Paul Welles

Words can not express just what it meant to me when we rolled up to the funeral home for my Father’s funeral. The Patriot Guard Riders had lined the road in a perfect line of red, white and blue waving in the breeze. It took my breath away.
To be honest, I don’t think I would have made it through that day in one piece if it wasn’t for Jerry (the Ride Captain for my Father’s service) and the rest of the Patriot Guard Riders members who showed up in force to pay their respects for my Father’s service. I admired their warm personalities and willingness to be there for us. Jerry was more than happy to let me talk his ears off and answer any of my questions.
I was so moved by the level of respect paid to us and my Father that I was on my PC that night, still wiping away tears but heart brimming with pride, researching how I might be able to stand with these incredible heroes. I am not a vet, at the time I didn’t even have a bike. But every bit of me wanted to be able to give other families the gift I had been given on that warm September day. When I found out that neither service or a motorcycle were required, I signed up immediately. One week from the day of my Father’s funeral, I was standing alongside Jerry and the rest of the Wisconsin Patriot Guard Riders at the same funeral home, showing my respect for another Veteran. It’s been three years and almost 70 missions. I still stand whenever I can – often as a Ride Captain for these missions. I’m so grateful to call the rest of my fellow Patriot Guard Riders members, friends. They are everything to me, and so is our mission. I’m proud to be a Patriot Guard Rider!