All-volunteer organization, Patriot Guard Riders, needs more members

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – The Patriot Guard Riders are known for their funeral escorts and flags for veterans and military retirees.

Lately they have seen their numbers start to dwindle and are in desperate need of new members.

The organization started in 2005. They took it upon themselves to protect the families of military personnel killed in action, protesters who went to funerals to express their political views.

Since then, the Patriot Guard Riders have tackled a plethora of services to honor veterans, ex-servicemen and retirees, and first responders…

“Funerals for our retired military, veterans, law enforcement and firefighters at the request of families and we also go out and do what we call our welfare missions,” Bob said. Yoda” Johnson.

Bob “Yoda” Johnson is the Alabama State Assistant Captain for the southern half of Alabama and a longtime dedicated member.

“We would like to see if we could reach, say, 500 members locally, which would help us tremendously,” Johnson said.

The organization used to have over 300,000 members nationally and over 300 locally, but its membership has dwindled over the years. It is now more difficult for them to do their missions, which brings so much light to the community.

“The population is aging and we are finding that many of our members simply cannot be active as they should be,” Johnson said. “We need more members who can come and help us with these missions, which is what we call these activities that we do, and to be able to do multiple events at once.

Johnson said the only prerequisite for membership is compliance.

“We would like to see a lot more younger members, you don’t have to be military related, you don’t have to be ex-military. Anyone can join. It’s open to everyone. The only thing we ask of you is that you have respect for those who put their lives on the line for our country.

There are no membership fees, dues or regular meetings. Johnson said all they need is your time and the ability to come out and support when you can.

“Look into your heart and think about what you can do to give back to those who have given so much to us, and come ride with us and be a part of what we do and make a difference,” Johnson said.

To join the Patriot Guard Riders, click here and click on the screen option to join the PGR.

Complete the information on the registration form and select the state from which you wish to receive mission notifications.

For new members joining the area of ​​the seven counties that make up the PGR Mobile District, email [email protected] to notify the Captain of the District Ride you have joined so you can be notified of local missions and events that cannot be posted on the national PGR website.

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