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***SPECIAL NOTICE***ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROMOTION OF MARK BRUNDAGE, JR., TO THE POSITION OF RIDE CAPTAIN

November 7, 2018 by

Patriot Guard Riders and Associates,

I am extremely pleased to announce that Mark Brundage, Jr. has accepted the appointment as a Ride Captain in the Patriot Guard Riders. I hope you will all welcome Mark when you see him at a mission. He is one of our most dedicated members and has attended almost every one of our missions and is a very dedicated member of our group. I congratulate him on accepting the position and know we can depend on him to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Respectfully, 

MAC MCARTHUR

STATE CAPTAIN

CT PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS

statecaptain@ctpatriotguard.org

haddamac@gmail.com

mac06438@aol.com

Cell:860-682-7625

Fax: 860-345-3654

Filed Under: State Captain Announcements Tagged With: ,

MISSION ATTENDANCE

September 7, 2018 by

Patriot Guard Riders and Associates,

I am forwarding this message from one of our members regarding attendance at our missions. I will let him say what he feels.

 

To all members of the PGR (which I understand that’s there is 1300 – 1500 of us):   I am a five-year member that is retired injured and with medical problems. I have done over 550 mission. I’m sorry to say that it is always been the same 8 – 25 members that show up, some that seem to only show up on high profile missions. Unfortunately, lately its only been 6 – 12 of us showing up and many times its just the 6 – 8 that always do. As a PGR member, I understand that you just can’t make a lot of mission. but over the course of a year, you should be able to come out a few times.

 

With 1300 – 1500 member we should have a better showing then we do. Many of us seem to count on others to show up and think that’s fine. But just a little reminder that the ones that show up all the time most are in there 70’s. Many have been doing this for many years and some are thinking that they have done enough. Some have medical problems, but still, find the time and energy to come out. 

 

I guess what I’m saying and asking all the members is it’s getting harder and harder to continue without some more of you helping out. My final words are this. THERE’S MORE TO BEING A PGR MEMBER THAN WEARING A SHIRT, HAT OR PATCH ON YOUR VEST.  A little help is needed and would be greatly appreciated. Please see what you can do to help out from the tired ones.  
MARK A. BRUNDAGE SR.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              
This is Mac again. I hope that all our members will take to heart what Mark is saying. Us older members are getting tired and some of us have physical difficulties that make it a hardship to attend every mission. We are just asking for some additional support from the membership.
Thanks for all you can do.
Respectfully,

MAC MCARTHUR

STATE CAPTAIN

CT PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS

statecaptain@ctpatriotguard.org

haddamac@gmail.com

mac06438@aol.com

Cell:860-682-7625

Fax: 860-345-3654

Filed Under: State Captain Announcements Tagged With: ,

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MAC MCARTHUR STATE CAPTAIN

November 3, 2015 by

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MAC MCARTHUR STATE CAPTAIN

Patriot Guard and Associates,

 

We have been requested to attend a number of events in recognition of Veterans Day and I want to put them out so everyone is aware of them. I only have missions to call that I can get RCIC coverage, and the others will be Attend on Your own, as they are in wide spread locations and you may want to stay in your town or neighborhood.

 

  1. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH 2015, SALUTE TO VETERANS & FUNDRAISER, WEST HAVEN VETERANS MUSEUM AND LEARNING CENTER, 30 HOOD TERRACE, WEST HAVEN, CT 06516, TIME- 6:00 PM TO 8:30 PM *ATTEND ON YOUR OWN*
  2. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH 2015, BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER DEDICATION, TOWN MEETING HALL, TOWN STREET, EAST HADDAM, CT 06423, TIME 1:00 PM **RCIC NEEDED**
  3. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH 2015, SPECIAL MISSION, WESTBROOK ELKS LODGE #1784 VETERANS SOCIAL AND LUNCHEON, WESTBROOK ELKS CLUB, 142 SEASIDE AVE., WESTBROOK, CT 06498, TIME: 11:00AM TO 3:00 PM, JACK CASEY IS RCIC AND WILL HAVE FLAGS
  4. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 2015, ***HONOR AND REMEMBER FLAG PRESENTATION***NORTH FRANKLIN GARAGE, 114 NEW PARK AVE, NORTH FRANKLIN, CT 06254,7:30 AM, **RCIC NEEDED**
  5. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH 2015, ***SPECIAL MISSION***VETS ROCK 2015, VETERANS SERVICES EXPO, MOHEGAN SUN CASINO, 1 MOHEGAN SUN BLVD, UNCASVILLE, CT 06382, TIME:10 AM TO 5 PM. WE WILL BE MANNING AN INFORMATION TABLE TO PASS OUT TRI-FOLDS AND GIVE INFO TO PEOPLE. MAC MCARTHUR WILL BE THERE FOR SET-UP WITH TABLE AND CHAIRS, ANY AND ALL HELP IS APPRECIATED
  6. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 2015, ***SPECIAL MISSION***VETERANS RECOGNITION DAY, NATHAN HALE MIDDLE SCHOOL, CLARK GATES ROAD, EAST HADDAM, CT 06423, TIME: 7:00 AM, DON CAMDEN WILL BE RCIC **ATTEND ON YOUR OWN**
  7. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 2015, VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION AT SOUTHEAST MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY, 401 WEST THAMES STREET, BLDG 301, NORWICH, CT 06360, TIME: 1:30 TO 2:30 PM, **ATTEND ON YOUR OWN**
  8. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH 2015, ***SPECIAL MISSION***VETERANS DAY CEREMONY, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, RESIDENTIAL MAIN DINING HALL, 287 WEST STREET, ROCKY HILL, CT 06067, TIME: 3:00 PM**ATTEND ON YOUR OWN**
  9. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 2015, SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S NETWORK MILITARY APPRECIATION LUNCHEON, LANGLEY’S AT GREAT NECK COUNTRY CLUB, 28 LAMPHERE ROAD, WATERFORD, CT 06385, TIME: 11:30 AM TO 1:15 PM**RCIC NEEDED** WE HAVE SUPPORTED THIS EVENT IN THE PAST DUE TO THE GOOD WORK THIS ORGANIZATION DOES FOR OUR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

 

I HAVE SCREWED UP THE APPLICATION FOR THE HARTFORD VETERANS PARADE ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 2015, BY SUBMITTING IT TOO LATE. I AM TRYING TO GET US ENTERED BUT DON’T KNOW IF I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. I WILL LET YOU ALL KNOW AS SOON AS I FIND OUT.

 

I NEED HELP ON MANNING THESE EVENTS IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. IF YOU CAN’T MAKE THE MAJOR ONES, CONSIDER EVENTS IN YOUR HOME TOWN, ESPECIALLY THE CEREMONIES THAT THE MIDDLE AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS MAY BE HOLDING. IF YOU CAN RCIC AN EVENT, LET ME KNOW. YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A RC, JUST WILLING TO COORDINATE THINGS AT THE EVENT. THANKS,

 

God Bless America, Our Troops and First Responders.

 

Regards,

 

MAC MCARTHUR

STATE CAPTAIN

CT PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS

statecaptain@ctpatriotguard.org

haddamac@gmail.com

mac06438@aol.com

Cell:860-682-7625

Fax: 860-345-3654

Filed Under: Archives Tagged With:

Message from State Captain Gregg Barratt Re: Chili Cook off 2014

June 9, 2014 by
 Message from State Captain Gregg Barratt Re:
Chili Cook off 2014
We have the results in from the Chili cook off and PGR of CT received an amazing 8,317.48!
I’d like to thank everyone who came out to help volunteer and participate in the chili cook off and especially Sr Ride Captain Mad Mike Freedman and Sr. Ride Captain Kevin Wakely for their leadership at this event.  As you can imagine, it takes a tremendous amount of planning and hard work to pull off this event and once again, it was done to perfection! I’d also like to thank Marcia Young for so many hours of behind the scenes work on the accounting side- a big thanks!
Mad Mike asked I share this note:
Dear friends,
 
How do I go about thanking my sisters and brothers who put so much effort and time into this weekend which made my dream come true?
 
Whether it was Mark and his wife that were everywhere Friday and Saturday or Jim Brennan who was at the site both days before me. EVERY PGR CT/MA that helped in any way possible. Thank you sincerely to EVERY PGR Member that stood the flag line. Thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart.
 
Kevin Wakley? My brother, you worked your tail off so Kat and I could actually “enjoy” some of the NERCC. NO I wasn’t sedated, Kevin. I was focused.
Marcia Young? Our treasurer put up with everything I threw at her. Balloons? Sure. Pay less for porto potty’s? Yep. Marcia is a consummate professional in every sense of the word. Greg Young was FANTASTIC in the judges area and no judge wanted for anything.  Laurie Gadbois? She arranged the truck pull. She never gave up and we had a great time with that. Bob Stone? Cooked International Chili Society chili for the first time AND did the shot gun start. Our own State Captain, Gregg Barratt who arranged for sponsorship, and was EVERY WHERE Friday and Saturday. He handled a lot of the politico’s knowing how I deal with them. Bill and Rosie Dueller? They manned that front gate and did it with a smile (Bill not Rosie.)
 
There were so many people that volunteered that I wish I could personally thank you all sincerely. I can only hope that my most sincerest thanks ever will suffice.
Because of your hard work PGR CT and Somers FD will be able to continue their good work,
 
Again and again, thank you all for YOUR efforts and for making our dream come true.
 
Very sincerely,
 
Kat and Michael “Mad Mike” Freedman
Sr RC PGR CT
2014 New England Regional Chili Cook Off Co Chairs
God bless our troops past and present.
Gregg
Gregg “Flag 7” Barratt
Patriot Guard Riders
Connecticut State Captain
Director, Honor and Remember of CT
 
“Standing for Those Who Stood for US”!
Filed Under: Archives Tagged With: ,

Important Message about The National PGR Website

November 25, 2013 by

Important Message about The National PGR Website

 

Fellow Patriot Guard Riders:
In this virtual world in which we communicate daily there are mechanisms in place that generally serve us well. On occasion there are issues that arise that we have little, if any control over. As most of you already know, the website recently underwent a complete rebuild. The web team was in the process of resolving a few issues when there was a catastrophic hardware failure. 

During a database maintenance procedure, a disk drive failed and the database was corrupted. Before the backup could be restored, it too became unusable. The only backup that remained unscathed was one that was made immediately after our initial migration to the new site. We would like to apologize for the latest issue with the Patriot Guard Riders website. 

How does all this affect you?  
All changes that were made after the migration (user registrations, modifications, etc) had to be redone. We were able to go back into the Contact mailbox to re-address most of the member issues sent in post migration. Please check your email for instructions prior to attempting to log into the site to see if your account has already been reset. We have also worked with the ISPs that have historically had issues with PGR mail (Comcast &AOL) to make yet more changes they requested to allow bulk email through their sites.

Please take the time and log back into the site.  This is the only database we use to maintain our Statewide mailing lists.  The next time we create those lists, it will be from this database.  If you haven’t logged in and verified your account your email will not be transferred to the Statewide mailings lists and you may miss important mission notifications.

IMPORTANT:
When going through the reset password function, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  1. If you created an account After October 1, 2013, then you will need to recreate that account again.
  2. To reset your password again, follow the password reset steps outlined at the top of the page. You will receive TWO emails as part of that reset process. The first email will have a link you must click on to reset your password and receive the second email with the temporary password. The second email will also have a link that you must follow to change your password. It will take you to a screen that will allow you to enter the temporary password and your new password.
  3.  If you do not receive any of the emails, or you receive an error that you have entered an invalid email address, then there is a problem with the email on your account and will need to be corrected before you can continue. Send an email toContact@PatriotGuard.org and include you UserID and the old email address if possible. The Account Team can update your profile and reset your password for you.
  4. Another issue is that you may have multiple accounts tied to a single email address, the server will send an email for EACH account tied to the email address. Each email sent is specific to the email/link/password that is addressed in the email. If you receive an email with a different UserID than you expect, please send an email to Contact@PatriotGuard.org.

 

If you have any problems resetting your password or logging in to the national site – please send an email to Contact@PatriotGuard.org and include your UserID.

We would like to thank you for your patience during this challenging time. We would also like to thank our web team - Drew ‘BSDBluz’ Berendts and Robert ‘Gator’ Collins for their devotion to resolution.

Respectfully,

Tony “Zap” Turner
National Communications Officer
Patriot Guard Riders
Virginia State Captain – Emeritus 

Filed Under: Archives, State Captain Announcements Tagged With:

Letter from PGR National Board of Directors , President George H. Winslow Jr.

August 13, 2013 by

It has come to my attention recently that some Patriot Guard Riders have been showing up at missions dressed inappropriately.  Well, that’s the term that has been used.  Sometimes it’s noticeably old and worn clothing that has just seen better days.  Sometimes in clothing that isn’t even clean.

Further, appropriate flag protocol is not being followed.  Some members hold the flag in their left hand when they’re supposed to always use their right hand.  And I’ve also been advised that some members haven’t been attending missions regularly.

Let me address all of those issues at one time.

First, contrary to popular belief the Patriot Guard Riders does have an official dress code.  Here it is:

Do no wear anything that could be deemed offensive to a family.  If you have patches on your vest or you’re wearing a tee shirt that contains profanity…….please re-think that decision.  Our families see you during a difficult time in their lives.  Their emotions are jagged.  They probably wouldn’t understand the meaning of the patch……but they might remember a curse word.  Please just don’t.

If your clothes are worn and have seen their better days……….welcome, my brother!  The Patriot Guard Riders is not in the fashion show business.  We’re proud to have you stand our Flag Line. 

If your clothes are dirty……well, we’re not going to judge you for that because we don’t know why they’re dirty.  Maybe you broke down on the way to the mission and you’ve been lying on the roadside trying to repair your machine.  Or maybe you’ve hit some really hard times but not hard enough to deter you from a mission of honor.  Welcome, my brother.

And as for the proper way to hold a flag…….that’s handled differently from state to state.  Just follow the instructions of the Ride Captain.  We do generally ask that the flag be held upright and not dipped at all.  As for right hand or left hand, hand salute or no hand salute………I would ask that our Ride Captains remember a saying that circulated amongst our membership years ago…….”There is no wrong way to do the right thing.”

We have members who cannot stand for long stretches of time.  Some of us, myself included, might bring a stool to sit on and rest.  Would you deny us the opportunity to render honor because our legs or backs hurt?  I sure wouldn’t.

When someone shows up on the flag line you haven’t seen for a while, instead of berating them for missing the previous missions, welcome them back, and tell them you’ve missed them.  We don’t always know someone else’s situation, just be thankful they showed up today.

The bottom line is this:  It’s about RESPECT.  Whatsoever you do – do respectfully.  And before you criticize a brother or sister on the Flag Line ask yourself………..are YOU being respectful?

As summer begins to wind down let me sing my same old song again.  HYDRATE!!…….Begin drinking extra water the day before a mission in the sun.  Drink water at every opportunity during the mission.  We need you but we need you in good shape.  We do not need any heat casualties.

Thank you for all you do and may God Bless and protect each and every member of our military, some of whom are in harm’s way, protecting our freedom.

 

Saddle up Patriots.  Let’s Roll!!

Filed Under: Archives Tagged With:

Leadership Meeting

February 29, 2012 by

Leadership meeting  **(THIS MEETING IS CLOSED TO LEADERSHIP ONLY)**

Sunday March 18th for our face-to-face Leadership meeting at Gios in East Granby.  Once again, if you are able, please do what you can to work your schedule around making this important meeting.

Gio’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
3 Turkey Hills Rd # 3E
East Granby, CT
(860) 413-9474() ‎

Sunday, March 18th,
approx 1500hrs

Thanks,

Gregg “Flag 7” Barratt
Patriot Guard Riders
Connecticut State Captain
203-921-8255
greggbarratt@gmail.com

 



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