From National President - 19 November 2016

 My brothers and sisters,

I hadn't planned another update this soon but in light of recent  events I think it's warranted.

The recent election seems to have further polarized our country. It  has created some tension that we've not seen in recent memory. This  tension has  even prompted violence.

I will again ask you to keep your eye on the ball and your head on a  swivel. Our mission is to protect and shield our heroes and their  families against unwanted disruptions. These disruptions may come from  an unexpected direction in these days.

I read with tears and disbelief that the family of one of our heroes,  who was killed in action a few days ago, was actually booed by fellow  passengers as they brought their son home. Our California PGR was  there and took good care of this hero and his family. I hope that this  grieving family knows that they do not stand alone and that all true  Americans honor their sacrifice and share their grief.

Remember that we are not a counter protest group and we are not  confrontational nor are we political.

Let me be very specific here because I want no misunderstanding and I  need your help in spreading the word. I recently saw a notification on  social media that a large number of riders are planning to go to  Washington. Above that notification was an unmistakable pic of of the  PGR during an honor mission escort. If you didn't know better you  would think that it was the PGR organizing that effort or at the least  that we supported it. Of course nothing could be further from the  truth and this picture is being used without permission.

We will not endorse or participate in any event that is not a clear  part of our stated mission or makes any political statement....period.

Now if you want to join this effort or any effort, feel free to do so.   It is your absolute right and the PGR supports that right. If you  chose to do so however, leave your vest, your PGR banner and flag at
home. To not do so would be in violation of the member code of conduct  and frankly sends a disappointing message that you put yourself ahead  of our mission.

Remember that it's not about us....


Bees
 Rob "bees" Butler
President
Patriot Guard Riders

From National PGR President

My brothers and sisters

I hope you are all well. I’m Rob “Bees” Butler and I’m the President of the Patriot Guard. I assumed this position on 1 September after having been elected by your State Captains as Mike “Stay Low” Childree completed his term as President. Mike did an awesome job and served in national leadership for over 6 years. That’s extraordinary and we owe him a huge thank you. He has been promoted to the very highest level, the Flagline.

I’ve had many calls and notes of support and I am truly grateful. I promise you that I will do my best to support you as we continue our important mission. It is also my intention to communicate with you often and let you know what is going on and what your Board of Directors is about. People who know me will tell you that I’m pretty straight forward and I will be the same with you, I’m going to tell you what I think. If you’ve read my previous updates you will notice that some of the themes repeat themselves. I do this because they are vitally import and need to be said again and again. 
Just a few updates and I apologize for the length but there is a lot going on and I want you to be informed.

BOD
I hope you’ve taken the time to look at the site and are familiar with your board but if not;
Your Board of Directors consists of 7 members:

President- Rob “Bees” Butler, Georgia
Vice President of Captains- Randy “Steam” Stevens, South Carolina

Vice President of Members- Mike Lambert, Texas.
Mike was recently elected to the board by the State Captains and although already hard at work, will be “official “on 1 November. Mike is retired Navy and has been with the PGR since 2007. His bio will be posted shortly.

Vice President of Operations- Robert “Gator” Collins, Tennessee

Vice President of Hoth (Help on the Homefront)- John “Red Sauce” Fenech, New York

Secretary-Shane “Desert Doc” Leiser, Idaho

Treasurer-Darlene “Sweet Cheeks” Villa, Missouri

These are outstanding individuals that have thousands of missions and many years of service to the PGR under their belts. We work very closely with each other and your State and Regional Captains to support you and our mission. This is the last time you will hear me speak of us as individuals. Steam and I were in a meeting not too long ago and responding to question Steam said: “I would rather you didn’t even know that there is a board, because it’s not about us, It’s about the heroes and families we serve”. He could not have said it better. 

Not about us.
It’s not about us. We hear that and say it back and forth but what does that really mean? It’s simple really, it means that we give of our time and our emotions to serve those that stood in harms way for our freedom and our way of life. It means being a part of something bigger than ourselves. It means participating for its own sake, without thought of acknowledgement or reward. It means doing something because it’s right and good. It means being the mist, its being humble and putting the families we serve ahead of yourself. To Randy’s point, we want to do what we do and fade away, we don’t want to be flashy or draw attention to ourselves in any way. To do so makes it about it us and not the family we serve. 

I had a rider tell me once when he discovered that the mission was flagline only: “No escort? Well that’s no fun.” Uh huh, see ya pal. What we do is not fun, it’s serious business. if you want attention, go somewhere else. Leave your ego in your saddlebag.

Safety
Oh my, it’s been a terrible few months. It seems every time I turn on the news or look at social media I see “Rider down, prayers needed!” All riders feel a kinship and it always hits me when I hear of a rider going down but its especially heartbreaking when it’s one of our own PGR family. One of the things I love most about the PGR is that no matter how diverse we are, we put all that aside for a common cause, a cause that we are all passionate about. That gives us a special bond, If you’ve been doing this a while you know exactly what I mean. To lose a brother or sister on a mission just rips me up, even if I didn’t know the person. I read the circumstances and it occurs to me that I’ve probably been in the same situation. It can happen in the blink of an eye. 

What we do is dangerous. It just is and there is no way around it. In a lot of states the law requires that traffic yield to a funeral procession but I can’t tell you how many times we have almost been hit by some jerk that thinks he needs to get wherever in a hurry, especially in traffic. Please take care of yourself and each other. Please don’t assume safety because you’re in a group or procession and keep your head on a swivel, especially if there is any gap at all in the procession. Assume that you’re going to be cut into, expect it. Don’t assume that a LEO escort will protect you. Don’t get me wrong, we have great relationships with all law enforcement and they do everything they can to protect us but they can’t be everywhere, all the time.Do not, under any circumstances take it on yourself to block traffic, just don’t do it, you’re not helping and no, you shouldn’t do it in a cage either. 

The overwhelming majority of states will just not allow it for obvious reasons. There are a few states that have special laws and training but for 90% of us, nope. Don’t get angry if you and other bikes are sent ahead to the church or cemetery. The RC is wouldn’t do that if there were not a possible safety issue so smile and just go on. We are volunteers and we ride at our own risk, please remember that.

There should be a safety briefing on EVERY mission. There should be no exceptions to this anytime an escort is involved. If there isn’t, say something.

Our climate.

No, I’m not talking about the weather. I’m talking about what’s going on in our country right now. I’m not going to visit any topic because it you are reading this you know all too well what is going on. We are all concerned and disturbed about recent events and I think we should be. I think as Americans we need to pay very close attention.That being said, we need to keep our eye on the ball. That is to say that in the midst of all this our mission hasn’t changed.

We stand for those that stood for us and we ride with respect. That’s not only what we do but that’s become a part of who we are. The PGR has earned the respect of many because we are above the fray and are not political. We have our own opinions of course and if you want to ride or support a person or cause then please do so, but not as a PGR Member. Take your PGR flag off of your bike and leave your PGR vest in the closet. Our mission comes first. Remember that if your wear PGR gear, you represent the PGR. 

Store and Site
In the last several months we have made a lot of improvements to the store and to the National site. Many of the changes are behind the scenes but are designed to make the platform for stable and secure. You would be surprised at how many attempts there are each day to corrupt and gain wrongful entry into our system. Our system must be secure by its nature so if you screw up your password or login information, yea, it’s going to be a problem for you.

The store site does not require a separate login any longer so once you’re on the main site all you have to do it click on the store tab and you should go to the store. If you haven’t been on the main site in a while, PLEASE follow the instructions in the big block right in front of you. You will have to update your password and country on your profile. It must say US, not U. S. or United States.

The best method for accessing the site is a computer with an up to date browser. Most major browsers should work fine. Many of us use our mobile devices as well. I use an iPhone like a computer and I use the full site. I go to the bottom of the mobile site and click on full site. I have to enlarge most things but I have full functionality. I can order from the store and even post missions with no problems whatsoever.

If you have a problem, ask for help from accounts@partiotguard.org. Please be patient and give us a chance to fix it. I understand it’s frustrating, believe me I do, but threatening to quit the PGR or buy items elsewhere or using foul language is not, not going to help you. I feel silly for having to say that.

I saved something very important for last.

Patriot Guard Outreach
We lose a service member 22 times every day. I still can’t get my head around that number but its real and it’s just not right. It’s not right that our men and women should put their lives on the line and suffer when they come back to the United States or leave the military because they don’t know what to do or who to call or dont get the support they need. I cannot imagine the anguish that some of these brave people go through. . No American service person should feel like no one can help or understand or feel alone.

It has to stop

What if I told you that you could save a life by giving someone a phone number. What if I told you that you could ease suffering by asking someone how they are doing and just listening to their answer.

Think about this for a minute. All of us know or love a service member or veteran. All of us have been touched in some way by one of these great Americans. There are several hundred thousand of us who interact with service men and women every day. If we can make a difference in one person’s life, isn’t it worth our effort, your effort? Think what a group like us can do together.

We can do more than we are doing and we are going to.

In the next few days on our main web site on the left hand side you will see a blue box. That box will say Patriot Guard Outreach. When you access that box you will find a list of resources that will help you gain an understanding of PTSD, what it looks like and what the symptoms are. There will also be helpline phone numbers. Those resources will be available to all that care to read it as well. 

The list will be small at first but will grow in time so be patient, it’s a work in progress. A complete list at the outset but would optimal of course but I don’t want to wait, I don’t think we can afford to wait.

So I’m asking for your buy in, I’m not asking you to be a healthcare professional and please don’t assume that role. All I’m asking is that you pay attention to each other and be willing to provide a little support.

So the question then is …. Are you in?


I will close as always by thanking you for what you do. Cold, hot, wet or dry, we go. We go because our heroes deserve the very best we can give, because they gave us their best. It’s the right thing to do because we are Americans.

Never ever forget that what you do is important, it matters and your effort matters. You are much appreciated.

Ride Safe, 

bees

Last Reminder if you wish to help!

 

We are already getting questions about the placement of wreaths at FSNC and the State Veterans Cemeteries, and how to donate towards wreaths.  The date this year is 17 December 2016.  Please find below the instructions on how to make a donation if you choose.  To avoid delays, it is recommended you place your orders no later than 20 November 2016.

 

Ordering Wreaths for FSNC:

WAA has changed the way donations are made, and it's gotten complicated, but there is now a mail option.  If you wish to help sponsor a wreath(s) at FSNC for our Fallen in the War on Terror under the Minnesota Patriot Guard fund raising group (116 names currently), there are 2 ways to accomplish this. 

1.  You can mail a check for any amount with a note that the check is for account MN0021 (Minnesota Patriot Guard for FSNC):    Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623  (You must annotate that it is for Account MN0021 or it will not be credited to us for FSNC and our list of names
2.  On line option:  This can only be done in $15.00 increments:  Go to website:   
   www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
    Scroll down the page until you see the green button tabs and click on the green tab "Donate to a local fundraising group".  On the next page, you will have a box that says "Search by city, zip, cemetery or group".  Enter "MN0021" in that box.  "MN0021:  Minnesota Patriot Guard for Fort Snelling National Cemetery" should come up - click on that and you will get the red "donate" button (make sure you select Minnesota Patriot Guard).  Click on the donate button and you will be able to make your selection on the number of wreaths in the drop down bar and make your donation. 
3.  If you wish to honor a specific veteran that is not on our list of 116 names, please do not use this option.  Make your donation to FSNC - use the same process as in para 2 above, but instead of putting MN0021 in the box "search by city, zip, cemetery or group", enter Fort Snelling National Cemetery, and Fort Snelling National Cemetery will pop up, click on it, and proceed by clicking the red "donate" tab, and you will get an option to click "yes" to "Place A Wreath on Specific Grave" and then you can fill out the information on the by-name individual you are honoring.

 

Ordering Wreaths for the State Veterans National Cemeteries at both Preston and the one near Camp Ripley:   

1. You can mail a check.  Checks should be made out to "Wreaths" and mailed to:  Wreaths, 5244 Ashdale Ln, Baxter, MN  56425  On the the website, you can click on the red tab "Honor A Veteran Here" and there is an option to print out a form if you wish to make a by-name donation to go along with your check.
2. On Line Option:  Go to website:   http://wreathsforthefallen.org  click on the red "Honor A Veteran Here" and follow the instructions to make a payment by credit card or paypal.

If you have any questions, please contact Karla at  karla@mnpatriotguard.org

I am honored to announce Craig Ugland as the State Captain of the Minnesota Patriot Guard Riders as of June 1, 2016.   Our Leadership Advisory Council, our Board of Directors, and the National Board of Directors have voted and confirmed Craig for this position.  Craig has long been a dedicated member and leader in the MNPG, having served as a Ride Captain, Senior Ride Captain, and Assistant State Captain and the organization is in very good hands.  Many of you already know Craig and know how huge his heart is for our mission. 

 

As I leave the positon, a few parting words:  You, our members and leaders are our most valued asset. You are the ones that make sure the mission is carried out.  We provide comfort to a grieving family, we are there when our military deploy, we are privileged to be there again when they come home to their families and loved ones; and we bring smiles to the faces of those in our veterans home. I have talked to some of our Minnesota National Guard members who have said when they see us at the border, they know they are HOME! What a feeling for them, their loved ones, and for us to welcome them back.

 

With over 400 missions a year – 400 times that the MNPG has in some way taken the time in our busy lives to pay Honor, Dignity, and Respect to those that have served in our military – what a powerful statement!  Your dedication can’t be matched, let alone beat.  We know that it’s “not about us” and we know what that really means.  You get what we do and why we do it, in all types of weather, wearing sunglasses and holding back tears.   That is what makes each of you so very special - you give of your hearts, and you also give of your time and expense to make sure that we uphold our mission.

 

When I came aboard as the State Captain, I asked each and everyone to be kind to each other and take care of each other on the flagline, and as I leave this position, that is still my request.  It doesn’t matter who is standing next to us, we can unite and be grateful each one is there for a common purpose.

 

To continue what we do, we need people willing to step into leadership positions – without our leaders we wouldn’t know where to be, or when to be there.  If you are interested, or interested in running Veteran Missions when you can - talk to your Ride Captain!  If you lack some computer skills, we can help with that.  If you are worried about something going side-ways at a mission – they usually do, and our members are wonderful at adapting.   For members – bring a friend and introduce them to what we do and invite them to help – it all matters and makes a difference.

 

It has been a privilege serving you.  I will be taking on the Acting Assistant State Captain until that position is filled.  And I will see you on the flagline – that’s the reason I joined this organization.  Thank you for maintaining the integrity of the mission, and the reputation that we enjoy – those things are not possible without each of you.  YOU ROCK and don’t forget it!!

 

Respectfully

Karla Richardson
Flagline Member
State Captain
Minnesota Patriot Guard, Patriot Guard Riders

Communication from National

BOD Update - National Guidelines & Best Practices

My Brothers and Sisters,
I’m Rob “bees” Butler, your VP of Members, here with another update from your PGR board of directors. The focus of this update is sure to prompt lots of comments and conversation:

PGR Flag line Guidelines.
Our mission, to honor the service and sacrifice of those that have stood in harm’s way to protect our freedom and way of life and to shield and protect those families is paramount in all we do. Although many of us have served, we are not a military organization. We represent all Americans who wish to show respect and honor for our Service men and women. All are welcomed that share this mission.
It is not about us, but the families we serve. We only get one chance to get it right.

What we do with flags and how we hold and display them has long been a debated topic within the PGR. The US Flag Code and the various TMs or military training manuals cover almost every conceivable use and display of our flag, except for what we do. There just aren’t rules for a flag line or rules for flags on motorcycles or rules for sheltering a family at a grave site because for the most part we are the only ones that do what we do. Because of this lack of specific information there has been some confusion. It’s time to be clear, once and for all about what the Patriot Guard Riders Flag Guidelines are.

These guidelines are very simple and should be used as a reference. They will be easy to find in the future as there will be a link to this guidance as well as other policy documents to the front page of the main site. If situations arise which would require further clarification this document will be updated. Please ask your RC or State Leadership if you have questions as they determine overall state policy within these guidelines. '

PGR Flag Holding Guidance:
Flag Basics:
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
4. Carry the flag straight up and down as you walk to and from the flag line
5. Unroll and roll the flag up at staging area, not walking to or from the flag line.

Static Display.
The flag code is specific on this point and it’s easy to remember. The Flag should be on the viewers left.
If, for example there is a static display at the front door of a funeral home or church, then the US Flag would be on the viewers left. If there were a service flag or other flag such as a POW flag it would be on the right as you would walk through the door.

This would be the same if you fly flags on your bike during an escort. If you fly two flags, the US Flag would be on the left as viewed from the front of the bike, the viewers left. From the riding position then the US Flag would be over your right shoulder.

If you fly three flags then the US Flag should be in the center and higher than the other two if practical. If one of the remaining two flags is a Service flag, then that flag would be on the viewers left.

Flag line Guidance and General Flag line Etiquette
This is the one area that causes the most discussion. Remember that we are standing in a flag line. We are not an honor guard nor are we in a marching formation. The key is for all members of the flag line to hold the flag in the same manner and in the same hand. The PGR Board of Directors has done a great deal of research on this issue over a couple of years. We have read and re-read the US Flag code, Army TM 840-10, FM 3-21-5 and the Flag Guidance from The American legion and consulted with many former and current Senior NCOs and Officers.
It is recommended that the flag should be held in the left hand.

Holding the flag in the left hand:
1. Is not in contravention with current guidelines.
2. Allows our Veterans to render a hand salute without having to shift the flag from one hand to the other. They have earned this right
3. Allows flag line members to greet visitors and acknowledge the thanks of the family with a hand shake without having to reach around the flag or shift the flag to the other hand. Your State Captain will provide final guidance.

Best Practices
Flag lines are sometimes physically demanding. Standing in one place for an extended period of time is not easy. All are welcome in our flag lines. If a small stool, wheelchair or other aid is necessary or if the flag cannot be held in the designated hand then every accommodation will be made for that member. The RC should be sure that breaks are taken as necessary and members stay hydrated. Watch your brothers and sisters, if you see someone that appears to struggle, do something and say something immediately. If you need a break hand your flag off, walk away from the flag line, if practical to the staging area, and relax for a few minutes.

Rendering Honors
Again, we are not an honor guard. Rendering honors or saluting either by hand salute, hand across the heart or in some states or by coming to attention while holding the flag is an important part of what we do. It is the ultimate sign of personal respect.

Honors are rendered at the arrival or departure of a hearse, anytime the casket is moving and during Military honors. Typically the RC or someone he asks will call the group to attention and present arms and then order arms at the proper time. It is a compliment to any vet to be asked to “Call it”.

As an example, in one state the flag is held in the left hand. This allows the member to render honors by placing the right hand across the chest on the heart or if a veteran, render a hand salute. Just next door in another state, flags are held in the right hand and honors are rendered by coming to attention. Let me be very clear, BOTH OF THESE ARE ACCEPTABLE and do not violate any flag code. Should you visit another state, please comply with that states protocol. As mentioned above, State Leadership should select one to be used across the state.

Covers.
If the flag line or part of the flag line is moved inside because of weather or at the request of the family and you are wearing a hat , you should continue to wear it. If holding a flag at the graveside it may be removed during prayer as an additional sign of respect and is acceptable in most states.

General
Our job is to stand in silent honor, the flag line is often the family’s first exposure to the Patriot Guard. We have been invited to share perhaps the most difficult time in their lives. They will never forget what they see and hear. We only get one chance to do it right, remember that. Most states allow a quiet conversation in the flag line but when the family is close by or guests are leaving or arriving, remain silent. Disruptive behavior of any kind is not acceptable and those involved will be asked to leave.

As a best practice, the flag should always be straight up and down. When in the flag line, the flag pole should be near the small toe portion of your boot or shoe. Rest the pole in the inside of your shoulder and let your arm hang naturally at your side while holding the pole lightly with your hand. This is far more comfortable than any other method, and allows you to shift your weight as you stand without the flag moving around and gives you the best control of the flag especially in very windy conditions. Do not lock your knees! Keep your knees bent, shift your weight often and try to relax. Be sure to check your area as the flag line breaks down for water bottles or other items. Leave it like you found it. Many states provide flags and also use static flags placed around the funeral home or church. Remember to help pick these flags up as well as you return to the staging area.

Photos
Recently there has been an explosion of photos taken and posted on social media and frankly this does not do us credit and has gotten out of hand.
These are solemn occasions, not social events and it is disrespectful for a family to see us posing for pictures. Think about how you would feel if you were a family member and saw people taking pictures of themselves at their loved ones funeral. Although positive intent is assumed, it is not up to us to record these events and to do so makes it about us and not the families we serve.
National guidance is:

1. Once the mission begins, no photos should be taken.
2. No pics should ever be taken of the casket or the family.
3. Do not take pictures in or of the flag line, the mission has begun at that point.

The only exception to this would be if the family requests that we make family to make a photo record. If you get this request, convey it to RCIC as soon as possible and he or she will make that determination and designate a person to take pictures. It goes without saying that the RC should never be that person.

Most states allow pictures in the staging area and this is acceptable. Posting mission photos on social media is discouraged but such an expectation is not realistic. If you must post on social media such as Facebook, please think carefully about the photo you select and the impact that it may have. Please also consider the number of photos posted and what message that conveys. Remember that once it’s out there, it’s out there. If you have questions at a mission, ask your RC and follow that guidance.

Cell Phones
Mute your phone or better still leave it in your car or on your bike. Do not text, check your mail or take a call in the flag line, its disrespectful. If you must use your phone, hand your flag off and step away from the flag line and out of earshot.

Smoking
Don’t smoke anywhere near a flag line. If you must smoke, hand your flag off and step well away from the flag line. The same applies E-cigs or vape devices.

Many of these guidelines are in place across the country but hopefully this will clarify general policy and answer some questions that you may have.

Our mission remains critical and we have much work left to do. Please remember that having the opportunity to make a difference in the life of another person or family is a rare privilege and we owe it to those that entrust this to us to do the very best we can. We owe no less to those that have gone in harm’s way to protect our way of life and our very freedom.

Words like duty, honor, respect, patriotism and freedom are bandied about by many in our country and used at their convenience. The true meanings of these can be found in each flag line, each escort, each tear that you shed behind your dark glasses standing at a graveside and each time you look a family member in the eyes and say: “It’s my honor”. They are found when it doesn’t matter to you if you’re cold or tired or have to go in the rain. I told you last time and I will keep saying it: What we do is important, Its right and it matters. Thank you very much for all you do.

Ride Safe,

bees

Members....

  

We are excited to announce the opening of the nomination period for two At-Large positions on the Board of Directors for the MN Patriot Guard.  The current 2-year terms of Doug Bley and Greg Yung are up for election.

  

The Board of Directors consists of the; State Captain, Assistant State Captain, Senior Ride Captain Representative, Secretary, Treasurer, and the 4 At-Large Positions elected by the Leadership Advisory Committee.  Other than the At-Large positions these are standing positions to the Board of Directors.

  

The responsibilities of the Directors are to provide oversight of the MNPG business operations to support the mission needs in Minnesota and develop MNPG policies that are complementary to the Patriot Guard Riders, Inc, mission.  Broadly speaking...  you will provide input and opinions to the Missions Scope, Financial Operations, and Strategy and Purpose of the MN Patriot Guard.

  

The President and Vice President positions are voted on annually by the Board after the elections.

  

Full information can be found in the Leadership Descriptions found in the Members Documents area at www.mnpatriotguard.org. 

  

If you are interested please nominate yourself by filling out the information required when you click the link on the home page of the MN Patriot Guard.

  

You are free to nominate somebody else but please be sure they are willing to serve and have provided you all the information required in the form.

  

The nominations period goes through April 23, 2016.  Voting by the Leadership Advisory Committee will take place through May 8, 2016.  Announcements will be made in May and the new Board installed via email.

  

Because my term is up the election process will be overseen by Dick Kelso (Secretary) and with assistance from Mark Lea (Vice President) and Karla Richardson (State Captain).

  

We are often asked about voting being open to everybody.  The truth is we don't have the technology and don't want to spend the big amount of money on it.  We ask you review all the candidate profiles that will be listed on our website and give your feedback and opinion to your Ride Captain.  They will be your sector voice in the election.

  

Thanks for all you do and your heart in the Mission.

  

Doug Bley

President, MN Patriot Guard

Patriot Ride Kick Off Taco Feed

Join us ..."Taco Feed" to kick-off The Patriot Ride!  For those familiar with the Chili Feed, it's now Taco's!

 

Date:  March 19, 2016

Time:  1:00 - 5:00pm

Location:  Maxx Bar & Grill, 17646 Central Ave. NE, Ham Lake, MN

 

Purchase Patriot Ride Raffle Tickets and get entered to win fantastic prizes through the afternoon!

 

The Patriot Ride merchandise - First time available!

 

Proceeds go to the Patriot Ride, supporting:

 

·        Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund

·        Minnesota Patriot Guard

·        Tribute To The Troops - Minnesota Chapter

·        Folds of Honor - Minnesota

 

 

Would you like to help at the Taco Feed?  Here is a link for volunteer opportunities: 

 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0a4ca5a82da6f58-taco

We would like to Welcome 2 new leaders!

Richard Klugherz has moved to the Ride Captain position for Metro SW.
Rich has been an ARC for quite a few years, and is also part of our
FSNC team.  Thanks for stepping up Rich!

Jerry Schneider has stepped up to an Assistant Ride Captain position
in Metro NE.  We are fortunate to have Jerry on the team - thanks
Jerry!

Members and friends... Happy New Year to you and your families.  I hope 2016 dawned bright with hope for you! State Captain Karla Richardson recently sent out a Mission review for 2015 but the number of Missions bears repeating.  424 Mission days were attended by you in 2015.  The number is slightly above 2014 and is a validation of our need going forward in these days of reduced losses from war.  The Board of Directors discussed the Mission Scope at our Fall meeting along with the Senior Ride Captains and no changes were made or recommended. The 2015 - 10th Annual Patriot Ride was a special day this last year.  Over 3,350 riders were part of the day.  It's an amazing testament to our continued sense of patriotism to see that number of bikes and riders.  It was moved to the Anoka County Airport and the results were everything the planning committee could have asked for.  The phrase "State Fair for bikers" was a common theme.  The ride has moved to July 9, 2016, to help avoid the wet weather this ride has been plagued with in the past.  Please make sure you mark this website down and I hope to see you at the Patriot Ride again this year.  Thank you to Dennis Kirk and the hundreds of volunteers for their amazing support and dedication to this ride.  http://www.thepatriotride.org We are fortunate with our ability to raise and donate funds every year at the level we do.  We aren't about the money and never will be.  We are in a position to help and we take that seriously.  We raised about $86,000 last year with much of that (about $62,000) coming from the Patriot Ride.  The balance came from general donations and a small profit from the MN Patriot Guard store. We used about $83,000 in our expenses and donations 1.     Wreaths Across America: $1,000 2.     Vets Home HOTH Expenses: $6,900 3.     Veterans Hunting Events: $4,700 4.     Administrative: $3,600 5.     Mission Expenses: $2,400 6.     Grants: $65,000           a.     MN Military Family Foundation: $15k           b.     Flags For Fallen Military: $4k           c.     Toys For Military Kids: $2k           d.     Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund: $10k           e.     National Patriot Guard Riders: $2k           f.      Tribute To The Troops Education Fund: $26k           g.     MN Veteran Family Support-Project Backpack: $4k           h.     Misc: $2k  It's important to note a few things. All the money we spend (except for the National PGR donation) stay within Minnesota Our administrative expenses are at 4% of expenses and most of that is insurance and tax preparation.  As a 100% volunteer organization none of the funds raised cover any personal expenses of leaders or members.  As you make donation choices please keep this in mind for every charity you evaluate. We don't donate to individuals as a rule.  We aren't skilled professionals in evaluating needs and situations so we instead donate to groups who can do those things far better than we can. The Board votes on the budget and every donation request.  Majority rules for the vote dictate our decision so no one person has control over any part of this.  As a note to you not every vote is unanimous or passes so they are taken seriously and discussed. Our Treasurer sends copies of the check register and bank statements out to the Board every 6 months so, while a not a formal audit, all transactions are reviewed. Our income tax and charity filings are prepared by professional tax accountants.      We choose to always keep one year of expenses and donations in reserve to ensure that if our funding ever went away we would have a year for the MNPG and those we donate to time to adjust.  To that end we have just over $100k in reserve.  We don't foresee that changing or be at risk.   The Mission is the most important thing for us.  Anything you can do to help by attending Missions or telling your friends and neighbors to join is appreciated.  Many of us have been doing this for over 10 years and people have drifted away.  Work keeps many of us occupied during the week so Monday through Friday Mission support is critical. The Board and Missions team thanks all you from the bottom of our hearts for what you do.  Without you there is no Mission. Happy 2016!!!!! Honor, Dignity, Respect

Doug Bley President, MN Patriot Guard High Plains Region Captain Former Minnesota State Captain

2016 Patriot Ride

Patriot Ride - 9 July 2016!!  Save the date!!  It will be held at the same location as last year.

Raffle Tickets for the 2016 Patriot Ride Raffle Bike are now available for you sell.

 

This year’s ride will be July 9, 2016 @ The Key Air Facility (Anoka County Airport)

 

The raffle bike is a 2016 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide or the option of $15,000 in cash!  Tickets are once again $20 each.

 

Common questions

1. Cash or checks are fine...  no credit cards

3. You do not have to be present to win

4. No more than 5000 tickets will be sold
5. People can order tickets form the Patriot Ride website as well

 

If you want tickets to sell please email Tammy Becklin at tbecklin@denniskirk.com with your name, phone number, street address (No PO box), and the number you want in packs of 10.  She will UPS the tickets to you with prepaid return postage included.  It is important to recognize that if you take these tickets you are responsible to return them at the end.

Message from the National Board of Directors:

My brothers and sisters,
I hope you all had a great holiday season and will have a great new year. Bees here again, with a short update from your Board of Directors. 2015 was a busy year for the Patriot Guard Riders. Our VP of Operations, Robert “Gator” Collins has just finished pulling some numbers for 2015 and we wanted to share them with you all as soon as possible.

Our membership is now at 330,302. That’s right 330,302….whew that is a bunch. Let me put that in perspective for you. The Patriot Guard is larger than the active duty components of the US Navy, The US Air Force and The US Marine Corps, and 72% of the US Army.

There were 141,840 threads started on the national site and 2,505,699 posts in response to those threads.

We participated in 10,844 missions of all types in 2015. To be more specific, 9,493 Honor Missions, 33 missions at Arlington, 97 Memorial missions. We did 51 send offs and 191 welcome home events. There were 104 Wreaths Across America missions, 30 Snowball related mission and 845 Help on the Homefront (Hoth) missions.

I had to read these numbers a few times to wrap my head around them and it made me think of how we got to this place. I wonder how many hundreds of thousands of hours have gone into the planning all this activity. How many times we have been hot or cold, how many times we have rolled and unrolled our flags. How many hours we have stood in the flagine. I could go on and on.
All this has been done without ONE, yep, ONE paid employee. Every penny that comes to the Patriot Guard whether on the State or National level is used to support the organization, all of us should be very proud of that. I’m sure that there are not many organizations that can make that statement.

Ok, now think of what these numbers really mean. Think of the difference you have made in the lives of the people that we have served and stood for. The smile of a lonely vet at an ice cream social, the pride of a wife or husband when they arrive at a tiny church down in the country and see US Flags waving in the breeze held folks dressed in jeans that say “It’s my honor”. To be allowed to serve another and the most desperate time of their lives, to show honor to those that have stood in harms way for our way of life is what these numbers really mean. I will say what I said to you the last time, what I say every time I get the chance. What you do is right and a noble thing. It’s what, as Americans, we must do.

Our mission is far from over, so get busy, read the national site, find a mission, post condolences and go. We don’t care if you ride or what you ride….just go.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact any member of your State leadership.
Thanks for what you do and Ride Safe!

Bees

Members....

 

We are offering up a possible source for a new flag pole that is available through one of our members.  The MN Patriot Guard store sold these a few years ago and they were popular.

 

The costs have gone up so instead of us buying them to resell to you we have agreed to help get the word out about them.  The MN Patriot Guard gets a commission for each on he sells through this email and Patriot Ride store.  You save some money and we get to raise a few dollars this way.

 

These are a newly designed pole similar to the one offered in our web store two years ago.  They are 4 sections 24" long each as opposed to 5 sections and when assembled are telescoping from 7ft to 9ft 8 in. tall. When dismantled the tube bundle fits nicely in most motorcycle hard saddle bags.

 

They are chrome plated and come with rubber end caps and flag attachment snaps.

 

$30.00 each unit plus shipping if mailed, (appx. $10.00 USPS in MN).  Contact Jim (Kilroy) Larson at 612-868-1192 or jmloghome@earthlink.net.  Please make sure you tell Jim you saw this on the MN Patriot Guard email and he will donate $5 to us when you pay for it!