[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JEAN SCHMIDT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 27, 2010

  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of 
true American patriots who selflessly give of themselves to honor our 
men and women in uniform. The Patriot Guard Riders have honored our 
sailors and troops who have made the ultimate sacrifice, given comfort 
and protection to their grieving families, and proven themselves to be 
more than worthy of our thanks.
  The Patriot Guard Riders started in Kansas to protect grieving 
families from protestors who would attempt to disrupt the funerals of 
troops that had died defending our nation. That initiative has grown 
and now stretches across the United States. In my home state of Ohio, 
we have a great group of men and women who have picked up the flag to 
ride in honor of our brave men and women.
  I have had the distinct honor to meet and spend time with the Ohio 
Patriot Guard Riders, and the State Captain, Robert ``Bob'' Woods, of 
West Chester, Ohio. In just a few short years the membership of the 
Ohio Patriot Guard Riders has grown from 400 to over 4,000, who at the 
request of the family ride to honor our fallen heroes. And, when 
necessary, they shield them from people who would try to tarnish the 
honor of their loved one.
  Bob Woods is an American hero aside from his work with the Patriot 
Guard Riders. He served our nation in Vietnam. Bob has made it his 
personal mission to ensure that every returning member of the military 
knows that their service to our nation is appreciated, and that our 
fallen heroes are honorably remembered for their service in defense of 
liberty.
  Ohio's Patriot Guard Riders have been there to honor our men and 
women in uniform and the Veterans who came before them. And today as we 
approach this Memorial Day weekend, I ask all in Congress to honor and 
thank the Patriot Guard Riders for their devotion to the ideas of 
freedom and liberty and the men and women who defend it.

                          ____________________