How do I join the Patriot Guard Riders, and what benefits do I get?
To become a member of the Patriot Guard Riders of Nevada click here, fill out the form and someone will contact you. 

How can I have the Patriot Guard attend my family member’s funeral?
An invitation from a family member for us to attend must be submitted.  Click here to fill out a request or you may contact the Deputy State Captain or State Captain directly.

Where can I buy Patriot Guard pins, patches, armbands, hats, shirts, and other merchandise?
You can find Patriot Guard merchandise at www.patriotguard.org.

Do I have to ride a motorcycle to be in the Patriot Guard?
No, you do not have to ride a motorcycle. You can drive your car or truck. Everyone is welcome to show respect.

Do I have to be a Military Veteran to be in the Patriot Guard Riders?
No, you do not have to be a veteran. The Patriot Guard Riders is a group of citizen volunteers that come together to support every Patriot Guard mission. The only requirement is that you love and support our country and the heroes who fight for our freedom. 

Are there any dues or membership fees? 
No, membership is free. PGR is funded through purchases made from the PGR store, public donations, member donations and member businesses that donate.

Are there regular chapter meetings?
No, the PGR is an all-volunteer organization, not a motorcycle club. We do not hold regular or scheduled meetings. Many of our members organize informal get-togethers and Meet-n-Greets. 

What kind of missions do you do?
Our main mission is to honor our nation’s fallen heroes, their families, and communities by attending memorial services and funerals. We are there to pay our respects and to shield the families from any interruptions by any protestor or group of protestors. This is accomplished through non-violent or non-confrontational means. These missions include fallen heroes of the current fight for freedom, and veterans of other wars and conflicts such as WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. We also honor our fallen heroes from Law Enforcement Departments, Firefighters and EMT’s.

 

We also attend the following events:

1. Memorial Missions -These are events that are held at various military installations across the country honoring our fallen heroes. Many bases hold monthly memorial services honoring the fallen from their units. This also includes private memorial services held by families when a full funeral is not scheduled with interment. 

2. Welcome Home and Troop Send Offs -We also participate in ceremonies and events to welcome our troops home from overseas or to give them a resounding show of support when they leave the states for foreign countries. 

3. Help on the Homefront (HOTH) -This program assists wounded veterans and their families in need. It includes visits to VA and local hospitals. We sometimes assist in the cleaning, repairing or refurbishing of the homes of injured veterans. This program works with other agencies and supports some of their programs as well. 

4. Honor Flights -We escort and stand flaglines for WWII veterans being honored as they are taken by bus and then plane to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC. These Honor Flights provide transportation to the veterans at no cost to them.

What do I bring to a mission?
Make sure you bring water to drink. If you know it’s going to be a long day bring some snacks or even pack a sandwich. Some folks have been known to generously provide water and snacks during the mission but this is not expected of them and it is your responsibility to provide your own. If, by chance, they have a donation jar located near the snacks feel free to contribute something to help defray their costs. Many also choose to donate back to the PGR. You are under no obligation to make the donation.
You should bring your own 3’X5’ American (stars and stripes) flag. A collapsing pole is recommended for ease of carrying if you do not wish to attach it to your bike. Sunscreen and a small first-aid kit are highly recommended.

Can I bring children to missions? 
Yes. However it is suggested that you use your best judgment with smaller children. If your child becomes restless please be prepared to remove them from the area so as to not disturb the services in progress. Perhaps you and/or your spouse, or a friend can agree on a plan of action before you attend the mission. Talk with your children before hand to prepare them for what may happen. You will find that they may be able to understand more than you think. Give them a flag of their own that is a size they can handle. Teach them some flag etiquette. This can be a positive experience for your child.

What if a mission is cancelled? 
If a funeral mission is cancelled due to the family’s request we DO NOT attend. This would be disrespectful to the family. If it is a public event you may attend as a citizen but we ask that you leave your PGR items at home and do not wear your vest if it has PGR patches sewed on. Our mission, first and foremost, is respect. Not only does that apply to families but also to the communities in which they live and serve.

What do I do on a funeral mission? What is expected of me?
Read the mission itinerary prior to showing up for the mission. Arrive at the staging area at, or slightly before, the designated time so that you are present for the briefing. Ride Captains (RC) (wear Maroon Hats) will direct you where to park. If this is your first mission be sure to introduce yourself to the RC and advise them that this is your first mission. Automobiles may be directed to another area and will follow the bikes in the procession. Pay attention to the Ride Captain’s briefing and follow their instructions. If you are a first-timer and are riding a motorcycle, it is suggested you ride near the back of the motorcycle group to easily observe what is happening. Pay attention to hand signals from the RC or those in front of or around you. Be cautious and attentive when in the procession. It is an emotional experience. When standing in a flag line with a flag, do not smoke or use your cell phone. This is a matter of showing respect to the fallen hero. If you need to make an urgent call, or feel compelled to smoke, ask someone to hold your flag, and then step out of line to smoke or to use your phone. When holding your flag, be solemn and reverent. No joking or cutting up. Cell phones should be turned off or switched to vibrate during a memorial service or flag line.

What is meant by flag protocol?
Flag protocol means order in which flags are flown. This is not a matter of us expressing our personal preference. Flag order was established long ago. It applies to military and non-military processions. We refer to it as military flag protocol because these are military funerals with full military honors. Simply put, the US flag always leads, state flags are next. Military branch flags, then organizational flags are all flown based on date of origin. The youngest organization’s flag flies last. You may find more information regarding flag protocol on our website. The US flag flies from the right side of any vehicle, whether it is a cage or bike.

When I’m holding a flag, how do I stand at attention and salute?
When you’re holding a flag and are called to attention, you stand at attention. When “Patriot Guard, present arms” is called, the flagpole is held upright with your right hand near your chin and your left hand at the base of the flagpole and near your waist. Do not hand salute when holding the flag. During prayer, and they say “uncover” you do not take off your hat. Veterans, Law Enforcement Officers, Firemen and civilians not holding a flag, for example, will salute. 

What sort of clothing should I wear?
If you’re riding a motorcycle, wear protective clothing. Many of us wear helmets, gloves, and leathers. Please make sure you have no patches that would be offensive to families; cover them with tape if you do. The leathers may be too hot in the heat of summer. If you’re driving an automobile, dress appropriately for the weather, but be sensible. Keep in mind that you are attending a funeral. We are all showing respect to a Fallen Hero. We’re not there to make a personal statement about anything. It’s not about us. It’s about the hero and their family.

What should I do if there are protestors and they jeer at us and make obscene gestures or try to provoke us?
Turn your back and ignore them. They want a reaction from you. Don’t give them one. Follow the directions of the Ride Captain.

During Mission Briefings and other discussions I hear about Blue Star, Gold Star, or Silver Star parents. What defines these groups?
Blue Star – Families of military members currently serving on active duty. 
Gold Star – Families of military members who have lost their lives in the line of duty;
Silver Star – Families of Soldiers who have suffered catastrophic injuries such as loss of limbs or severe brain trauma

*** Remember – This is not about us. This mission is about our Fallen Heroes and their families. We can’t help but draw attention because of what we are doing and because of the motorcycles. Regardless, we must strive to remain humble and cognizant of the solemnity of the occasion. A hero has died and we have been invited by the family to attend as their guests. We honorably and respectfully give our attention to those who died in support of our freedom.