I have brought this to the attention of both the national and state hierarchy who flatly rejected the entire matter. I think this is a completely valid concern but nobody at PGR seems to care. Imagine you are a new member, a civilian and have no experience riding in formation, are unfamiliar with terms like "Missing man formation" and already feel out of place because you lack military and/or law enforcement training. You're just average Joe wanting to show respect & appreciation but concerned about making mistakes during a mission. Let's face it...funeral processions can be dicey in some metro areas where drivers are ignorant of the laws (especially the right of way...regardless of signal color) at an intersection. The newbie is probably still becoming familiar with this the feel of the flag(s) and is often the only person there nobody knows. So in an effort to better fit in he or she looks online for instructional videos that show what to do and more importantly, what not to do during a mission.

Sorry Joe...no such thing. And there won't be because every region does things differently, there is no single protocol or operational uniformity. Go learn the hard way. Well this is just stupid because it not only undermines the newbies confidence but opens the door to avoidable injuries. We have all seen videos of pile-ups cuz one rider messed up. Don't say it doesn't happen.

There is no question that PGR is in need of new, younger members to replace the old guard that is aging out of service. But the gaps between the Vietnam Vets and youth of today is vast and the way they live and learn is much different than the days when a phone hung on the wall and mouse was something you trapped. PGR's refusal to accept this and adapt to provide video support to new members is a huge error in judgment IMO and if they don't wise up...may lead to the organization's death. PGR needs new blood and preventing injury of members by creating a single, safe and smart way of parading makes sense. Instructional videos that show exactly how to participate would ease the minds of noob civilians and stimulate membership growth.

I won't even go into the fundraising and sponsorship ideas i have to provide some financial relief for the folks that are always doing missions but there are very doable ways to make it easier on the RCs.

To adapt and overcome requires a bit of creative thinking and the will to succeed. Doing the same old thing over and over without consideration of changing conditions is a recipe for failure. I sure wish PGR would wake up and recognize it's shortcomings and the need to make participation in membership growth and training a priority and not a concern to be dismissed. JMO...I could be wrong.

https://www.bikershelpingveterans.co...er-Killed.html

 

Just my humble opinion but it would be hard to set a National standard when each locality is different. We have two municipalities in my area one is as terrific. The other refuses any assistance and try's to hinder us. Can't treat everyone the same.

 

I am not a PGR, but I have friends who are, and they are old school. Old warriors.​​​​​​ God Bless ‘em, every one..

As a complete aside, here’s what they taught me in business school 45 years ago, for whatever it is worth. The successful leader adapts. You need to adapt to the organization, not expect them to adapt to you.

 

There’s an easy solution, just ask one of the ride captains for advice. They’ll be happy to help you. The PGR is not extremely structured, and there is flexibility for each locale and even ride captain to do what works best for them. Attempts to make things more structured are not generally welcomed. And as far as appealing to younger people, that’s hard because most of the missions are during the week when the young’ ns have to work.

 

The other posters are correct. Some areas of the US are not deemed part of National PGR. Such as NY, parts of TX and some of CA do not follow National participation policies. However, in GA we have the state split into four areas and our state captain makes sure we are united as we follow policy. It is up to the RC to have a safety meeting and to recognize new riders who will also receive a first mission pin. The RC should speak with the new rider about his/her riding skills and assign an experienced rider to mentor them. In GA, unlike any other state, have leadership called Mentors. It is the step between a flag holder and RC. Most Mentors step up to become an RC like I have as well as many here. I would also tend to agree that most regions have great RC's that plan for younger riders. Anyone taking on a motorcycle live with the danger of being killed or injured. Putting a video or instruction on the National site can be done. The question is, who is going to do the video?

Personally, I would like to know who the OP spoke with at National.


-W

 

From my experience. The greatest threat or issue I ever faced had nothing to do with being a newby or Old Skool, as someone already mentioned it is municipality or County to County and the mentality of John Q. Citizen.
One of the most dangerous and awesome escorts I ever did was for a Korean War, return of remains.
(Texas) Harris County, while LEO did there best most drivers seemed to be to busy with their own lives to bother or pay attention, much less respect. I was cutoff twice and another member went down when bumped by a vehicle moving in. One oncoming car that actually stopped was hit by 2 others.
Liberty County and Hardin County, LEO had the roads completely shut down, people were out of their cars, and young and old alike showed total respect. The schools had the students lining the campus with flags.
It's hard to ride with tears in your eyes. Sends chills through you.
I understand what the OP wishes, but not going to happen.
Since the death of the asshat with Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas and any threat of services being disrupted, our participation has actually gone down.
Yes we/they need NEW members, very few are showing any interest. Even The Color guards are overwhelmed and tend to only make services for the Decorated or KIAs. I'm not sure if the Funeral Home director are even mentioning us anymore.
As I say, "I've been to way to many, but not enough" (missions) escorts. Everyone who served Honorably deserves Full respect, but burnout is a real thing. I didn't serve and all of the very people who brought me in, Viet Nam Vets, have either died, aren't in good enough condition to ride or just can't take it anymore. I was there for them as much as for the ones being honored. It's a shame and hard to be one of the only ones/one or two who show. Then to be asked to be a Pall Bearer and fold the Colors. Yes you better watch many videos on that and be prepared.
No easy answer for the OP. Sorry to say, but I see the PGR as headed toward it's last man, much less programs to train or further organize.
No disrespect, the Mission pins, never wanted one, as I dont want to or need to keep count. Iwas told by and older memner the same, after 100 he stopped. I'll escort him and be a Pall Bearer, as I was for a couple of others of the Old Guard.