S.E. Texas PGR Mission Protocols

Flag Line Protocol

• Please no talking, if you must, keep it to a whisper or leave the flag line
• Do not walk while unrolling the flag, this should be done before leaving the flag truck
• Do not walk while rolling up the flag, wait until you reach the flag truck
• If you need to leave the flag line then either have someone else hold your flag or take it back to the flag truck (see leaving the flag line procedures below)
• Stand Tall and silent
• No smoking at any time that you have a flag or if you standing near someone with a flag, if you have to smoke please leave the flag line area to a secluded location
• No moving around unless you are leaving the flag line
• Keep the flag pole vertical at all times, do not dip it or tilt it in any way. The American flag does not bow or dip to anything.
• Please hold the flag on your left hand side so your right hand is free.  Members of the family, guest and military may walk the flag line to thank the holders. When this happens it has been noticed that it is a clumsy move to switch the flag from right to left to shake the hand of the greeter. There have even been a few isolated occasions that the flag is dropped. THEREFORE please keep the flag on your left side. This will free up you right hand.
• If you do not have a flag, then you can stand tall an silent between other flag holders
• When a salute is given by the Military, stand at attention.  If you are in the flag line you are considered to be at a salute when holding the flag.  If you so desire to render a salute or wish to place your hand on your heart you may do so at your own discretion.  We do not police our members on this and no one should object.  
• If you are in the flag line and are not holding a flag please follow the military's command to salute or place your hand on your heart.
• If at a funeral service, memorial service, or cemetery service whether on a flag line or not, do NOT start or move your motorcycle or cage while the service is going on.  Please wait until after the stand-down is issued by the mission Lead Ride Captain
• If you know that you must leave during the mission before a stand-down is issued then you must park you vehicle far enough away so that it can not be seen or heard when it is moved. At a cemetery, a quarter mile or more may be required.
• During an in-door service, once the service has started and the guest are inside a stand-down will be issued for the flag line outside.  Shortly before the service concludes the flag line will be reformed. During this time at-ease, relax, have some water but do not disturb the service. A forward advance team may move to the cemetery during this time.
• When a stand-down is issued, continue to hold the flag vertical until you reach the flag truck, only then should you roll up the flag (do not let it touch the ground)
• When rolling up the flag and the two poles are both 5foot, please include the extension pole with the flag pole and role them up together.  If the extension pole is 2foot then keep it separate and turn it in to the Flag truck.
• Stand Tall
• Stand Silent
• Respectful
• follow the person in front of you or the Ride Captain
• the PGR Mission Lead RC may call attention (Ah-tin-hut) Stand straight with heels together.
• the PGR Mission Lead RC may call for a salute (present arms) follow the salute instructions above.

Attending a service

• It is not mandatory that you attend any mission, we just ask you attend the ones you can.  We are all volunteers.\
• If you do attend, absolutely NO pictures should be taken of the family and the guest unless you have approval of the Lead Ride Captain for that mission
• The same respect is granted inside the services as on the flag line.
• You must also uncover by removing all head gear.
• Adhere to faith protocols unique to the establishment that you are attending
• Stand Tall and silent
• Follow the lead of the person in front of you or the Ride Captain

Taking pictures

• Do not take any pictures of the family and guest unless the Lead Ride Captain states the family has requested we do so.
• Do not take any pictures of the Coffin
• Do not leave the procession to take pictures
• Do not stop or slow down your vehicle in the procession to take pictures. If this means that you are unable to take pictures then you should not be trying in the first place
• Do not take pictures while holding a flag
• Do not take any pictures inside the church, funeral home, religious establishment, or other building used for the service
• Do not take pictures of the presentations to the family
• Do NOT take any pictures of UGs - ever

Driving/Riding a Procession or Rolling Tribute

When the PGR travels in a procession the following rules should be followed.

• Motorcycles will travel in a two column staggered formation.
• Each motorcycle will be 2 seconds behind the motorcycle in front of them and one second to the motorcycle in the column next to them.
• Do NOT ride tandum next to someone, stay in the staggered formation.
• watch the vehicle in front of you. the moment you take your eyes off that vehicle will be when they hit the breaks (sight seeing MUST not be done during a mission)
• All vehicles will be using their flashers (emergency lights) if they have them
• All Motorcycle Operators will use hand signals
• All hand signals will be passed back (which means if you see a signal in front of you, repeat that signal for those behind you)
• Be conscious of road guards or police traveling at higher speeds next to the procession
• If you can not ride in the entire procession do NOT ride in the procession at ALL.
• If you must leave the procession, be certain that it is not at a time that a road guard or police is passing you.
• If you are late, do not join the procession until you review the that mission briefing notes with an attending Ride Captain.
• Prior to arriving at the staging area make sure you have a full tank of gas, fuel stops will only occur between 100 and 130 mile intervals
• If you leave the procession for a detour, unscheduled fuel stop or any other reason, you are not allowed to rejoin.
• All cages will follow the motorcycles
• All cages must travel with the flashers on and are not required to use hand signals
• Follow the person in front of you. If you have any questions ask the Lead Ride Captain.
• If a car, truck or other vehicle tries to enter the procession, do not block them, let them through and offer them room to fit in (they will move on as traffic lets them)
• "Riding Hard & Standing Tall" Does not mean to speed or out run others.

Road Guards

• Minimum REQUIREMENTS to function as a PGR RG
  1. ALL RGs should wear a reflective vest, The RGs must provide their ownr reflective vests.  These should be bright green or orange with reflective striping all around.
  2. No one can work as a road guard unless they have proper emergency lighting.  ADD-ON LEDs is best. BLUE and RED together is illegal.  Purple is for funerals.  Add-ons allow the vehicles turn signals and brakes to function normally while in RG mode. (leaving one blinker on is not acceptable), Some stock blinker control devices over heat if left on to too long, Add-On LEDs do not have this problem.
  3. No Motorcycle can work as a road guard if they have a passenger.
  4. No Motorcycle can work as a road guard if they have big flags flying
  5. Registration as a Road Guard with the SETexas PGR Leadership team is required and once additional training has been completed you will be allowed to function as a RG pending the above requirements.
• PROCEDURES
  1. the only person to organize/plan with the LEOs is the MISSION LEAD RC or the SETexas PGR ROAD GUARD Captain, or a person specifically designated by the Mission Lead RC.
     • if inclusion of Flag bikes, Communicate to the LEO and Funeral home people that the top speed should be 45mph (then a creep up to 50 is no big deal)
     • if no flag bikes then top speed can be 60mph
  2. No road guard should pass a LEO if the the LEO is moving.
     • If they are working "leap frog" then it is obvious that a RG would pass the stopped LEO, but if he is moving stay behind him unless he specifically motions you to pass him.
     • If it is "touch and go" then never pass but replace.  (unless he specifically motions you to do so).
  3. never block an intersection unless the LEO has blocked it first (unless working with LEOs in a Leap frog fashion)
  4. when moving up the procession along side:
     • use the horn
     • travel on the farthest side of the lane from the procession (if the move up lane is on the left then travel up that lane on the left most side)
  5. when crossing through the procession from one side to the other, hesitate in the middle of the procession so that you may be able to look back (head check/mirror) for a RG/LEO moving up fast in the lane you will be entering (hopefully the riders in the far side of the procession can help inform you that it is clear to enter that "move up lane". (eg:  if crossing from the left to the right, then the rider on the right most column of the procession should have the BEST view of what's coming up on his right side.)
  6. the above item needs to be relayed to all rides so that they can assist the LEO or RG in passing through the procession
  7. Use horn and hand signals at all times

Requirements for Flags on Bike or Cage

• You must test your flag mount at highway speeds before arriving at the staging location. Due to uncontrollable weather conditions, your flag mount should be pre test to handle a 60 mph speedometer with a 20 mph head winds and cross winds.
• Your flag poles must not extend beyond the width or length of your vehicle. For a motorcycle the outer most part of the flag pole should be inside the perimeter of the handle bars and be tilted no more than 10 degrees towards the stern.
• The Flag should be no larger than 3ft by 5ft on a motorcycle and 4ft by 7ft on a cage.
• The heights of the flag will affect the operation of the vehicle. A flag that is to high could cause the motorcycle to loss control. Also the over all height should low enough so that it does not collide with bridges, power lines, signal lights, awning (car ports) or other above the road structures. But high enough so that it does not touch the ground when the bike (and flag) is at rest on the kick stand.
• Since mother nature controls the growth you must take care when riding through or under tree limbs.
• During less than ideal weather conditions you should consider storing the flag.
• A big Flag bike with flags unfurled will not be allowed to be a Road Guard
• make sure you mount your flag with the correct side up. (the following is pre the USA FLag Code)
  • USA Flag: Field of stars is always on top.
  • Texas Flag: The white is always on top, the red is on the bottom for the blood that was shed, the star is a five sided with two legs and two arms and one head. The head being on top.
  • if you have two flags then the USA flag is on the right (sitting in the seat rightside)
  • if you have three flags then the USA flag is in the CENTER.
  • PGR flag: the point of the triangle is at the top.
  • if more than one flag and one of them is the USA flag, then NO Flag can be higher then the USA. They can all be equal heights.

Everyone attends a PGR mission for the First Time

• EVERYONE that attends a PGR Mission must complete and sign a Release-Liability form. These will be available at the staging location or you can print it from here and turn it in at your first mission.
• What do I do? We will honor all guests and family. This is accomplished with a line of flags that we hold while standing tall and silent outside the funeral service and at the Cemetery. Follow our lead, you will do fine, just bring a heart full of respect for this fallen hero.
• What do I wear? Motorcyclist should dress as they normally would if they are going on a country ride. Cage drivers/passengers should dress comfortably. We will be outside so normal attire that you would wear to a funeral is not required.
• What do I bring? Water, sports drink, a snack, sun screen, hat, and rain gear, we will have some down time to rest after the service starts. We plan on a forward element moving to the cemetery with the flags once the service starts. This may be a long day.
• How to find out when to be at a specific mission? Each PGR mission will have a posted staging time and date. This can be found on the calendar on Http://SETexasPGR.org
• How to find out where to go for a mission? Same as above (Http://SETexasPGR.org). You can also use MapQuest.com to find directions from your location to the staging site.
• What the requirements are for Motorcycles or Cages? The only requirement is that what ever you drive you must be proficient, this is not the time to learn. If you are not ready to ride in a group, then you might ask one of the cages if you can ride with them.
• Where to park at a mission? We will show you when you get there.
• How to find out about missions? View the web site http://SETexasPGR.org

Definitions used by the S.E. Texas PGR web site

• Big Flag Bike is a motorcycle with a mounted 3 foot by 5 foot flag. (USA and PGR are the most common). All other flag sizes are considered non-Flag bikes. Any flag that is flown is a presentation of honor and respect to those that have sacrificed for our freedoms.
• Confirmed mission is when the family has invited the PGR to attend.
• ESCORT is what the Police provide for a Procession
• Rolling Tribute of honor and respect.  this is when PGR members will ride in a procession with a family or hearse while it is being Police Escorted
• F.A.S.T. is the "Forward Advanced Support Team". This is all PGR members at a mission that will leave the funeral shortly after the service starts and relocate at the Cemetery. This will include a FAST Ride Captain, all M/C without big flags, all PGR in cages, and the Support Vehicle. They will setup a flag line at the Cemetery just prior to arrival of the main procession.
• Final Iteneriary is the mission plan.
• "Flag Dedication!" This results in a printed label being attached to one of our flag poles with the name, branch of service and rank of someone that you care to remember.  These are purchased at $10 each. See the Sponsors page for details
• Hero Someone that has made the ultimate sacrifice for his/her family, country, and community.
• HOTH is "Help On The Homefront" (welcome homes, wounded support, etc...)
• KIA A hero that was "Killed in Action".
• KSU The time for Kick Stands Up or departure time.  Every one is in the drivers seat, as well as all passengers are seated, and the engine is on, and in gear.  Anyone not ready to leave will be left behind.
• Motorcycle Driver This is the person that controls the operation via the handle bars. There are other terms favored by most bikers but this document must be understood by everyone.
• Mission Briefing is the instructions and information that is given by the Mission Lead RC at the Staging location. This will include any relevant info about the parking, traveling, PGR announcements, or Safety info that is relevant at the time.
• Mission Lead RC is a Ride Captain that has been appointed to lead a specific PGR mission
• Open invite is a event that the SETexasPGR leadership wishes to make the members aware of for their consideration. However it will not be a mission and it is up to the members to follow the guidelines of the event coordinators.
• Passenger is the "2up" person on a motorcycle
• Pending Mission  The military has announced a Death, The PGR has NOT yet received permission to attend.
• POC Point of contact.
• PGR Patriot Guard Riders. the parent organization of SETexas PGR and a non profit service organization formed to help the family and communities of soldiers fallen in action. The organization it comprise of ANYONE that wishes to give respect to these HERO'S.
• PGR Mission a PGR managed event. A ride captain will be assigned along with staging, date, and time.
• Ride Captain some that has gone through the unique training in the PGR to manage a PGR mission
• Semper Gumby Always Flexible.
• Send off is a tribuite for a soldier that leaving for a War Zone (not resuming a tour from a leave)
• SETexas The South East area of Texas.
• Staging the location that all PGR members will gather for the purpose of a mission.
• Stand-Down A mission is canceled. When this happens, a reason will be included. Also check the mission tread before leaving for it to see if a stand down was ordered.
• Support Vehicle SV or Flag Truck. This is the vehicle that hauls the Flags and water to a mission. This is possible through the sponsorships and donations and store sales. The sponsorships are Flag dedications purchased at $10 for each dedication, Donations can be put in the "Donate Can" at the support truck
• The store is available at most mission and sells patches, pins, T-Shirts, and coins that are unique to SETexas PGR. These proceeds pay for our flags, plaques for the KIA families, water, ice, and snacks at missions.
• Tentative The PGR has permission to attend but the dates have not been confirmed.
• "Water the Hogs!" Donations for water or to buy water for our missions. This phrase was given to us by the Blue Star Moms. See the Sponsors page for details.
• Welcome Home is a tribute to a soldier or soldiers that is returning from a War Zone at the completion of a Tour (not on leave)

A normal mission sequence of events is:

1. The DOD announce the KIA
2. The PGR posts a Pending notice and starts contact proceedings
3. We receive permission from the family for the PGR to attend
4. The PGR changes the mission post to Confirmed when permission is granted
5. The PGR posts the mission as Final Itinerary when all dates, times and mission plan is available.

Last modified: 5/25/08