[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS--STANDING FOR THOSE WHO STOOD FOR US

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2011

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, to be a member of the United States 
military is a gift, a sacrifice and it is an honor. Theodore Roosevelt 
said: ``No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk 
his well-being, to risk his body, to risk his life, in a great cause.'' 
Every day our warriors risk their lives, and today I would like to pay 
tribute to a special group of at home warriors who stand for those 
fallen heroes who stood for us. They are known as the Patriot Guard 
Riders.
  The Patriot Guard Riders are a group of motorcyclists who pay tribute 
to those who have died serving our country. Their mission is to attend 
the funeral services of fallen soldiers; upholding President 
Roosevelt's belief that brave soldiers who gave the utmost sacrifice 
for their country deserve respect and reverence during their final 
tribute.
  Each of the riders missions have two objectives, to show sincere 
respect for America's fallen heroes, their families, and their 
communities; and to shield the mourning family and their friends from 
interruptions caused by protesters. They have the patriotic 
understanding that each of America's fallen heroes deserves respect.
  Decked out in leather, wearing shades and bandanas, waving Old Glory 
and riding 500 plus pounds of steel, the Patriot Guard Riders are a 
terrifying but inspiring looking bunch. They have nicknames like 
Bronco, Dark Horse, Puddles and Wild Bill. They are right thinking 
Americans with big hearts.
  The Guard is activated each time the military reports the death of a 
soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan. This nationwide organization of 
volunteers is very efficient. State Captains send out e-mails to 
members in the city where the soldier will be buried, and everyone 
jumps into action. They ensure that streets along the funeral 
procession are lined with American flags. Each mission is accomplished 
through legal and non-violent means. If protestors are present and 
become loud, the Patriot Guard Riders form a flag line, turn their 
backs on protesters, and will even drown the sound of the protestors by 
singing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
  One involved Patriot biker, Rich ``Boomer'' Ford, a former Navy SEAL 
who served in Vietnam, is a retired Deputy State Captain and Road Guard 
Captain for the Texas Patriot Guard Riders. He is the man in charge of 
the ``missions.'' If you ask Boomer why he rides, he will tell you that 
he remembers the lack of respect received when returning home from 
Vietnam. He wants to make sure that doesn't happen to these brave men 
and women. Boomer feels that each ``mission'' recognizes and honors the 
hard work our soldiers are doing for us overseas. These men and women 
like Boomer, who volunteer their time to help guard our Nation's heroes 
should be forever remembered for their honor and dignity.
  I commend the Patriot Guard Riders for riding for our soldiers whose 
lives were given in pursuit of a great cause, American freedom. I am 
proud to recognize these angels on bikes with hearts bigger than Texas. 
They show their respect for our troops, their families, and our 
community in an honorable way, one funeral at a time. They make a 
difference and represent all that is right and good in America.
  And that's just the way it is.

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