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

Updated guidelines for National Cemeteries from the National Cemetery Administration:  “All Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) national cemeteries remain open and continue to provide interment for Veterans and eligible individuals during this health crisis. Committal services, which had been discontinued on March 23, will resume starting June 9 in all but two cemeteries. Families with interments scheduled on or after June 9 will be offered the option of a committal service at the time of interment. At Calverton and Long Island national cemeteries in New York, that option will be available starting June 22 provided state and local guidance permit. VA national cemeteries will contact families who were unable to hold a committal service due to the COVID-19 pandemic to arrange memorial services for their loved ones beginning in July.” 

For complete information please visit:  VA.gov

Standing For Those Who Stood For Us.

When invited by the immediate family, we stand flag line at the funeral home, services and at the burial location for our military veterans who have passed, KIA, and First Responders who have died in the line of duty.

Event Missions

These missions are for all non-funeral requests; such as Welcome Home, Honor Flight, Street Naming ceremonies, Post Office naming; that involves our military.  Anything other than Funeral Mission Requests.

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.

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

Help On The Homefront logo

Veteran Recovery Program

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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.

  • Region 9 Announces RCs - Jim and Terry Martinelli

    Jim and Terry Martinelli are our newest Ride Captains in the down state region. They live on the border of Regions 8 & 9 so they will be available for both those regions. They are a special team as they were introduced to the Patriot Guard Riders when we stood for their Son, SPC Anthony M....

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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....

  • 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...

Thank You Notes

For a complete listing of all Thank You Notes, visit the Thank You Notes page.

  • R8/9 Honor Mission - Michael E. Curley

    My name is Michael Curley. Yesterday my Uncle and namesake Michael Curley was laid to rest in Calverton NY.  I am a retired NYPD Detective who understands the meaning of camaraderie and of standing by one another in respecting those who have given of themselves in a life of service.  My Uncle was an...

  • R8/9 Honor Mission - Wilton A. Sekzer

    Mr. Cohen, my mother and I want to thank you and your fellow members from the bottom of our hearts for the escort you and your fellow members provided my dad.  He was the definition of Patriotic and would have loved the send off he got.  It was a bright spot on a rough day.  If your organization...

  • R8/9 Honor Mission - Albert A. Balsamo

    To: The Men and Women of the Patriot Guard Riders NY,      My father Albert Balsamo, a US Navy Veteran of Vietnam and a retired Detective from the Hempstead Police Department, passed away on April 24th, 2020.  Upon his passing I and my family were heartbroken that we could not have a "proper" wake and...

  • R8/9 Honor Mission - Dennis J. Muldoon

    Thank you so much to Wayne and all of the PGRNY Vets and volunteers for ALL that you do, but especially for being there yesterday as we laid my dad to rest. Your services are immeasurable!! My dad was PROUDEST of being a Marine, and you standing for him and honoring him in the beautiful way that...

  • 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...

  • 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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