Pgr

[toad]

I went on my first mission today as a Patriot Guard Rider. Patriot Guard Riders -->Home It was an honor and I was humbled by the whole experience. About 25 of us went to Salem Mo. to escort a young US Army paratrooper to his final resting place. We rode 23.5 miles to the cemetery and 23.5 back. I don't know if it ever got above freezing. A hand full of protesters showed up, it just makes me sick at the thought of people that protest the war at the funerals of dead soldiers.

I praise God for my sobriety. Without it, I would have not been able to stand for this young soldier.

Thanks for letting me share..........Toad (Tet Vet)

[best]

I was asked by a TV person at my first PGR mission...Why are you here?

The question caught me off gaurd and I almost became snippy with her.



To Honor those who protect my freedom.
All gave some and some gave all.


The protesters who influenced the first group of bikers to form the PGR were hit with a huge law suit. I thought that would stop things. Many states have put new laws in place because of the protesters. The Geneva Convention even has rules that cover funerals.

Some are sicker then others. Me and my flag will stand a silent watch between them and families every time I am able.

[best]

Still water up my eyes when I remember seeing my son in his Marine uniform snap to attention and salute his grandfather at the grave side at his grandfather's funeral. I can not thing of a better tribute for a WW2 vet then what I had seen that day.
Proud of them both.
Me a son in law of a WW2 Navy vet and a dad of a Marine son at the time. (youngest is in the Navy now)

I am sure that at the time if protesters showed up... I would be in jail still to this day most likely.

One more blessing of recovery... I can control my temper and do what is needed as member of the PGR. In my past, I would rather throw fists.

[sticker]

I have had the honor of doing a few missions, both honor and welcome home. something always gets in my eye (sniff sniff) my most memorable was riding escort for my sons return from Iraq. wow talk about emotional!!!

[best]

I have had a few emotional rides with a few hundred vets.
Have been in a parade where my oldest carried the colors as well.
Picked up my son from the airport when he came back and we drove down to see my youngest get off ship just before Christmas.

A home coming ride for my own son coming home from Iraq? I wonder if I could ride? It is a different emotion and a different kind of pride.
Both proud for them and proud of them.

[Jazzed_N_AZ]

Originally Posted by toad

I went on my first mission today as a Patriot Guard Rider. Patriot Guard Riders -->Home It was an honor and I was humbled by the whole experience. About 25 of us went to Salem Mo. to escort a young US Army paratrooper to his final resting place. We rode 23.5 miles to the cemetery and 23.5 back. I don't know if it ever got above freezing. A hand full of protesters showed up, it just makes me sick at the thought of people that protest the war at the funerals of dead soldiers.

I praise God for my sobriety. Without it, I would have not been able to stand for this young soldier.

Thanks for letting me share..........Toad (Tet Vet)

I envy and tip my helmet to you Mr. Toad. I am eager for spring to roll around so that I may get out and get envolved. My only apprehension is what will I do when somebodies try and protest a funeral I am protecting. I am a firm believer in direct confrontation but only in the appropiate arenas. I dunno...

But no matter my fears, I must do what is right. I will be at the side of my soldiers as needed and let God guide me.

[best]

Originally Posted by Jazzed_N_MD

I am a firm believer in direct confrontation but only in the appropiate arenas. I dunno...

But no matter my fears, I must do what is right. I will be at the side of my soldiers as needed and let God guide me.

If you feel the need or desire... doing nothing and standing tall to be a fence between the protesters and the families YELL! louder to the world how wrong the protesters actions are then any direct confrontation would.
Some protester groups try to get things started so they can call a lawyer and try to get money.

[sticker]

As a PGR member we stand with our back to the protesters with flags raised high. nothing more. We are there as invited guests of the family to show honor and respect. nothing more, nothing less. Its not a place where we come with our own agendas. And the leadership of the PGR does a wonderful job instructing members how to deal with these situations. Don't talk to the press. They are good at twisting your words. Sent them to the ride captain and let them deal with it. We are not there as a counter protest group. Its all about Honoring our fallen.

[The_Hammer]

My father, Mahlon Walter Leland (uncle by blood, my bio father aint in my life since age 17), whom I have mentioned here on this forum, once told me that somewhere in this country's developement over the last years of his life (Dad passed into glory 4-24-04), people had lost the sense that their freedom is bought and paid for by the blood of American Warriors. Their freedom is owed to them There living is owed to them. Their happiness is owed to them. I aint worthy to tie Dad's shoes as a warrior, the man has two silver and one bronze star. I gotta hunk a metal in my hip. But I am proud as hell to have his blood runnin in these veins.

I served with pride. I salute all who did. I stand with my back to the protester, even though I fought to give them the right to protest, and raise my flag high.

[Jazzed_N_AZ]

Originally Posted by The_Hammer

My father, Mahlon Walter Leland (uncle by blood, my bio father aint in my life since age 17), whom I have mentioned here on this forum, once told me that somewhere in this country's developement over the last years of his life (Dad passed into glory 4-24-04), people had lost the sense that their freedom is bought and paid for by the blood of American Warriors. Their freedom is owed to them There living is owed to them. Their happiness is owed to them. I aint worthy to tie Dad's shoes as a warrior, the man has two silver and one bronze star. I gotta hunk a metal in my hip. But I am proud as hell to have his blood runnin in these veins.

I served with pride. I salute all who did. I stand with my back to the protester, even though I fought to give them the right to protest, and raise my flag high.

My Father, Ret. Lt Col Lynn D. Johnson (R.I.P), Served in Korea and Nam.
1 Silver and 1 Bronze.

[Astro]

Thanks for posting this Toad. I just registered on the site and hope to serve as a rider someday. I've got a lump in my throat that won't go away, didn't know about this organization.

[toad]

Originally Posted by Astro

Thanks for posting this Toad. I just registered on the site and hope to serve as a rider someday. I've got a lump in my throat that won't go away, didn't know about this organization.

I want to personally thank you for joining. I think PGR is around 20,000 strong. I joined in the fall of 2006 when they were about 6,000 members. That was before I had my drivers license or my bike. I knew that this was something I wanted to do. Last year I was so busy with AA service that I missed out on many missions. This year I decided to make it a priority.

There have been only two that gave their life for me......Jesus Christ, and the American soldier.

[Astro]

I'd consider it an honor to serve. My father was in the Marine Corps just after the Korean War and served with the Arizona Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves when we were kids. Older brother served 8 years as a Marine. I'm fiercely proud of both of them.

[tryntolive]

I joined in the spring of 06 and have had the honor of standing the flag line for many of our heroe's from currant conflicts and those past. I can say that I call everyone who participates my brother or sister, from the 1%'ers to cagers, thank you for standing and honoring!

[toad]

Originally Posted by tryntolive

I joined in the spring of 06 and have had the honor of standing the flag line for many of our heroe's from currant conflicts and those past. I can say that I call everyone who participates my brother or sister, from the 1%'ers to cagers, thank you for standing and honoring!

Thank you tryntolive...........and welcome to bikers in recovery.......join us in the recovery of our lives.

[Rarly Harley]

Originally Posted by tryntolive

I joined in the spring of 06 and have had the honor of standing the flag line for many of our heroe's from currant conflicts and those past. I can say that I call everyone who participates my brother or sister, from the 1%'ers to cagers, thank you for standing and honoring!

Welcome TTL...Glad you found us. Stick close, together we win. I read your post in the newcomer's forum. Put up the white flag and jump on in. We need you here....

[Doug]

The PGR is gone be here near me today guarding the family of a fallen soldier whose funeral is here today. Evidently, some Utah church members will be protesting, and that's who the Guards will be blocking. I won't say what I feel about those church protesters. I'm happy people will be there for the family though; people besides the police.

[The_Hammer]

Originally Posted by tryntolive

I joined in the spring of 06 and have had the honor of standing the flag line for many of our heroe's from currant conflicts and those past. I can say that I call everyone who participates my brother or sister, from the 1%'ers to cagers, thank you for standing and honoring!

Yea, back to the curb, pour a hot cup and hang out with us. We actually do things outside of the web. I hope ya stay around long enough to not only find out, but join us too. Personally, I just love the crap right outta these tramps 'round here. :ghug

[Rarly Harley]

Found this while surfin'. Enjoy.....


YouTube - Knocking on Heaven's Door - Jesus Would Have Been A Biker

[toad]

Originally Posted by Rarly Harley

Found this while surfin'. Enjoy.....


YouTube - Knocking on Heaven's Door - Jesus Would Have Been A Biker

Thanks Rarly........I passed it on.

70 days till spring