Ride Captain Regulations

Mission Guidelines

Whenever I, or you, receive information about a potential Mission, the following should be accomplished in the order it is presented here:

1. If anyone receives notification or reads about a potential Mission, that information needs to be sent to me. I will then contact the appropriate people to get all the details. After I have collected all the information, I will immediately send an e-mail to all Ride Captains. I will NOT ask for someone to step up and be a Ride Captain. As we are very spread out here, I will not select any individual unless an Ride Captain is related or close to the deceased or family. If you feel that you can manage this, please respond as soon as possible. If more than one feels they can do this, then naturally the closest one will assume the duties. I would ask that when you receive notification of a possible Mission that you NOTIFY me yes or no. This includes Honor Missions and HOTH Missions. I understand we all have limitations and are unable to step up each time. When I send out a notice for Ride Captain need and I receive NO acknowledgement, I will have no alternative but to assume you no longer wish to be in the Ride Captain position.
2. If you receive word or read of a casualty or passing of a Veteran, we do not, generally, contact the family ourselves. Our initial attempt is made through the Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) or the Funeral Director. When you do this, you will find that many have no idea who the Patriot Guard Riders are and what we do. Even after explaining our services, you may find they still have no idea and consider us to be a “biker club.” If you run into this situation, refer them to our National site, www.patriotguard.org, and explain to him/her that we got our start to shield families from those that choose to disrupt the funerals of our Fallen Heroes by conducting protests. Do not portray us as a counter-protest group but only as a protective shield for the family. As soon as you mention that all will understand who we are and what we do. Please try to minimize any references to the WBC, if possible. Please make sure that you have given the person you spoke with my email Starr6562@gmail.com and phone number (304-559-3093. Also send me the contact information you have so I can reach out to them if they have not contacted me. Also, copy Shawna Sines shawnasines05@hotmail.com. In the subject line put either MISSION or POSSIBLE MISSION.
3. After I receive confirmation, Ride Captain’s should go to the area of the visitation and/or services to find a suitable location for us to meet. If this is a public location, such as a gas station or shopping mall, permission should be requested for us to use the facility, informing the owner of the possibility that some may be there with trailers that would remain throughout the services. If we are to go to the funeral home, unless it has a large parking lot, we should try to avoid staying there so as not to take up needed space for visitors. You should do your best to eliminate excess noise at the funeral location, thus a particularly good reason to stage elsewhere and ride in as a group. You should also check the route to the cemetery, including the entrance road, to ensure it is conducive to bike travel. If necessary, include in your itinerary posting the need for kick plates.
4. When talking to the funeral home, ask if they have contacted local law enforcement (LEO) for assistance with traffic control. If they have not done this, contact them to inform them of our participation. Expect the need to explain who we are and what we are there for once again. Especially when dealing with small town police departments, try to avoid any mention of the WBC as this tends to “red flag” them into thinking the protestors will be there, too. If we are to be in the procession, ask if they would be willing to provide an escort. If you know that this Mission will have a large crowd you should contact local law enforcement prior to the funeral.
5. Staging is time approximately 1 ½ hour prior to the visitation/service. Announce your pre-mission briefing time as, generally, 1 hour before start of visitation/services and that we will be in position one hour prior to start of the visitation or services. Our desire is to be in our flag line 1 hour prior to the start of any portion of the service.
6. In our positions as SC/ASC/DRC/RC, we have a definite measure of responsibility to help ensure the safety of all those who attend our missions. Thus, at any mission you the Ride Captain, please ensure that you are the last one to leave the cemetery or funeral location. This will satisfy, in your mind, that all attendees are safely on their way home. Ask each attendee to post or e-mail you of their safe return home.
7. As members of the Patriot Guard Riders, we have all agreed to abide by our Mission Statement. Most of us also wear a patch, have a decal, or display a banner that has one of logos embossed on them. These logos should be something we practice in our everyday lives, not just when we are riding or attending a Mission. I make it a habit that anytime I see a rider alongside the road to stop and see if he or she is okay or if they have mechanical difficulties. This only takes a moment of my time and gives the individual a sense that someone cares about their welfare. I would like to see our Ride Captain’s, as well as all PGR members, try to practice this as well. Anyone that rides will understand and appreciate this being done for them in a similar situation.
8. West Virginia now has a funeral protest law in place that limits the time and visibility of those who may wish to disrupt the services, such as the WBC, may be present. I recommend each of you print a copy of this law and carry it with you on missions, in the event you have received word of their planned attendance. Seek out a LEO and ensure he is aware of the law and, if necessary, show him the copy. Most will already be aware of this. A copy of the bill is posted on our state web site at: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/61-8-15/
9. You will, without a doubt, encounter missions where folks from the public will approach you, or one of our members, asking if they may stand with us. Tell them their participation will be welcomed if they follow our lead. This may also occur with various MC that have a desire to pay their respects to someone. I have, in the past, found them to be extremely grateful for the opportunity, no matter what colors they are wearing, and to be just as respectful as we are. When a Missing Man formation is requested to the cemetery and we have members of these clubs present, I find it honorable to ask them if they would like the ride the formation, IF it is for one of their own. For a KIA or Active-Duty man/woman, we would still manage this with our members.
10. You may encounter instances where we are requested to provide an escort from an airport to the funeral home. When this occurs, Shawna or I will keep everyone informed of the flight information. When you are given the flight information DO NOT post any of the information on any social media per OPSEC orders. This information will be given out at the staging time. As has happened here in West Virginia, you may find that upon arrival at the airport, there is no Honor Guard, and you will be requested to supply pall bearers for the transfer. Again, you should do what needs to be done to accommodate the family’s wishes.
11. Our missions can NEVER have the appearance, to the public, that they are about us. As odd as it may sound, our #1 objective is to show Honor and Respect to the one who has passed while remaining in the background as much as possible. When attending the funeral, if INDIVIDUALS wish to pay their respects, instruct them to do so shortly after arriving. As we are there one hour prior to the start of services, there should be ample time for those who wish to do so to pay their final respects. At NO time, unless specifically requested by a family member, are we to break down the flag line and proceed into the funeral home as a group. While this may look good and make us feel good, we are NOT a military or para-military organization. We must keep in mind that we may have new members in attendance that are not comfortable doing this but, because they see all the others doing it, feel this is a requirement. PLEASE, ensure this is not done on any of your missions.

Mission Posting

1. As of right now myself, Shawna and Martin George will be the only ones submitting missions. This may change in the future.
2. As a Ride Captain for a particular mission, YOU are responsible for handling any questions our members may have. To ensure you do not miss anything. Keep an eye out for any changes or postings that could be made to the mission thread.
3. Once the mission is complete and as soon as you have the opportunity, the Ride Captain will make a “Mission Complete” posting to the mission thread in your own words, what transpired during the mission. Be sure to give your thanks to all who attended, especially anyone who may have traveled a considerable distance and/or any first-time attendees. How this is done is you log into the National PGR site and click on your state in the top right corner and just click on the mission in the recent or upcoming missions. Also do this on our WV PGR Facebook page.
4. If you receive an invitation to attend a Welcome Home, Send-Off, Escort or anything other than a funeral mission, send the information to our Help on the Homefront (HOTH) Director, Martin George (2019dually@gmail.com), and myself and Shawna. Once he makes the posting, the designated Ride Captain will be responsible for notifying both of us of any changes or updates.

Ride Captain Pre-Mission Briefing

1. Approximately 15 minutes prior to departing for the funeral home or church, the Ride Captain will hold a pre-mission briefing. This should include the name of the individual we are there to Honor and what our intentions are for this mission. If the Mission is for an Active Duty or KIA, try to have his Unit name and circumstances surrounding his or her passing, if known. For a Veteran, have his service branch and era.
2. As a rule, we will stand on the flag line until the end of visitation or for approximately 10 minutes after the start of the funeral service.
3. If there for the services, Ride Captain’s will advise members that we will break our line but return 10-15 minutes before the services end. To accomplish this, you will need to have the Funeral Director or one of his representatives contact you to let you know the service is about to conclude. Advise members that we will hold the flag line until the casket has been placed in the hearse. This should ALWAYS be done with flags, which may require you to inform the funeral director that we might need a few minutes to stow our flags before departing. Also advise that, as he or she is being brought out, we will come to your attention, preferably with no call being made. Those wishing to salute or place your right hand over your heart may do so, even if holding a flag. This is left up to individual preferences. IF the family is following the casket, maintain attention/salute until they have passed.
4. If we are escorting/accompanying the procession, once at the cemetery, we should assume a position slightly away from the gravesite. This could be behind or beside the Honor Guard but off to the side where we are not the focus of those in attendance. Remember, our desire is to remain in the background as much as possible.
5. We should make every effort to have our flag line set-up prior to the casket being removed from the hearse. If we do, we shall come to attention until the casket has been placed on the bier and the family has exited their vehicles.
6. We will maintain our flag line throughout the graveside services, taking any further leads from the Honor Guard. As they are called to attention for the rifle salute and taps, so shall we. We will hold that until the call is given for “Order Arms.” Please do not, under any circumstances, call the flag line to attention at the cemetery. We should maintain our flag line until the family has returned to their vehicle. If possible, as soon as they enter their vehicle, proceed to an area near the road and re-establish your line, coming to attention/saluting as they depart the cemetery. Once they have departed, you may dismiss the flag line.
7. Proper flag protocol should be followed as much as possible. Every effort should be made to keep the flag erect at all times; however, we will NOT call attention to anyone dipping the flag unless it touches the ground. Then, quietly ask them to try and keep erect. Remember, everyone could have physical limitations that may prohibit them from holding the flag erect for extended periods of time.
8. Cell phones must be kept turned off or on vibrate at all times during the visitation vigil or services.
9. Smoking and/or eating in the flag line is prohibited. If a member has the need to smoke, drink or eat, have someone hold their flag while they go away to do this. Especially during hot times, keeping water nearby while in the line is permissible. The safety of those in attendance is paramount.
10. Suitable restrooms should have already been located at the funeral home/church. The Ride Captain should advise members where they are and encourage them to take advantage, if needed. Any restroom facilities should be accessible without causing any disruption to the services.
11. Ride Captain’s should ask if there are any new members or any on their first mission. Give them a round of applause for their attendance but be sure to thank everyone for their participation.
12. Ask if all in attendance are planning to participate in the escort to the cemetery. If any are NOT, ask them to please wait until the procession has left the church before leaving IF they are on two wheels. This is to minimize any disruption of the services by loud pipes.
13. Ride Captain’s will advise all the plans for the mission, such as providing escort or riding the Missing Man formation. Advise of any potential road hazards along the procession route and of conditions in the cemetery. Also advise if any in cages will be asked to go ahead of the procession to form a flag line at the cemetery entrance. Ascertain, beforehand, at what speed we will be traveling to the cemetery. If above parade speed, ensure that all bikes that are flying large flags have them securely mounted.
14. If the area permits it, when standing vigil at either the funeral home or church, have one member stand on each side of the door, if there are two, to open it for visitors. If there is only one door, only one member should do this. This can be done by any willing member.
15. Talking in the flag line MUST BE kept to a minimum. While socializing with each other is a good thing, too much can sometimes get to be too loud, thus drawing attention to us. This we do not desire. Silence should be stressed ANY time a family member is nearing our flag line.
16. Ride Captain’s will advise all members that if they have any questions, they should seek out one of OUR Assistant State Captains/District or Ride Captains, or me. Remember folks, this is a West Virginia mission. Each state has its own unique way of doing certain things. Just because we may do it differently does not make us, or them, wrong. It just means we are human. Most of you also have a Ride Captain’s badge and holder. Those who have yet to get one will receive it after you have done/attended a mission. Whether you are the Designated Ride Captain for a mission or not, you should ALWAYS display this as a means for our members, LEOs and Funeral Directors to identify someone that could help them, should they have any questions.
17. Ride Captains will advise all members that if they need to step away from the flag line, please give their flag to the person beside them or ask anyone without a flag to hold for them.
18. When preparing to leave the service and along the route to the cemetery, ask all riders to refrain from revving their bikes as much as possible. When entering the cemetery, all those bikes with radios should have them turned down completely or turned off. Instruct all with 4-way flashers to utilize them during the procession and all cages to turn on their headlights.
19. Any member with a camera is encouraged to take pictures. At NO time, however, should pictures be taken of the casket, family, or the hearse. Pictures of our flag line, the funeral home or church, Honor Guard or bugler are fine.
20. While agreeing completely with everyone’s Constitutional right to bear arms, the carrying of concealed weapons on our flag line, or in a procession, serves NO useful purpose. The PGR has been attempting to shed the image that some have of us being a “biker gang” ever since our birth and having members standing a flag line while carrying a weapon does nothing to diminish with that image. Should a family member or anyone else come up to one of our members to thank them and/or give them a hug, the LAST thing they need to feel is a weapon on that person.At NO time should you, as a Ride Captain, or any other individual standing with us feel the need to take the law into your own hands, should any problems arise from other factions.That is the sole duty of the local LEOs. While it would be an infringement on someone’s rights to “frisk” them before a mission, you will simply have to rely on their word that they are not armed. All you can and SHOULD do is, during the mission briefing, ask if anyone IS carrying a concealed weapon, and if they are, request they stow it on their bike, or in their cage, until the mission is completed.This also applies to any other individual who may express the desire to participate in our flag line, who is not a PGR member.Should anyone indicate their refusal to remove their weapon, ask that they NOT participate. In the unlikely event you are met with a refusal, either direct them to the State Captain or Assistant State Captain, if they are in attendance, a District Ride Captain, or the local LEO (in that order), to ask that they be removed from our flag line. Do this as discreetly as possible. Remember, at NO time are weapons permitted to be carried on any military installation, airport, or school grounds. Keep in mind that many Catholic churches are also considered parochial schools as well. Keep in mind the reason for our presence; to show Honor and Respect. The carrying of a concealed weapon is not a requirement or need to accomplish that mission.
21. While in our flag line during missions, there will be instances where the need exists to stand at attention and render a salute, based on the calls from the Honor Guard. While we understand the Flag protocol put out by the American Legion, we must always be aware this protocol was written for our military, NOT for civilians. As an organization, the Patriot Guard Riders are NOT military nor are we a para-military organization. Because of this we cannot and should NEVER tell someone how they should show their respect. If their heart tells them to render a salute, even if they are not a Veteran, provided they can render a proper salute, do NOT tell them they should not do that because they are not a Veteran. This will only cause them to not come back to a future mission.
22. As most of you are fully aware, there are some states who do things differently from how they are done in West Virginia. One of those major differences pertains to which hand is holding the flag. Some believe it should always be held in the right hand while we believe it should be held in the left, closest to the heart. We do it this way to keep your right hand free to (1) salute, if you wish and (2) to shake the hand of those who WILL walk our flag line to thank each one individually.If you are attending a mission in a state who does this differently, you should always follow THEIR protocol. If you have members from another state attending one of our missions and doing it differently, do NOT try to correct them, as this could cause a scene. Simply make the announcement at your briefing that we hold the flag in our left hand and why we do it that way. Recently, the PGR President, Robbie Smart, dealt with this issue via a complaint received from a 20-year retired Army Veteran. He subsequently sent his response to all State Captains regarding this very subject.

Here are the excerpts from his reply

“There has been a lot of discussion around PGR flag holding protocol over the years.How the flag is held by the majority of the flag line is the prerogative of the RC in charge. The flag code does not specify which hand to hold the flag in while standing in a static display and there are no military wide regulations that state which hand the flag should be held in. The flag code states the flag should be carried to the “marching right” or “marchers” right. Yes, if a unit of civilians is marching in a formation the flag should be carried by the bearer to the groups or marchers (plural) right. The flag code also states flag pins ‘should be” and flag patches “may be” worn on the individual’s left nearest to the individual’s heart. So, one could say the flag belongs in the right hand as to the right of a group of one, or in the left hand nearest the individual’s heart. I have asked E-9’s in all the branches if either hand conveyed any disrespect to a military unit. Each assured it would not. There is no guidance on holding the flag in a flag line. One can see many military units carrying the unit flag to the right of the group and the US flag is on the left shoulder of every American astronaut.So, what is respect when holding the American flag? Reviewing the U.S. Flag code for civilians (attached) there are three things we must not do. Do not allow the flag to touch the ground, do not hold the flag upside down or backward and do not wear or drape the flag over oneself as if it is a garment. Yes, holding the flag upside down as a sign of immediate danger to life or limb is addressed in the flag code but as a sign of political distress is not and we are a non-political organization anyway.Holding the American flag at an angle or straight up: There is guidance that the flag should never be dipped “as in a salute” but in a static (holding the flag still) display there is no guidance. Generally holding the flag straight up and down makes it easier for others to pass but there is no guidance and there are literally millions of flags mounted on home flag poles at an angle.From a military perspective it looks better to see everyone doing the same thing (standardization). So, the RC may politely ask members to standardize flag holding. Additionally, if a veteran desires to hold the flag in his left hand and salute with his right hand that is his or her earned privilege, there are no regulations to state otherwise.PGR is not a military unit; we are a civilian organization. We represent everyday Americans, some veterans and some are not, who wish to show grieving families the utmost respect for their sacrifice with the loss of their Hero family members. The most important people at any service are the family members who we serve. How they see PGR is our most important concern not how we see ourselves.Bottom line: No flags touching the ground. No flags draped around a person. No flags mounted upside down or backward. No arguing about this or anything else on the flag line or during a mission.”

Respectfully,
Robbie

Robbie Smart
President
Patriot Guard Riders

I would recommend you print his response and keep a copy with you on missions, should the need arise to explain why we do things differently.

Remember, as we always say, there is no wrong way to do the right thing.