Greetings Patriots, As you have probably heard, Mike Gibbs has asked for a promotion to the Flag Line after serving as PGR State Captain of the great state of Missouri for 6 years. Please join me in thanking Mike for his years of dedicated service. Before I proceed, let me explain that National PGR appoints but one officer in each state: that of State Captain. It is the State Captains duty to conduct the mission of the Patriot Guard Riders. He or She is solely accountable to the National PGR Board of Directors for the success or failure of the mission of the PGR in that state. And what a mission it is. The PGR may have been initially formed in response to hatred.......to act as a shield against evil, protecting families from further emotional harm but along the way we learned something. We learned that a funeral tent is a lonely place. We learned that when a grieving family looks out from that tent and sees Patriots standing with Old Glory.......men and women they do not know......people who came to show respect and to render honors to their loved one out of gratitude for service............well, we learned that what we do is powerful. It is a tremendous comfort to a broken heart. Allow me to take this opportunity to thank you.........each of you.....for providing that powerful comfort over and over. There are so many in Missouri who would right now tell you that what I say is true because they have felt that comfort and they have seen that honor. Of course, one person cannot conduct every mission. The State Captain is authorized to appoint Ride Captains, Senior Ride Captains and Assistant State Captains for the purpose of planning and executing the Honor Missions that are so important to those we serve. Please understand that each of these positions is not an honorary title. They are positions of labor. Being a Ride Captain is work. It is rewarding work but it is work nonetheless. Whether the nominee for State Captain is selected by the outgoing State Captain, sometimes by the Regional Captain or elected by others within the state leadership.........they are a nominee. In order to take office they must first be approved by myself, Vice President for Captains, and then by the full National PGR Board of Directors. On Sunday evening (10 NOV 13) there was a special called meeting of the Board to consider who was to serve as State Captain in Missouri. By unanimous vote the Board has appointed Mr. Roger (RJ) Bailey as State Captain of the Missouri Patriot Guard Riders. I have spoken with RJ at length. I find him to be a dedicated Patriot, determined to make Missouri a shining example of what the PGR should be. RJ became a Patriot Guard Rider in early 2006. Through thick and thin hes been there, faithfully attending and executing missions, observing, learning. I ask now that you continue your service to the fallen and their families under that tent and follow State Captain RJ Bailey as the Missouri PGR continues its tradition of service and respect. At any transition in leadership it is a good time to ask again.......Why are you here? Are you here to serve the fallen, show honor, bring comfort? Is that the only reason? I submit to you that its the only reason that matters. Missouri is rather famously known as the Show Me state. Alright. Show me. Show me that honor and respect is what the Missouri PGR is about. Show me that it does not matter who gets the credit so long as the job gets done. Show me that for the Missouri PGR its always MISSION FIRST. Steam Randy Stevens Vice President for Captains Patriot Guard Riders patriotguard.org 864-344-6002
Posted on: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 22:28:07 +0000
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