Patriot Guard Riders...

[f6gal]

Don't Patriot Guard Riders provide escorts for funerals of veterans?  Do any of you know how I could arrange an escort for Tom (MasterBlaster) on Thursday?  He was a lifer in the Army as a chopper pilot (hence his handle).  I know he flew in Vietnam, but I'm not certain what other skirmishes.  

He's about an hour Southwest of Alexandria, Louisiana.  I don't have specific funeral details yet.

Thanks for any help.

[Moonshot_1]

Don't Patriot Guard Riders provide escorts for funerals of veterans?  Do any of you know how I could arrange an escort for Tom (MasterBlaster) on Thursday?  He was a lifer in the Army as a chopper pilot (hence his handle).  I know he flew in Vietnam, but I'm not certain what other skirmishes.  

He's about an hour Southwest of Alexandria, Louisiana.  I don't have specific funeral details yet.

Thanks for any help.

The PGR will provide escorts for funerals of veterans. This must be in the form of an invitation from the family to do so. Go to https://www.patriotguard.org/ to get the process started or find the State Capt. information for LA to contact the State Capt. If you personally know the family, that would be the place to start to ensure they want the PGR there. Virtually every time the family does want the PGR but there may be some times where the family wishes a very private service and wants no one else there for whatever reason.

[old2soon]

           Will Need a copy of his DD214 and the P G R most likely will know the F H that's handling it. As stated we-P G R-must be invited/requested by Family. I also KNOW were it here in Missouri I'd be Proud to stand a Flag Line and ride the Escort. Again Connie-condolences. RIDE SAFE.

[John Schmidt]

Connie, that would be a wonderful move for both the family and him if it works out, he most certainly deserves a proud departure salute after all his service. If someone could quietly record the procession I know I'd appreciate it, I'm guessing many others on here would as well. 

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

As stated already, a request by the family is what initiates the process. Moonshot_1 gave the website, and the response to requests is usually very quick. There's also a FB page, https://www.facebook.com/NationalPGR/ , as well as FB pages for many local chapters. Once a request has been made, most local chapters put it out on their FB page, as that is getting to be the easiest form of mass communication these days. Were I closer, I would gladly join in his escort.

[old2soon]

Connie, that would be a wonderful move for both the family and him if it works out, he most certainly deserves a proud departure salute after all his service. If someone could quietly record the procession I know I'd appreciate it, I'm guessing many others on here would as well. 

                 Just as a point of clarification-nothing more. I'm fairly certain it's the same in other states as it is here in Missouri. We-P G R-are asked and reminded to NOT take photos inside either the Church or Funeral Home of the family or the one being honored. I have photos in my phone of Flag lines and some escorts. People have taken pictures of me in the Flag Line and sent them to my phone. You may want to check and have a professional video company do the video. Kind of a one shot thing. I think personally the P G R generally does a Good Job of what we do-Honoring a Hero that has passed. RIDE SAFE.

[Moonshot_1]

Using my skills as a former PGR Ride Captain I located his obit.

The "hour southwest of Alexandria LA" helped alot.

https://www.labbymemorial.com/obituary/thomas-bradford

What a life this guy had. Been great to have known him.