Old Guard Riders Inc. is a 501C3 tax exempt veterans' charity organization. Its sole purpose is to provide food, clothing, shelter and other essential human supplies and services to American military veterans and their families in need. Old Guard Riders Inc. further supplies handicapped veterans with mobility, access and other assistance items as required.

Is Old Guard Riders a local or national organization?

Old Guard Riders Inc. is incorporated in the State of Arizona, however, through its network of chapters, OGR serves veterans and their families in need in communities across America wherever a chapter is organized.

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 veterans and their families in need.

How does Old Guard Riders spend the money that I donate?

Every non-profit organization has three main considerations 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 Expenditure.

How do I participate in the corporation's efforts to assist veterans and their families?

There are three ways that interested persons can become directly involved with Old Guard Riders Inc.

• Become an active sponsor of Old Guard Riders Inc. by making financial donations.
• Become an active volunteer within the Old Guard Riders Inc. corporate structure.
• Organize and/or become active in a local chartered chapter of Old Guard Riders Inc.

How do I become a member of Old Guard Riders Inc.?

OGR membership is limited to individuals who are actively participating within an organized chartered chapter. Active chapter members are recognized as an "Active Member."

 OGR Chater Membership Applications are available within the chapter by contacting any chapter officer. All Active Member applications are carefully screened. Upon approval of your application, you will be notified and you will be added to the organization Active Membership roles.

The website contains a membership application for "Sponsoring Membership", which must be completely filled out and returned to National Old Guard Riders Inc. By submitting a "Sponsoring Membership Application", you are indicating your intent to support Old Guard Riders Inc. and its effortsto serve veterans and their families in need through financial donations.

Are there any background or other checks performed as part of my screening process?

Because Old Guard Riders Inc. is a federally recognized, tax exempt charity, the integrity of its Active Members is critical.  All applications for Active Membership go through a general screening process, which may include the following background checks:

• criminal
• educational
• employment
• military service
• consumer report
• motor vehicle
• additional screenings as deemed necessary.

Any person refusing to authorize such checks will not be admitted to the organization.

Why are background checks required?

Members of Old Guard Riders Inc. are involved in a variety of activities, including fundraising, with other members, donors, recipients and sponsors. As a national 501C3 charity organization, Old Guard Riders Inc. is deeply concerned with the caliber of individuals conducting themselves as representatives of the organization.

What kind of issues will disqualify me from membership in the OGR? What are the background checks specifically looking for?

Background checks look for:

• Habitual criminal behavior
• Any felony conviction involving violent behavior, with or without a weapon, including domestic violence.
• Criminal behavior involving a minor as the victim or an  accomplice
• Pedophilia and child pornography
• Financial misconduct, including embezzlement, extortion, robbery, burglary, etc.
• Drug or alcohol related offenses, including DUI or drug related incidents
• Gang or other illegal associations
• Bad Conduct Military Discharge

Note: A DUI conviction is not sufficient grounds for denial of your membership application. A long history of DUI, Extreme DUI or revocation of driving privileges due to a history of irresponsible driving behavior is grounds for denial of application.

The background check is about verifying your character, including your ability to conduct yourself reasonably and prudently.

What is I am already a member and one of the above issues is later discovered?

You will be removed from the organization.

Is it really necessary to conduct a background check to verify character?

Good judgment and sound character are at the very heart everything that Old Guard Riders Inc. does. Since we have no idea what situations or positions any Active Member may find himself/herself in, including chapter officer, while participating in an OGR mission /event, all Active Members are treated as potential leaders and officers.

Unfortunate experience dictates that organizations, such as Old Guard Riders Inc., must create strict rules, policies and guidelines that dictate what should otherwise be considered common sense and prudent action. Background checks provide  information about an individual's history of sound character, common sense and good judgment. 

Individuals who have a track record of poor character, bad judgment and  imprudent conduct are quickly eliminated, avoiding the possibly of regrettable, but avoidable problems down the road.

Are women allowed in the organization?

There is absolutely no discrimination of membership based upon race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Women are encouraged to apply for state and national leadership positions.

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. Old Guard Riders Inc. does not directly reimburse for personal expenses. You may deduct some of your expenses incurred by participation from your income tax. Discuss what deductions you may legally claim with your financial advisor or tax preparation expert.

Are there any rules concerning participation in OGR Chapter missions/events?

All Old Guard Riders events are alcohol and drug free. No exceptions!

No visible weapons of any kind, including firearms, may be displayed while participating in OGR rides, meetings, missions and/or program functions.

Old Guard Riders Inc. insurance and national policies, as well as state/local traffic laws, strictly prohibit any member of this organization from using their privately owned vehicle, regardless of type, from blocking, interfering with or attempting to control the  normal flow and/or pattern of vehicular traffic, whether on public or private property, streets, highways or other location under any circumstances.

Violation of any of the above guidelines will result in immediate disciplinary action against the offending member, up to and including cancellation of OGR membership. The above rules are not negotiable.

If you are using your personal vehicle as a funeral escort, military escort or escorting a mission/event with a legal permit to do so, and are legally certified by appropriate state/local law enforcement to do so, you must contact OGR National Safety Officer to obtain National permission to do so. If you are acting as an escort as a member of another organization, you will not be covered by Old Guard Riders Inc. insurance or corporate indemnity.

Are Chapters actually part of Old Guard Riders Inc.?

Chapters are legally treated as a local branch of Old Guard Riders Inc. They are fully covered under the 501C3 tax exempt status of the corporation.

What are the prerequisite requirements of becoming a chapter?

The prospective chapter must complete and submit a Chapter Charter Application, which requires detailed information concerning the background and qualifications of all perspective chapter officers and a business plan detailing how the chapter will advance the efforts of Old Guard Riders Inc. nationally, the veterans assistance goals the chapter intends to accomplish locally, how the chapter intends to accomplish those goals and what review mechanisms it has established to measure its success.

Can chapters raise money for their own operation and purposes?

Absolutely.

Can a chapter terminate or lose its chapter charter?

Chapters may terminate their chapter charter at any time with or without cause by written, return receipt certified letter notification of intent to do so.

Old Guard Riders Inc. reserves the right to terminate a chapter charter at any time with or without cause by written, return receipt certified letter notification of intent to do so. Chapters are subject to annual performance review. Annual chapter charter renewal is subject to the outcome of this annual review.

Is Old Guard Riders Inc. a motorcycle club?

Absolutely not. Old Guard Riders Inc. is a tax exempt 501C3 national veterans charity, with members who own and operate motorcycles incidental to approved Old Guard Riders veterans assistance operations.

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 automobiles and other vehicles will be able to participate in every OGR event. Some activities may actually require the assistance of a car or other vehicle 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 and proof of insurance. No exceptions.

Are the any requirements that members must meet to participate in organization events?

If members are operating a motor vehicle, whether automobile or motorcycle, they must have, in their possession, proof of a valid motor vehicle license for whatever type of vehicle they are currently operating and proof that the vehicle they are operating meets minimum insurance requirements as set by the state in which the vehicle is registered.  Some functions, including functions on a military or other federal reserves may also require proof of completion of an approved motorcycle safety course.

Every individual participating in an OGR mission/event MUST sign complete and sign an authorized OGR event liability waiver. Any person who fails or refuses to sign the waiver will not be allowed to legally participate in the mission/event. 

Are automobiles and motorcycles the only type of vehicles permitted within the Old Guard Riders?

No, Old Guard Riders Inc is open to:

• equestrian (horses)
• off road vehicles
•  antique vehicles
•  miniature vehicles, including golf carts
•  go-carts
•  private owned and restored military vehicles
•  show vehicles

Can I start a chapter of just one kind of vehicle?

Yes. Chapters may set up and operate as they choose within strict OGR guidelines.

Why do Old Guard Riders wear a backpatch?

There are many reasons why members choose to wear the Old Guard Riders backpatch. Some of these reasons include:

• organization recognition. We want everyone to know who we are and what we do.
• member recognition. It makes it very easy to recognize a fellow OGR member where ever you may be.
• organization pride. We take great pride in our dedication and support of America's military veterans and their families, what ever their circumstances may be, including aging, homeless, homebound, disabled or disadvantaged.

Who can wear the large logo OGR backpatch?

The large OGR logo backpatch may be worn by a registered ACTIVE member of Old Guard Riders Inc. in good standing with the corporation who has completed the time and veterans assistance requirements as set forth  within the backpatch policy guidelines.

If I purchase a large logo backpatch in order to participate with the Old Guard Riders, is the patch mine to keep or it is the property of Old Guard Riders Inc.?

You cannot individually purchase a large OGR backpatch. The patch must be ordered by your Chapter.The patch is federally copyrighted and there are strict rules concerning who is authorized to wear the patch. Since only registered ACTIVE members of Old Guard Riders Inc. "in good standing" are authorized to wear the patch, any person owning a large OGR logo backpatch who is not a registered member in good standing is not legally entitled to wear the patch.

Old Guard Riders Inc. will not physically pursue the recovery of a large OGR logo backpatch, however, Old Guard Riders Inc. reserves the right to use such legal means as available and required to prevent an unauthorized person from abusing or misusing his/her backpatch.

Chapter ofiicers are required to check chapter membership and organization status prior to any patches being "sold". OGR policy strictly prohibits any member from obtaining a large OGR logo backpatch with the intent of giving, selling or otherwise transferring the backpatch to an unauthorized person. Violators will have their membership immediately revoked.  

 Are there restrictions on wearing our backpatches?

The large OGR logo backpatch may only be worn during actual participation in OGR sanctioned missions, programs or events which are in strict compliance with the Old Guard Riders Inc. Mission Statement and all applicable OGR corporate policy. Casual wearing of the large OGR logo backpatch  is strictly prohibited.

National Executive Officers, members of the Board of Directors and such other corporate officers, as may be specifically designated, are authorized to wear the large OGR logo backpatch at all times while in the conduct of their duties.

Can I wear the Old Guard Riders large back logo patch anywhere?

Yes and no. For motorcycle organizations, such as HOG chapters, Star Riders Chapter, American Legion Riders Chapters, etc., the wearing of their large logo backpatches is not generally an issue. Like these organizations, Old Guard Riders Inc. has never had an issue wearing the large logo backpatch.

However, the wearing of any large logo backpatch comes within the domain of state and national motorcycle organizations called "Confederation of Clubs" or COC. When, where and how large logo backpatches are worn is determined by these organizations. As a national charity, non motorcycle organization, Old Guard Riders Inc. has been given very gracious approval of our backpatches by all COCs contacted to date. We continue to work with all COCs to ensure that all OGR members wearing our patches do so safely and correctly.

Are there restrictions on where I can wear OGR logo backpatches?

Absolutely. As a 501C3 veterans charity organization, both our public image, common sense and specific IRS regulations dictate very specific places where OGR logo backpatches cannot be worn.

Old Guard Riders Inc. large logo backpatches cannot, under any circumstances, be worn at political or commercial events due to IRS and other federal, state and local laws and regulations which govern 501C3 organizations. The mere presence of the OGR logo backpatch might be construed to imply OGR endorsement of the specific candidate or sponsor of the event.

Old Guard  Riders Inc. strictly prohibits the wearing of the OGR logo backpatch within any adult only establishment whatsoever, including video/novelty stores and/or "gentlemen's clubs."

Old Guard  Riders Inc. strictly prohibits members of  the organization from possessing or consuming alcohol during any OGR event or meeting, whether national or chapter sponsored. OGR members are not prohibited from meeting in an establishment that serves alcohol, however the possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited while the "official" meeting or event is taking place.

Once the meeting or event is officially ended and all members have removed their Old Guard Riders logo patches, members are free to conduct themselves as they see fit. 

Can I belong to the Old Guard Riders if I belong to another club, group or organization?

Anyone may become a member of Old Guard Riders Inc., regardless of any other club, group or organization affiliation that you may have, unless those clubs, groups or organizations promote, sponsor or practice teachings and/or activities regarding:

• discrimination or other hate related behavior
• violence or other malicious conduct
• subversive or treasonous behavior
• any other activity or behavior which violates federal, state or local laws and ordnances.

How does Old Guard Riders Inc. interact with other charity and/or non-charity organizations when we operate jointly?

To the extent that another legal and qualified organization is providing a specific veterans assistance within a given area or demographics, OGR will not duplicate their effort and will make every effort to assist that organization in any way possible.

OGR Chapters working on a local level are instructed to conduct themselves in exactly the same manner.

 Is alcohol allowed at Old Guard Riders events?

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. Members are permitted to possess and consume alcohol at their pleasure after the meeting/event is formally closed.

Do not arrive at an Old Guard Riders event with alcohol on your breath, you will be asked to leave.

If you feel that you must drink, do not attend an Old Guard Riders event while doing so.

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/her 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.

What is meant by the term "Forgotten Veterans"?

When used by the Old Guard Riders, the term "Forgotten" refers to four 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.) Disabled and disadvantaged veterans, including those with physical, psychological, mental or emotional injuries. These veterans are frequently ignored by those around them. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a major issue for veterans having previously served in combat, and can be extremely debilitating.

3.) The cremated remains of thousands of veterans found on the "Unclaimed Cremations" shelves of crematories, mortuaries and other institutions. These cremains will remain on shelves indefinitely, unless identified as eligible veterans and moved to a National cemetery.

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. Second, the number of veterans that need assistance is spiraling beyond the government's 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 difference.

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. The stress from being in combat situations can lead to some very serious difficulties in the lives of our veterans.

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, due to circumstances beyond their control.

As members of Old Guard Riders Inc., it is not our place to stand in judgment or make any decision concerning the circumstances of our veterans. We are here to assist in any way that we can.

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:

• Food
• clothing
• shelter
• furniture and appliances
• transportation (cars, motorcycles, etc.)
• job training and placement assistance
• wheel chairs and electric scooters
• Wheelchair and scooter lifts
• and the list goes on ...

Can Old Guard Riders Inc. store and repair items that are donated?

Old Guard Riders Inc. is not equipped to repair any large item donations. If you have any of the large items listed above in "good condition", please contact us. We will be happy to arrange pickup of your item if necessary.

How do I prove I made a donation for tax purposes?

Old Guard Riders Inc. will provide you a tax exempt receipt upon request.

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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