mdpatriotguard.org

I have retired from MD PGR Leadership.  Bill "Chief" Staats has been elected State Captain and can be reached at the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. email address.   I will be helping Chief out as long as he needs me, to get acclimated and get through the b.s. that change-overs generate.  I have no doubt he will do an outstanding job as the MD/DC State Captain. 

I've been asking myself, "How'd I get here?"  My brother-in-law brought the PGR website to my attention.  Said I had heard of them, but thought you had to be ALR to join.  So we looked at the website and I immediately signed up.  This was something I could definitely support.  I spent a lot of time with then MD State Captain Bob Bell.  His dedication was pretty inspiring.  

Three months later I was a Ride Captain with a dozen missions under my belt.  A month after that I was an Assistant State Captain.  Eighteen months later, the State Captain.  I refuse to count the missions I have run or attended.  It would break my heart.  I remember all their names.  I remember their families.  I will never forget any of them.

When I started I had 3 children at home who always begged to come to missions.  Now my eldest is married to a young USN Sailor out in California with my two grandkids.  My son is an A1C serving as USAF Security Forces in England.  My youngest who went on her first mission at 12 years old (Parcells), is graduating from high school!  

I have met so many wonderful people through the PGR it is impossible to count.  It has been an overwhelming honor to stand with and for you the last six years.  I must thank all those Riders who have given so selflessly of their time, energy and respect.  You are the lifeblood of the PGR.  All of the RCs know how much I care for them and their families.  We've ridden a lot of miles together.

For those who met my wife on missions, you know how I was able to do this for so long.  It was her support and willingness to be a "PGR Widow" that allowed me to serve as I did.  There were many, many nights I was buried in my laptop for mission planning, contacting NOK and trying to get the administrivia done.  There were a lot of things we just didn't do because the mission always came first.  Thank you my love.  

It has been a hell of a ride, incredible highs coupled with the saddest occasions I have ever been associated with.  Definitely some of the best laughs but also more tears than the other 43 years of my life combined.   Keep our Troops and Gold Star Families in your thoughts and prayers.  Keep supporting the mission and ride safe regardless of your mode of transport.  Give the Chief all the support you can, and then give a little more.  I will be hanging around taking care of the MD website for as long as MD Leadership desires...

Azmo's last word (and it's not even original!):  No one cares how many missions you have or have not ridden.  The only one the family cares about is the one you are on RIGHT NOW. 

I will see you on the flag line.

Azmo