Ride, Patriot Guard, Ride!: A Photo Essay of Patriotic Bikers and Their Good Deeds

Five men met in Mulvane, Kansas at the American Legion Paul Stewart Irwin Post 136 on November 8, 2005. They started a new organization, the Patriot Guard Riders, to show respect to fallen soldiers and support their loved ones at funerals and visitations. Today, the grassroots organization has grown to more than 350,00 registered members with a large number of additional individuals and families who participate in flaglines, services and parades. The original mission of honoring fallen soldiers has grown to recognizing first responders, active duty military personnel and veterans. These Americans come from all political parties, religions and work situations. They are patriots making a difference for good in their communities and states all across America.

About the Author
Heckert, Connie: - Connie Heckert grew up attending the program of the Junior American Legion and is the daughter of a World War II veteran. Her brother-in-law, Kenny Freund, is a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded two Purple Heart medals. Connie is an aunt to Todd Stuflick, a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy (and his wife, Tiffany Brumley Stuflick, also a Lieutenant Commander). Heckert has participated in PGR missions since 2010 with Ron Wells, a grandfather of National Guardsman Mitch Klauer, who served in the Afghanistan conflict. Ron's uncle, Dean Brix, was a Bronze Star medalist during the Korean War. Heckert holds degrees from Black Hawk and Augustana colleges, the University of Iowa (MA) and Hamline University (MFAC) and has published books for children, teens and adults, including Dribbles (Clarion) and the co-authored Roots and Recipes published by Pelican Publishing. She lives in Iowa. www.connieheckert.com