PGRNY Members and Associates,

As the 10th anniversary of the 911 terrorist attacks approaches, we are increasingly reminded of the high costs of Freedom. Hundreds of thousands of our Servicemen and woman remain on foreign soil in harms way. Our Fallen Heroes now number near 7,000 and our Wounded are reported at over 30,000. There are untold numbers of our brothers and sisters returning who suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other illnesses.

The requests we receive for support continue to grow. Our main mission is to ride escort, stand tall in silent recognition and protect each family from any person or group who may intend to disrupt the services. We bring a sense of honor, dignity, security and respect with us that lets the families know we sincerely care and they are not alone, in what may be the toughest days they will ever see. Each person and flag does have an unforgettable impact. The thank you's and cards of appreciation belong to each of you that serve in each flag line and escort.

I need to tell you that this week the NY Daily news has reported and contacted us regarding radical Islamist Jihadists that have added American Military funerals to their list of targets, with instructions on how to carry out an attack. Although somewhat alarming, the list of threats and targets is long and none have been carried out to my knowledge. We will continue, unwavering, in our mission and stand for the families of our Fallen until every last Serviceman and woman comes home. I will be working with our Ride Captains regarding this and ask that any rumors or alarmists be directed to me. I do not foresee any changes to our mission besides heightened security. If you notice anything you feel may be suspicious please bring it to the attention of a RC.

Good news, we were contacted by the Governors office to attend the signing of the anti-protest legislation for all of NY. This is way overdue but I expect the law in force soon. Special thanks to all you who have helped push our lawmakers. I will share more on this when we get a date.

Region 2 has the annual HOTH fundraiser coming up Sept. 3rd and I hope many of you will support this event as it continues to be our main source of funds to help our Wounded and Veterans in need. There is still time to put something together in your area to raise money and awareness for our HOTH program. Please consider a simple Saturday ride or dinner in your region. Contact me if you would like to put something together. Our HOTH program is also working towards arranging visitations at more NY VA hospitals. If you would like to help contact Rick Juliano at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Veteran Recovery program Volunteers continue to work at locating , identifying and interring the unclaimed cremains of our Forgotten Veterans. Some of which have been left behind upwards of 40 yrs. If you would like to help with this program contact Bill Schaaf  at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Our NY website lists our current missions , events and mission calendars and much more info. Please become familiar with it and send in any Veteran support events you want posted. 1 special mission posted for tomorrow, Sat. 8/20, is the PGR Holland tunnel welcome for the 911 riders. Lucy Christiano and Eddie Esposito have worked hard to set this up to insure the 1800 riders know *NY will never forget* all those who perished that day and all those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for freedom, in the war on terror. Please attend if you can.

In closing I want you to know what we do is very important to those we serve and the communities involved. It is also the least we can do for the Hero's and families who have given so much.  If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate in bringing them to the attention of leadership in your area or myself. Thank you.

Until they all come home,

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Dave Kern
NY State Captain
www.pgrny.org