CLAREMORE —
The Patriot Guard Riders escorted Sgt. Anthony Peterson of Chelsea and his family yesterday throughout the day until reaching his final resting place at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery.
The PGR is a group of riders who volunteer their time to escort soldiers home from war. Membership only has one requirement, respect for those that risk their lives for America’s freedom and security.
Riders from around the state gathered to honor Sgt. Peterson at his memorial service. Approximately 100 bikers rode yesterday with the PGR, some veterans, some not and others who were Gold Star parents.
“I ride to support the soldier and his/ her family,” said Jeff Brown. The Oklahoma group was formed after a phenomenal response via the Internet and email, he said.
“We feel honored to be able to support the families,” said Brown.
He also noted that the group only rides when invited by the family.
“The ride is not always involving a funeral. Anytime a soldier comes home we want to be there,” he said.
Darrel Carver, a Vietnam Veteran rides for a very personal reason. He lost his son PFC Cody Carver in Oct. 2007.
PFC Carver died in Iraq just 28 days after arrival due to an improvised explosive device and enemy fire.
“After Cody’s funeral I remember seeing over 300 riders outside the church. It touched my heart and I wanted to get a bike and join them,” said Darrel Carver.
Stories like Cody’s are echoed again and again when meeting Patriot Guard Riders.
Each rider has a different motivation to join but the same mission. The mission is to show sincere respect for fallen heroes, their families and their communities.
The second objective of the group is to shield mourning families and friends from any uninvited guests or UGs as riders call them.
Most riders wear patches on their jackets. The patches serve as reminders of the sacrifices made in the past and present. Our soldiers are never to be forgotten and always to be respected and honored, according to riders attending services yesterday.
More information about the Oklahoma Patriot Guard can be found on the web at pgrok.com.
Chelsea
Related Photos
-
Darrel Carver rides with the Patriot Guard to honor his son who died in the war in Iraq. Salesha Wilken
-
Patriot Guard Riders escort the Peterson family yesterday as they travel to Ft. Gibson National Cemetery. Salesha Wilken
Riding for all the right reasons - The Patriot Guard
- Chelsea
-
-
County implements early warning system
With stark images of people recovering from the massive tornado in Moore, Rogers County residents now have the ability to receive emergency alerts through a new electronic early warning system.
-
Blue Star Mothers sell Memorial Day flowers in support of troops
The Rogers County Blue Star Mothers chapter will sell Memorial Day flowers today, through Sunday to help raise money for troops. Flowers and sprays will be sold from 4-6 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday on the corner of First and Lynn Riggs, across from the old courthouse.
-
Children’s lives changed through Send A Kid To Camp
Eleven-year-old Maddie has been raised by her grandparents since she was just a baby.
-
Election Board does not certify 1-Cent Sales Tax vote
The Rogers County Election Board voted Tuesday not to certify results of the May 14 One-Cent Sales Tax election on advice from Assistant District Attorney David Iski.
-
UPDATE: How you can help the recovery
Several local organizations are pulling together to collect items to assist survivors from the Moore tornado.
-
Will Rogers Masonic Lodge accepting donations for Moore tornado survivors
The Will Rogers Masonic Lodge is enlisting the community’s help to provide items for the victims of the Moore tornado.
-
Commissioners set Special Meeting to consider Road Tax vote validity
The Rogers County Commissioners set a special meeting for 1 p.m. Wednesday to determine if the May 14 One-Cent Sales tax vote should be rendered invalid.
-
Ribbon cutting set for District 1 bridge
Rogers County District 1 Commissioner Dan DeLozier will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. Monday at Bridge #79 over Dog Creek on E450 in Rogers County.
-
Send a Kid to Camp fundraiser begins
With school now out for most of Rogers County, it’s that time of year when many families are planning their summer activities.
-
UPDATE: Recent county tax vote could be invalid
Voters went to the polls on Tuesday passing the renewal of the Rogers County One-Cent Sales Tax, however doubts over legal publication of the election are creating concern that the election could be invalid.
- More Chelsea Headlines
-
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
