oldsgt, Perkins (6/14/2008 7:52:37 PM)

Obviously Joe-Allen Doty I have an answer to a very stupid question. They, the Patriot Guard Riders, are there for the fallen soldiers, hero's to those of us that have lost someone in the War on Terror. There mission is for veterans only, providing very honorable and respectful escorts for funerals of the fallen soldiers. They come only when requested by families of the soldiers. They are not a civil control organization. The majority of these fine people are vets themselves or lost someone in combat over the years. They are very respectful as to what the family wants and only do what is requested.

Basically, they don't do anything for GAY PRIDE or any other group. That is not their mission statement. They are not crowd control. In other words they do not go out and try to force people away from events. They not do crowd control. That is the job for the local authorities. Maybe if you tried to visit their web site you would have a better idea of what it is they do, instead of opening your mouth with stupid remarks like you think you know something. If the Gays, HIV/AIDS, other churches, etc want protection call the police or sheriff. The Patriot Guard Riders are a wonderful and caring group of individuals that come from all over the state and surrounding states to honor our fallen, men and women that have given their all so people like you can have the freedoms to talk your smack. Sorry if this offends but if you do some background checking maybe you would know the answer before putting your butt out there to be kicked.

Now, you ask me how I know all of this. I am the father-in-law of one of our most recent fallen hero's. He was just buried yesterday. He leaves behind a loving wife of twelve years and two young boys 10 and 20 months. So talk your smack, think what you want. For you are dead wrong, and you can ask any one that has ever called on them for support. They get no money, provide nothing more than the assurance that loved ones are remembered for their service to their country not their social life style, however they decide to live it. So in closing JOE, get real, get a life and what have you done for your country. They don't pick what they want to do and for they answer the call put out by the families of the fallen. Respectfully, an Army Vet, son of a Navy 30 year vet, and grandson to a WWI vet. Try being one.

O, Tulsa (6/14/2008 11:07:52 PM)

Joe-Allen,

Please read out mission statement.
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Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.

2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

Capt'N Crunch, (6/14/2008 11:10:57 PM)

Mr Doty, I am the State Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders in Oklahoma, I have no doubt that you have never been to our Web site or seen what we do in person. We only attend a Service for the KIA, Veteran, or Emergency Worker when ask by the Families to do so. We are "NOT" a counter protest or protest in any way. We do what we do strictly by legal means and with the help and co-operation of the Local Police and Sheriffs Departments. Those other people mean nothing to us, but we refuse to let them disturb these Families in their time of grief. Come and do a Mission as we call them sometime and see what you think, Otherwise, don't judge a group by your un-informed knowledge of what is going on. These folks all do what we do on Vacation time or day's off and ask for nothing in return. We ask for no money, or anything from the Families or any one else. All we want to do is Stand Tall and Silent in Respect for the Families and the Fallen Hero.

Critter, (6/27/2008 7:07:43 AM)

I you are a veteran, law enforcement, firefighter or any other person who puts their life on the line to serve others - we will be there for your service. The only criteria is that we are invited by your immediate family or spokesperson. When we are contacted to serve those who have served for us we do not ask questions about sexual preference. We do ask what can we do to be of service to our hero and their family - period. We call it "Riding with Respect". Hope this helps to enlighten those who appear to me misinformed.