The Patriot Guard Riders is a non-profit group of volunteers who provide a motorcycle honor guard escort to America’s Fallen Hero’s (any branch of the military, police, firefighters, EMS, Search and Rescue, Coast Guard, and first responders). They are located all over the United States with approximately 300,000 members. You don’t have to be a veteran or own a motorcycle to be a member.
The Patriot Guard accepts “missions” to attend funeral services only at the request of the family. Their purpose is twofold: 1) To show respect to for our fallen heroes, their families, and communities. 2) To shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by protesters (this is done in a dignified, legal and nonviolent way).
The Brooksville Police Department assists the Patriot Guard Riders by providing traffic control. Many times an intersection must be blocked temporarily in order to adequately ensure safety of the procession and civilians.
Jack Fair, a local Ride Captain, pulls a motorcycle trailer behind his 2013 Harley Davidson when going on a mission. Inside he carries approximately 50 American Flags, a Fallen Soldier Cross, and extra water to pass out to mourners who usually are neglectful of their own needs during their time of grief. Jack, an Army veteran, states he has done approximately 785 missions. He been doing this for approximately 11 years, putting over 50,000 miles on his bike and can’t see himself doing anything else.
The Patriot Guard not only provides escort for funeral services, they also fill in for whatever is needed. This may include playing a recording of Taps, folding the flag for presentation to the family and being pallbearers. Jack states they are there to offer support in any way that is needed and they just want to show their appreciation, gratitude and support.
The Patriot Guard has provided a dignified escort on motorcycle of a veteran’s ashes from Florida to New Jersey. A concerted effort of many riders in each state doing their part to show honor and respect in their own way to a Fallen Hero.
Last Christmas, the Patriot Guard assisted in providing an escort to Walmart trucks which were transporting wreaths to Florida National Cemetery in Brooksville for “Wreath’s Across America” a remembrance ceremony for our Fallen Veterans.
This year, one of the the Patriot Guard Rider’s missions includes providing an honor guard escort to a unit of Florida’s soldiers from MacDill Airforce Base to Tampa International Airport for deployment to parts unknown. Like most heros, a big fanfare is not needed nor is it expected. An Honor Guard escort done in dignity and respect by the Patriot Guard Riders is appreciated in no small way. If not by the soldiers themselves then at least by their family, friends and community.