I realize that we are an international community here at bloop, for those within the US this might be something of interest to you.
Its almost time for the National Gathering of the Guard. The Patriot Guard Riders took over for Rolling Thunder in escorting the funerals of soldiers regardless of cause of death (Rolling Thunder still provides a barricade for funerals in which the westboro Baptist church shows up or might show up, along with the PGR)
The PGR is always looking for new members, sponsors and groups to donate to.

So if you are interested and ride - check them out, and maybe we will see you at the National Gathering of the Guard.

www.patriotguard.org/

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2208690618

So this is like, a bunch of bikers beefing up security at funerals for soldiers?

That's so awesome! :)

Pretty much. They block the protesters with bikes carrying flags and drown out the protesters by either reving up their engines or singing which ever branches hymn. Its a cool sight to see. They also donate $ and time to the many groups that support the survivors. As well as escort funerals where there are no protesters just to ensure safety and to honor the fallen.
Aside from TAPS (Tragedy assistance program for survivors) they are the best group of people I have worked with or for.

That really is great of them to do. :)

Since the website is down for me... is this gathering in a specific state? Or are there like individual ones everywhere on a certain date?

There are several "clubs" in each state, but the national gathering of the guard will be here in central texas starting September 9th

I'll have to let my husband know... he's here sporadically, but I am SURE he'd love to ride with this guard! He's been on 3 deployments, and has lost a few buddies during them. He gets PISSED when he sees protestors. At one time they protested right outside the gate of Ft. Hood, and we had to see them every time we left or came home! It was infuriating!

Are you still here at Hood? The gathering of the guard is at the Killeen civic center, and I can personally introduce him to Mary who heads up the centex club.

On a side note: the buddies he's lost - do they have family here in the area? If so make sure they know that we do have a TAPS/SOS office on base with excellent programs for their kids including a weekend good grief camp in two weeks that is free and will be a BLAST!

PM me later and we can talk about it.

No, their families have gone back home. They're all from other states, and I think they wanted to get as FAR AWAY from Hood as they could.
My hubby has recently gotten out of the Army, and is a long distance truck driver. Not sure when he'll be home next, but I'll ask him if he's interested :). I'm sure he would be if he'll be here!

If he's still in contact with the families - TAPS is a nation wide org - they do the camps all over the country

My brother's stationed at Fort Hood, he'd be interested in this.

that's an awesome idea. i'm glad there are people out there willing to protect grieving families from fucking idiots like westboro.