2007 Indiana Patriot Guard Rally

This past weekend was the 2007 Rally for the Indiana PGR.
I arrived at Russ's Barn -N- Grill (Home of the Barn Bunch) on Friday evening in the rain. I was happy to be there regardless.
I had waited since last years Rally with great anticipation. You see this is not just a spot on the map to meet, but a very very cool pace to meet. Complete with food service line, grill for hogs, stage, I believe 4 acres for camping, a shower, and facilities in the camping area. Always a fire going in the pit, a full Tattoo parlor with great artists from out of state slinging some awesome ink!
The Barn has writing all over everything. Walls, ceiling, doors, refrigerators. There is not a safe place nor need there be one. Russ encourages everyone to leave their mark some where while they are there. Decorations from barn tools to Harley parts to bar room, and just about any decorations you can think of are hanging all over the barn inside and out.
The best feature this place has is the host, and hostess. No matter if you have been there so many times your a fixture, or if its your first visit you are made to feel at home, and I do mean that. You do feel welcome at the Barn.
When I arrived Fri night the iron kettle had been pulled from the fire pit, and Chile was served. Man was it good!
Shortly after that I found myself in Russ's truck headed after an old pull behind trailer to put out in the camping area for a friend of his. I was glad to be able to help. You just never know what is next.
I just need to squeeze this info in here. Last year I spent the weekend in the Tattoo room hoping to get some ink work done.....never happened. I missed alot. So this year I have an appt for some ink, but we'll see.
Linda, and I set up the tent in a slight drizzle. Good enough lets go party!
There were I guess about 15 to 20 people there Fri night. Didn't stay up to late. We all knew we had a PGR mission in the morning. Missions come first. That's the way it is.
So off to bed a little inebriated. About 1/2 hour later I wake to a drip on my face........OHH PISS! Rain fly is not doing its job! Of coarse the rain is really coming down steady now. Well I look around and its not the only drip. I thought of heading for the truck. Naw just laid back down and hoped for the rain to let up. It did. (Thank You!)
Up in the morning, and Russ has the coffee going, and breakfast in the warmers. What a guy!!
Before we leave on our mission I helped get the hog from the walk in, and put it on the grill. He tells me it is number 17 THIS YEAR!
I think I'll take this opportunity to state that "It never sucks to be Russ"
Saturday, and the mission to follow in next post.

The Begining

This being my first post I felt it important to share the Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement. Mostly because it is my intent to share my experiences with this fine group of Patriots, so it would be important for any one viewing this Blog to start at the begining.

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.2. Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.