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!

  

 

Welcome to:  Devan Jahn, new ARC in the Willmar Sector and Ken Worden, new ARC in the Metro SE.   Thanks to both of you for stepping up.

 

Winter is definitely here!  And along with it, ice and snow on roadways, parking lots and everywhere else.  Please make sure you allow enough time to safely get to missions and back home again. 

 

At missions, we are often in some tighter spaces to accommodate family & friends - look to make sure someone is not behind you when backing up or maneuvering - sometimes we can't stop as quick as we would like or think we can, or someone having to move quickly out of our way could get hurt.  Snow is also piled up and hard to see around.

 

Dress accordingly for weather conditions - we want you safe!  Standing on the flag line can get cold - bring extra clothing you may need to stay warm!  Frostbite and other winter maladies are serious, so be prepared.

 

The new Watch Cap are now in our store to help keep heads & ears warm - check out the store for other high quality items.  You can find the store at www.mnpatriotguard.org and click on MN PG Gear.

 

Thank you for all you do!

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!

 

 

 

New items in the store! 

The Minnesota Patriot Guard Store has a few new items. 12" MN PGR Teddy Bear©, MN PGR Bandanna© and a MN PGR Can Koozie©. You can see these items and more at the MN PGR store.

Welcome to two Assistant Ride Captains (ARC's):  Rich Klugherz in Metro SW and Conrad Slocum in Duluth Sector.  Thank you to both!! 

 

We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Hibbing ARC Richard (Dick) "Chappy" Chapman.

 

Donation tally's for the 2013 Patriot Ride are in - thank you for your support!  Proceeds from the Patriot Ride greatly benefit two organizations - the MMAF and the MN PG.  This year, both organizations received $45,386 each!

 

Our portion of proceeds, along with our store sales and other donations go to benefit our military and veterans right here in MN:

- MMFF (MN's Military Family Foundation) help military families in crisis - it's a quick turnaround of funds to get them on their feet, and may include car repairs, groceries, furnace or other appliance repairs, etc.

- We use a little over $8,000.00 annually at our Vet Homes, for things like bingo, and food for BBQ's and cook-outs. And we donate a little over $3,000.00 annually to our Veteran/Disabled Veteran Hunts (turkey, pheasant, deer hunts)

- Flags for the MN Fallen - this is a nationwide group that donates a large flagpole and flag for our Gold Star families, to be placed where they choose. Here in MN, we cover the cost for our MN KIA's.

- Internal costs for things such as our webpage and email system, insurance, legal fees, postage, our Post Office box. We also have mission expenses for things such as the plaques & coins given at missions to families of our KIA's or current serving military.

- we also donate to things such as the 34th Division Chaplain Fund, Disabled Vets Rest Camp, Project Backpack, TTTT Education Fund, AUSA Toys for Military Kids, Wreaths Across America/Wreaths for the Fallen, official military unit Dining In's/Outs to assist those in the rank of E4 and below to attend these military events steeped in tradition, etc.

 

Thank you for all you do!!!