Patriot Guard question
 

I joined the Patriot Guard through their website awhile back & was planning to attend a local request for a graveside later that week. It would have been my first.
My bike ended up in the shop - where it still is, so I did not get to fulfill my plans to attend.

My question is this - what is the protocol for a first timer? It would crush me to offend anyone by being uninformed...and I didn't know who to ask.

RE: Patriot Guard question
 

Go to the Patriot Guard website and ask there. Someone should be able to help.

RE: Patriot Guard question
 

Like the good ord sgt said, try the website. Maybe your state even has one, opposed to the national. Ours does. Everyone I've met thru PGR has bent over backwards to help, no matter how silly of question(s) are asked. But in a nutshell, get there early, if possible. Then you can get the most recent info on times, routes, special circumstances, flag lines, etc. It's mostly about "professionalism" so to speak, that isbeing respectful and quiet. Make sure you bring sunglasses, no matter the weather, you will need them(trust me). You will not regret your decision to ride, of that I'm sure. My last mission was a Welcome Home for a Marine. I never felt so warm and fuzzy, riding in 40 degree weather at highway speeds.[sm=americanasmiley.gif]

RE: Patriot Guard question
 

find out when the next mission is and show up a little early. You can sign up on the nation website and your local chapter probably has a website as well. You can print out a form before hand or they will have one for you when you arrive. It's basically a waiver releasing them from all liability. You should only have to sign up and fill out the form once.

RE: Patriot Guard question
 

Good advice given here, like some have said, arrive early, Ride Captain should be able to answer yer questions. Common sense goes a long way too.
Thanks fer joining!

RE: Patriot Guard question
 

THANX and Welcome aboard, Amzie. I concur with the rest, great advice. I'm awfully glad you joined. The only thing I have not been able to overcome, no matter how many times I ride, is the fact that a lot of the funerals are for folks my kid's age or younger. Man, that tears me up somethin' fierce. God Bless you. D.O.G. Gumby

RE: Patriot Guard question
 

Iagree, check with your local rep. I joined a couple years ago and have found a great bunch of folks just like here, always willing to help.
Even if you cannot ride for whatever the reason, you can drive and support the mission in many ways.
Good luck,

RE: Patriot Guard question
 

Welcome aboard Amzie. Each mission will have a ride capt who should be able to answer any questions you have. A few common sense things we all overlook at times are really the only problems you will encounter. Turn your cellphone off, etc. The most important thing is to always Show the RESPECT these great heros have earned and deserve. Again welcome aboard you not going to find a better group of folks.
Ken Voyles

RE: Patriot Guard question
 

All good advice. Just remember: If the bike is in the shop, the weather is too bad or the family wants to join youyou can always take the cage.

Riding your bike is not mandatory.

Showing respect is.

Primo

RE: Patriot Guard question
 

Thank you everyone for your advice & welcome!
Yes, I agree respect is top order. I remember to well my brother's return & all the respect he & the others coming home did not get.
And the sunglasses ... yes, I agree & thanks for the reminder. I am moved to tears very easily.
I will do my very best to bring honor to what ever proceedings I attend in the future.
Thank you all again. It does a heart good to read your words.
Happy New Year to us all.