Old Guard Riders Inc

Race Car Sponsorship

2011-03-07T08:54:00.002-07:00

On March 5, 2011 Old Guard Riders Inc. officially withdrew its sponsorship of Langley Racing. Old Guard Riders entered into this agreement with the understanding that this sponsorship was contigent upon the ability of the Old Guard Riders Inc.to raise sufficient donations to cover the cost of this program. After nearly 90 days of fundraising, we received almost no response from members or donors concerning this program. On that basis, the "Racing Program" as a fundraising venue has been discontinued.

Jack Riddle

2010-12-04T18:07:00.003-07:00

It is with heavy heart that I announce the death of Jack Riddle. Jack, and his wife, jo, are founding members of Old Guard Riders Inc. Jack served as a member of the very first Board of Directors, and was instrumental in helping create and organize Old Guard Riders Inc.

In addition to Old Guard Riders, Jack was a dedicated member of Patriot Guard Riders. Ron & Lea Eppich met Jack and Jo Riddle at the funeral of Sgt. Robert Eppich. Jack was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Our deepest condolences to Jo Riddle. May God bless you, Jo, and all of Jack's family in this hour of grief.

Jack's smiling face and sound advice will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Jack's orange Goldwing trike will be missed at funerals and ceremonies throughout the State of Arizona.

Services for Jack will be held:
12:15PM SUNDAY 5 DECEMBER 2010
Adair Funeral Home
8090 North Northern Avenue
Tucson, AZ

Wreaths Across America

2010-12-04T17:49:00.002-07:00

Phoenix, Arizona
Old Guard Riders Inc. is the sponsor for Wreaths Across America at the Phoenix National Memorial Cemetery. The ceremony begins at 10:00 AM on 11 December 2010.

This ceremony is sychronized with the wreath ceremony at Arlington National Ceremony.

The ceremony is open to all guests. Participants are asked to be there early to sign in and organize.

For information, please contact Lea Eppich, President, Old Guard Riders Inc., at 602-885-2687 or email Lea at trukrwitch@cox.net

Veterans Day Discounts

2010-10-30T09:23:00.002-07:00

VETERANS DISCOUNT INFO
The following are for your information; please share with any active duty military or veterans that you know.

FYI – Veteran’s Day Restaurant Freebies – please pass it along

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Restaurant Freebies

Applebee's Restaurant - Free dinners to veterans throughout Veterans Day November 11th; selections will be from a new Veterans Day menu.

Outback Steakhouse - Free Blooming Onion and beverage.

Golden Corral- Free buffet dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 16 to anyone who has ever served in the U.S. military Staff.

In celebration of Veterans Day 11 Nov 2010, Subway is showing its thanks with free six inch subs to all Veterans or Active Duty members.

On Nov. 7, McCormick & Schmick's restaurants will offer a free entree to military veterans for its 12th annual Veteran's Appreciation Event. Menu picks include such seafood items as parmesan crusted tilapia, roasted cedar plank salmon and almond crusted rainbow trout. "Our Veterans Appreciation Event has become a tradition that our restaurants look forward to each year," said Bill Freeman, CEO of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, in a statement. For more information: www.mccormickandschmicks.com

Krispy Kreme - One free doughnut of any variety.

UNO Chicago Grill- Free entree or individual pizza with an entree or pizza purchase of equal or greater value.

Coushatta Casino Resort - The Louisiana casino and resort is offering a free seven-clans lunch or dinner buffet to veterans or active military.

MarketPlace Grill & Express - Veterans and active-duty military receive free entrees.

Masala Wok - The Northern Virginian restaurant is offering a free entree to veterans.

Hy-Vee supermarkets - The mid-western supermarket chain is offering a free breakfast to veterans.

Abuelo's Mexican Food Restaurants - All veterans and active-duty military receive a free entree.

Carolina Burgers & BBQ - In Matthews, NC is offering a free meal to all service members and veterans.

Retail Freebies
Brides Across America - Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military brides.

Lowe's & Home Depot - Extra 10% off to active-duty military members, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members.

Sam's Club - Over 25,000 Hugo canes will be given away to U.S. veterans in need of mobility assistance. Membership is not required, but supplies are limited, so check with your local store.

Amazon.com - Free "Veterans Day Honor" MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Cabela's Outdoor Store - Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel Nov. 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.

Build-a-Bear Workshop - Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount Nov. 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Dollar General - 10% discount for all veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve and their immediate families.

Fashion Bug - 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.

Entertainment Freebies
National parks, forests and monuments - Admission is free to everyone on Veterans Day.

Knott's Berry Farm - Free park admission to U.S. armed forces personnel and a guest during Veteran's Month, November 1-26.

Colonial Williamsburg - Free admission Nov. 6-11 for active-duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents.

San Jacinto Museum of History - Free visits to the Observation Deck, theatre, and special exhibit for veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families.

Historic Jamestown - Free admission to veterans, current Armed Forces members and their family members.

Battleship Cove - Free admission and a special ceremony for veterans, active, duty and reservists.

Vicksburg National Military Park - Free admission for all.

Birmingham Museum of Art - Free admission to the ticketed event "Life and Liberty" on Nov. 10-11 for veterans and active military.

Vulcan Park and Museum- In Birmingham, Alabama is offering discounted admission through November to the park and museum.

Greenbay (WI) New Zoo - Free admission to veterans and their families.

Central Florida Zoo - Free admission to the Sanford, Florida zoo with proper ID.

Strategic Air & Space Museum- Free admission for veterans Nov. 11-14 to the Ashland, Neb. museum.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum - in Oklahoma City offers free admission to veterans and five guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.

Natural Elements Spa & Salon - In Chesapeake, Virginia, will provide free services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired military

Anytime Offers:

MILITARY DISCOUNTS UPDATE 02: All these businesses offer military discounts; all you have to do is ask:
Restaurants
• Arby's • A&W • Back Yard Burgers • Burger King • Captain D's • Chick-Fil-A • Cotton Patch

• Denny's • Dunkin' Donuts • Farmers Boy • IHOP (20 percent discount with military identification)

• Java Café • KFC • Long John Silver • Pancho's Mexican Buffet • Pizza Hut • Quizno's • Sizzler

• Sonic • Taco Bell • Whataburger

Services
• AT&T • California Cryobank • Geico • Jiffy Lube • Meineke • Sears Portrait Studio

Travel and Leisure
• Blockbuster • Movie theaters • Ripley's attractions and museums • Professional Sports teams

Products
• Apple Computers • AutoZone • Barnhill's • Bass Pro Shop • Bath and Body Works

• Big 10 Tires • The Buckle • Champs Sports • Copeland's Sports • Dell

• The Discovery Channel Store • Dress Barn • The Finish Line • Foot Action • Footlocker

• Gadzooks • GNC • Goody's • Great Party• Happy Harry's •Home Depot • Hot Topic

• Jockey • Lerner •Lowe’s • Michael's • NAPA Auto Parts • New York & Company • Pac Sun

• Payless Shoes • Play It Again Sports • Pure Beauty • Sally Beauty Supply • Spencer's Gifts

• Suncoast • Timberland Outlets • Wilson's Leather

Cell Phone Service Discount - All Federal employees are able to get a 15% discount on their personal cell phones by calling their carrier
and mentioning the "Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 - Discount to Federal Employees Past and Present." You will need to know the military member's supervisor's name, phone number, and full address, so that his/her military status can be verified. Use the following contact numbers:
• Cingular - 800-319-6393
• Sprint - 877-812-1223
• T-Mobile - 866-646-4688
• Nextel - 800-639-6111
• Verizon - 800-865-1825
[Source: VA Frederick Service Office Maryland VSO msg. 26 Apr 201

AZ Standdown 2011

2010-10-21T18:24:00.002-07:00

The Arizona StandDown is an annual three day event that brings together the Valley's homeless and at-risk military veterans, connecting them with services ranging from: VA HealthCare, Mental Health Services, Clothing, Meals, Emergency Shelter, Transitional and Permanent Housing, ID/ Drivers License's, Court Services and Legal Aide, Showers and Haircuts and myriad other services and resources. Arizona StandDown is held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Arizona State Fairgrounds on Super Bowl weekend.

The 2011 Standdown is scheduled for Feb. 4,5,6, 2011. Preparations are already underway and volunteers and donors are desperately needed.

For more information, please see http://www.arizonastanddown.org/

Wreaths Across America

2010-10-21T08:00:00.006-07:00

Old Guard Riders Inc. has been involved with the "Wreaths Acoss America" program for several years now. We are now involved in Wreaths Across America in several different states, including Arizona, Oregon and Massachusetts.

Wreaths Across America carries out its mission, which is "REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those that serve and TEACH our children the value of FREEDOM", in part by placing wreaths on veterans' graves at National Cemeteries during the holiday season.

Wreaths Across America has asked Old Guard Riders Inc. for assistance covering the State House Ceremony in several states. If you are in one of the following states and would like to be the point of contact and conduct the State House Ceremony please contact Don Mac Neill, Managing Director, Old Guard Riders Inc. at 774-222-2317.

Alaska
Alabama
Connecticut
Colorado
Hawaii
Kentucky
Montana
North Carolina
Ohio

This ceremony takes place on Monday December 6th at noon EST, the POC is responsible for contacting the State House and getting permission to hold the ceremony, inviting the community to attend and setting up the ceremony. The wreath that is used for this ceremony is a 36 inch balsam wreath adorned with a red bow, all of the service flags as well as the American flag.

Thank you for your support.

Our Deepest Condolences

2010-10-21T07:23:00.003-07:00

It is with our deepest condolences that Old Guard Riders Executive Leadership announces the death of one of our own.

We have received notitification from the Grants Pass, Oregon Chapter Chaplain that Patrick Lee Sr's father passed away during the morning of 20 October 2010.

Patrick Lee Sr, commonly known as "Spanky", has served as Chapter President of the Grants Pass Oregon Chapter since Spanky initiated the chapter and is one of the individuals deeply involved in getting the OGR backpatch approved in Oregon.

Please keep Spanky and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they pass through this difficult time.

State of California, Oregon and Florida

2010-10-21T00:27:00.006-07:00

Members of Old Guard Riders Executive Leadership received a telephone call indicating that there was a rumor circulating around Northern California and Southern Oregon that Old Guard Riders Large Logo Backpatches were no longer welcome in the Northern California region. A subsequent check with appropriate parties indicated that there was absolutely no substance to this rumor. Old Guard Riders Inc remains in good standing with all of the organizations which dictate the wearing of patches in that region. Members are free to wear their patches to all appropriate functions and events initiated, sponsored or supported by Old Guard Riders Inc.

Old Guard Riders has additionally been in contact with appropriate parties in Southern California which control the wearing of patches in that region and received assurance that Old Guard Riders patches were welcome in that area as well.

After a very long process, Old Guard Riders has received authorization to wear the newly designed one piece backpatch throughout Oregon . Congratulations to Gary Whisenant, Spanky and all members of OGR who worked diligently to make OGR patches in Oregon possible.

Old Guard Riders has finally been able to undo the problems caused by a well meaning OGR member in Florida who attended a Florida Confederation meeting with the intent of confirming OGR's patch status in that state. Old Guard Riders are again welcome to wear their patches in the state of Florida.

Old Guard Riders Executive Leadership would again like to remind all OGR members that we wear our patches in each state where they are welcome by receiving permission from the appropriate organizations. No member of Old Guard Riders Inc. is authorized to approach any such governing organization without the express permission of Old Guard Riders Inc. Any person doing so without the express written permission of an appropriate National officer of Old Guard Riders Inc. will have his/her membership revoked. Dealing with these state governing bodies is not something to be done lightly. Your well meaning intentions can result in serious consequences for everyone in your state.

Old Guard Riders Toys for Tots Drive

2010-10-21T00:16:00.004-07:00

To All OGR Members and supporters,

Please join us this year for the 1st Annual Nationwide Old Guard Riders Toy’s for Tot’s toy drive.

We are assisting the Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
You may either donate or collect new, unwrapped toys with as few removable parts as possible for children ages 2 -14.

You can drop them off at your local Marine recruiting office. Please let the Marines know that the toys were donated by a member of Old Guard Riders. If you wish, you may specify the area or chapter of the Old Guard Riders that you belong to.

Thank you for your participation and Merry Christmas from
Don Mac Neill and the leadership staff of the Old Guard Riders Inc.

Programs and Policies Change Effective 1 November 2010

2010-10-21T00:01:00.009-07:00

Under of guidance of Don Mac Neill, OGR's new Managing Director, and with the approval of the Board of Directors, Old Guard Riders Inc. has initiated a number of new programs and policies.

These new program and policy changes include;

The initiation of an Old Guard Riders Veterans Interment and Recovery Program. More information will be published about this program under the Deceased Veterans Program section of the website.
The implementation of a completely new process by which any member-at-large can submit a "Project Request" to initiate a veterans assistance related effort. More details and instructions will be published to the OGR website very soon.
The rules and critera under which a proposed OGR chapter may be formally chartered have been substantially modified. Chapters will now have a longer probation period before becoming fully ratified and stricter rules under which a chapter may open its own bank account(s) have been approved and implemented.
As of Nov. 1, 2010, Old Guard Riders large logo backpatch will no longer be available for sale. A prescribed set of Old Guard Riders' patches will be presented to members who meet the critera for having earned the priviledge of wearing the Old Guard Riders patches.

To learn more about the Large Backpatch critera, see the Large Backpatch section of the OGR store. The link to the Old Guard Riders' store is located within the Table of Contents at the bottom of every webpage.

Executive Leadership Change

2010-10-20T23:33:00.006-07:00

Old Guard Riders begins a era of new executive leadership.

Since its creation in November 2007, Old Guard Riders Inc. has been under the direction its original Board of Directors and Executive Leadership. Since that time, the organization has growth exponentially in both membership and responsibility. Many of the original officers, of necessity, were performing two, three or even more critical jobs within the organization. With the influx of new, willing and capable volunteers, Old Guard Riders Inc. was ready for changes in its leadership structure.

On Sept 11, 2010, under the direction of Old Guard Riders’ Board of Directors, the following changes took place;

The number of members of the Board of Directors was significantly reduced.
The Governance Committee added one new member.
Don Mac Neill became the Managing Director.
Gary Whisenant became the National Operations Officer.
Lea Eppich, Founding Officer, became the President of the Board of Directors.
Ron Eppich, Founding Officer, became the Financial Officer.
Lisa Morin became the Executive Secretary.

All other State and National Officers remained as previously constituted.

A list of Officers, with accompaning contact information is available within the "Contact Page" of the Old Guard Riders website.

We would like to thank all of the individuals who have served tirelessly to move the mission of Old Guard Riders Inc. forward.

Divorced

2010-10-20T22:20:00.016-07:00

On September 10, 2010, Old Guard Riders Inc. denied the application of the Redding CA Chapter of Old Guard Riders Inc for non-compliance with requirements to become a recognized chapter. Old Guard Riders additionally cited, as reason for denial, ongoing issues concerning a conflict of interest between Old Guard Riders Inc. and the proposed leadership of the Redding Chapter.

Ronald S Eppich, Founder and then President of Old Guard Riders Inc., felt that an uncomfortable amount of influence was being exerted within the proposed Redding CA chapter by MIAP Director Fred Salanti. Issues between the organizations had arisen during the application period involving Mr. Salanti which made Ron skeptical that OGR was being operated as an independent veterans’ charity and not as an auxiliary of Missing In America Project.

Denial of the Redding Chapter has sparked a heated and contentious relationship between the leadership of Old Guard Riders Inc. and the leadership of Missing In America Project, resulting in the inevitable conclusion that the former working relationship between organizations has been destroyed.

Old Guard Riders Inc has long been a staunch supporter of the mission of the Missing In America Project. Many OGR members have held both regional and state offices within MIAP, as well as volunteers for the MIAP organization throughout the nation.

Old Guard Riders Inc. deeply regrets the outcome of these events, as it affects the general membership of both organizations caught in the middle. However, OGR leadership strongly believes that we have taken the correct action in breaking with Mr. Salanti and MIAP. We continue to strongly support the mission of veterans’ recovery and interment, and will continue to work to see that the unclaimed remains of all veterans are properly interred with the honors that they so deserve.

*************************************************

For those OGR members who have been working with MIAP, you are welcome to continue to do so. For those of you who wish to continue the work of Unclaimed Veterans Recovery and Interment, but not with MIAP, you may do so within the newly formed Old Guard Riders Veterans Recovery Program.

Don Mac Neill, OGR Managing Director and Ron Eppich, OGR Financial Offiicer, are both former MIAP Regional Coordinators. If you have any questions about how to proceed with your veterans interment efforts, you may contact either of us. See the “Contact Us” page of this website for contact information.

***************************************************

MIAP has sent out messages, monthly newsletter articles and postings to their blog stating that OGR members are prohibited from volunteering to work with the Missing In America Project. This is totally untrue and, unfortunately, is just part of the heated rhetoric being perpetuated. All OGR members who resigned from the MIAP as a result of this incident have done so entirely at their own volition.

Mr. Salanti's membership within Old Guard Riders Inc was terminated and he was banned from membership over his false and malicious rhetoric concerning the denial of the Redding Chapter application and subsequent slanderous accusations against OGR Officers and members. Other members of MIAP Executive Staff, including Chuck Tyler, Bud Thieme and Mike Gertsch, have willing resigned their OGR membership. Other than Mr. Salanti, no one within the denied Redding CA OGR Chapter or any member of MIAP have been removed from the OGR.

However, Old Guard Riders Inc. reserves the right to terminate the membership of any OGR member should the heated rhetoric from any member of the denied Redding CA Chapter continue.

All members of the denied Redding CA Chapter are now considered members-at-large and remain in good standing within the Old Guard Riders Inc. organization.

At the bottom of this blog entry, you may click on a link to an exact copy of the certified letter that was delivered to the OGR California State Coordinator and the Chapter President ordering the proposed Redding CA Chapter to cease and desist operations and the exact reason for the OGR decision to do so.

This concludes any comment that the leadership of OGR wishes to make concerning this issue.

Redding CA Chapter Denial Letter

Week of June 14, 2009

2009-06-19T09:37:00.005-07:00

Many things have happened since my last post on March 29. Needless to say that CPL Isaiah Mays is now properly interred within Arlington National Cemetery and the mission was an overwhelming success. However, the path to getting there was much more difficult than we ever expected.

With such a short time between exhuming Isaiah and actually leaving for Arlington, we were very limited in the amount of fundraising that we could accomplish, and while the fundraisers that we did hold were for the most part very successful, the organization, as a whole, came up vastly short of the money that was really needed to accomplish the task as it was originally planned.

The ride to Arlington was met with six straight days of pouring rain, making the cross country motorcycle escort wet and unpleasant. But in spite of the weather, all of the riders maintained a very positive attitude and pressed forward toward the objective.

The motorcycle escort received overwhelming support as we traveled across the nation. We would like to thank all of those who put so much time and effort into providing such outstanding support. A special thank you to Walt Oster and the KY support group for their incredible support from state line to state line.

Arlington National Cemetery was beautiful. The sights and emotions of being there are beyond description. The sight of hundreds of funeral escort motorcycles winding through the cemetery as absolutely awe-inspiring. Please be sure and visit our photo gallery and the photo gallery of the MIAP to see the pictures of all the events.

CPL Mays funeral was awesome. The Old Post Chapel was filled to capacity with those who came to pay their respects. Our hearts went out to the Arlington National Cemetery Honor Guard who performed their duties with precision in spite of drenching rain. Ron Eppich, President of Old Guard Riders, received the casket flag on behalf of the OGR. Lea Eppich and Jamie Thomas were seated beside Ron, comprising the three founding members of the Old Guard Riders. Ron, Lea and Jamie were personally greeted and thanked by Secretary of the Army Pete Gere. A Representative of the Military Joint Chiefs of Staff also greeted Ron, Lea and Jamie.

On Friday evening, following a full day within Arlington National Cemetery, members of the MIAP and OGR held a farewell/awards meeting in the hotel conference room.

By Sunday afternoon, all of the escort riders were on their way back home, many still encountering the same pouring rain they had experienced on the way to Arlington.

On Friday, June 12th, at the request of the family, the Old Guard Riders exhumed the body of PO2 Staggs from the White Tanks cemetery, where he had been mistakenly interred as an indigent unknown male.

Members of the Old Guard Riders will attend his funeral at the Arizona National Memorial Cemetery on June 22 as special guests of the family.

In the meantime, the Old Guard Riders are engaging in a number of fundraisers, not only to recoup some of the expenses from Arlington, but to move forward with a number of OGR missions and programs already in progress.

We would like to welcome Hunter McIntosh to the OGR Executive Committee and look forward to working closely with him as we move the mission of the OGR forward.

Week of March 29, 2009

2009-04-02T21:31:00.002-07:00

January 10th - Chester's Harley Davidson, in conjunction with the Arizona Buffalo Soldiers MC, held an anuual Cpl Isaiah Mays Fundraising Ride. Members of the Old Guard Riders participated in the ride to remember Cpl Mays. Much more information on Cpl Isaiah Mays to follow.

On January 30, members of the Old Guard Riders attended the funeral of SSgt Roberto Andrade Jr, who was killed in Baghdad, Iraq of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle. Bill Taylor, VP of the OGR, presented the family a Gold Star Flag for SSgt Andrade.

Over the weekend of February 20 and 21, 2009, veterans and patriots from across the nation gathered in Sacaton, AZ for the 64th Anniversary Iwo Jima Landing and Flag Raising Commemoration in Sacaton, Arizona. Sacaton is the home of Iwo Jima hero Ira Hayes. members of the Old Guard Riders participated in the parade as well as other scheduled events throughout the commemoration.

On February 27, members of the Old Guard Riders attended the funeral of WWII veteran Al Fenn in Benson, AZ.

Cpl Isaiah Mays "Honors At Arlington"
From mid January 2009 through March 19 -20, members of the MIAP/OGR Team have been steadily moving forward on exhuming Cpl Isaiah Mays from his present burial location for proper reinterment at Arlington National Cemetery.

On march 19th and 20th, Isaiah Mays was finally exhumed in preparation for his journey to the military honors he has long been denied.

On May 21st, members of the OGR Funeral Escort Team will depart Apache Junction, AZ on the long journey to "Honors At Arlington."

Week of December 28, 2008

2008-12-25T17:21:00.005-07:00

On December 6, the Old Guard Riders were asked to assist with an American Legion ceremony dedicating a $20,000 video library to the residence of the Veterans Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Early on the morning of the 6th, riders from across the Phoenix valley gathered at Legion Post 1 for the 3.5 mile ride from the Post to the VA Center. The Old Guard Riders were asked to coordinate and conduct the motorcycle ride portion of the event. 135 motorcycles participated in the event. The ride and the event went perfectly and the residence of the VA Center were thrilled with their new addition.

On December 13th, members of the Old Guard Riders gathered at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix and in Prescott to particiapte in the Wreaths Across America program. While many of us chose the comfort of our cars to get to and from the event, some die-hard OGR members, like Guy Kelley, rode in nearly freezing, blustery conditions to participate. What an awesome event and what an awesome sight to see all those wreaths at the headstones of America's veterans.

Starting 2009, Old Guard Riders will become an official sponsor of the Wreaths Across America program. We hope to place wreaths on the graves of thousands more veterans this coming year.

Please go to the Wreaths Across America link on the OGR website Table of Contents and make a generous donation.

On December 20, members of the Old Guard Riders held the 2nd Annual Sgt. Robert Scott Eppich Memorial Ride & Fallen Soldier Roll Call.

With all the events surrounding Christmas, especially motorcycle club activities, this year's event was a little more intimate than in years past. However, fewer in number does not mean less powerful or meaningful to all those who attended.

Once again, we gathered to remember and honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The event began with a 50 mile motorcycle ride from Mesa, AZ to the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix. We were reminded that many of those we were traveling to remember also owned and loved their motorcycles.

We were met at the cemetery by many guests who had gathered there. After an introduction, the posting of the colors and an invocation, the names of all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen from Arizona who were Killed in Action since 2003 were read. At the conclusion, all American conflicts were listed, and family or friends of Veterans from that conflict were invited to come forward and give their loved one's name and make comments, as they felt moved to do. Many of those who attended stood up and told of the legacy left them by their fallen loved ones.

At the conclusion, everyone was invited to American Legion Post 107 for lunch.

The OGR has now been invited to assist with the Isaiah Mays Memorial Ride on January 10th. We will be helping to raise money to move the remains of this Buffalo Soldier and Medal of Honor Recipient who served in the Civil War from the Phoenix pauper's grave he now rests in to Arlington, where he can be properly interred and remembered for his valor. For more information about Isaiah Mays, Buffalo Soldier, Medal of Honor recipient and his plight, please see the flyer on our Announcements Page.

Week of November 30, 2008

2008-12-25T16:55:00.005-07:00

If the month of October was busy, the month of November kept close pace. Following the October 27th MIAP ride, the membership of the Old Guard Riders increased dramatically. Along with the increase in membership also came an increase in the number of Chapters throughout the country. Most notably, the contingent of MIAP leadership who rode to Arizona for the Oct 27th MIAP Mission returned to Redding, CA and chartered their own chapter of Old Guard Riders. Welcome aboard to all new members and chapters.

The Veteran's Day parade float was a great success. Thanks to the generosity of Air-a-zona Flag Company, we were able to put put together a very beautiful float and were honored to have two WWII veterans ride on the float. The reenactment of the Iwo Jima Flag Raising struck a deep chord with parade watchers and many a veteran stood a little taller as it passed by.

Not to rest upon our laurels, immediately after the parade, members of the OGR began gathering food and other goods for a Thanksgiving Day Feast for the homeless and disadvantaged, including our veterans. In all, OGR gathered over 250 lbs of turkey and over $600.00 of other Thanksgiving Day food and treats. Torrential rains the night before Thanksgiving Day made for a wet, dreary day, but the meals quickly warmed the spirits of all who came. About a dozen members of the OGR helped to serve the food, and we were all greatly rewarded for having done so. Our thanks to the Abba Outreach Program for allowing us to team up with them in accomplishing this effort.

Week of November 2, 2008

2008-12-25T16:24:00.003-07:00

The month of October was a very busy month for the Old Guard Riders. OGR is the sponsor organization in Arizona for the Missing In America Project. The Mission of the Missing In America Project is to locate, identitify, confirm the VA eligibility of and inter at a National Cemetery, the unclaimed remains of American veterans. Members of the Old Guard Riders have been working with the Mountainview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mesa, AZ for nearly a year to complete the necessary steps to inter the unclaimed remains of six veterans and one spouse which have been "shelved" at the mortuary for years.

On October 27, 2008, 413 motorcycles and numerous other vehicles gathered at the mortuary to escort these veterans and spouse over 50 miles to the National Memorial Cemetery in North Phoenix. The riders were joined at the cemetery by another 119 motorcycles and a vast gathering of dignitaries and guests.

Govenor Janet Napolitano issued a State Proclaimation declaring October 27th a day of rememberance for theses seven veterans and all of the other unclaimed veterans yet to be discovered.

The ceremony was capped by a WWII P-51 Mustang flyover.

The event was followed by a special luncheon at Scottsdale Harley Davidson.

Special thanks to Christina Duwel, Jim Taft and all the others who contributed so much to this event.

The Old Guard Riders has been asked to honor the veterans of WWII by creating a float for the Apache Jct. Veteran's Day Parade. That's just two weeks away.

Week of Sept. 7, 2008

2008-09-11T20:30:00.002-07:00

On the morning of Saturday, Sept 6, members of the Old Guard Riders joined with over 200 family members, friends, military comrades and other riders gathered at the Arizona National Memorial Cemetery in North Phoenix to remember the first anniversary of the sacrifice of PFC Mykel F Miller, killed in action 9-6-2007 while serving with his unit in Afghanistan. PFC Miller was one of two soldiers assigned the Arizona ANG "Bushmasters" killed in Afghanistan.

On Saturday evening, the Old Guard Riders conducted our first full scale fund-raising dinner at VFW Post 9399 in Apache Junction, AZ. Not only was it a great night for fun, food and friends, but the OGR took another step forward as we strive to honor and support America's veterans. The funds raised will go directly toward assisting aging, homeless, disabled and disadvantaged veterans in the Phoenix area. Currently there are over 6000 homeless veterans on the streets of Phoenix alone.

We would like to thank all the volunteers and guests who made the dinner a great success. Our special thanks to Board Member "Perky" Olsen who put it all together and made it happen. Also our special thanks to those who travelled several hours to be present in order to support the dinner, including Tony & Sandra Pace from Sierra Vista, AZ.

Today is Sept 11. Another anniversary of an American tragedy. Lets all remember the sacrifice that so many have made so that we may enjoy the freedom and prosperity that we do. Please fly those American flags high and proud.

In closing, AZ has seen an epidemic increase in the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities over the past few weeks, including Michael Lee-Lewis Murray, a 22 year old Iraq veteran killed over labor Day weekend on his motorcycle. Members of the Old Guard Riders will attend his funeral saturday morning, Sept 13. Please ride carefully.

Week of August 17

2008-08-24T07:53:00.007-07:00

On Thursday, August 21, members of the Old Guard Riders joined with American Legion Riders, VFW Riders, Bushmaster Riders and Patriot Guard Riders in honoring another Arizona KIA. Lance Corporal Juan Lopez-Castaneda, 19, US Marine Corps died on Thursday, 14 Aug 08, while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Castaneda joined the Marine Corps on June 4, 2007. He was on his first deployment.

Members of the Old Guard Riders are also very busy getting prepared for a major fundraising dinner for Old Guard Riders Inc. at VFW Post 9399 in Apache Junction, AZ on September 6th. Special thanks to "Perky" Olsen, who has been the major organizer in this effort.

Due to recruiting efforts, Old Guard Riders membership continues to swell with a new State Coordinator for the State of Utah and a new "Chapter" of the association in the Salt Lake City area. Our thanks to Michael Gallegos for volunteering for that position and his efforts to create an OGR group in the SLC area.

We would also like to recognize Anthony Pace for his efforts to organize a group in Sierra Vista, AZ. Since Tony joined the Old Guard Riders he has become an invaluable asset to the organization with his vast knowledge base on so many issues and his willingness to jump right in and participate. Great job Sierra Vista.

Regrettably, we must also say goodbye to two key officers in the Old Guard Riders' Leadership. Steve Hill, Director, and Holly Thomas, Financial Officer, left the organization this week due to the extensive travel schedule associated with their personal business. We wish them all the best in all their endeavors. Their friendship will be keenly missed.

Week of July 27

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The last few weeks have been very busy within the Old Guard Riders.

Several new members have been added to the OGR Board of Directors to assist in directing and coordinating key tasks. In addition, Rodger DeVore has formed the first official Chapter of the Old Guard Riders in Truckee, CA. Congratilations Rodger. Bill Lauchlan is organizing another Old Guard Riders Chapter in Iowas and Bill has volunteered to serve as the OGR Iowa State Coordinator.

Mike Williams of Tropicool Accents Custom Embroidery created a beautiful 3 1/2" embroidered Veterans Commemerative Poppy patch. These patches will be given to donors who make a $25 or greater gift to the Old Guard Riders.

As many of you know, Old Guard Riders Inc. is the sponsoring organization of the Missing In America Project in Arizona. We are proud to announce that in spite of general resistance from the funeral home and mortuary directors across Arizona, we have located, identified the unclaimed remains of seven American veterans in the Mesa/Apache Junction area. All seven will be taken to the National Cemetery in North Phoenix and interred with full military honors ASAP.

Week of June 15

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The 2008 Run for the Wall completed its journey for another year and the Old Guard Riders are pleased to see our brothers and sisters safely home. Thanks you, all RFTW riders, for your dedication and sacrifice on behalf of America's fallen heroes.

The Old Guard Riders would like to thank Bill Youngkrantz of the Arizona State Capital Security for ensuring that the Gold Star Flag provided the Arizona Capital by the OGR flew proudly over the Arizona State Capital for Memorial Day. The flag was hoisted on Friday morning and flew continuously through Tuesday morning.

On June 4-5, Old Guard Riders Bill Taylor and Guy Kelly met with riders from several other veterans motorcycle organizations in Holbrook, AZ. From Holbrook, AZ, the riders escorted the Moving Vietnam Wall to Payson, AZ, where it was erected for a week long public display.

On June 14th, Ron Eppich and Daryl Neal made a 500 mile round trip journey from Phoenix, AZ to Chambers, AZ to attend the !st Annual Memorial for LCpl Kevin Joyce. LCpl Joyce died on June 25, 2005 during combat operations in Afghanistan. Ron Eppich presented LCpl Joyce's mother with a Gold Star Flag in honor of her son.

Week of May 18

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Run For The Wall continues. Holly reports that one riders was hit by a car and is hospitalized recovering from injuries. Our prayers for a speedy recover and a safe journey for all the RFTW riders as they finish a difficult trip. One can only admire the commitment and dedication that goes into such an effort. Way to go Steve, Holly, Daryl and all the riders.

For a complete day-by-day sitrep (update) on the progress and events of the Southern Route of RFTW, please see http://www.rftwsr-2008.us/

On Thursday, May 22, Robi Campbell, OGR Board Member Emeritus, served as Ride Captain for the funeral of SSgt. Victor M. Cota in Tucson, AZ.

On May 24th Ron and Lea drove to Bird Springs, AZ to attend the First Annual Sgt Christopher Gonzales Memorial.

Ron and Lea Eppich presented Judy Nez, the mother of Sgt Gonzales, with a KIA flag and 6 family members were presented with Gold Star pins.

The American Legion members unfolded and refolded the casket flags of District Navajo members Killed In Action from WWII through Sgt Christopher Gonzales. The flgs were then represented to the widows to whom the flags belonged. At the conclusion of the flag presentations, a three volley rifle salute was fired and Taps was played.

Monday is Memorial Day. See Week of May 25 - 31 for details of Memorial Day activities.

Leadership Assistance

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The Old Guard Riders is seeking dedicated, enthusiastic individuals within Arizona and across America to join our leadership team.

The foundation of every effective organization is the quality of those in leadership positions. Quality people gravitate toward and follow quality leaders. As a new grass roots Non-profit 501C3 corporation, Old Guard Riders Inc. is looking for dedicated individuals willing to assume leadership positions in order to help us accomplish the broad scope of fundraisers, assistance programs and activities we wish to accomplish in order to make a difference in the lives of our veterans.

For more information or to join our team, call Ron Eppich at roneppich@cox.net

All positions are strictly voluntary.

Week of May 11, 2008

2008-05-16T09:15:00.002-07:00

On May 14th, OGR Vice President Bill Taylor and members of the Old Guard Riders, along with other rider organizations, escorted the body of KIA Pvt. Hicks from the Glendale Municipal Airport to the funeral home. On May 15th, Bill Taylor and others escorted the body from the funeral home to his final resting place a short distance away. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church were present to protest at Pvt. Hicks services. At the conclusion of the services, Bill Taylor presented a Gold Star Flag to Pvt. Hicks father.

On May 14th, The Run for the Wall left Ontario, CA. Among the riders are several Old Guard Riders, including our Director, Steve Hill, or CFO, Holly Thomas and our Vice President, Daryl Neal. Daryl Neal is Platoon Leader for 3rd Platoon, with Holly Thomas acting as his Tailgunner. On Thursday, May 15th, the Southern Route of the Run for the Wall departed Phoenix, AZ with President & Founder Ron Eppich and his wife, Co-founder & Secretary, Lea Eppich, riding with the Run for part of an Arizona leg. Ron and Lea are expected to travel to Cuba, NM on Friday and Saturday to participate in the "PATRIOTS-WARRIORS TO THE WALL."

The Old Guard Riders, as well as all the riders in the Run for the Wall, would like to thank Robi and Lee Campbell and all those who participated in the beautiful flagline that greeted the riders in Marana, AZ as we made our first fuel stop of the day.

The Old Guard Riders would like to pay special thanks to Robi, Barry and Lee Campbell for their dedication and support of the Old Guard Riders. They are founding members of the Old Guard Riders and served as members of the original Board of Directors. Due to Robi's health, all have asked to be removed from the board. We ask everyone to remember Robi and the entire Campbell family in your thoughts and prayers.

Week of May 4, 2008

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The week of May 4th through May 10th was a very busy week for Old Guard Riders Inc.

The week started with a telephone conversion with AZ House Representative Jerry Weiers reference flying a Gold Star flag at the AZ State Capital over the Memorial Day weekend. Representative Weiers referred me to another person at the Capital who could assist in our request. Within a few hours after my initial call, I received a return telephone call letting me know that our request to fly a Gold Star Flag on Memorial Day weekend had been approved. On Friday, May 9th, I delivered the Gold Star Flag to be flown over the State Capital to Representative Weiers office.

While conversing with Representative Weiers, we discussed the AZ House Bill initiated by the Old Guard Riders in which the State of Arizona formally adopts the Blue Star, Gold Star, Silver Star, and Black Star Service Flags. After some research, Representative Weiers advised that the Bill was being held, along with many others submitted at the same time, in the House Rules and Regulations Committee. However, after a brief conversation with a member of the committee, the House Bill was pulled and a new Memorial Service Flag Bill was initiated. Thanks to representative Weiers, our military and veterans will have their Service Flags.

On May 10th, members of the Old Guard Riders made the trip to Clifton, AZ to attend the Run for the Bluffs Memorial. We began gathering at 5:00am in order to ride to Clifton as a group and departed a little after 5:30am. It was about a 190 mile ride each way.

In Clifton, we arrived at the base of a steep bluff and parked our bikes. The Memorial is at the top of the bluff along a very steep, rugged, single file trail up the side of the bluff. The trail is known as "The Long Walk to Freedom." At the top of the bluff is a line of flag poles overlooking Clifton below. An American flag flies atop the central pole. A line of poles behind fly state and military honor flags. The Run for the Bluff ceremony is held each year to change out the torn and tattered flags which have flown for the previous year with brand new flags for the coming year.

Because of a motorcycle mechanical failure, several members of our group did not arrive home until after midnight that night. Fortunately, all turned out well.

Next week is the beginning of the Run for the Wall and many other events and rides. Old Guard Riders are gearing up for another busy week.