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General News
We are the Patriot Guard Riders
I receive a number of e-mails on a regular basis that has every possible variation of our name. Other clubs / groups / organizations have intentionally taken variations of our name to confuse others. They have registered those names as their own. We have had two missions where families could not get in contact with us as they had the wrong name and were directed to a group that did not respond. Please make sure you use the proper name for our group so others get accurate information and are able to contact us.
Lost stuff on National
In the past year we have had two incidents where things were lost off the state forum. Unknown cause and national has just changed to a new server that may make life more reliable. If you ever notice that something we are part of has disappeared from the state forum, let me know.
Direct contact references
We have set up a system on the state web site that gets requests for our services directly to the correct people. Over the years many people have given out their personal e-mail and phone numbers but should you not be available, change phone numbers or e-mail addresses, or leave the PGR, families who want our services cannot get hold of us. Please direct people to the state web site and on the left side they will find our contact list. The top is a description of our services and clicking the links below will initiate an e-mail that will go to the appropriate people (even as there are changes in the membership).
Email Contacts
• Missions & Services We Provide
• State Captain
• Assistant State Captain
• Treasurer
• General
Information
• Honor Mission Requests
• Welcome Home & Send-off Requests
• Help On
the Homefront
• Requests to Support Non-PGR Events
• Webmaster(s)
Twitter
For those of you who Twitter and Tweet and all like that, we now maintain a Twitter site. You don't need to register for an account to see our posts however if you want to receive our posts on your own Twitter page in real-time (as opposed to you manually having to visit our site) then you will want to register. It's free and easy.
People can "follow" us via one or more ways by:
From the I-net: http://twitter.com/PGRofWI
From your I-net enabled cell phone: http://m.twitter.com/PGRofWI
From your SMS (text message) enabled cell phone: text follow PGRofWI to 40404 - however you would need to have your own Twitter account - and standard text message rates may apply
or
If you'd like to keep up with our Twitter updates without signing up, or without even visiting the site, try subscribing to
Twitter via RSS feed. Subscribe to our RSS feed at: http://twitter.com/statuses/user_timeline/134589679.rss
** our Twitter page is updated at the same time as our webpage so don't expect notifications to be "posted" any faster - however, if you elect to use one of the above Twitter options, you could get Tweet's pushed out to you (via cell, SMS, RSS or your own Twitter page) so may end up "seeing" them sooner. **
Chain of Command
There are always, in any organization, small rumblings of discontent. There is good news and bad news in this organization – the good news is that the primary characteristic of every member is that they are passionate about doing the right thing. The bad news is that each of us has a different idea of how things are done “right”. Because of the nature of this being a volunteer organization and the extremely wide range of circumstances we face, we cannot define a set series of things that will work every time. What works in one area may be impossible in other areas of the state. The policies and procedure we have are “guidelines” and are officially titled as such. There are, however, some things that MUST be done to make this work in the best manner possible for the family and loved ones of the deceased To clarify the basics requires some background:
Qualifications of a Ride Captain
A Ride Captain is a member who has experienced a number of missions and has a desire, the ability and skills to serve the family, the community, and the organization. If you want, read the mission statement again – no age, height, color, weight, service background, religious, or motorcycle experience required. The only requirement is Respect. To go beyond that, a member must communicate well, have passion, an attitude of service for everyone, and a willingness to go “above and beyond”. Members who believe they have these qualifications receive additional training and “an internship” under the guidance of a Senior Ride Captain until ready for independent duty. Duties are described in the Mission Guidelines but the final definition of an RC’s duties is “to serve the family”.
Qualifications and duties of a Senior Ride Captain
Former State Captain, Henry Lange realized that no one person can even know the towns in the state much less all the Ride Captains and relate to, and support, new members. Like most states, we separated the state into “Regions” for the simple purpose of easier relationships. There are no borders; the regions are NOT separate entities. Quite frankly, we guessed at the people who had the most missions and asked them if they would take a role as a “Senior Ride Captain”. They were (probably) the most experienced Ride Captains. A Senior Ride Captain is a source of information. Their job is to know the qualities and skills of each RC in order to make sure the right person is chosen for each mission, 1) for the good of the mission and 2) for the good of the organization.
While one RC may have more missions than anyone else, there may be one that is better suited for a particular mission for any number of reasons. That is the SRC’s primary job.
The secondary job is to make sure the RCs develop skills and abilities. This may mean as an “intern” they assist on some missions, then are in charge but has a back-up, until they are finally able to handle a mission solo. The SRC must always be aware of the performance of their RCs and make recommendations and corrections as needed.
Finally, the SRC is to make sure that “everything” is done right in their area. That includes making sure that everything is legal, proper, and of the highest standards. The behavior of a Patriot Guard Rider should NEVER be questioned. Any person, anytime, wearing the PGR emblem represents the organization and is held to the highest standards.
On a mission
On a mission the RC is the top of the command chain unless there is a critical failure, i.e. the RC fails to show up, is not fit for duty, etc. The RC is the primary contact for EVERYONE. All information is to go through the RC and the RC is responsible for every decision. Only if an RC makes an assignment of one aspect of the mission is someone else in control i.e. Sandy asks Chris to set up advanced detail at the burial site.
Every person reporting for a mission; whether member, RC, SRC, ASC, SC or national director should report to the RC with a simple question, “What do you want me to do?” We must all have a servant’s attitude. Mac, Henry, a number of out of state RCs, the former national director and I have always addressed any special business we had, then offered to help as needed or stand the flagline. If there is something you believe might better serve the family, suggest it to the RC including your reasoning. It may or may not fit into the scenario but the mission is the RCs responsibility. Just remember that because you or someone else does something different, doesn’t mean that’s going to be the best way to do it at today’s mission.
On a mission:
1) Members with questions must go directly to the RC for the mission.
2) If they do not receive a satisfactory response, they should contact the SRC.
3) Again, if there is no satisfactory answer, the member can take it up the chain to the Assistant State Captain; State Captain, Regional Captain, and National Captain.
Not mission related:
1) Members should discuss things openly and honestly. Speak calmly, make eye contact and pay attention. Give your reasons for why you believe what you believe, ask for (and listen to) the reason another member feels otherwise.
2) Failing to find resolution, both should present their opinions to the SRC, and then up the ladder as listed above until resolution is achieved.
3) Finally, though it may be hard to believe, there is a reason for every guideline or policy we have. Mission Guidelines and financial policy were developed with, and approved by, National and all in-state policy decisions are the result of the combined input and a final majority vote from all SRCs, the ASC, the Treasurer (if applicable) and the SC.
We need to remember that being an RC is not easy. We (The PGR) are insignificant in the big picture of a family who just lost a loved one, whether he was a Great Grandpa who served in WWII or a fresh faced kid who should be hanging out with friends “at the malt shop”. Missions are difficult and we understand the need to adapt and communications are critical. We need to respect the command structure and remember that the RC is the critical part of any mission and needs our support. We must keep a servant’s attitude toward EVERYONE from the family to the member beside us.
RCs Needed Everywhere
Now that I’ve made the RCs job sound like the greatest burden in the world, I’d also like to tell you it’s the greatest reward. Many, if not most of you, know the feeling when the family comes out to tell you how much they appreciate what we do. An RC gets that and the satisfaction of standing back every once in awhile to look at the best bunch of men and women (and children) there are, who gave up their time to do what they do, stand in respect for our heroes. Everyone on earth needs times in their lives to say, at the end of the day, “I made a difference today.” If you think you have what it takes to be an RC, talk with your SRC or Gene or myself.
Flag from Nick Mueller’s folks
Sgt Nick Mueller's family from Little Chute has donated a large (15' X 25') American flag to the Patriot Guard Riders of Wisconsin. This flag was used in his ceremonies at Little Chute H.S., where it was hung in the gymnasium as a backdrop for the memorial service. They have also attended many missions since losing Nick and are just great people to know.
They would like us to make it available to other future families of the fallen in Wisconsin for the same purpose. Mike Weaver has the flag and it may be requested by an RC for an Honor Mission under use conditions. RCs should contact Mike directly.
A reminder from our Regional Captain.
Q. HOW DO I HOLD A FLAG WHEN IN A FLAG LINE?
A. The flag should be held straight up as much as possible. We never dip the US flag. While it would make a great showing and look really nice to see all members at attention and the flags all equidistant and at the same height we are not a military unit but a group of regular citizens who are there to show these folks that we care.
Q. FLAG ETIQUETTE
A. The flag that is of the utmost importance is our national flag, to which the greatest respect should be paid. No other flag can be flown above the national flag. It is imperative that no one show disrespect to the national flag. The national flag should never be “dipped” or lowered to any person or thing. However, Regimental colors, State flags, and organizational or institutional flags can be dipped as a mark of honor. The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground. Flags are displayed in a specific order with the US flag always being in front of a line or on its own right. If, in a flag line, you are in doubt of your position please ask your SC or another member if you are in the correct position if you are holding a flag other than the US flag.
Awareness Ride
I received this letter if anyone can help.
My name is Frank McAtee and on May 3rd I'll be leaving Seattle on a
9000+ mile ride to show the troops that the little guy in America
still has their back. My ride will take me from Seattle to San Diego ,
over to Key West and up to Boston . From there I'll be headed back to
Seattle . I've been working with the local office of the Navy Marine
Corps Relief Society in Everett WA to get the word out. They've been
working with their counterparts in the Army and Air Force to make sure
that all the bases I'll be going by know about it. I'm also raising
money for them and the USO.
Because our troops don't get to sleep in nice warm beds every night
while deployed, neither will I. I'll be packing a tent and sleeping on
the ground for the three weeks or so that it will take. To get more
people involved I'm trying to get people to let me pitch my tent in
their yard for the night. On May 22nd I'll be in the Portage area and
could use a hand finding someone in that area. I thought you might
know of someone around that area who would let me sleep in their yard.
A website has been donated to help me out as well.
wegotyour6.southernwebsolution.net If you know of anyone please let
me know.
Thanks for your time,
Frank McAtee
321-446-5791
LZ Lambeau
Final details for the Patriot Guard Rider involvement at LZ Lambeau are posted. Watch this link for updates.
Inventory
Over the years, we have purchased significant materials and equipment. People have simply given it to someone who needed it more or many times it changed hands for missions and never found its way “home”. A number of people have personally bought and donated flags (and you can deduct your costs as a donation). We have to determine where all the stuff went. As defined in the Financial Policy, purchases must be approved by the State Captain or Treasurer. Many of us buy lots of things that we use for the PGR (coolers, etc) but those remain our property. If you have these types of items you can keep it or donate it to the PGR with the understanding that it can then be sent and used anywhere anytime in the state. You get the tax write-off and then it's not yours to control. If people have flags or other things they personally bought and are not donating to the PGR, they should keep them at home. We have some inventory information we will be checking but if you have PGR material in your possession, please e-mail your SRC and myself with quantity, description and location.
Respect on the Flag Line
There has been an increase in chatting on the flagline. We must remember that we are there to pay our respects. I have been to missions (not in WI or there’d be one less RC) that makes a flagline seem like a motorcycle clinic and story telling festival. I fall into it as well as it’s human nature. One comment or question gets answered but raises another question and more answers. The subject strays and it continues. Let’s get to staging a little early, visit with our wonderful friends, meet the new members and look at bikes while we have time. Maybe then we’ll have less need to socialize on the line.
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