On July 1, 2010, I rode to Benton, AR, a small town about 30 miles east of Hot Springs Village—to join up with a dozen members of the “Patriot Guard Riders” (PGR). We rode from the funeral home to the cemetery (in Paron, AR, 25 miles north), escorting the family and funeral procession. The person being honored was not a veteran, but a pharmacist in a Veteran’s Hospital; she served there

because she could not get into the service, due to having MS.

A very nice three-wheeler (“trike”) was at this ride—a

colorful Honda Gold Wing that had a special Fiberglas body.

The one trike and a number of bikes are lined up for the ride.

“Rhino” was the dude riding the nice trike. (Like fighter pilots, many PGR members have “call signs.”)

Nicely designed “permits” on two bikes reflected the riders’ opinion on terrorism.

PGR members often belong to other organizations; this guy belongs to two: “Purple Heart Riders” and

“Veterans Helping Veterans” Association.

A nice Arkansas PGR decal was on

this guy’s bike.

This decal on a guy’s helmet caught my eye.

By the way, his “old lady” was riding behind

him!

One of the nice PGR flags on a motorcycle.

An ex-Army Ranger decorated his bike with

the right decals.

A gorgeous eagle patch was affixed to a bike’s gas tank.

Bob’s trusty 1996 Honda ‘Magna’ parked along the street before the PGR ride to the cemetery.

The tote bag on the gas tank carried his camera and a cold bottle of Gatorade to

offset the high heat and humidity.

Three ‘dressed’ PGR members and another sans his vest and patches stand

vigil at the funeral home’s front door.

“Rhino” (Bob Morton) on the left talks with a fellow PGR member outside the funeral home.