Patriot Guard Riders stand by country's veterans

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. David D. Morton
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Members of the Patriot Guard Riders stood tall and erect this past January as if they were imitating returning medical reservists they were waiting for during a welcome home celebration at the Colorado Springs airport.

The Riders were armed with American and Prisoner of War flags, interspersed with family members and well-wishers from the 302nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron hoping to catch a glimpse of America's newest Iraq war veterans as they walked through the baggage claim area.

It wasn't the first time the well-known motorcycle organization had been invited to support military personnel returning home from overseas. And it won't be the last time PGR shows up to support those who defend the country.

Unlike other motorcycle clubs or groups across the nation, the PGR was established in August 2005 as a deterrent to protesters who disrupted military funerals because of their differing views and opposition to combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

With nicknames like Steve "Roadog" Deboer, PGR Colorado state captain, Ted "Gopher" Malone, PGR ride captain and Greg "Hey G" Watson, PGR rider, the PGR has its typical motorcycle traditions with leather jackets and accompanying patches, but the similarities to other bike organizations end there. They're sole purpose is support for the country's military members and their families.

"Initially, we grew out of response to American Legion Riders in Mulvane, Kan. to help deter demonstrations occurring at military funerals by a Kansas church group seeking to garner press attention for their hatred of many groups and philosophies," said Mr. Deboer. "From our start to honor fallen [Army Staff] Sgt. John Doles and by shielding his family away from protesters, the organization quickly grew by way of Web site to tens of thousands of members with (more than) 166,000 as of May 2009."

One of those members was Master Sgt. Jonathan (J.D.) Hilliard, 302nd ASTS aerospace medical craftsman, who joined the PGR in 2006 and was part of the medical contingent that returned home from Iraq. He notified the PGR so they could be present for the 302nd ASTS's homecoming celebration. As an active motorcycle enthusiast who has been riding bikes for 30 years, Sergeant Hilliard found a way to combine his hobby for riding along with his devotion to military service.

"The PGR are active in every state," said Sergeant Hilliard. "They've had several opportunities for me to ride on a couple of missions to show respect for fallen comrades. It was awe inspiring."

"While deployed in the desert, Steve (Mr. Deboer) would e-mail holiday and birthday wishes to the group, so I decided to fly an American flag while overseas for the Colorado Patriot Guard Riders. I thought it was the least I could do since they were honoring us by coming to the airport upon our return. The PGR is there to show support, not just as veterans, but also as American patriots. I thought Steve (Mr. DeBoer) was going to cry when I presented it to them."

It wasn't the first time PGR members were overcome with emotion upon attending a homecoming or funeral for a fallen military member or a military unit coming home from serving overseas.

"The dozens of funerals and hundreds of events take their toll I suppose," said Mr. DeBoer. We've never pursued recognition and properly; almost never receive it. I'm always a little overwhelmed by the families of fallen heroes and those coming home, who after sacrificing so much of their lives and the families are thanking us. It tears us up every time."

Though the PGR has its share of veteran members, anyone can join and that is apparent by the diversity of the members within the organization.

"Most of our members come to us by word of mouth, occasional press accounts or referral to the PGR Web site," said Mr. DeBoer. "I've been participating with veteran friends in the 'Run for the Wall' for many years and became aware of the organization through them.

The PGR is open to anyone with their heart in the right place. According to the group, the organization doesn't care what your station in life is, what your political views are, or whether you're on a motorcycle or a tractor. All are welcome to participate. Membership is about as diverse as might be imagined including active service, (Department of Defense) employees, businessmen and women, nurses, teachers, pilots, (Veteran's Administration) employees, firemen, farmers and retired police and state patrol officers.

Our membership is comprised of both veterans and those who didn't serve including me," added Mr. DeBoer. "I guess our current membership to be about 60 percent veterans with some active duty members.

The PGR have made a point of not forgetting anyone who has ever served. Though the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan require most of the group's attention, PGR members are careful not to overlook other veterans of past conflicts, and still show up to pay their respects to fallen service members of Desert Storm, Vietnam, World War II and the Korean War.

"Since our initial mission, we remain vigilant attending every funeral and memorial of a fallen Colorado soldier or Fort Carson hero," added Mr. Deboer. "However, our duties have broadened to include participation in homecomings and departures of our servicemen and women, wounded warrior functions, homes and hero participation, funerals of veterans, regular visits to the VA hospital and Fitzsimmons nursing home in Denver and monthly services at Fort Logan Cemetery to assure that all receive proper honors."

Special projects this year the PGR were involved in included a motorcycle memorial donation for a fallen soldier at Fort Carson in which a motorcycle was completely remodeled and rebuilt by members of PGR at request of the service member's family, and participation in the Missing in Action Program legislation recently signed into law which releases the remains of unclaimed veterans to PGR and other veteran organizations for proper, honored interment.

"As a group dedicated to our active duty and retired servicemen and women, the participation of those same individuals in the PGR is a special honor," said Mr. DeBoer. "These people have been the link in maintaining our lines of communication and legitimacy with those we serve. They've also been critical to an understanding by members of the military and a world many simply weren't aware of previously. To many of our service members, we hope we've provided some healing in their return. We're honored to be invited and attend many of the things we'll do at anytime during the day or night or in any type of weather. We do it because they deserve it and we owe it to them. We're standing for those who stood for us."

To learn more about the PGR, visit the group's Web site is www.patriotguard.org.  

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