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There are lots of reasons to ride a motorcycle—fun, high gas prices, fresh air—but Paul Ramsbey of the Pipestone Companies rides out of respect for our troops and for veterans. He’s a sector captain in the bike-riding Patriot Guard.

Minnesota Patriot Guard

When there’s a funeral for a local military person he organizes a group of riders to show solidarity. The national organization he represents—Patriot Guard—started as a response to demonstrations by the Westboro Baptist Church out of Kansas. But even as members of that small Topeka, KS sect become less visible at military funerals, the Patriot Guard movement grows. (If you’re unfamiliar with Westboro Baptist Church here’s recent coverage of an appearance in Iowa.)

“Controversy sparked something good,” Paul Ramsbey says. He believes the misguided actions of a few brought out the many, to honor those who sacrifice for their country. Today 5,400 Minnesotans ride to respect military personnel and veterans. Paul says Minnesota is one of the strongest states in the national Patriot Guard organization.

You’ve seen them ride in Pipestone, saluting returning National Guard units and providing an honor cavalcade at funerals.

Flags flying, Minnesota Patriot Guard members offer a proud Minnesota welcome to returning troops.

Paul, in his role as sector captain for eight counties, calls together riders from Minnesota with cooperation from the Patriot Guard in northern Iowa and eastern South Dakota—usually on short notice.

“I appreciate the support I get from my boss, Dr. Luke Minion of the Pipestone System,” Paul says. “He’s very understanding when I have to take off for these events. And I’m grateful to Pipestone Company employees who turn out to show their respect for our service people and veterans whenever we ride in Pipestone.”

Paul is Director of Safety and Maintenance for the Pipestone System.

Patriot Guard expresses respect at funeral for an
Iraq War veteran.

He says the Patriot Guard welcomes new motorcycle riders and non-riders, too. The group also spends time with veterans at the Veterans Home in Luverne and financially supports other acts of respect for veterans. A rider need not be a veteran to join this growing movement. To learn more go to www.patriotguard.org.

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