“Mission Statement:

The Patriot Guard Riders is a 100% volunteer, Federally registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization which ensures dignity and respect at memorial services honoring Fallen Military Heroes, First Responders and Honorably Discharged Veterans.

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Note from our State Captain

Patriot Guard and Associates:

I hope this statewide message finds you all doing well, healthy and enjoying the Dog Days of summer!

First and foremost a heartfelt thank you for all that each and every one of you do day in and day out for our Veterans, 1^st responders and their families. We find ourselves in very challenging times in our country and abroad with the writing of this message, and I am sure we are keeping all those in harm’s way as well as their families, in our thoughts and prayers.

CALL TO ACTION: September Membership Drive

I’d like to ask each and every one of you to help recruit ONE new member to CT PGR.  We can bolster our ranks in record numbers if we can achieve this simple goal which will help us continue to execute on our mission.  Some key talking points to share with folks when you are speaking with them about membership:

1. You do not need to be a veteran or 1^st responder.
2. This is not a motorcycle club and you do not need to ride a motorcycle.
3. Membership is free, no dues, no uniform, no meetings.
4. And lastly but very important, there is NO time commitment.  In my interactions with folks, this is the number one comment I get that people just can’t commit and are too busy.  Please gently remind them that they simply get mission information and if they are able, they attend.  Make one mission a year or make fifty, whatever you’re able to do is appreciated by all.

 

Logistics and some definitions:

• When on a mission, please keep in mind that once at the location of the vehicles with the flags and once ready to proceed to the Flag line, the flags should be assembled into one piece at this location and then when indicated by the Ride Captain, should proceed in a line with flags assembled, in the right hand to the Flag line location. Once the Ride Captain has called a “Stand down” command, members should keep flags assembled and proceed in a line back to the flag vehicle and THEN disable the flag at that location.  Our professional appearance to families  makes a significant impression on those we serve.
• Many of you have asked, “Towards the end of a mission, why do we remain on the Flag line longer in some instances and shorter in others?” The Ride Captain will use his/her discretion and take into account the following when determining when to “stand down at the termination of services:

o   Does the family appear to be heading to their vehicles to depart?  In this case, we will hold the Flag line until departure.

o   Does the family appear to be remaining for a longer time period?  In this case, we will stand down the Flag line.

o   Does it appear that family /friends are moving toward the Flag line to offer their appreciation or take pictures?  In this case, we will hold the Flag line and allow them to do so.

• A reminder to follow any specific instructions in the mission posted (parking, State/school properties, etc)

 

Mission definitions:

o   Honor Mission: A requested funeral normally with military honors

o   Honor Mission- Attend on your own: A requested funeral, normally with military honors, but no Ride Captain has been secured so members are requested to bring their own flags and collectively, use their judgment on where to place the Flag line.

o   Flagged escort: Requested escort for motorcycle and/or vehicles that have flags being displayed.  Ideally, large 3 x 5 flags, but not required.

o   Special Mission:  A requested event or special request that meets the criteria for the PGR (Veteran/1^st Responder related). PGR participation on these can range from a Flag line to general attendance at an event.  CT PGR Leadership will use its discretion on calling for these missions and sending statewide messages.

o   Short Notice:  Is a mission posted that will occur in 48hrs or less

Lastly, there is no new guidance on Covid-19 protocols for PGR when attending missions.  I encourage you to be safe, practice healthy habits and use your discretion on what precautions are appropriate for you.  If state guidance changes, I will be sure to inform membership.

On behalf of Skip and I as well as all of CT PGR leadership, we again thank you for your time, professionalism, honor and respect that continues to highlight the missions of CT Patriot Guard Riders.

God Bless you, our Troops, 1^st Responders and their families.

Regards,

Gregg Barratt

STATE CAPTAIN

CT PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS

statecaptain@ctpatriotguard.org

greggbarratt@gmail.com

Cell:860-392-9638