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Patriot Guard question

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Patriot Guard question - 12/29/2007 1:23:30 PM

Amzie

Posts: 509
Joined: 11/29/2007
From: Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma
Status: offline

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.

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05 XLH 1200 Custom
Proud baby sister to a Vietnam Veteran

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RE: Patriot Guard question - 12/29/2007 1:32:30 PM

ord sgt

Posts: 1155
Joined: 5/28/2007
From: The Northeast
Status: offline

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

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RE: Patriot Guard question - 12/29/2007 1:49:55 PM

hk_shooter

Posts: 3229
Joined: 7/25/2007
From: By "the betty water & the wire"
Status: offline

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 is being 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.

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sig by grubby

Patriot Guard Rider
Ride Straight, Shoot Safe(or is it the other way around)?
HK''''s, H-D''''s and T&A

(in reply to Amzie)

Post #: 3

RE: Patriot Guard question - 12/29/2007 2:11:06 PM

murph3204

Posts: 1206
Joined: 7/8/2006
From: Houston, TX
Status: offline

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.

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John
Houston, Texas
'06 FLHRCI

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Post #: 4

RE: Patriot Guard question - 12/30/2007 1:32:32 AM

rahlow

Posts: 14088
Joined: 7/16/2005
Status: offline

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!

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RE: Patriot Guard question - 12/30/2007 10:18:31 AM

Da Gumpmeister

Posts: 2420
Joined: 12/26/2007
From: Quamba, Mn
Status: offline

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

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See, Speak, N Ride No EVO
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Saved by GOD's Grace

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RE: Patriot Guard question - 12/30/2007 11:39:38 AM

rinja64

Posts: 160
Joined: 8/22/2007
Status: offline

I agree, 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,

(in reply to Amzie)

Post #: 7

RE: Patriot Guard question - 12/30/2007 10:09:31 PM

Kennyv

Posts: 31
Joined: 11/27/2007
From: Powhatan Arkansas
Status: offline

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

(in reply to rinja64)

Post #: 8

RE: Patriot Guard question - 12/30/2007 11:31:10 PM

Primo

Posts: 2917
Joined: 2/15/2005
From: Southern California
Status: offline

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

Riding your bike is not mandatory.

Showing respect is.

Primo

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Post #: 9

RE: Patriot Guard question - 12/31/2007 12:31:55 PM

Amzie

Posts: 509
Joined: 11/29/2007
From: Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma
Status: offline

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.

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Proud baby sister to a Vietnam Veteran

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Post #: 10

RE: Patriot Guard question - 12/31/2007 1:28:28 PM

hk_shooter

Posts: 3229
Joined: 7/25/2007
From: By "the betty water & the wire"
Status: offline

And a Happy New Year to you as well, Amzie.

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Patriot Guard Rider
Ride Straight, Shoot Safe(or is it the other way around)?
HK''''s, H-D''''s and T&A

(in reply to Amzie)

Post #: 11

RE: Patriot Guard question - 1/22/2008 2:21:00 PM

MNPGRider

Posts: 1610
Joined: 7/29/2007
Status: offline

Thanks for joining. You are about to have a life changing experience.

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The most meaningful thing I have ever done in my life is to be a member of the Patriot Guard Riders.

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Post #: 12

RE: Patriot Guard question - 3/13/2008 4:51:02 PM

kiltiemon

Posts: 1321
Joined: 2/2/2006
From: Boca Raton, Florida
Status: offline

"I am moved to tears very easily."

I've stood in the Flag Line and had Generals come up and in a cracking voice say "Thank You for being here!!!"... I've just given them a hug, looked them in the eye, and said "Thank YOU, Soldier!!!". Tears are a sign of emotion, of Strength and Conviction... It's OK!!!

Jim aka kiltiemon

(in reply to MNPGRider)

Post #: 13

RE: Patriot Guard question - 3/13/2008 4:57:54 PM

kiltiemon

Posts: 1321
Joined: 2/2/2006
From: Boca Raton, Florida
Status: offline

We're there to give support...

To pay our respects to those who have passed, and to give (of ourselves) a demonstration of support for those whose loved ones have been lost and to acknowlege our awareness of that loss...

Sometimes the most penetrating, appropriate, and meaningful expression of that understanding can be non-verbal... just a pat on the back or a hug!

You do what you can!!!

God's Love to Each of You!!!

Jim aka kiltiemon (NEVER underestimate your spiritual power as an individual!!!)

(in reply to kiltiemon)

Post #: 14

RE: Patriot Guard question - 3/14/2008 5:15:13 AM

Deluxe07

Posts: 121
Joined: 2/12/2007
From: The Woodlands, TX
Status: offline

The PGR are a very good group of people.......and I'm proud to be a member. I have meet the best kind of people, true Americans, through the PGR. It is not about your brand of politics, whether you are for or against the war, but it is about showing respect. Simple respect for someone who chose to put on the uniform and do their duty.

On a recent mission, after the grave site service, the grandmother of the fallen hero came up to me. She must have been in her 80's. It was obvious she had been crying. I was getting on my bike to go home. She pointed to my "Vietnam Veteran" license plate (Texas issue) and mentioned it to her friend or relative that was helping her walk. She introduced herself and thanked me for being at the service of her grandson and commented on the beauty of all those American flags waving. As I started up my bike I looked back at her and she had the biggest smile on her face and she was pointing at my bike, talking to her helper.......and smiling.

I'm not certain, but I think the sound of those pipes brought back some long ago memory. I know for me, that is a day I will never forget.

Ride Safe

< Message edited by Deluxe07 -- 3/14/2008 4:23:56 PM >

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Current Ride: 07 Deluxe, V&H Tru Duals w Fishtails, SERT, SEAC
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