(((hugs)))  I'm so glad you were able to be a part of it.  Somehow us standing there holding flags brings some measure of strenght and comfort to the families.  Such a simple thing, but means so much.  And you are right... it changes us forever.

 I remember my first mission ~ I was standing there at the cemetary pavillion, crying silently as taps was played... I remember thinking, "Oh great, these biker guys are gonna think I'm some hysterical emotional female!"  I looked at the folks around me, and the guys standing on both sides of me - big, tuff, leather-and-chain-wearing biker guys, had tears streaming down their faces as well.  And right then I knew it was all ok, and their presence gave me comfort and strenght as well... that deep love and respect for the families and their fallen heroes binds us all together and helps us do what we need to to honor them!

My first mission was a "feel good" mission in Georgia but I do remember my first funeral.  It actually was not that long ago.  I remember thinking the same thing that Kat though, these bikers are going to think I'm WAY TOO emotional - that is until I looked around and saw them all crying with me.  That is how I knew that I was with my own kind and would fit right in.  Lisajan had told me that I'd walk away changed and I have, every time. 

I think I can speak for us all when I say that each mission will touch you in some way, differently but it's all very much worth while.

I'm so glad you were able to be a part of that and I'm proud that you've joined!  Welcome to the family!! NO BORDERS!  :)

That is how I knew that I was with my own kind and would fit right in.  Lisajan had told me that I'd walk away changed and I have, every time. 

I think I can speak for us all when I say that each mission will touch you in some way, differently but it's all very much worth while.

Yep... exactly!  It's worth every minute of it.  And when a heartbroken mama comes up to you and hugs you and says "Thank you for honoring my son!" ~ if you can find words at all, they are, "Ma'am, it was truly our honor.." and it's the truth... and you are never the same again.  

The Honors Missions are the hardest but what the PGR is all about.  My first Honors Mission I stood for a time next to a Gold Star Mother.  I made up my mind if she could do it, who was I not to...and the tears just flowed.  Thought I was a "nancy" until I saw fellow riders with wet cheeks.  You won't be sorry you followed your heart.  Jazzee Girl

 Well thank you for the compliment Lisa. It really has nothing to do with me it's the members like you, Kat, Ashley and the occasional Ohio Breeze that make me look good when I put on the RC hat.

Seriously, when there is a passion in what you do everything just seems to work out for the better. I have found out that every other endeavor I pursued prior to becoming a Patriot Guard Rider paled in comparison. I hope the members of Any Soldier don't take that as an insult because I have high praise for what ya'll do here and hope to contribute however I can.

Luv' ya' too Sassy 

The playing of taps was my teary emotional point. I would say it tugged on the heart strings of every PGR member present.

 We have a local store that advertises "Once you go you get it".  I would say the same would be true for the PGR.  Once I attended the Honors Mission and stood with my American Flag in honor and support of the grieving family and their fallen soldier, a wave of understanding of the PGR came over me...I got it.

Seriously, if you are on the fence about joining for a variety of reasons, just sign up on line, read some of the on-line info, and go on a Mission.  PGR members welcome all peoples, bikers, non-bikers, men, women, and everyone in-between.  They don't care if you wear leather jackets or don't even own a single piece of leather clothing.  You will be warmly welcomed and gently mentored in the process of missions.  You will never be sorry you attended a PGR gathering of any sorts.  The simple act of your holding a flag will bless many other people.

Best, 

Hey all and JayDub,

 Jennifer so cool that you got to go to a welcome home!  We had one on Friday and JayDub was the RCIC which means Ride Captain In Charge. He gave us such a great opportunity to welcome home 260 Marines, they were the 3rd wave back, we were there for the first and second so 300 in all.  It was an amazing day. The PGR was there when they deployed and promised we would be there when they got back and we were!  Though standing for our fallen heros is the most important thing that we do we are blessed with also getting to see our heros come home too.  We get to see our Marines hold their babies for the first time, hug their wives, kids, moms and dads.  These times are priceless they are moments that I will every forget. 

Ever have a General thank you for just being there and caring, very cool!!!!

Thank you Capt Dub for all you do and to the rest of my PGR family that goes for all of you posting here, remember no borders... My AS family too y'all are the best!  Mustang you still out there and maggie61 ??

Lisajan/PK/Sassy

Buckeye Sue:

PGR members welcome all peoples, bikers, non-bikers, men, women, and everyone in-between.  They don't care if you wear leather jackets or don't even own a single piece of leather clothing.

 
I'm not trying to be smart; I'm genuinely curious- how do you join if you don't ride a motorcycle?  I mean,  can you still go on the missions and if so what do you ride instead?

You sure can!

From the PGR home page, "We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect."

Go here, read, sign up, and stand proud:  http://www.patriotguard.org/

I don't have a bike...I did find a ride buddy but there are usually some cages at every mission. LOL, a cage is what they call cars. Like so many here have said, once you go on one mission you will never be the same. Everyone in the PGR is different and has their own story and reasons for being there. Words really can't explain how awesome the PGR is. If you are even considering joining go to a mission...bike or cage just go.

p.s. My new avatar are two of my PGR buddies, my ride buddy Benny and my PGR mentor Bobby.

 Front page in today's Asbury park press. Pictures of the PGR attending the funeral of SSG William Neil Jr. Holmdel NJ.

Callie Girl ,

Cages are as important as the bikes... As long as you support the troops and stand in Respect for our fallen that is all we ask. Ask several As supporters here.  They have come out and stood no motorcycle needed...

As all have said on this thread you will never forget your first PGR mission or your second or your third...

Thank You Marty!!!

Lisajan/Peace Keeper/Sassy

Ga Mentor Team

GA Patriot Guard Riders...

Part of it... Proud of it !!!!!!!...

Side note Please say a prayer for my Marine Freckles some of you may remember he came home and I made him hamburgers for his visit... He is deploying to Iraq for a 2nd tour I got to see him last night to hug his neck and tell him see you later... He is a great kid.

Thanks BB!  Those pics are great!!!

 Callie Girl,

I have not been on a bike since my brother died. This is not a practical time our lives to own a motorcycle with all the kids we haul on a daily basis.

I cage it in my ultra cool super sexy Mom's Mini Van.  And, I am by far not the only one caging.  Ohio's weather is not always biker friendly and even die hard bikers cage it from time to time. No motorcycle required by PGR!

Their are important roles for the cagers to play within the PGR and the ride captains will instruct you on what to do with whatever type of sexy cage you want to roll in.

 Best,

Thank you all for the information about this!  I've visited the PGR website before, but still had no idea that you could use a car.  I'll look into joining and encourage others with an interest to do the same.  Great group of people you all are!  Thanks again!