Project Homefront: The QCA Patriot Guard - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Project Homefront: The QCA Patriot Guard

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

Each month we honor a local military family for their sacrifice on Project Homefront. This month of October, we're doing something a little different by introducing you to an "extended" family supporting our troops. 

The Patriot Guard Riders are a growing family of bikers and those alike. Some are veterans, others have family in the military, but they all have the same mission: to honor every man and woman in uniform. They are the ones standing in line with flags at the airport, sending a soldier off to war, or leading a fleet on wheels to escort the fallen back home.

"To show our thanks, to show our praise, how honorable they are and being a Patriot Guard Rider is one of the best ways I know of doing that," said Proud Father Doug Boemecke who said his three sons served in the military a combined 52 years, and he rarely misses a chance to ride or stand with the patriot guard, "The first thing that I think about is I'm glad that my sons made it home alright and I try to understand what these families are going through, so I give them a prayer."

Boemecke, along with other QC patriots and veterans said they are making it their mission to take care of the families, through the best times, and the worst.

"We make sure that the families and the young men and women that's headed overseas or just got back knows there's a community behind them, they're not on their own," said Eric Swanson, a Patriot Guard Rider.

For members of the Patriot Guard they said it's the least they can do to show their appreciation, "I hope we're giving them a piece of mind and I hope that we're relieving them of some of the burden that they shouldn't have to deal with," said Swanson.

That's why Fairway and The Elks presented The Patriot Guard Riders with a gift card and check, and are October's Project Homefront Winners.

The Patriot Guard Riders said they will use the gifts for a big family meal. Also if you're interested in joining the Patriot Guard, no worries, you don't need a motorcycle, just contact qcapgr@gmail.com or call Eric Swanson at (563) 676-7145.