WarChild Riding Group
Sandy's Toddle Inn - Chaffee MO
Bikers Who Care – We Support:
Finding Cures – Saving Children
Free Spirit
Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement
Notice - The PGR store is open since the first of the new year.
Thank you for your patience.
The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.
We don’t care what you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a "hawk" or a "dove". It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is. You don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.
Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.
1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
Folks, this is not just important…
It’s what we do!
Join Us!
RD - SE Missouri Ride Captain
Stars & Stripes Museum
 This Dayin History |
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Over the last 139 years, millions of copies of The Stars and Stripes have been distributed throughout the world. And, it all began during the Civil War in the town of Bloomfield, located in southeast Missouri. It was here on November 9, 1861 that ten Illinois Union soldiers, using the vacated press of The Bloomfield Herald, published the first "Stars and Stripes" which they named after the American flag. One of the original copies of that 1861 paper is now owned by the Stoddard County Historical Society and to be put on loan with the museum. The Stars and Stripes flourished during each of the five major wars this country has fought. |
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During World War II, General George C. Marshall referred to The Stars and Stripes "as a symbol of the things we are fighting to preserve...free thought and free expression of a free people". Many famous people have been connected with The Stars and Stripes: Cartoonist Bill Mauldin; Andy Rooney and Steve Kroft of "Sixty Minutes" were former Striper's as was Harold K. Ross, founder of the New Yorker magazine. Grantland Rice, Ernie Pyle and other war correspondents have also contributed to the newspaper. Several former S & S staff members and various war veterans have donated personal letters, unpublished behind-the-scenes reports, back issues of The Stars and Stripes and other interesting war-related items to be displayed or filed as reference material. |
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All this history will be preserved. A Stars and Stripes Museum/Library with climate-controlled storage, handicapped accessibility, display and meeting rooms will be invaluable for research. The facility serves historians, students and writers, as well as the general public. |
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Rebel Yell Rally Raises $12,000 for Kids
WarChild Riding Group holds rally
to raise money for St. Jude
Saturday, June 6, 2009 Larry "Hammer" Glueck is president of the WarChild Riding Group which is sponsoring the Rebel Yell Rally near Chaffee, Mo. (Fred Lynch) |
On Al Friga's farm down Scott County Road 248, the fifth annual Rebel Yell Rally began Friday and will be held through Sunday. The WarChild Riding Group, a 130-member motorcycle organization based in Chaffee, hosts a party every year to raise donations for children's cancer research and local veterans.
During the weekend rally, attendees camp, enjoy live music, shop from vendors and participate in bike events. Last year, with about 400 people in attendance, the WarChild group raised $6,100 to give to St. Jude. The money for donations comes from a $20 entrance fee to the rally, vendors who give portions of their proceeds and the sale of coloring books created and inspired by the group and a local artist and veteran, Aaron Horrell.
Larry "Hammer" Glueck, WarChild president, was one of six original members who decided to start the group and designate St. Jude as a charitable cause.
Glueck said the idea for annual rallies began with his friend and fellow group member, David "P-nut" Grimes, who wanted the WarChild group to be dedicated to a cause helping children and veterans. In 2005, a rally was held on the land donated by Friga, whose son Paul and daughter-in-law Patty are also members.
 A few motorcycle enthusiasts gather early at the Rebel Yell Rally site Friday near Chaffee, Mo. The event, which continues today, is sponsored by the WarChild Riding Group. (Fred Lynch) |
Group's moneymaker
The number of people attending the rally and amount of money raised have grown every year.
"There are more members in the riding group now than there were people who came to the first rally," said Glueck.
Glueck said he expects between 700 and 800 people to come out for the weekend.
 Larry "Hammer" Glueck is president of the WarChild Riding Group which is sponsoring the Rebel Yell Rally near Chaffee. (Fred Lynch) |
This year the group's goal is to raise $10,000 for St. Jude. A ride to Memphis to donate the money and tour the hospital is planned for July 31 and Aug. 1.
"Hopefully in my pocket I will have a $10,000 check," Glueck said.
Glueck said live entertainment, bike events and a raffle are planned during Rebel Yell weekend.
Two local acts are playing on a large stage set up near the entrance of the rally. Slight Return, a Southern rock band from Sikeston, Mo., and Caney Creek, a country group from Oran, will be performing at dark today. An Elvis impersonator will take the stage at 8 p.m.
Food and drink vendors are on hand along with sellers of leather goods, patches and T-shirts.
One vendor, Kirby "K-Bar" Alexander, drove from Kentucky and said this visit was his first time out to the rally. Alexander sells patches for jackets and does sewing. He said he supports all veterans and children's causes.
"I don't care if I make one penny," said Alexander, a Vietnam combat veteran.
"The thing about kids is, if we don't take care of them, who is going to take care of us when we get old?" he said.
Glueck said donations by local businesses J.W. Strock and Bluff City Beer Co. have been a help, since the rally is a lot for him to put on.
Public camping
Glueck said the public is welcome, and camping space is first come, first served. He said he expected a steady stream of people by 5 p.m. Friday, and hoped more would come out today and camp. No reservation for camping is required.
"At past rallies, you get all those people out here, and there's not any trouble," Glueck said. He said everyone comes for a relaxing weekend, the concerts at night and constant music during the day.
"The thing about the WarChild Riding Group is that we aren't a motorcycle club. We are a group that all we want to do is ride and raise money," he said.
To attend or camp at the rally, from Chaffee, take Highway 77 south to Scott County Road 248 and follow signs.