Patriot Guard Riders honor local veteran
The Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group honoring veterans and first responders, formed a flagline at the entrance of White Funeral Home for the service of Mug Hall, of Washburn, on Friday.
June 24, 2020
Sheila Harris
At the family’s invitation, some 50 or so members of the Patriot Guard Riders formed a flagline at the entrance of White Funeral Home, Friday, June 19, to honor Clifford “Mug” Hall, of Washburn, who passed away June 11.
Hall, a U.S. Army veteran, was assistant state captain for the Patriot Guard Riders for many years himself.
According to Patriot Guard regional captain, R.J. Bailey, the original intent of the motorcycle group formed in 2005 was to shield families of fallen veterans from those who would disrupt the funeral services of their loved ones.
“Think Westboro Baptist Church,” he said.
According to Bailey, since its formation, the Patriot Guard Riders - a volunteer, 501c3 organization - has grown to include 8,000 member in Missouri and 400,000 members nationwide.
“When a family anywhere in the United States calls, those who are able travel to the funeral or memorial service of veterans or first responders,” Bailey said. “We’ve also formed Help On The Homefront, a program to provide assistance to veterans and their families.”
According to rider and past state president, Ray Villa, of Goodman, most of those in attendance at Hall’s service had traveled from all over the four state area to be there, some as far away as central Arkansas.
Villa’s bike is dedicated to 20-year-old Pineville native, Christopher L. Marion, who was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.
The Patriot Guard Riders always welcome new members. More information about the organization can be found at www.patriotguard.org.
Sheila Harris
At the family’s invitation, some 50 or so members of the Patriot Guard Riders formed a flagline at the entrance of White Funeral Home, Friday, June 19, to honor Clifford “Mug” Hall, of Washburn, who passed away June 11.
Hall, a U.S. Army veteran, was assistant state captain for the Patriot Guard Riders for many years himself.
According to Patriot Guard regional captain, R.J. Bailey, the original intent of the motorcycle group formed in 2005 was to shield families of fallen veterans from those who would disrupt the funeral services of their loved ones.
“Think Westboro Baptist Church,” he said.
According to Bailey, since its formation, the Patriot Guard Riders - a volunteer, 501c3 organization - has grown to include 8,000 member in Missouri and 400,000 members nationwide.
“When a family anywhere in the United States calls, those who are able travel to the funeral or memorial service of veterans or first responders,” Bailey said. “We’ve also formed Help On The Homefront, a program to provide assistance to veterans and their families.”
According to rider and past state president, Ray Villa, of Goodman, most of those in attendance at Hall’s service had traveled from all over the four state area to be there, some as far away as central Arkansas.
Villa’s bike is dedicated to 20-year-old Pineville native, Christopher L. Marion, who was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.
The Patriot Guard Riders always welcome new members. More information about the organization can be found at www.patriotguard.org.
Their line-up of motorcycles is shown,