"The Old Guard"
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| Is the Old Guard Riders a motorcycle club? No, Old Guard Riders Inc is not a Motorcycle Club. Old Guard Riders Inc. is a motorcycle association. What is a Motorcycle Club? This Article is absolutely essential reading for anyone who belongs to a motorcycle organization of any kind. Traditional Motorcycle Clubs What is the difference between a motorcycle club and a motorcycle association? There are three types of organizations. First, there are motorcycle clubs, or MCs.. Motorcycle clubs are a fraternity-style groups in which there is an extended probationary period in which you get to know the members and the members get to know you. Probationary members can't wear the full patch on the back of their vest or coat but are expected to attend various club events, help out with club business and learn the traditions and history of the club before the members vote to accept them into full membership in the club.. More informal groups are called riding clubs, or RCs, such as the American Legion Riders. Such organizations don't require a probationary period, and a person can join relatively easily. It's more of a group of people getting together to ride for a common cause. Many of these clubs require interested individuals to have a common background or quality, such as prior military service or own a specific type of motorcycle, in order to join. The final type, an association, involves larger organizations such as the Old Guard Riders, Patriot Guard Riders or Rolling Thunder. Such groups are not clubs per se and membership is open to anyone. These groups do not require the prospective member to own or ride a motorcycle at all in order to join. A willingness to become involved in the association's cause is all that is generally required. Can I wear the Old Guard Riders large back logo patch anywhere? Officers of the Old Guard Riders have personally met with Officers of many of the Motorcycle Clubs comprising the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (ACMC). After full disclosure with these Motorcycle Clubs, OGR has been assured that as long as members of the Old Guard Riders abide by established protocol (see next question), we will absolutely not encounter problems with MC members within Arizona. For members of the Old guard Riders outside the state of Arizona, take the time to learn proper patch protocol for your area. If possible, check with your local motorcycle club officers concerning wearing any club or organization patch before you sew it on. If you intend to organize a satellite OGR group in your area, contact OGR and make sure that we clearly understand your intent. Upon approval of your request to organize a satellite group, WE will contact the dominate MC in your state or area in order to get the OGR logo recognized and authorized in your area. Are there any rules or guidelines concerning what can or cannot be worn on an Old Guard Riders' vest? In accordance with strict protocol that OGR received in meetings with Officers of MCs comprising the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (ACMC), the OGR has established strict guidelines for members desiring to create and wear an Old Guard Riders vest. A copy of these guidelines may be found at OGR Vest Guidelines Is old Guard Riders a local or national organization? Old Guard Riders was established in November 2007 as an Arizona 501C3 with the intent of serving the veteran's community within Arizona. As people began to discover the Old Guard Riders website and word of the Old Guard Riders spread, people began to join from across America and the UK. At present OGR has individuals claiming affiliation or membership in nearly every state. Satellite groups of the OGR are continuing to form throughout the nation. Do I have to ride a motorcycle to belong to the Old Guard Riders? No, you do not have to own or ride a motorcycle to belong to the Old Guard Riders. With very few exceptions, members and guests in "cages" (enclosed vehicles) will be able to participate in every activity initiated, sponsored or supported by the Old Guard Riders. Some activities require may actually require the assistance of a cage in order to transport flags and other supplies to an activity location. If I do want to ride a motorcycle with the Old Guard Riders, what size motorcycle do I need to have? All makes and models of motorcycles are welcome. The only stipulation concerning motorcycles participating in an Old Guard Riders event is that the motorcycle must have sufficient horsepower to operate safely at the speeds and conditions which may reasonably be expected during the activity. The operator of the motorcycle must also have in his/her possession a valid motorcycle endorsement on his/her driver's license. No exceptions. How do I become a member of the Old Guard Riders? You may join the Old Guard Riders by clicking any "Join the Old Guard Riders" link and following the instructions on the "Join" page. Membership in the Old Guard Riders is absolutely free. Becoming a member of the Old Guard Riders entitles you to join the Old Guard Riders message board and receive newsletters and updates. Are Children allowed to participate in Old Guard Riders' events? Children are welcome at Old Guard Rider activities; however, due to the nature of some activities, weather and other factors, some events can be very hard on children. Please carefully consider whether the activity you are considering is appropriate for your children, and come prepared to take care of your child whatever the conditions may be. Because the Old Guard Riders frequently attend funerals, memorials and other solemn occasions, it is suggested that you use your best judgment with smaller children. If your child becomes restless please be prepared to remove him from the area so as to not disturb the services. Perhaps you and your spouse or a friend can agree to a plan of action before you attend the mission. Talk with your children before hand to prepare them for what may happen. You will find that they may be able to understand more than you think. Give them a flag of their own that is a size they can handle. Teach them some flag etiquette. This can be a positive experience for your child. Having said all that, yes, well behaved and well cared for children are totally welcome. Is alcohol allowed at Old Guard Riders events? Alcohol and motorcycles are never a good combination. Alcohol is not sold, provided, encouraged or allowed during any Old Guard Riders event, including the gathering period prior to the event and the period immediately following the event when riders and participants are dispersing from the event. Do not arrive at an Old Guard Riders event with alcohol on your breathe, you will be asked to leave. As a 501C3 charity, Old Guard Riders Inc. relies solely on public generosity for the success of our mission. Our public image is critical part of our success and you can never take back a bad first impression. If you feel that you must drink, please do not attend Old Guard Riders events. I do not live in Arizona. Can I still participate? It does not matter where you live. The entire focus of the Old Guard Riders is to organize efforts to honor all veterans for their service and assist homeless and forgotten veterans throughout the United States. You are invited to participate in any way you can or organize an Old Guard Riders "chapter" in your area. What is meant by the term "Forgotten Veterans"? When used by the Old Guard Riders, the term "Forgotten" refers to three categories of American's veterans. 1.) The veterans in nursing homes, hospitals, prisons and other institutions where visitation is the only personal contact these individuals have. Some of these veterans have families that come to visit, but many are alone and forgotten. 2.) The veterans living in shelters, parks, doorways, and alleys across America. Of the roughly 200,000 homeless veterans, very few are visible to the average American going about his/her daily business. They are "out of sight, out of mind." They have become American veterans lost somewhere in the system and forgotten from society. 3.) The recently discovered remains of hundreds of veterans found in jars and cans on the "Unclaimed Cremations" shelves of crematories, mortuaries and other institutions. Can I belong to the Old Guard Riders if I belong to another club, group or organization? Anyone may be affiliated with the Old Guard Riders, regardless of any other clubs, groups or organizations you may belong to. Obviously, we encourage participants at Old Guard Rider missions to identity themselves with the Old Guard Riders. This helps us gain the name recognition that we need to better accomplish our mission. Will I be reimbursed for any expenses that I incur while participating with the Old Guard Riders? Participation with the Old Guard Riders is strictly voluntary. All expenses that you incur as a result of participation is also voluntary. You can control the amount of personal resources that you contribute by adjusting your participation accordingly. Are any Officers or Board Members of the Old Guard Riders on salary or other compensation from the corporation? No Officer or Board Member receives a salary from the Old Guard Riders Inc. Even though the rules governing non-profit corporation compensation indicate that individuals in the corporation can receive reasonable compensation for tasks that they perform, Officers and Board Members of the Old Guard Rider organization are currently serving without compensation. Officers and Board Members maintain their "outside" incomes in order to maximize the Old Guard Riders' ability to use its resources to assist our homeless and forgotten veterans. How does Old Guard Riders spend the money that I donate? Every non-profit organization has three main aspects of their budget - (1) Administration costs (2) Fundraising costs and (3) Program expenditures. Program expenditure is the money or resources that actually reach the intended beneficiary. Administration costs (rent, utilities, office supplies, etc) and Fundraising costs (the amount of money spent to solicit donations) directly affect the program expenditures. Old Guard Riders makes every effort to minimize Administration costs and Fundraising costs in order to maximize Program Expenditures. Doesn't the government already have programs to care for the veterans? The government has programs to take care of almost everyone. Unfortunately, the efforts of the government are bogged down in two critical areas. First, the government administrative costs and red tape associated with any program significantly reduces the actual assistance that reaches the intended beneficiary. Secondly, the number of veterans that need assistance is spiraling beyond the governments ability to cope. There is a significant gap between what the government can do and what needs to be done. With an ever widening shortfall of government assistance, it becomes necessary for organizations like the Old Guard Riders to make up the shortfall. What makes veterans different than anyone else? Homeless people brought it on themselves. Veterans are not like anyone else. It was veterans who fought, bled and died to secure this country and protect the freedoms that we, as Americans, enjoy to this very day. For that alone, we should be grateful. To say that anyone brought the misery or grief that they are suffering upon themselves is a very short sighted perspective. Countless surveys and studies indicate that circumstances associated with military service and the readjustment period immediately following separation can lead to serious personal issues that can result in social problems and homelessness. As fellow veterans, as Christians, as Americans, as whatever good you believe in, we owe it to ourselves, society and these, our fellow humans, to do whatever we can to assist in their plight. What's with the motorcycles? Why not just be like every other charity? Many of the members of the Old Guard Riders are also members of the Patriot Guard Riders, the American Legion Riders and other patriotic groups that have a motorcycle contingency. As such, we have experienced the "rush" of human response to glorious American flags flying proudly from the back of a motorcade of motorcycles. That patriotic human response embodies the essence of what the Old Guard Riders are all about. It embodies what America and Her veterans represent. We don't want to be just like every other charity. How do I get an Old Guard Rider patch for my vest? Old Guard Riders Inc has a very distinctive logo. A wide assortment of Old Guard Rider products, including patches, are available through the OGR website store. OGR Flags, Patches and more What exactly does the Old Guard Riders do? The primary function of the Old Guard Riders, as a 501(c)(3) public benefit, is to initiate, sponsor, coordinate, conduct and support efforts to raise money to assist of homeless, aging, disabled and disadvantaged veterans. Old Guard Riders conduct food, clothing and toy drives to aid the veterans in need and their families, as well as supporting shelters, food banks and other charities for the homeless and forgotten veterans. Old Guard Riders attempt at every opportunity to bring public awareness to the plight of the veterans, and engage the public in their cause. Lastly, the Old Guard Riders makes every attempt to insure that America's veterans are remembered and honored for the service to our nation at their funerals. How do I become a State or National Officer in the Old Guard Riders? Individuals interested in becoming a State or National officer should contact a member of the Board of Directors and make their interest known. Old Guard Riders always welcomes the assistance of responsible, qualified members in leadership positions. Can I start a local unit of the Old Guard Riders in my area? Upon approval from National, members may initiate a local organization of the Old Guard Riders. All requests should be submitted to Old guard Riders Inc., where the request will be reviewed by the appropriate committee and Board members and a determination will be made. For all questions regarding participation in Old Guard Riders motorcycle events, please see OGR Participation Guidelines. Besides money, what else can I donate to the Old Guard Riders? The issue of assisting veterans in need is a very diverse matter, and there is almost nothing that veterans do not need, including:
Old Guard Riders Inc. is not equipped to pickup, deliver, store or repair any large item donations. If you have any of the large items listed above in "good condition", please contact us and we will be happy to see if we have a veteran in need of your donation at the time of your call. You may also leave a contact phone number in the event that we discover that need at a later time. How do I prove I made a donation for tax purposes? Like any other tax exempt organization, upon request, Old Guard Riders Inc. will provide you a receipt for your donation. Where should I place the Old Guard Riders patches on my vest? Is there a specific guidelines or specifications? For more information about riding vests, please see Riding Vest & Personal Appearance If you did not see your question answered on this page, please email, call or write us and we will be glad to answer your question.
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