KIC Posted August 16, 2012 #1 Posted August 16, 2012 (edited) Completed a "happier" mission today. Welcomed back for a Chief Petty Officer from his 2nd tour in Afghanistan. Seeing his wife and son hugging him home, was well worth the time spent on the flag line at the airport. Watching all the other passengers clapping as he walked through the flag line to his family was priceless. I challenge everybody to join their local chapter of the PGR. Yes, some of the Missions are sad. Escorting the body of my friend Sgt Brian Walker was the hardest motorcycle ride I have ever taken. But, the look of appreciation, the handshakes and the thank you's from family members are payment in gold. It's an incredible group of people serving those who have served us. I now ride in honor of two heroes that I knew. So, join. It's free. You don't have to be ex-military, heck you don't have to even ride. Just be willing to stand as a thank you for those who have stood for us. Check it out: http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx The only piece of equipment that is a must have, is a big DARK pair of sunglasses. It helps hide the "allergies." Edited August 16, 2012 by KIC
Sonnysboy Posted August 16, 2012 #2 Posted August 16, 2012 I have made some very rewarding rides as a member of the PGR. I have met some really great people who ride multple times a week at Arlington all year. I know what you mean about a families appreciation. If I can help lift the smallest of pain from a family member it is well worth the time spent. I have ridden when cars will not pass the line of motorcycles. Seen people stand in respect as we've passed. Had a lady stop at a toll booth and pay all our tolls for us as we passed through. Riding with the PGR has helped me greatly in being able to give back to those who helped me. I am a father of a Marine who gave his all., The older brother of another. Thank you for what you do for those left behind.
etcswjoe Posted August 16, 2012 #3 Posted August 16, 2012 I joined a couple years ago and it is rewarding.
Monty Posted August 16, 2012 #6 Posted August 16, 2012 I just completed another PGR mission today. I escorted my 2 sons and their company home. We had about 30 bikes escorting 3 buses. I am now sunburned as crap. I never learn with the sunblock.
Snaggletooth Posted August 17, 2012 #7 Posted August 17, 2012 The PGR is an outstanding organization. They rode a mission Monday here for Officer Dan Ottis from Ashland NE that was struck down on his bike in an accident last week. It was an impressive sight to see the streets lined with American Flags and the PGR members standing the flag line. Dan rode himself with the PGR, Sons of Legionnaires and the Blue Knights. End of Watch Dan, you will be missed. Mike
hog Posted August 17, 2012 #8 Posted August 17, 2012 I am a member and have been for a few years and I consider it an honor to be invited to escort our fallen heros by their families.Some of the missions or should I say all of them have been very moving to say the least.The last one was for a young Marine killed by sniper fire.It was in York,Nebraska and it was over 100 degrees that day.Many neighbors of the church were handing out bottled water to us all.The publics actions were unbelievable.
ragtop69gs Posted August 17, 2012 #9 Posted August 17, 2012 My daughter and her boyfriend just went on their first mission with me last weekend. It was an escort mission for KIA SGT Kyle B. McClain, God Bless this American hero. The kids were amazed when we left the ANG base and the roads were lined with soldiers standing at attention. They said they were truly humbled by the experience. I think they'll be doing more missions in the future.
Ryana7769 Posted August 17, 2012 #10 Posted August 17, 2012 Joined a couple of years ago and have found it very rewarding. Even the ones where you need the dark sunglasses for "allergies". Just did a welcome home today for a local National Guard Unit coming home. It is awesome seeing the families rush to greet them. Did one of the largest funeral escorts last weekend. Westburo had threatened to be there and the local community (Holland, MI) came out in droves and lined the street all the way from the Church to the Cemetery (about 5miles I would guess). Had over 600 bikes!!! It was an awesome site. Here is the link to the video of it. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZGtBbsukQI]United States Marine Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Price Funeral Procession - Holland, Michigan Pt.1 - YouTube[/ame] P.S. I'm the one in leather on a bike....LOL:rotf:
Sylvester Posted August 17, 2012 #11 Posted August 17, 2012 Completed a "happier" mission today. Welcomed back for a Chief Petty Officer from his 2nd tour in Afghanistan. Seeing his wife and son hugging him home, was well worth the time spent on the flag line at the airport. Watching all the other passengers clapping as he walked through the flag line to his family was priceless. I challenge everybody to join their local chapter of the PGR. Yes, some of the Missions are sad. Escorting the body of my friend Sgt Brian Walker was the hardest motorcycle ride I have ever taken. But, the look of appreciation, the handshakes and the thank you's from family members are payment in gold. It's an incredible group of people serving those who have served us. I now ride in honor of two heroes that I knew. So, join. It's free. You don't have to be ex-military, heck you don't have to even ride. Just be willing to stand as a thank you for those who have stood for us. Check it out: http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx The only piece of equipment that is a must have, is a big DARK pair of sunglasses. It helps hide the "allergies." Been there since 2005 and still impressed.
Kirby Posted August 17, 2012 #12 Posted August 17, 2012 My wife and I went on a mission a couple of weeks ago where a hero from the Korean war was killed in 1950. He was 21 years old when he died in a foxhole on top of a hill. 62 years later his remains were laid to rest in the GA MILITARY VETERANS CEMETERY in Milledgeville, GA. Full military honors including horse drawn caisson. The "pollen count" was very high that day. I was proud to be there for this.
pmelah Posted August 17, 2012 #13 Posted August 17, 2012 Completed a "happier" mission today. Welcomed back for a Chief Petty Officer from his 2nd tour in Afghanistan. Seeing his wife and son hugging him home, was well worth the time spent on the flag line at the airport. Watching all the other passengers clapping as he walked through the flag line to his family was priceless. I challenge everybody to join their local chapter of the PGR. Yes, some of the Missions are sad. Escorting the body of my friend Sgt Brian Walker was the hardest motorcycle ride I have ever taken. But, the look of appreciation, the handshakes and the thank you's from family members are payment in gold. It's an incredible group of people serving those who have served us. I now ride in honor of two heroes that I knew. So, join. It's free. You don't have to be ex-military, heck you don't have to even ride. Just be willing to stand as a thank you for those who have stood for us. Check it out: http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx The only piece of equipment that is a must have, is a big DARK pair of sunglasses. It helps hide the "allergies." I just joined and am PROUD OF OR MEN & WOMEN in service my step daughter joined the army and is going to be stationed at fort hood tx she is in korea now
Shot Posted August 18, 2012 #14 Posted August 18, 2012 Great group of Patriots........Been a member for years....................You get more out of it than you put in.
Bobby G Posted August 18, 2012 #15 Posted August 18, 2012 Been a member since 2006, and served as a Ride Captain for a few years as well. Standing for those who stood for us is a genuine honor. I only wish some members would get over themselves in terms of their perceived importance in the organization or to the mission. Some ego's are just out of control sometimes. I also wish that the PGR flag would take a back seat to the American flag or the deceased's branch-of-service flag on the escorts. These men and women didn't serve or die for a blue and yellow flag. It's just too self-indulgent for me. But the PGR has been a Godsend for the families of our Heroes in terms of support, and also keeping the "uninvited guests" from interfering with their services. It has also had the effect of galvanizing a much needed sense of patriotism in many communities across America.
KIC Posted August 18, 2012 Author #16 Posted August 18, 2012 I have now ridden with 3 different groups of PGR. I haven't seen any ego issues or disrespect to the flag. In fact I learned a thing or two on flag edicate since joining. Our group always stands in a circle while they play and sings the Lee Greenwood song of "Proud to be an American" together at the staging. Good thing some of the guys have good sound systems on their bikes.. I haven't found the song on cassette yet...
Kirby Posted August 18, 2012 #17 Posted August 18, 2012 Been a member since 2006, and served as a Ride Captain for a few years as well. Standing for those who stood for us is a genuine honor. I only wish some members would get over themselves in terms of their perceived importance in the organization or to the mission. Some ego's are just out of control sometimes. I also wish that the PGR flag would take a back seat to the American flag or the deceased's branch-of-service flag on the escorts. These men and women didn't serve or die for a blue and yellow flag. It's just too self-indulgent for me. But the PGR has been a Godsend for the families of our Heroes in terms of support, and also keeping the "uninvited guests" from interfering with their services. It has also had the effect of galvanizing a much needed sense of patriotism in many communities across America. Haven't seen this in south GA. Maybe it's something peculiar to north GA??? Every mission I've been on has always given the American flag and the families of the deceased the utmost place of honor.
Dragonslayer Posted August 18, 2012 #18 Posted August 18, 2012 Does anyone know who the Georgia contact would be to join?
Flyinfool Posted August 18, 2012 #19 Posted August 18, 2012 You can just join the national and they will get you to the right place. or Georgia Jim Warren vija@bellsouth.net
Dragonslayer Posted August 18, 2012 #21 Posted August 18, 2012 You can just join the national and they will get you to the right place. or Georgia Jim Warren vija@bellsouth.netWould you have a link? ...... Are you suggesting that Georgia is not the right place?
Dragonslayer Posted August 18, 2012 #22 Posted August 18, 2012 Nevermind I found the link. Thanks anyway.
Galapagos Posted August 19, 2012 #24 Posted August 19, 2012 The PGR is a great group. I ride with both the Pennsylvania and Ohio Guard.
Dragonslayer Posted August 19, 2012 #25 Posted August 19, 2012 I signed up yesterday. now how do you get your PGR badge under your username?
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