Page 74 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2017

GOLDEN YEARS ride with pride Honoring
Do you have what it takes to be a Patriot Guard Rider? Despite what you may think, you don’t have to
be a veteran and you don’t even have to ride a motorcycle. The only requirement to join the Patriot Guard is to have respect for those who have served.
You may have seen some of the Gulf Coast Patriot Riders out and about, showing their support by attending missions. For the riders, missions consist of attending the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. This honor can be requested online on the Patriot Guard national website. A list of upcoming missions in each state is also available there.
“The Patriot Guard exists throughout the entire country and has groups in every state,” said Sandie Schlett, assistant state captain for the state of Mississippi. “We’re a 501(c)3 non-profit that is entirely volunteer based with no paid employees.”
According to Schlett, it all started back in 2005 after a member of the United States military was
story by
Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
photos courtesy of
Gulf Coast Patriot Guard Riders
killed and was set to be honorably buried in Kansas. Protestors planned to swarm the funeral, but after local bikers caught word of what was going on,
the protestors were met with the waving American flags and loud motorcycles of the bikers. The group successfully surrounded the family of the fallen soldier, protecting them from the protests and showing their respect.
From there, the Patriot Guard has grown into an organization with unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security, including fallen military heroes, first responders and honorably discharged veterans.
“For us, it’s a way to give back to those who gave so much,” said Schlett. “Every mission is special, but the first one will always stand out. It’s an emotional experience, and you don’t truly understand the impact you’re making until you’re hugged by a complete stranger who is crying and thanking you for being there.”
In just a six-month period, the Gulf Coast riders have completed 35 missions and attended five
74 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2017
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HEROES
Patriot Guard Riders honor American heroes