Awhile back, at the time of the Sturgis Rally, my husband had an appointment at Ft. Meade Veterans Hospital.  I went with him.  At one point, while he was in Pharmacy waiting, a fairly young man, Curtis W. Brown,  Chesterton, Indiana was also, waiting for his medication.  He had an interesting vest on, so I ventured to talk with him about it.    He explained to me about the Patriot Guard soldiers, of which he is one.  These are men on mortorcycles, whose main purpose is to raise money to help pay for the college education of the orphans of soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanestan.  This is a nationwide effort and they raise literally, thousands of dollars for these children.

On his vest were many patches with messages like this:  “A Veteran is someone who at one point in his or her life ,  made a check payable to the U.S. of America for an amount of up to and including “my life”.    Another patch said:  “The blood shed by Veterans is the reason we are free.”  Another patch stated :”That if you won’t stand behind our troops, stand in front.”  “Patriot Guard may be angels for our heroes.”   Another said, “Enjoy your freedom, thank a veteran!”

I had not heard of the Patriot Guard, but now, I will never forget them.  They may be your sons and daughters traveling from one town to another raising funds for the children they help.  I write this today here, because they could easily have elderly parents who are proud of their efforts or you may be one grateful grandparent.  The Patriot Guards are veterans helping veterans through their children.   So if you see these emblems they all wear, the flag, and rcognizing them as Patriot Guards men thank them for their efforts. 

Next week, I ‘ll write more about others of them I encountered since talking with Curtis.  Many veterans of any war era go unnoticed as they work behind the scenes to give America freedom, and we count our blessings for their presence all around us in our country.

My husband is a veteran who served in Korea.  He is very proud to have served and of his uniform, which he usually wears Veteran’s Day festivities.  (Yes, he still fits into his uniform.) 

These younger men are big fans of you veterans,  who are seniors,   men and women alike.  Stand up, be proud, you are appreciated!  If you see a convoy of men on motorcycles leading a procession for a fallen comrade, or in a parade, they are probably members.  Next week, more about the S.D. Patriot Guard and Legion Riders.

I commend you, Curtis, for your work and your serving to help veterans children, along with many veterans in this nationwide effort.   It was a pleasure to have met you , Thank you!.

C 2009 Evanell

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