the guise of reporting news or information.

 

Is there actually a rift between National PGR and some State PGR's? If so, it's a damn shame that they can't just serve to fill a common need for the honoring of the fallen, returning, and embarking heros. Lots of conflicting and confusing information on the internet.

 

Can't/shouldn't fly colors? Flying colors would be to honor those who serve. Seems like there are some who think that flying colors is for a promotion of one self, rather than the intended purpose.

 

I'm having second thoughts and I'm not sure that joining PGR is in the best interest of honoring those heros and show support for them.

 

'Nuff said.

Mel he is talking about the 1%ers..Bandido,Hells Angels ETC..I assume thats what you mean by controversy

[BoomerCPO]

PGR "Colors":

 

The National PGR has banned the PGR flag and ALL PGR materials, even car window stickers, in the state of Oklahoma unless on an actual mission. The local 1% clubs have vowed to confront and possible even kill anyone they find flying rival PGR "Colors".

 

Always check with your State Road Captain as to the correct rules for displaying any and all PGR material. If you ride in multiple states or plan to, contact those states RC's to find out the rules.

 

That info is out-dated. The issue has been resolved in Oklahoma. :^)

Boomer

[silverdeer0454]

I would suggest changing the wooden flagpoles with conduit or some other metal pole. I had one break on a ride. I have since made conduit poles. I was lucky it went off to the side of the road. I also have stainless steel holders with pins through them. Take no chances.

 

Appreciate the info. I will make those changes down the road. The thumbscrew at the bottom goes into the pole itself, about 1/2 way. The new highwind flag is very light weight and puts less pressure on the pole than one would think. I also add extra stability with a bungee cord around the pole and attached to backrest. I have traveled 100+ miles at highway speeds with no problem at all, so far.

[Brake Pad]

Here In Florida, you can Only fly the PGR Flag if your on a mission

But I joined, to kick protesters asses and stand in honor of our Fallen Heroes and protect the families from unwanted guests

[Shot]

I'm North Carolina....When the National site goes down I sometimes have to use the State webpage to check out missions. I don't remember signing up on the state site but maybe I had a senior moment and did. I have read the replies from fellow PG Riders and looks like we are all basically on the same page. I'm 63 and age seems to have affected my emotions; I shed tears at the drop of a hat, but I must say I'm not embarressed; the young ones are my kids and the older generations remind me I am probably not that far behind them.

 

Glad to see so many that give their time and effort to support our soldiers; you know we get so much in return.

[Aussie Annie]

Proud PGR over here

 

Hope to honour that when we come over next year. When members fly the large flag at the back of their bikes howlong is the pole?? I'm going to get Quickstep to make a holder to go on the outrider frame. Saw a chrome exhaust extension that I hope to use.