MN Patriot Guard Members,
We just had the annual Patriot Ride, sponsored by Dennis Kirk. The ride is the only real fundraiser other than sales from the MN Patriot Guard (PGR) on-line store. Therefore, it's important that the event is successful. We don't have final numbers yet, but with all the people at the ride I will assume it was a great success.
During the ceremony we were reminded of our mission by the words of the Kennedy family as they told us the impact we had on their darkest days.
I want to mention just a few things about couple of other Organizations. As you know our scope of what we do is funerals for our fallen heroes either KIA (Killed In Action), Active Duty (In a branch of service at time of death), or a veteran that had at one time served to protect the freedoms we have today.
We also attend Military send-offs and welcome homes. We do this only on invite and unselfishly by going to the mission and staying focused on why we are there - HONOR, DIGNITY, and RESPECT. It isn't about any one of us or any group in our organization; it is about who we are standing for and their family.
It doesn't mean it stops there. The MN PGR stops there, because we focus on what we do best and other groups take it from there.
TTT (tribute to the troops) is a great example (many of the Patriot Guard are also members of multiple groups). The TTT does remembrance missions of our fallen heroes since 911. It is an awesome experience to attend their missions.
Another group would be the Honor and Remember group honoring the memory of all veterans. Attending their mission is another great experience.
If possible and you have time outside the MN PGR, I would recommend checking out the other groups to continue the mission after we have done ours. You won't regret it. Just always bring your sunglasses to hide the tears.
Tim Leonhardt
President, MN PG0
Friday, June 28, 2013
Update on the Trademark:
The National PGR Board is still waiting for the United States Patent and Trademark Office to make a decision. It could come at any time or it could be a few more months. We are all just waiting for the final decision to be made. National remains confident that we will prevail in this law suit.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Why do we have 2 calendars on our website?
- Anything that is an official mission or event of the MN PG per Mission Scope is placed on the MN PG calendar. The MN PG has responsibility for those or we have a part in it that we manage and we run them. RCIC's are assigned and we officially participate and represent the MN PG organization.
- The Non MN PG calendar is for events that benefit/proceeds go to support military and/or veterans for member awareness if they wish to attend on their own as part of the general community/private citizen. There is no official participation or representation of the MN PG/PGR or members in these events. Members can wear their patches to these events, as long as they are participating as part of the public and not in any official capacity at the event, in the program or otherwise making it appear to be official MN PG/PGR participation. Members asked for a way to know what else was going on around the state to support military & veterans if there wasn't a mission going on or one going on in their area.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Mission Scope
What is Mission Scope?
The most current mission scope we operate under was revised and has been in place since 2010 after being voted on by the LAC (Ride Captains, SRC’s) and ratified by our Board of Directors. It helps guide our leaders as to what is an approved MN PG mission and what isn’t.
The Mission scope ensures that we don’t take away from the great things that other organizations do or play preferences by offering services to one and not another for a like event. It ensures that we don’t leave families feeling that their veteran is more important to us than another’s by offering different services in different parts of the state. It upholds our Gold Star families who felt that being a flagline for "show" took away from our presence at a very difficult time for them. Most important, it keeps the flag line sacred for those who gave all and have served. Failure to follow the mission scope causes unnecessary hurt to those we are held to uphold - our military, veterans, and their families.
The MN PG Mission Scope is located under the Member Documents on our website (www.mnpatriotguard.org). If you have any questions, please contact missions@mnpatriotguard.org or your local Ride Captain. Thank you for all you do!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Riding Season & Warm Weather are here - some things to consider:
Now that riding season and warmer weather have finally arrived, it’s a good time to go over a few things.
We are not about motorcycles! We have many members who do not ride and we are grateful for their attendance at our missions and events. It doesn’t matter HOW you get to a Patriot Guard mission or event - what is important is that you are there to pay honor, dignity, and respect to someone serving or have served our great nation; and that you arrive safely there and home again. Instead of teasing someone who didn’t ride a motorcycle to a Mission how about welcoming them instead?
As the temps 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. As a note… only bottled water should be on a flag line.
MN PG/PGR identification: some things to remember……
- Set the right example when riding/driving with MN PG/PGR identification (patches, logo's, magnets, etc). Believe it or not, we have and do receive emails from the general public who saw someone going down the road (vehicle or bike), or visiting establishments and other venues, identified as MN PG/PGR because of a logo/patch/sticker/magnet, and were not impressed with what they saw - what you do reflects on the organization, including all of our members and leaders. It's about our mission and taking reasonable measures to protect it.
- While some states have gone as far as mandating a PGR back patch to only be worn at official missions/events, we have not gone that route here in MN. Please keep in mind that you are representing not only the MN Patriot Guard and the PGR, but also all those we have stood for and their families. We recognize it is your patch to do as you choose but please remember when wearing it out for fun, what and who we represent. Wearing the identification at things like political events violate our 501c3.
- When riding through other states be aware that not every state accepts wearing your PGR patches unless you are at a Mission. This is especially so if you still have the old 3 piece patch. In some states that is strictly enforced so know what the requirements are in the states you are travelling in. Some of those groups may be less than pleased and their actions less than pleasant. This is your responsibility to know. We do not keep track of what other states mandate.
- Just a reminder, as we want all of you safe! We are not an MC, nor a Riding Club/Group.
Merchandise…… Patches, Pins, T Shirts, and Other Goods: The MN Patriot Guard and Patriot Guard Riders logos and slogans are trademarked and owned by either the MN Patriot Guard or Patriot Guard Riders. Those two organizations are the only ones authorized to use those symbols or words and provide them for sale. If you buy merchandise from any other place or person they are counterfeit. Sadly counterfeit goods exist and only line someone’s personal pocket - not the organizations and military groups we support. Buying from our state or the national store ensures that you are purchasing original (not counterfeit), and benefit those groups we support as well as our own costs (website, plaques for families of fallen, etc).
The Patriot Ride is 15 June!! This is a great opportunity to meet with each other, and re-charge the batteries for what we do and what our mission is. It is also an opportunity to reflect on those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their freedoms and ensure that their families know that these brave men & women are never forgotten! If you have not yet registered, you can pre-register and purchase raffle tickets for a 2013 HD Street Glide or $10,000 cash at www.thepatriotride.org. There are also links for information on lodging and the ride.
Thank you for all you do!
We are not about motorcycles! We have many members who do not ride and we are grateful for their attendance at our missions and events. It doesn’t matter HOW you get to a Patriot Guard mission or event - what is important is that you are there to pay honor, dignity, and respect to someone serving or have served our great nation; and that you arrive safely there and home again. Instead of teasing someone who didn’t ride a motorcycle to a Mission how about welcoming them instead?
As the temps 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. As a note… only bottled water should be on a flag line.
MN PG/PGR identification: some things to remember……
- Set the right example when riding/driving with MN PG/PGR identification (patches, logo's, magnets, etc). Believe it or not, we have and do receive emails from the general public who saw someone going down the road (vehicle or bike), or visiting establishments and other venues, identified as MN PG/PGR because of a logo/patch/sticker/magnet, and were not impressed with what they saw - what you do reflects on the organization, including all of our members and leaders. It's about our mission and taking reasonable measures to protect it.
- While some states have gone as far as mandating a PGR back patch to only be worn at official missions/events, we have not gone that route here in MN. Please keep in mind that you are representing not only the MN Patriot Guard and the PGR, but also all those we have stood for and their families. We recognize it is your patch to do as you choose but please remember when wearing it out for fun, what and who we represent. Wearing the identification at things like political events violate our 501c3.
- When riding through other states be aware that not every state accepts wearing your PGR patches unless you are at a Mission. This is especially so if you still have the old 3 piece patch. In some states that is strictly enforced so know what the requirements are in the states you are travelling in. Some of those groups may be less than pleased and their actions less than pleasant. This is your responsibility to know. We do not keep track of what other states mandate.
- Just a reminder, as we want all of you safe! We are not an MC, nor a Riding Club/Group.
Merchandise…… Patches, Pins, T Shirts, and Other Goods: The MN Patriot Guard and Patriot Guard Riders logos and slogans are trademarked and owned by either the MN Patriot Guard or Patriot Guard Riders. Those two organizations are the only ones authorized to use those symbols or words and provide them for sale. If you buy merchandise from any other place or person they are counterfeit. Sadly counterfeit goods exist and only line someone’s personal pocket - not the organizations and military groups we support. Buying from our state or the national store ensures that you are purchasing original (not counterfeit), and benefit those groups we support as well as our own costs (website, plaques for families of fallen, etc).
The Patriot Ride is 15 June!! This is a great opportunity to meet with each other, and re-charge the batteries for what we do and what our mission is. It is also an opportunity to reflect on those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their freedoms and ensure that their families know that these brave men & women are never forgotten! If you have not yet registered, you can pre-register and purchase raffle tickets for a 2013 HD Street Glide or $10,000 cash at www.thepatriotride.org. There are also links for information on lodging and the ride.
Thank you for all you do!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
National Donation & Patriot Ride
Thank you for all you are doing! We have missions around the state, Veteran Home visits, and they all get accomplished because of your dedication and commitment to those who are and have served!
A couple of things I want to tell you about:
1. Periodically we get questions on where proceeds from our State or the National Store go, and other places that may be selling some of the same items. When you purchase from either the State or National Store, you can be assured that the proceeds go to help our veterans and military. Other places that sell these items are most likely counterfeit items and don't support anyone other than someone's own pocket.
One of the things that National recently helped with was the Medal of Honor Ceremony at the White House for SSG Clint Romesha. SSG Romesha was being honored for his actions above and beyond the call of duty at Combat Outpost Keating near Kamdesh, Afghanistan 03 OCT 09.
On that day, 8 American soldiers were killed in action. 53 Americans were attacked by a battalion strength (over 300) group of Taliban fighters who had planned their assault for over a year. SSG Romesha organized a defense that saved many American lives and recovered, under fire, all of the dead and wounded.
He wanted to share this day with as many of his brothers as possible. Our National PGR leadership was made aware of his desire and made a significant contribution to the effort to bring these men to Washington for today's ceremony.
The next time you donate or even buy a PGR hat or shirt from the state or national store - I ask you to remember this and purchase your items from either the State or the National Stores - great things happen with the proceeds!
2. The Patriot Ride is coming! Mark your calendars for 15 June 2013!!
Information is on the Patriot Ride link at our state website (www.mnpatriotguard.org).Pre-ride registration is now open, as are raffle ticket sales to win $10,000 in cash or a 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide FLHX. Information on lodging for those coming from out of town, ride route and other details are listed. Check it out, get registered and buy your raffle tickets all on-line!
The Patriot Ride Committee and Dennis Kirk are busy making sure that this year's Patriot Ride is again a huge success, with proceeds being split between the MN Patriot Guard and the MMAF (Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund).
The pre and post ride programs remind us all of why we joined the Patriot Guard and do what we do. We get to spend the day with our Gold Star families and remember those from MN who have given all in the War on Terror, we have a special memorial for those fallen in the last year during the last mile to the mid-way stop. It's a day of reflection, a day to never forget those who serve & have served, a day of celebration and a good re-charge of the batteries.
Karla RichardsonState CaptainMinnesota Patriot Guard, Patriot Guard Riders
A couple of things I want to tell you about:
1. Periodically we get questions on where proceeds from our State or the National Store go, and other places that may be selling some of the same items. When you purchase from either the State or National Store, you can be assured that the proceeds go to help our veterans and military. Other places that sell these items are most likely counterfeit items and don't support anyone other than someone's own pocket.
One of the things that National recently helped with was the Medal of Honor Ceremony at the White House for SSG Clint Romesha. SSG Romesha was being honored for his actions above and beyond the call of duty at Combat Outpost Keating near Kamdesh, Afghanistan 03 OCT 09.
On that day, 8 American soldiers were killed in action. 53 Americans were attacked by a battalion strength (over 300) group of Taliban fighters who had planned their assault for over a year. SSG Romesha organized a defense that saved many American lives and recovered, under fire, all of the dead and wounded.
He wanted to share this day with as many of his brothers as possible. Our National PGR leadership was made aware of his desire and made a significant contribution to the effort to bring these men to Washington for today's ceremony.
The next time you donate or even buy a PGR hat or shirt from the state or national store - I ask you to remember this and purchase your items from either the State or the National Stores - great things happen with the proceeds!
2. The Patriot Ride is coming! Mark your calendars for 15 June 2013!!
Information is on the Patriot Ride link at our state website (www.mnpatriotguard.org).Pre-ride registration is now open, as are raffle ticket sales to win $10,000 in cash or a 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide FLHX. Information on lodging for those coming from out of town, ride route and other details are listed. Check it out, get registered and buy your raffle tickets all on-line!
The Patriot Ride Committee and Dennis Kirk are busy making sure that this year's Patriot Ride is again a huge success, with proceeds being split between the MN Patriot Guard and the MMAF (Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund).
The pre and post ride programs remind us all of why we joined the Patriot Guard and do what we do. We get to spend the day with our Gold Star families and remember those from MN who have given all in the War on Terror, we have a special memorial for those fallen in the last year during the last mile to the mid-way stop. It's a day of reflection, a day to never forget those who serve & have served, a day of celebration and a good re-charge of the batteries.
Karla RichardsonState CaptainMinnesota Patriot Guard, Patriot Guard Riders
Sunday, December 30, 2012
New Year 2013
Happy 2013!! The past year saw us conducting over 400 missions & events across the state, and we expect 2013 to be around the same. Wonderful things happen when our hearts and hands are helping those who serve and have served. If you have not had the opportunity to attend a mission, we'd welcome you to attend.
We periodically get asked what we do with the money that we receive in donations, store sales, and from the Patriot Ride and what some of those organizations do. Here are a few of the things we support:
- Half of the proceeds from the Patriot Ride are donated to the MMAF (Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund). This is also the fund that any deployed military person from MN can apply for $500.00 as a thank you for their service from our great state! Amounts increase if injured.
- MMFF (MN’s Military Family Foundation) also recieves funds. They help military families in crisis - it’s a quick turn around of funds to get them on their feet, and may include car repairs, groceries, furnance 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 nation wide 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, etc. This year we also started donating to 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.
- Another special project we donated to in 2012, was towards a KIA Memorial being placed at Camp Ripley, honoring our Red Bulls that paid the ultimate price since the War on Terror.
For other news
:- Several of you have inquired whether a patch will be made by the MN PG for sale in honor of Jack Foster. After discussion, it was decided that In Memory Of and In Honor Of patches are available at our MN PG store, with the MN PG logo in the background - very fitting for Jack. Since these patches are already available, it was determined that an extra patch will not be made/offered. There is no way for us to determine need/want to avoid having extra patches with a name on them, nor to know how many specific named patches may be needed in future.
- We have some book writers among us! Ron Mackadanz (Bandido Mack) has written a book about his experiences in Vietnam, including his receipt of the Silver Star some 40 years later! Many of you have been anxiously awaiting his book. To order one of his books, send $20.00 to Ron Mackedanz at PO Box 251, Kandiyohi, MN 56251 and Ron will send you a signed copy.
We periodically get asked what we do with the money that we receive in donations, store sales, and from the Patriot Ride and what some of those organizations do. Here are a few of the things we support:
- Half of the proceeds from the Patriot Ride are donated to the MMAF (Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund). This is also the fund that any deployed military person from MN can apply for $500.00 as a thank you for their service from our great state! Amounts increase if injured.
- MMFF (MN’s Military Family Foundation) also recieves funds. They help military families in crisis - it’s a quick turn around of funds to get them on their feet, and may include car repairs, groceries, furnance 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 nation wide 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, etc. This year we also started donating to 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.
- Another special project we donated to in 2012, was towards a KIA Memorial being placed at Camp Ripley, honoring our Red Bulls that paid the ultimate price since the War on Terror.
For other news
:- Several of you have inquired whether a patch will be made by the MN PG for sale in honor of Jack Foster. After discussion, it was decided that In Memory Of and In Honor Of patches are available at our MN PG store, with the MN PG logo in the background - very fitting for Jack. Since these patches are already available, it was determined that an extra patch will not be made/offered. There is no way for us to determine need/want to avoid having extra patches with a name on them, nor to know how many specific named patches may be needed in future.
- We have some book writers among us! Ron Mackadanz (Bandido Mack) has written a book about his experiences in Vietnam, including his receipt of the Silver Star some 40 years later! Many of you have been anxiously awaiting his book. To order one of his books, send $20.00 to Ron Mackedanz at PO Box 251, Kandiyohi, MN 56251 and Ron will send you a signed copy.
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