WELCOME

1. WELCOME To the Patriot Guard Riders Ride Captain Training Program

2. Patriot Guard Riders Standing For Those Who Stood For Us Freedom Isn't FreeBut Membership Is Thank you for being here today!

3. WHO WE ARE PGR Introduction (Handout - 01) The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) is a diverse amalgamation of over 150,000 riders from every state in the Union that have come together to Honor our fallen military service men and women at funeral services, and if necessary, to shield their families from protesters. We have one thing in common: an unwavering RESPECT for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

4. WHO WE ARE PGR members ride bikes, drive cars (cages) or trucks. Many PGR members are Vets, and some have never actively served in the military…. However, if you have never actively served …. …. As a member of the PGR …. YOU ARE SERVING NOW! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! Remember - we have only one prerequisite: RESPECT

5. Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement WHAT WE DO: 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 goals: Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities. 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!

6. HOW IT IS DONE The PGR has formed a network using information from the DOD, internet and word of mouth to keep abreast of casualties and their funeral service arrangements. Our website, www.patriotguard.org, informs our national membership of Missions to pay their respects. Working closely with the family, law enforcement and the community, as many as 300 PGR members have gathered to honor a fallen soldier.

7. HOW IT IS DONE Whenever possible, and when allowed by local LEO, the PGR will form a line around the protester area, and block them and their signs from the view of the mourners.

8. HOW IT IS DONE After the service, the PGR may join the procession, or proceed ahead to the cemetery and form a flag line, as the family prefers.

9. WHAT CAN YOU DO? We are a national organization and welcome those who would join us to honor America’s Heroes. Join the Patriot Guard Riders at: www.patriotguard.org

10. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol Etiquette & Protocol (Handout - 02) We are here to HONOR and RESPECT the fallen soldier and his/her family. We are invited guests of the family, please act accordingly.

11. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol Observe the same decorum you would exhibit if you were attending the funeral of your own loved one. Stand tall - or - mourn in your own way…... But - Remember - Any disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and you will be asked - respectfully - to leave.

12. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol There will be time before and after the mission to visit, admire bikes, and swap stories. It’s an honor to stand a flag-line or be part of an Honor Guard. Give it the respect it deserves.

13. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol Keep noise level respectful at all times. If you join in the procession but you’re not staying for the entire ceremony, please peel off and leave before the ceremony begins.

14. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol We DO NOT get involved with any other groups that cause disruption in any way, shape, or form. We respect ourselves, the PGR, and foremost the mourning family. This includes signs made to show our displeasure with any other groups. Signs for the deceased are welcome.

15. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol Turn off all cell phones, pagers, and other devices NOW. If you need to …. set the device on silent/vibrate and excuse yourself to handle the call.

16. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol RESPECT. The Flag is to be presented with The Flag shall not touch the ground or any other surface. Though not part of the U.S. Code, many organizations consider the Flag held at 45 degrees as being half-staff.

17. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol There is no smoking, drinking, or eating in the flag line. Fluids for hydration are fine, when the time is appropriate. Feel free to take a break if you need to, but remember that in a flag line you are presenting the colors of the United States of America for which these Heroes gave their lives.

18. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol Follow the Ride Captains directions at all times.

19. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol We obey any and all directions of local and state Law Enforcement Officers (LEO), and remember they have a difficult job to do. If you feel that a request by any LEO is inappropriate, ask to speak with their supervisor, but remember that sometimes we just have to do what we have to do because of the higher calling of our Mission.

20. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol Wait until the State/Ride Captain has addressed ride protocol – mainly large flagged bikes in the front, two abreast column, staggered formation and always be alert of the bike/vehicle in front of you. This type of riding is difficult if you are not familiar with it. Do not get impatient and get out of line, we want to be perceived as cohesive and a single-minded group.

21. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol If you wish to take photos, please do not take any of the mourning family, the casket, or the specific service member.

22. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol You are encouraged to get an arm band, windshield banner, PGR hat, PGR T-shirt, or all of them. We should be recognizable; it’s not a requirement but just a wish. Remember that when you are identified with PGR, you represent all of us.

23. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol After the mission, please wait until the RC posts a Ride Report in the Forums section, then please add your comments. Keep them respectful and positive. Do not mention any protesters. This will be read by the family and is not really an issue we desire to discuss. Send private emails if you have a question that may be off-base.

24. Mission Ride Etiquette and Protocol God Bless you all, whether on a bike or on 4-wheels you made a selfless sacrifice to be here today and America is watching and making note of it. Ride With Respect National Director – Bill Richart Wisconsin State Captain – John Curran Wisconsin Associate State Captain – Gene James

25. Honor Mission Guidelines - Wisconsin - The following outlines the Honor Mission Guidelines for Active Duty Personnel and Veterans

26. Pending Missions (Watch List) News reports often appear before the DoD (Department of Defense) Notice. The DoD Notice is the official method of public notification of the death of a service member. This is to ensure that the family of the fallen service member has been notified.

27. Pending Missions (Watch List) Pending Missions are NOT to be posted until the official DoD notification of the death. The PGR website moderators post the notices when the DoD notice is out. Casualty information is NOT to be posted in any forums prior to the DoD notice. In rare or unusual cases where a DoD notice is not released, a pending mission may be posted ONLY if we are invited by the immediate family.

28. Making Initial Contacts There are a few ways to contact a family representative to determine if the family would like the presence of the PGR. (The CAO is probably the best to work with as they are responsible to assist the family in all funeral-related decisions.) 1) Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) 2) Church/Clergy 3) Funeral Directors 4) Local Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)

29. Locating CAO Information When asking for CAO information, keep in mind that not everyone is familiar with the PGR. You may need to explain what the PGR does and why we are asking for this information. You should refer the CAO to our website: www.PatriotGuard.org or send a copy of Patriot Guard Introduction (previous handout). * Or send/give them our 1-page info sheet and/or the PGR tri-fold information pamphlet You should advise the CAO that we prefer to make contact through the CAO or family representative so that we do not intrude on the family during this difficult time.

30. CAO Contact Information ARMY: Ft. Leonard Wood, MO OR - 1-800-626-3317 to locate the nearest Casualty Assistance Center. MARINES: Casualty Assistance Section (MRPC) Quantico, VA 22134-5102 Tool Free: (800) 847-1597

31. CAO Contact Information AIR FORCE: Casualty Services Branch Randolph Air Force Base 1-800-433-0048 NAVY: Navy Casualty Assistance Division 1-800- 368-3202

32. CAO Contact Information COAST GUARD: Navy Casualty Assistance Division 1-800-368-3202 ** After making contact, enter the CAO Officer information on the Mission Data Sheet. Mission Data Sheet (Handout - 06)

33. Obtaining Information From The Family This contact should be made through the CAO, family representative, or funeral director. Only if their preliminary contact indicates that the family would like to talk to a PGR representative, should you contact them directly. With whomever you speak: 1) Explain who you are (name, title, and affiliation) and briefly what the PGR mission is. Remember, not all are familiar with what we do.

34. Obtaining Information From The Family EXAMPLE: “My name is John Doe; I am a Ride Captain with the Patriot Guard Riders, our main mission is to attend the funerals of military personnel to show our honor and respect to our fallen heroes. We attend only by invitation of the family. If you’d like to know more about us, I will be happy to answer any questions and you are welcome to view our website at www.PatriotGuard.org.”

35. Obtaining Information From The Family ** It is helpful to send video links, and jpegs of the PGR flyers as a means of introduction. People generally think visually, and they instantly see we are the people with the flags. Making a business card is also helpful. You can also hand out some updated flyers or information leaflets (previous handouts).

36. Obtaining Information From The Family 2) Use your best judgement on whether or not to bring up the topic of protestors. Unless there is a high probability of protestors the idea may cause unwarranted grief. CAO’s are very likely to be familiar with the protestors, and we do not need to shy away from the fact that if they are present, we do indeed provide a shield for the family through strictly legal and non-violent means.

37. Obtaining Information From The Family 3) Get the CAO/Family Rep’s email and other contact information. Offer to send “pdfs” of the Family FAQ, and offer to meet them in person Frequently Asked Questions 4) Ask the CAO/Family Rep to check with the family to see if they would like the PGR at the services. Although we prefer to work through a representative, note that you are available to the family if they wish to have direct contact with the Patriot Guard Riders.

38. Obtaining Information From The Family 5) Provide the CAO/Family Rep with your contact information as well as another backup contact (Assistant RC, State Ride Captain, or Assistant State Ride Captain. 6) Enter all contact information on your MISSION DATA SHEET!

39. If The Family DECLINES Our Offer Make sure all state leadership is informed as soon as possible. • Notify the State Captain, Asst. State Captain, and any Asst. Ride Captains of the status. • Send an email to: mods@patriotguard.org stating we are to “stand down” from this mission. If it is private services or family services only, include that information as well. Copy the email to the State Captain and Asst. State Captain.

40. If The Family Invites Us To Participate Make sure ANY information posted to the national forum is cleared for release by the CAO or Family Representative. Offer to meet in person. If a personal meeting is not convenient ask for a few minutes of phone time to determine how we can best serve the family. Assure them that any unreleased/preliminary funeral information they share with you will be…. KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL!

41. If The Family Invites Us To Participate Review the information on the Mission Data Sheet - Section II. Advise the family of the possibilities of where we could be of service. Ask if there is anything special we should know and, if they are comfortable sharing it, get some biographical info. If there have been any articles written try and identify the source so they me be added to the forum.

42. If The Family Invites Us To Participate Remember …. you are NOT alone and do not need to do everything by yourself. Planning and executing any mission is VERY time-consuming, and you have help available. Hopefully you’ve already asked one or two members within your region/area to serve as Asst. RC’s. Also, your State and Asst. State RC are a good resources for information & advise. Neighboring RC’s, or Senior RC’s will step up to help you - if they don’t offer - ask them!

43. If The Family Invites Us To Participate Be sure that you email mods@patriotguard.org to move the forum thread to CONFIRMED. Copy the State and Asst. State Captain on this and all other moderator emails. Ensure that any preliminary information you include is accurate, and note that updates will be provided as they become available. It is also a a good idea to copy your Asst. Ride Captain(s) on all changes.

44. If The Family Invites Us To Participate Keep the forum thread up-to-date! As the date and itinerary information become available, email any additional information to mods@patriotguard.org, and the State RC and Asst. State RC. Keep in mind that these updates are on a national forum, and that members from other states may attend if they are close by or traveling - be as clear as possible. Ask the moderators to “pin” updates to the top of the thread, and to change the thread title as needed.

45. If The Family Invites Us To Participate When updating, you should also post the same information within the forum thread so the people who subscribe to that thread will receive the updated information as well!

46. If The Family Invites Us To Participate Order the PGR Plaque. Check with the CAO or family representative to see if there may be a posthumous promotion, and be absolutely sure that the plaque is spelled correctly. To order the plaque, send an email to: plaques@patriotguard.org in the subject line add: “URGENT PLAQUE REQUEST” * You may need to add a line indicating when the service is to be held so that appropriate shipping arrangements can be made (i.e. overnight, morning delivery, or regular).

47. If The Family Invites Us To Participate The body of the email should read: FOR: Sgt. John Doe Send To: Ride Captain Name & Address

48. If The Family Invites Us To Participate Notify neighboring states of the mission. As a courtesy, send the mission information and the link to the thread to the State Captains of appropriate neighboring states and ask them if they would please post the information; extending an invitation to their riders for support.

49. Planning The Mission Make contact with the funeral home * to determine WHAT? As you gain information on the services and burial time and locations from the CAO, the Family Representative or funeral director, it will become easier to suggest who and where the Patriot Guard will be present. Normally we arrive at the funeral location at least an hour prior to the services (or just prior to visitation) and stay until the family leaves if we are not in the procession.

50. Planning The Mission Determine if the family would like us to participate in the procession following the funeral services. However, check for safety hazards before agreeing to this, including roads that are difficult to navigate, gravel roads or areas, and any parking concerns at the cemetery. Rider safety is paramount ! A downed rider on a hazardous or gravel road can hold up a funeral procession and cause distraction and distress to the family.