Patriot Guard Riders New York
Who We Are
PGRNY is a diverse group of patriots who come together to show respect and support to US service members, veterans, first responders who die in the line of duty, and their families by standing flag lines and providing escorts at memorial services, only at the request of the family. We also stand flag line for other events honoring veterans and military personnel by request. We do not have meetings, dues, or most of the other membership requirements of other organizations. Many of our members share a love of motorcycles and many are veterans, but neither is a requirement. The only thing our members do have in common is a deep feeling of appreciation of the sacrifices that our military and first responders have made and continue to make.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and 100% volunteer organization. Any donations received go directly to members of the Armed Services, veterans, families of deployed service members, and Gold Star families in need through our Help on the Homefront (HOTH) programs: Veteran's Financial Assistance Program and Veteran's Furniture Assistance Program. A small portion of the funds raised goes to the families of veterans in the form of a plaque at memorial services.
Request PGRNY
Starting March 23, 2020, as a matter of public health and safety, committal services and the rendering of military funeral honors, whether by military personnel or volunteer organizations, will be discontinued until further notice at VA national cemeteries.
For complete information please visit: VA.gov
Standing For Those Who Stood For Us.
Event Missions
What are Missions
Missions are one of the ways Patriot Guard Riders New York, Inc. (PGRNY) show support for US service members, veterans, and their families.
Missions vary greatly and can include standing flag lines or providing escorts to veterans for such diverse events as calling hours, gravesite services, the return home of veterans on Honor Flights and active military personnel from overseas assignments, as well as for ceremonies honoring veterans, etc. It is our honor to attend these missions and there are no fees or expenses incurred by the requesting family or organization.
Mission Requests
There are two types of missions: Funeral and Event.
Funeral Mission Requests must be made by a family member. Funeral requests may be to stand a flag line at the funeral home and/or church service; provide an escort to the cemetery, and/or stand a flag line at the cemetery. It is up to the family to determine how much representation they wish from PGRNY.
Event Mission Requests are for any ceremony or event other than a funeral and can be made by an organization or individual. These requests may be to stand a flag line at the airport for returning veterans or active military personnel; stand a flag line for various ceremonies honouring veterans, provide escorts of veterans to various events, participate in parades as an escort to veterans, etc. It is up to the requesting organization or person to determine what type of representation is wanted from PGRNY.
To request a Mission, click on the appropriate Mission Request.
PGRNY Current Missions
Programs
Patriot Guard Riders of New York has special programs; Help On The Homefront and the Veteran Recovery Program.
Learn more about each by clicking their logo!
Help On The Homefront
Veteran Recovery Program
PGRNY Membership
One of the ways PGR members Honor the veterans who have served and continue to serve our country is to participate in Missions. The time they give to stand for those who have stood for us is greatly appreciated.
Simply fill out the form and submit. Based on the county you live in, you will be signed up for a region within New York State. You will receive Mission emails for your region. It is up to you whether or not you attend a mission. More information on membership is available here.
Our News
Acknowledgements
Rep. Zeldin Honors Patriot Guard Riders on House Floor. On April 12, 2018, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) honored the Patriot Guard Riders from Long Island and across the United States on the floor of the House of Representatives.
News & Announcements
For a complete listing of all News & Announcements, visit the Announcements page.
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HOTH Case Managers Announced
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Beth Read for Region 2 and Debbie Pennock for Regions 4 & 5 to our Help On The Homefront (HOTH) team as HOTH Case Managers. In their positions, Beth and Debbie will be responsible for presenting and training veteran agencies on PGRNY HOTH programs of...
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Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award
Bill Schaaf of Troy receives Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - Members of the Jewish War Veterans joined with the First Reformed Church of Schenectady and more than 120 attendees in the Clark Poling Chapel to honor Bill Schaaf of the Patriot Guard Riders as the 55th recipient of...
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Official Facebook page for Patriot Guard Riders of New York, Inc.
EffectiveJanuary 5, 2020, Patriot Guard Riders of New York, Inc. launched an official Facebook page. This page is a new public "business type" non-profit Facebook page and is in addition to the PGRNY - HOTH Facebook page. This new page will post our missions, events and pertinent information about Patriot...
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Region 1 Announces RC - Bob Caldwell
I'm pleased to announce that State Captain Bill Schaaf and Assistant State Captain Nigel Heaton have approved the appointment of Bob Caldwell as a Region-1 Ride Captain. We have been sadly lacking leadership in the southwestern part of our Region, and Bob has stepped up to improve that coverage....
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State Captain New Year Message
Here ‘s my fervent wish that everyone had a most joyous Christmas and Hanukkah. That everyone got what was coming to them (?) and that the lumps of coal were keep to a minimum. It’s hard to believe that another year has flown by – that’s the good news and bad news – time does fly and it’s up to us to...
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Wreaths Across America
It's That Time of Year Hard to believe but it is that time of year again - time to begin to ramp up our efforts to see to it that as many wreaths as possible are able to be placed on the graves of our veterans at Saratoga National Cemetery. Every year in early December, scores of tractor trailer...
Thank You Notes
For a complete listing of all Thank You Notes, visit the Thank You Notes page.
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R1/2 Honor Mission - John E. Mertsock
Dear Members of the Patriot Guard Riders of NY, My Father, John Mertsock of Wellsville, New York, was so rightfully proud of his country and of his service to the United States. The very powerful, eloquent speeches he gave each Memorial Day, the genuine love and honor he exuded every single day of...
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R8/9 Honor Mission - David R Newbery
Please see the photo of the thank you note sent by Mrs. Liz Newbery.
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Region 9 Honor Mission - Everett M. Rushford, Jr.
I wanted to thank you and all the Patriot Guard Riders for being present at Everett’s service. It meant a lot to my sister and my family. Your support will always be remembered. Sincerely, Rich Stewart
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Region 1/2 Honor Mission - Henry John Mach
On behalf of the family of Henry John Mach who you recently honored in Buffalo, NY, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To each of the volunteers who attended his funeral to honor his life and service; it meant so much to our family. Not only did we all feel extreme pride, your presence...
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Region 1/2 Honor Mission - Dennis A. Campbell
Thank you all so very much for honoring my brother yesterday. It was truly special. Thank you, Debbie Stevens
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Region 1/2 Honor Mission - Terry E May
Thank you to all that stood for Terry May on 10/25/19 and 10/26/19. It was very much appreciated. Ricky Lippa and Family
