Patriot Riders movie.

As you may have heard, Ellen Frick is making a new documentary film,  "Patriot Riders".  The film takes us on a solemn journey astride thundering motorcycles to the sometimes silent, sometimes turbulent funerals of young soldiers killed in action. The film follows the men and women of the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), a group of motorcyclists originally formed to protect grieving families from a hate group who gather at military funerals to harass families for allowing their sons and daughters to serve. This amazing grass-roots movement has grown to more than 200,000 members in just five years.

Ellen and her crew have been tirelessly crossing the country for over a year making "Patriot Riders" because she believes fervently in the story of the PGR. Now she needs your help. To finish the film and ensure it is seen by a wider audience will take money for post-production and community outreach.

I recently joined the production team for Patriot Riders. I’ve known Ellen for years and I knew any project she was involved with was a good one. After watching the trailer I immediately joined the team. I am not a motorcycle rider, not a member of the military, and had never heard of the PGR, but I was moved by the story. I recently attended my first mission, for Army National Guard First Lt. Joseph J. Theinert, a 24-year-old from Shelter Island, New York, who died in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device was detonated during a dismounted patrol. Attending the funeral was an incredibly moving experience, as was watching the PGR circle the funeral with their flags and hearing the grateful comments from mourners for the PGR’s presence. I hope you can help us use the medium of film to bring that experience to many other Americans like myself, who have never heard of the PGR and the important work they do.

Please go to www.patriotguardmovie.com, watch the trailer and make a tax deductible pledge to support this worthwhile project. We need to raise at least $50,000 in the next month to keep the film moving forward.  Any amount, large or small is greatly appreciated. And for different levels of giving, you can receive different gifts from us thanking you for your generosity.  For $25 you'll get a  custom "Soldier Down, Kickstands Up" patch. Higher levels earn you other gifts, from  DVDs of the film, to a special night at a premier in your area.

Thank you Hero for taking the time to read this email and for your interest in "Patriot Riders." We hope you can join us on this incredible journey. Please forward this email to everyone you know who might support the story of the Patriot Guard Riders.

The PGR has grown far beyond it's beginnings of protecting fallen soldiers' families from a hate group. "Patriot Riders" is a film about how one small group's humble mission has grown to a major national movement of patriotism, community and compassion. Please, help us tell this important story.

Sincerely,

Lee Carlson

Executive Producer

Patriot Rid