mdpatriotguard.org

Sergeant-At-Arms

Patriot Guard Riders in Maryland has a new position within the State Leadership.  This position is not recognized at the National level, but if it works out we plan on it being an integral part of missions here in Maryland.

The Sgt-At-Arms is not a Ride Captain position but a valuable assistant to the Ride Captain in charge (RCIC).  This individual will have the ability to assist the Ride Captain in multiple phases of any mission they can support.  It is a good position for someone who wants to assist and either does not have the time to be a full-time RC and/or does not believe they wish that level of responsibility.  It could also be a stepping stone to the RC Corps as time goes on.

Sgt-At-Arms will come from the general Ridership.  They will be individuals who have been to multiple missions, have a good sense of mission execution in Maryland and works well with the RC Corps.  RCs may nominate any Rider to the State Captain for inclusion in the program.  Riders may volunteer to serve as such directly to any Ride Captain.  This position is not limited to either bikers or cagers.

Specific duties of the Sgt-At-Arms are still evolving, but will consist primarily of:

When available and at the request of the Ride Captain:

-- Assist in mission planning (i.e. ride routes, check parking, rally sites, etc.)
-- Assist in getting bikes parked in correct locations and ready for safe departures
-- Assist in obtaining signatures on the Ride Waiver
-- Inspecting large bike mounted flags
-- Acting as tailgunner when bikes are in motion
-- Advise and assist the RCIC in other forms as requested

While it is rare on missions in MD to only see one RC, it does happen. There are some Riders who we already rely on to 'help' out at those times.  This is an effort to recognize (and exploit!) those dependable Riders who time and again have proven to be of great help at missions here in Maryland.  On the rare occasions we have a manpower problem staffing a mission with an RC, the Sgt-At-Arms Corps will be our first stop to request a 'temporary RC'.  As with every other position, we ask no one to ride everything, only what they can.  The Sgt-At-Arms roster will receive early heads up on upcoming missions where an RC may need additional assistance.

The first Sergeant-At-Arms in Maryland is Wally "Da Wall" Severino. In fact the position is being created specifically for him.  Wally has shown over the last 5 years that he has the dedication and determination to see the Patriot Guard Rider Mission succeed.  Wally will work with the State Captain and various RCs to refine the policies, procedures and duties which will cover the new position.  Once those details are ironed out we will begin to look at recruiting additional Sgts.

So if you see Wally on the road, Congratulations or Condolences to him!  (Whichever you feel is appropriate!).