On 13 December, close to 6000 wreaths were placed at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, and the State Veterans Cemetery - with your help as part of Wreaths Across America. A beautiful tribute to those that have served and sacrificed Getting ready for this day takes months of preparation. Thank you to Jim "Big Un" Petty for all his work at FSNC; and the Brainerd leadership team along with Wreaths for the Fallen at the State Veterans Cemetery. Thank you to our members who came out to help - it couldn’t be done with out the combined efforts of all.

We have a new Assistant Ride Captain in the Rochester Sector - Dave Lucas, and Tim Snyder moved from the Rochester Sector to Metro SW. Thank you both!

As you celebrate the upcoming holidays, please remember our Gold Star families, and our military who are not able to be home with family and friends this year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! Thank you for all you do.

Members, Please see below the MN PG budget comparison from 2013 and 2014 budget years.  With donations and the Patriot Ride, we are able to help many other groups and organizations helping our Minnesota military and veterans.    Thank you for all you do!

Jan - Dec 14 Jan - Dec 13 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Donations 19,806.03 22,371.45 Patriot Ride/Raffle 40,784.47 55,332.16 Donations - Other 195.00 0.00 Merchandise Sales 12,207.32 12,665.05 Total Income 72,992.82 90,368.66 Cost of Goods Sold 7,888.42 11,014.93 Gross Profit 65,104.40 79,353.73 Expense Administrative Expenses Insurance 1,976.98 2,260.24 Legal/Prof Fees 1,635.00 1,615.00 Misc.: Postage, PO Box, Supplies 619.34 649.77 Total Administrative Expenses 4,231.31 4,525.01 Program Services Support of Vets & Families/HOTH Dining Outs 0.00 1,050.00 Game Hunts 4,708.58 4,131.31 Gold Star Event/Heroes United 621.00 1,416.55 MN Veterans Homes Events & Gifts 7,879.49 8,679.20 Total Support of Vets & Families/HOTH 13,209.07 15,277.06 Grants Made AUSA Vessy Chapter 0.00 2,000.00 MN American Legion 0.00 700.00 Curtis Swenson Scholarship Fund 250.00 250.00 MMFF 15,000.00 15,000.00 Dear American Hero 250.00 0.00 Flags for MN Fallen Miliitary 0.00 5,000.00 MMAF 19,967.00 10,095.00 Other 250.00 250.00 Patriot Guard Riders, Inc. 2,000.00 2,000.00 Project Backpack 6,500.00 6,500.00 TTTT Scholarship Fund 7,750.00 5,250.00 Grants Made - Other 1,000.00 0.00 Total Grants Made 52,967.00 47,045.00 Insurance 1,752.40 0.00 Mission Expense 124.50 1,459.53 Postage & Delivery 0.00 43.75 Printing 47.46 0.00 Promotion 0.00 1,196.01 Website 680.47 845.37 Wreaths Across America 750.00 750.00 Total Program Services 69,530.90 66,616.72 Total Expense 73,762.21 71,141.73 Net Ordinary Income -8,657.81 8,212.00 Other Income/Expense Interest Earned 69.87 89.12 Net Income (-Loss) -8,587.94 8,301.12

Black Friday Meet & Greet Update

The Black Friday Meet & Greet was another success this year!  For those that haven't been able to attend in the past, this event is held every year and all are welcome!  Always held the Friday after Thanksgiving.

 

Two Stooges once again generously provided free food and 2-4-1 drink tickets to all who brought a new toy and a non-perishable item.

865 pounds of food items was collected for the Food Shelf!  Toys were collected for our military kids (see thank you below).

"The toys and gift cards were delivered and already distributed to the children of our militay kids. Without the support of groups like the Patroit Guard as well as all those that want to show their appreciation for our freedom Toys4MilitaryKids could not have supported these families of our military for the last 12 years. Thanks and God Bless you all.  Les Hanson"

Several have asked:  Ron Mackedanz, one of our very early members in the MN PG also still has copies of his book "Drafted" about his experience in Vietnam.  For those looking for a signed copy, they are available thru Kasota Lake Productions, PO Box 251, Kandiyohi, MN. 56251.  Send $19.98 to them and Ron will get you a signed copy - please let him know who to make the book out to and whether you were in the service or not, as he would like to personally acknowledge service whenever possible.  Non residents of MN need not pay the sales tax, in that case, the cost is $18.95.
Thank you for all you do!

PGR Flag Holding Guidance

National PGR Flag Holding Guidance

There has been a lot of discussion around Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) flag holding protocol over the years and the Board of Directors (BoD) felt it would be prudent to provide PGR flag etiquette guidance for all of PGR when holding the flag in a Flag Line.

No member should be made to feel uncomfortable in any way regardless of how they are holding the flag so long as it is within the guide lines provided below.

The PGR is not a Military unit. We are a Civilian organization.

We represent everyday Americans, some Veterans and some are not, who wish to show grieving families the utmost respect for their sacrifice with the loss of their Hero family members.

The most important people at any service are the Family Members which we serve.
How they see PGR is our most important concern, not how we see ourselves.

So what is respect when holding the American flag?

Reviewing the U.S. Flag Code for civilians (Link to Document) there are three things we must not do:

1. Do not allow the flag to touch the ground
2. Do not hold the flag upside down or backward
3. Do not wear or drape the flag over oneself as if it is a garment

Yes, holding the flag upside down as a sign of immediate danger to life or limb is addressed in the Flag Code but as a sign of political distress is not and we are a non-political organization anyway.

How the flag is held by the majority of the Flag Line is the prerogative of the Ride Captain In Charge (RCIC). The Flag Code does not specify which hand to hold the flag in while standing in a static display and there are no Military wide regulations that state in which hand the flag should be held.

The Flag Code states the flag should be carried to the "marching right" or "marchers" right. Yes, if a unit of civilians is marching in a formation the flag should be carried by the bearer to the group's or marchers (plural) right.

The Flag Code also states flag pins 'should be" and flag patches "may be" worn on the individual's left nearest to the individual's heart. So one could say the flag belongs in the right hand as to the right of a group of one; or in the left hand nearest the individual's heart.

I have asked E-9's in all of the branches if either hand conveyed any disrespect to a military unit. Each assured it would not.

There is no guidance on holding the flag in a Flag Line. One can see many military units carrying the unit flag to the right of the group and the US flag is on the left shoulder of every American astronaut.

Holding the American flag at an angle or straight up: There is guidance that the flag should never be dipped "as in a salute" but in a static (holding the flag still) display there is no guidance. Generally holding the flag straight up and down makes it easier for others to pass but there is no guidance and there are literally millions of flags mounted on home flag poles at an angle.

From a Military perspective, it looks better to see everyone doing the same thing (standardization). So the RC may politely ask members to standardize flag holding. But if an individual cannot hold the flag in a particular hand or stand due to illness or injury... or just forgets, it is neither a sign of disrespect nor a notable offense. Just be glad they are in the Flag Line.

No one, including the RCIC, is authorized to ask a Guest or PGR Member to leave a Mission because they held the flag in the wrong hand.

Finally, if Veteran desires to hold the flag in his left hand and salute with his right hand, that is his or her earned privilege. There are no regulations to state otherwise.

Bottom Line

• No flags touching the ground.
• No flags draped around a person.
• No flags mounted upside down or backward.
• No arguing about this or anything else on the Flag Line or during a mission.
  
   Any other flag guidance at a mission is a request for standardization, not a requirement. 

Members, we are gearing up to help place Wreaths, as part of Wreaths Across America on 13 December 2014.  We have had quite a few members ask how to donate for FSNC and the State Veterans Cemetery.  Below is information if you wish to make a donation to help with wreath costs:  Donations must be made no later than 1 December 2014 for this year.   If you wish to make a donation towards wreath(s) at FSNC, you can do so by using this link:  http://give.wreathsacrossamerica.org/goto/MN0021   That is an account set up for the MN PG.    Donations to this account will be delivered to FSNC earmarked for the MN PG and added to our annual donation.   If you wish to donate towards wreath(s) at the State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, you can do so using their website link:  http://wreathsforthefallen.org/   We are not fund-raising for WAA, just providing information to those that wish to help.  Thank you for all you do!  Mark your calendar for 13 December if you wish to help place the wreaths!!

Karla Richardson State Captain Minnesota Patriot Guard, Patriot Guard Riders

Veterans day is next week - remember those who have sacrificed so that we can live in freedom and security in a great country.  We would like to take the opportunity, on behalf of the Minnesota Patriot Guard to say "THANK YOU" to all who have served.  We are grateful for your service.

 

Winter is almost here!  Just a reminder on attending missions - make sure you are dressed for the elements.  Frostbite and other cold weather injuries can happen in a matter of minutes if not prepared - Safety of leaders & members is important - we need you and appreciate you, but we want you safe!  Please take care of each other.

 

Thank you for all you do!

We are happy to announce that the following individuals have stepped up for greater responsibility to help make sure missions are set up and conducted - thank you to each one!

Metro:

Mark Lea - Metro Senior Ride Captain

Lon Hellerud - NE Sector Ride Captain

Jim Wycor - NE Sector Assistant Ride Captain

Thief River Falls:

Mark LaVoi - Assistant Ride Captain

International Falls:

Greg Mortenson - Ride Captain

Brian Briggs - joins wife Kallie as Assistant Ride Captain - thank you for all your years as the Ride Captain!

Fort Snelling National Cemetery Team - Jerry Grundhauser

We would like to thank Ron Evenson for stepping up to the RC position from ARC in the Grand Rapids sector.

 

Thank you to Don Adamson, former Grand Rapids RC for the many years taking the helm.  All the very best to Don!

  

As the temps continue to rise, we all need to be thinking about sunburn, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and all the other things that come with warm weather. Please take care of yourself and watch out for each other. We have faithful members who would rather pass out on the flag line than to step aside to cool off - definitely not what we want! Drink plenty of water to hydrate before and during the Mission.  Take bottled water on the flag line - keep hydrated and safe

Hey thanks for everything you do to show Honor, Dignity, and Respect to those that have served or are serving to protect those freedoms that our nation has.  We as a group are a quiet one, we ride or drive in with no fanfare, we show Honor, Dignity, and Respect with our flag line, and we quietly depart.   It isn't and never was about each of us or us as a group.  What it is about is Honor, Dignity, and Respect.

 

We as the MN Patriot Guard/PGR (one in the same when it comes to a mission) are invited guests.  Each mission has an RCIC (PGR Ride Captain In Charge) that is working directly with the family, funeral home, Military person, or event organizer. The RCIC has the details of what is being asked of us to do at the mission.  Sometimes the organizer just says that we know best and lets the RCIC do what we do best, other times they give the RCIC specific instructions on even where to park and stand.  The RCIC is tasked with making sure those instructions are followed at the mission.

 

For the most part our group does what we do superbly.  Sometimes as an RCIC we are amazed at how you work as a team.  Those that have attended so many of the missions seem to know instinctively what needs to be done after the RCIC does the briefing - makes the RCIC smile.  We need your help, lately we have people that don't get why we are there like the rest of our group.  We have had a few people that think their bikes are so pretty they should park them right up front and not where the organizer and RCIC have designated; or park where they have "always parked" - no mission is the same - things can and do change at locations we have been to many times.  We have had people show up at a mission that refuse to follow what the families have asked of us.  Where we need your help is to support and work with the RCIC when someone in our group forgets why we are there.  It is very important that we do exactly what has been asked of us, especially at a funeral where the family is grieving a loved one and is already having a hard time coping - they need things done just as they asked.  We are of service to them and their wishes.

 

All of you are special people for what you do, there isn't anyone that does it better than you do showing Honor, Dignity, and Respect.  Let's make sure we make what we do is about who we are there for and not let the few spoil the day for the grieving families.

 

Thank you for doing what you do when you can, you are the greatest, God Bless you all.

 

 

Tim Leonhardt

MNPG President

We would like to announce two new Assistant Ride Captains in the Marshall Sector:  Bruce Knieff and  Earl Pederson - thank you both!!

 

We often get asked by new members if there is a specific number of missions required per year to be a part of the MN PG or PGR.  The answer is NO!  We are grateful for what each and every one of our members can contribute.  Some have weekday jobs making attendance during the week difficult, and we have members who are enjoying retirement or different work schedules that can help out during the week day missions.  As a team, we can work together to make sure a military member and/or veteran is given Honor, Dignity and Respect.  What you as an individual can give, is always appreciated - whether by your attendance or a prayer for mission safety for all involved - it all matters and it's all appreciated.

 

It doesn't matter if you ride - it doesn't matter if you are a veteran.  What matters is your heart for those who are and have served.

 

Thank you for all you do!

We would like to announce and welcome some members to leadership!  Angela Hellerud has taken on the responsibilities of Metro NE Ride Captain.  Brandie Held has come on in Metro NE as an ARC and Richard Clark has come on in Albert Lea sectors.  Thank you to each of you for stepping up for additional responsibilities!

 

We are in the midst of construction season on the roads.  Please be careful, and check the road closures before heading out for a mission.  www.511mn.org is a great source.

 

The 2014 Patriot Ride was a success - thank you to everyone who helped in out many ways - it could never happen without you.  From planning, road guards, registration, to clean up, it makes for a successful and safe ride, and an enjoyable day for everyone.

 

Thank you for all you do!

The 9^th Annual Patriot Ride is drawing near. What better way to get ready for this event than to join us for our annual Red White & Blue Fundraiser, pre-ride event sponsored by Budweiser and Cowboy Jack’s.

The event will be held: Saturday May 31^st 2014

At: Cowboy Jack’s in Otsego, Plymouth, Woodbury, Bloomington, and St. Cloud MN from 4-8pm.

Purchase a $5 keep sake glass and receive $2 refills. Dedicate a star or buy your chance at a 2014 Harley-Davidson Street Glide FLHX or $15,000 in cash. All proceeds go to the MN Patriot Guard, MMAF, and Warrior Dog Foundation.

This year we will also be hosting our first official Red White & Blue Bike Contest at each location from 4:30-6pm. Bikes will be judged on appearance and amount of patriotism displayed. 1^st place winner at each location will win a VIP spot in this year’s 9^th Annual Patriot Ride on June 14^th 2014, a $15 gift card to Cowboy Jack’s and an official 2014 Patriot Ride pin. 2^nd place will receive a $10 gift certificate to Cowboy Jack’s and an official 2014 Patriot Ride pin. So shine up those bikes and head on over to the Cowboy Jack’s location hosting this event nearest you!

For more information go to http://thepatriotride.org/index.html  or

http://theaftermidnightgroup.com/2014/04/10/red-white-and-blue-fundraiser-supporting-the-mn-patriot-guard/

Welcome to:  Lyle Duxbury - Assistant Ride Captain, Rochester Sector; and Jessica Schuett - Assistant Ride Captain, NW Metro Sector.  Thanks for stepping up!

We'd also like to thank Greg "Springer" Yung for his re-election to the Board of Directors, MN PG Inc.

2014 Patriot Ride Raffle tickets are printed and ready to sell !!!

We’re starting early……with a little friendly competition --- and we need your help!

Need new Riding Gear,  or nice Riding boots---or,  perhaps some Rain gear? (you know what we mean )  These are just some items of what you could choose from Dennis Kirk,  if you’re the winner of the:  Most Raffle Tickets sold

The Patriot Ride Raffle prize this year is the winner’s choice of a 2014 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide or $15,000 Cash.  The drawing will be held at Ham Lake Lions Park during the afternoon program of the 9^th Annual Patriot Ride, Saturday - June 14, 2014.

As you may know the majority of money raised for this Event which benefits our Military and their families, comes from Raffle ticket sales.  The last couple of years the number of tickets sold have gone down considerably.  In order to boost ticket sales, Dennis Kirk has offered to donate prizes for the most tickets sold!!!

1^st prize                $500 Dennis Kirk Gift Card

2^nd prize               $250 Dennis Kirk Gift Card

3^rd prize               $100 Dennis Kirk Gift Card

We are opening up this challenge to members of the Minnesota Patriot Guard,  Dennis Kirk employees and the Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund staff.  In order to keep track of the Raffle Ticket sales we ask that you request all tickets by emailing:  gsteiner@denniskirk.com.

Please include your name, address and the number of Raffle tickets you would like to receive.   Raffle Ticket booklets come in groups of 10 each.   

 

Dennis Kirk will again include a pre-paid address label and envelope for you to return the sold ticket stubs along with the $$ collected.   Please plan to return Ticket stubs to us in groups of 10 ( each booket contains 10 tickets)  

 

Dennis Kirk will track all Ticket sales,  and the Winner of most Ticket sold will be announced the week after the Patriot Ride.   Please help us make this year’s Raffle Sales better than ever!

2014 Patriot Ride Raffle tickets are printed and ready to sell !!!

We’re starting early……with a little friendly competition --- and we need your help!

Need new Riding Gear,  or nice Riding boots---or,  perhaps some Rain gear? (you know what we mean )  These are just some items of what you could choose from Dennis Kirk,  if you’re the winner of the:  Most Raffle Tickets sold

The Patriot Ride Raffle prize this year is the winner’s choice of a 2014 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide or $15,000 Cash.  The drawing will be held at Ham Lake Lions Park during the afternoon program of the 9^th Annual Patriot Ride, Saturday - June 14, 2014.

As you may know the majority of money raised for this Event which benefits our Military and their families, comes from Raffle ticket sales.  The last couple of years the number of tickets sold have gone down considerably.  In order to boost ticket sales, Dennis Kirk has offered to donate prizes for the most tickets sold!!!

1^st prize                $500 Dennis Kirk Gift Card

2^nd prize               $250 Dennis Kirk Gift Card

3^rd prize               $100 Dennis Kirk Gift Card

We are opening up this challenge to members of the Minnesota Patriot Guard,  Dennis Kirk employees and the Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund staff.  In order to keep track of the Raffle Ticket sales we ask that you request all tickets by emailing:  gsteiner@denniskirk.com.

Please include your name, address and the number of Raffle tickets you would like to receive.   Raffle Ticket booklets come in groups of 10 each.   

 

Dennis Kirk will again include a pre-paid address label and envelope for you to return the sold ticket stubs along with the $$ collected.   Please plan to return Ticket stubs to us in groups of 10 ( each booket contains 10 tickets)  

 

Dennis Kirk will track all Ticket sales,  and the Winner of most Ticket sold will be announced the week after the Patriot Ride.   Please help us make this year’s Raffle Sales better than ever!

Thank you to Dan Wilkinson for his time and efforts leading the NW Metro, making sure missions were conducted.  Dan has stepped down as Ride Captain in NW Metro.   Mark Lea was recommended and approved to replace Dan as NW Metro RC - thank you to Mark for stepping up.  Dan will still be keeping plenty busy as the Metro Senior Ride Captain and our webmaster guru and enjoy a little spare time now with Mark handling sector missions. 

 

Reece Hoelscher decided a few months ago that it was time for him to be able to spend some time with other interests and hobbies.  He recommended and it was approved and Reece will be turning the Mankato RC responsibilities over to Michael VanRavenhorst - thank you as well to Reece for his time and efforts leading the Mankato Sector and thank you to Mike for stepping up.  Reece - enjoy your extra time!

 

We could not do what we do without leaders getting everything set up for us - they have a big job to do.  Thanks to all of our leaders!

 

With the current riding season coming up, it's a good time to go over escort policies for missions.  Current escort policies have not changed - passengers, helmets, hi-vis gear, etc, is at the discretion of the RCIC of the mission, based on factors that include safety, traffic, weather, etc.  The only time requirements on escorts are in place is escorting the busses - that was a requirement passed to us which we have to follow if we wish to participate. 

 

We are on Facebook!  Click on the link and join!  https://www.facebook.com/pages/MN-Patriot-Guard/170421303014487?ref=hl   We use the page to never forget those who have fallen in the War on Terror and MN PG related items.  Missions are not posted on the Facebook page. 

 

Thank you for all you do!

 

Communication from National:

Patriot Guard Riders are defined by our mission statement. We are further defined by the respect and honor we show those entrusted to our care. Our mission and vision are clear. We often hear the words “Mission First”. Those words speak to the heart of the matter. Those we serve are first. The reason we exist is for them. They – are what – we are about.

Patriot Guard Riders is a 501(c)3 - non profit entity. As with all non-profit organizations we have images and words associated with our organization that portray what we do and who we are. These images and words are expressions of our mission. They are our trade marks (trademarks).

The time has come for us to protect our mission and those we serve by protecting our trademarks. There have been a few folks around the country that have decided to set up similar organizations using our marks. “Differences of opinion” concerning local leadership guidance have lead some to set up their own leadership and their own “Patriot Guard”. When differences like these arise, we ask all to focus on the mission and settle the differences as amicably as possible at the local level. Patriot Guard Riders leadership at all levels is readily available to assist if needed.

Putting those we serve in their rightful place is paramount. That place is – first. Mission First! The last thing a grieving family needs is to find themselves in a spat involving various groups. They should not be put in the position to choose one “Patriot Guard” group over another. During a time when they need strength and comfort they should only find caring and unified people at the ready. Some of these other groups make fund raising a priority. Some have had the audacity to ask for donations at funerals. Some even offer their services to political action groups.

Our vision and mission statements make it clear what Patriot Guard Riders is about. We ask that those that have joined our ranks to respect the principals and direction found in each document. If an individual or group desires to separate from Patriot Guard Riders and honor our veterans, that is fine; however, to prevent confusion for grieving families and others we serve, we believe those groups need to develop their own name and marks. The marks of Patriot Guard Riders are associated legally with only one group. The Patriot Guard Rider's marks are representative of our vision and mission statements. Our marks are not, and should never be, associated with raising funds at a funeral. Our mark is not and should never be associated with politics.

 

Patriot Guard Riders has always stated our mission is about honoring the fallen and not about us. There are times when folks have a great idea for the use of a Patriot Guard Rider's mark and want to share. Feel free to share your idea with national. Then there are times when some go beyond having an idea they want to share. Instead they decide to charge something to cover their costs. Sometimes it goes a step further and they see that they can make a little profit by adding more. Obviously, at this point it becomes more about profit than the mission. The sharing of the idea is the point at which this should have stopped. There are times when Patriot Guard Riders may approve the use of a mark. However without that permission there ensues not only a breach of trust, but one of a legal nature as well.

 

Patriot Guard Riders desires to avoid all such cases. For these reasons the use of our trademarks is limited to the Patriot Guard National store or those agreed to by the State Captain within his or her state. State Captains may authorize limited use of the Patriot Guard trademarks for sale of state specific items within their state as long as 100% of the profits go to the state 501(c)3. Direct competition with the national store is not authorized by Patriot Guard Riders. For example, the sale of identical or nearly identical merchandise is prohibited. State Captains may purchase Patriot Guard Riders merchandise at the National Store for resale by their state at a significant discount. State Captains may also authorize the use of the marks for their state specific websites and veteran related charitable advertising as they see fit. When in doubt, please review the policy with the national staff.

We have found many unauthorized uses of Patriot Guard Rider's trademarks. We have begun requesting unauthorized users to cease the use of our marks. We intend to settle any differences amicably, but will not allow the continued profiting from the use of our marks.

The following is offered for the sake of transparency.
All Patriot Guard Riders board and staff members are volunteers. No one at any level receives any compensation for their work on Patriot Guard Riders activities.

The Patriot Guard Rider's store is contracted to an outside entity because of the enormity of the tasks involved. Patriot Guard Riders pay Fast Color a monthly fee based on the sales volume of that month. All monies for the merchandise sold by Fast Color goes directly to Patriot Guard Riders. Patriot Guard Riders pay Fast Color a percentage (less than 10%) of the monthly sales based on the sales volume of that month. That fee pays Fast Color for design, order, stocking, maintaining the Patriot Guard Riders store front, and for receiving and shipping orders to our members. Patriot Guard Riders volunteers monitor the cost of items and approve all Patriot Guard Rider's items sold. Any member may suggest a new item or discuss quality concerns with the PGR store managers. 

Respectfully

Tony "Zap" Turner
Patriot Guard Riders
National Communications Officer

BOD Election

We have one seat open for election/re-election. Greg Springer,  currently holds one of the non-leadership positions on the Board of Directors, Greg can rerun if nominated. The position is meant to be held by someone that is not present or past PGR leadership so we get a good mix of views. In the “Sidebar” area of our webpage is the process, description, and nomination forms.

The topic for this week covers our Liability Waiver, also known as the Ride Waiver, and sometimes referred to as the "sign-in sheet". The Liability Waivers are a requirement of the MN PG and the National PGR organization.

One of the MN PG Leadership's responsibilities is to minimize liability to the organization. One of the tools is the Liability Waiver. It has been vetted by lawyers and our insurance carrier. For those of us who ride, we are very familiar with Ride Waivers absolving those in charge/organizers of the ride from liability - our Waiver is no different.

The top line of the first page/cover page of our Liability Waiver states: "In consideration of being permitted to observe and/or participate in any way in this event, I, the undersigned.....". This means to participate in our invited group the waiver must be signed by all in our group.

 

We are invited guests of the family. If someone chooses not to follow the rules that protect our organization (the invited guests), they are not part of our group at that mission/event and therefore are not invited guests. The rules that protect our organization and our conduct at missions & events are a huge part of the outstanding reputation we enjoy, and the cooperation we receive from the military.

 

When signing in it needs to be your legal name/signature, anything other than that does not provide any liability protection. At stake is our ability to donate funds that help our military and veterans right here in Minnesota. I don't believe anyone is willing to jeopardize our ability to do that because some attendees do not wish to sign the waiver or to sign it correctly. 

Members, please see the below two emails from National regarding the passing of Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) founder Fred Phelps:

 

 

"Many members have suggested that PGR tack the high road and protect the Phelps' funeral:

 

While many of us agree with these sentiments, attending any funeral without the invite of the family could be considered disrespectful.  Attending any non-veteran or non-first responder funeral would be outside the PGR mission statement and likely be considered a form of protest.

 

The most misunderstood thing about Patriot Guard is that we are not a protest or counter protest group. We simply desire to show respect to our Nation's fallen heroes and their families. As a 501(c)3 we cannot be involved with any form of protest or counter protest.  If the Department of Defense were to decide that the Patriot Guard Riders is a protest or counter-protest group, they would be forced to stop cooperating with us in securing invitations of the KIA/Active Duty death missions, along with deployments and welcome homes of military units.  Our primary mission is to respectfully attend funerals for military personnel, and first responders and then only with an invitation from the immediate family.  Without the DoD cooperation, it would be extremely difficult for us to be able to honor those fallen active duty heroes.

 

So, the Patriot Guard Riders will NOT attend any non-veteran or non-first responder funeral as it clearly falls outside of our mission scope.

 

We desire to remain in good standing with the DOD and focus on our primary mission.

 

Robbie Smart

President

Patriot Guard Riders"

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

"Patriot Guard,

 

Let us first remember our Nations true Heroes. Those brave men and women of our military and first responders who gave their life so that we may enjoy the freedom to express our differences.

 

While it is hard to find anything good to say about his views or actions, we do give our condolences to his family during what must be a painful time for them.  We take no joy in the sickness and death of any man. We do not celebrate the death of Fred Phelps.  Rather, Patriot Guard Rider's hope that Mr. Phelps somehow found the peace that seemed to elude him in life.

 

It is true that the PGR grew out of a response to protests at funerals.  That's a fair statement.

 

But that was 2005 and the PGR quickly learned that there was something powerful in a gathering of Americans who would simply stand and hold flags and let a family know that they were not alone.  And that powerful thing became our mission.

 

We are neither a protest nor a counter protest group.  We honor fallen Heroes and those who have honorably served this free America. The presence or absence of a protest does not alter that mission.

 

If it not for this man and his family we might not have heeded the call to regularly honor the sacrifices of our nation's true heroes and their families.  Nor would we have come to know the brother/sisterhood that the Patriot Guard Riders has become.

 

Robbie Smart

President

Patriot Guard Riders"

2014 is an election year - just a reminder that participation in political/lobbying efforts violates our 501c3 status. There are very hefty fines that can be imposed for that participation. Our 501c3 allows us to donate over $60,000 every year right here in Minnesota to our veterans and military - protecting it is important. I believe that each and every one of us would prefer that money to go to our military & veterans rather than paying a large fine or being involved in a law suit.

 

Many of our members are involved in political activities on their own. Perception is reality, no matter the intent. Wearing MN PG/PGR identification gives the perception that the organization is being represented in an official capacity - do not represent the MN PG/PGR at political/lobbying events in any way

 

The MN PG/PGR is a non-political organization. We simply cannot appear to be for one side or the other and maintain our relationships with the military, other organizations, and the families we stand with as we honor their hero's.

 

Support your political choices - but do it on your own as a private citizen - that is your right. By wearing any of your MN PG/PRG items (vest, pins or patches) you could very well be jeopardizing our 501c3 status.

 

  

A word from the MN-PG Store:

 

The main purpose of the MN-PG Store is to provide us with the funds to run the Patriot Guard Riders mission in Minnesota. By keeping our expenses low, the store gives us that opportunity. Our administrative expenses are running at about 4%, which is very low compared to other charities. We can do this as no companies or private parties benefit from the funds received through the MN-PG store. There are no salaries or service fees paid. It is a volunteer venture. The only expenses incurred are costs of goods sold and shipping/handling charges.

 

Dennis Kirk provides free shipping. We pay Dennis Kirk for the postage and handling materials. This is extremely generous of Dennis Kirk. Please provide your support to Dennis Kirk any way you can.

 

However, if you have any issues with an order you HAVE to contact me for resolution!! Dennis Kirk cannot help you with any questions or order issues. Just email store@mnpatriotguard.org and I will help you with your issues. The majority of Dennis Kirk employees have no knowledge of the service they provide the MN-PG store. There are only a few dedicated people involved in this service. Please take the time to thank them whenever you can.

 

If you have any questions / issues with your MN-PG store items just contact store@mnpatriotguard.org. - I promise I will take care of you. Please keep in mind, the Minnesota Patriot Guard Store is totally separate from the National Patriot Guard Riders Store. I cannot help you with issues residing with orders from the National Patriot Guard Riders Store.

 

We have some new items in the store - like a Watch Cap with MN-PG Embroidered on it, see that here: http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/store/gearapp.asp

And a Flagpole - http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/store/geardec.asp

Also, check out the items on our Sale page, http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/store/geardis.asp

 

The coffee cups we have for sale here are REALLY nice! I have 4 of them and it is the only coffee cup I use at home. They are really nice if you are working at a desk all day - it lets people know about the Patriot Guard - and may spark their interest in joining. These make a nice "just thinking of you" gift for you daughter or wife/girlfriend also. There is also a nice Thermos Brand Travel Mug that would make a nice 'just thinking of you" gift for your husband/boyfriend!

 

So please, come back and visit the MN Patriot Guard Store and help support the Patriot Guard - the military and their families!  

 

John Redfield

store@mnpatrotguard.org

Winter is definitely here!  Just a reminder on attending missions - make sure you are dressed for the elements.  Frostbite and other cold weather injuries can happen in a matter of minutes if not prepared!  Safety of leaders & members is important - we need you and appreciate you, but we want you safe!

Thank you for all you do!