I'm an old F16 driver and Desert Storm Vet and current international airline pilot. I frequently have troops onboard and occassionally flights with fallen vets with escorts. Flying some of these flights is what really drove me to want to do something with the PGR.

I assume that I'm not much different than many of you. My wartime experiences seem to have left me a mess. So much so that I can't seem to get through the National Anthem at a sporting event.

I want to get started riding missions, but I don't have any PGR gear, so first off, I can't seem to be able to get into the website to purchase stickers etc. Can't someone point me in the right direction?

Also, what should I have on my bike or with me to ride on missions? I do understand there are different missions, i.e. flag line etc. that I wouldn't be able to attend without a flag.

Any words to point me in the right direction would be appreciated.

Thanks
Banks

 

I can only speak for the PGR in my area. But I'm betting if you just show up you will be welcomed with open arms. My experience here is that you need nothing. There are usually flags available to bungee onto your bike or hold in a flag line. Anything people wear or put on there bikes is strictly personal preference. I personally fly my own flag because that leaves more for other people who don't happen to have one. If you sign up on the PGR site you should get an email telling you who your local contacts are. Hope this helps.

 

Get on the local or state notification list and when you can make it, show up at where the assembly is. It isn't about stickers, hats, t-shirts, or bike, it is about being there for the solder and his or her family. You'll be welcomed.

 

The store, forums, etc. etc. can be found in a little window on the left side of your screen while on the main PGR website. Contact your state captain and let him know you've joined. Oh, might want to post on the state specific forums to introduce yourself - met a couple of people there already and they have been heplful in answering my questions.

For me, I am riding a bike with no bags (currently) so might end up getting a flag mount with a collapsing pole but like 71FL said, some people bring extras. I've seen people standing in the flag line with no PGR identifiers at all - the key is that you are there and showing respect. Flag aside, I plan on going simple, an arm band and maybe a vest with the back patch.

 

"I want to get started riding missions, but I don't have any PGR gear,"


Well, Banks...

I've found that the two things most useful in these situations is "Heart" and "Soul"!

Intuition tells me you've already got those, so you're all set!


Thank you for bringing the "guys" home... and thank you for serving with us. Welcome to the PGR!


Jim aka kiltiemon

 

First off THANKYOU for you service. Secondly the PGR website is user friendly and has regional areas and gives you the oppertunity to receive notification of all missions in your area. I will say as said earlyer goto any mission you choose. Member or not bike or not , all you need is your respect,patriotism and desire to support the troops and their family. The PGR will be happy you choose to attend and help support the troops.

 

Banks, what state are you in. More than likely your state will have its own website. They should have more local info than the national site.

 

Hi.

Most of the time, someone at a mission has an extra flag. Even if not, you'll still be welcomed on the line.

Matt

 

Another "body" in the flag line is always welcome.
Go to the Patriot Guard Rider website and register. Then go to your state's site, introduce yourself to the state ride captain and get on the e-mail list for upcoming missions. Start out slow. Don't feel that you need to jump in all at once. Seek out the ride captain at the next mission and the captain will be glad to give advice. Ride when you can.

You will see most people wearing sunglasses. Not just for the sun. They seem to help holding back the flow of water from your eyes. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I have seen mean, nasty, rough looking men with tears in their eyes. Nothing to be ashamed of.

 

Thanks for all the replys. I can already tell this is a great group.

I live in NW Atlanta suburbs.

I did find a site to order a couple things PGR.