Patriot Guard to stop in Alpena
Sean HarkinsOn July 26, the Patriot Guard Riders will be stopping in Alpena as part of a statewide ride to raise money for veterans.
Patriot Guard Michigan State Capt. Sam Cottle said he expects about 60 riders to participate in the ride through the state, but said that number will increase as local riders take part in smaller legs of the ride.
Cottle said sponsors and individuals donate money to the organization, which is a registered nonprofit organization, and it donates it to veterans and veterans groups.
"The whole purpose of this ride is to raise money so we can help the families of those that are serving," he said.
This is the inaugural statewide "Heroes" ride, but the Patriot Guard has been involved in other fund-raising activities.
Last year the organization donated $5,000 to Upper Peninsula resident Bobby Lamarche, who suffered a neck injury while serving in Iraq.
Cottle said Lamarche told the group the only way to repay them would be to walk again, which Cottle witnessed months later.
"It was awesome to see," Cottle said.
The group also donates time and money to install wheelchair ramps for injured veterans, or to pay their bills before their military benefits kick in. It also participates in events to welcome home troops, and - if invited - ride during the funeral procession of a soldier.
Cottle said the events reflect the groups motto, "Standing for those who stood for us".
The riders will be coming from Indian River, where they will take part in a dedication ceremony for Pfc. Justin Patton. They will arrive in Alpena around 5 p.m. on July 26, and will have a meal at VFW hall. They will leave around 10 a.m. the next day and head to Port Huron.
Everyone is welcome to join the group, even if they don't ride motorcycles. There are members who ride in cars, or "cages," alongside the bikes. Cottle said people with wide varieties of political views take part in the rides.
"Our goal is to honor the troops - which doesn't have any political affiliations," he said.
Although no target was officially set, Cottle hopes the Heroes ride raises $20,000.
People interested in joining the group or donating money should visit its Web site at www.pgrmichigan.org. Members pay a $25 registration fee, which gets them a patch and a meal during a ride stop.
Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.
