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!