Oklahoma Travel Warning for PGR Members
Posted by marebear_56 on 08/03/2009 17:01:38
Oklahoma Travel Caution for PGR Members

Effective 13 Aug 09, the PGR back patch is not authorized for wear at anytime in the State of Oklahoma. All other PGR paraphernalia may be displayed during PGR missions and PGR-related activities.
Permanent/semi-permanent items, such as stickers & decals may be displayed anytime on any item or vehicle (i.e, helmets, motorcycles, cages, etc.).

Here's a link that may explain things to many of you:  http://www.rcvsmc.net/

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Extended News
Here is the ORIGINAL message from the Oklahoma State Captain:

UNIFORM & DISPLAY POLICY FOR PGR ITEMS (CLARIFIED INFORMATION)
on: July 28, 2009, 04:40:30 PM

From: Mike "Kit" Kittrell, Oklahoma State Captain

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THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ALL PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN PGR MISSIONS IN OKLAHOMA
 
Effective immediately, the PGR back patch is no longer authorized for wear in Oklahoma, at anytime. Members should not have any patch on the back of their garments that is yellow and blue and has the PGR logo. Additionally, PGR flags, banners, magnets, and stickers, are not authorized to be displayed, on any vehicle (1 or more wheels) except during funeral missions for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, or Marines, who are casualties of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). Patches on the front of the garment (vest, jacket, shirt, etc.) are authorized - no PGR items should be worn on the back of the vest, shirt, or jacket. Shirts or headgear with the PGR logo in any color but BLACK or BLUE are authorized.

This ruling is due to the fact that some PGR members did not follow the original agreement put in place between the PGR and the Oklahoma Confede ration of Clubs, through their agent, American Veterans Motorcycle Club (AVMC). Our actions and failure to follow a formal agreement has forced the Confederation of Clubs and the American Veterans Motorcycle Club (AVMC) (whose colors are blue and gold the same as the colors on PGR items) to restrict the wear and display of the aforementioned items.

Ride Captains will enforce this rule. Members who violate this rule will do so of their own accord and without the support of the State or National leadership. If you choose to violate this rule, you can expect that if observed by an MC, specifically AVMC, you will be directed to remove the unauthorized item.

Background and History

The Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs is an organization organized under the auspices of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists. Among their many duties is their responsibility to resolve conflicts between motorcycle clubs, riding clubs, and other groups, associations, etc., related to motorcycles. The PGR, as a motorcycle-based "group", like it or not, has to abide by the rules, resolutions, and edicts put forth by the COC. The COC itself is led by the predominant motorcycle club (MC) in a given state. As is the case of the State of Oklahoma, the COC is led by the State President of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, Bandido Lee.

When the PGR (National) adopted a back patch several years ago, there was quite a bit of discussion (pro & con) about the need or desire for the patch. Ultimately, National left it to the discretion of the State leadership to either not allow the wear of the patch or to request permission for its wear through the COC. The COC, through AVMC allowed us to wear the patch on missions. However, a number of members have flaunted wearing the patch in venues outside the mission. In the motorcycle world, motorcycle clubs rule. We failed to follow our agreement and that has led us to this point.

For more information on motorcycle clubs, I urge you to read this link: http://www.rcvsmc.net/. In the case of the American Veterans Motorcycle Club, one must understand and appreciate the level of commitment members of a motorcycle club must have. They didn't just show up one day (like the PGR) and begin wearing a patch. They've had to work hard to attain their position in the MC world (including the injury and death of members) just to wear their patches. Their current members can't just go out and buy a patch they have to earn it over a long period of time and take it very, very seriously.
 
So as not to put the AVMC or any other MC in a negative light, please understand that if we follow the rules and work with the MCs, you'll find that all of them (like us) are actually decent, hard-working people. In the case of any veteran's MC, of course they are all vets and deserve our respect.

This ultimately is the culture we choose to operate in. Regardless of your opinion, in order for us to accomplish our mission, we have to follow the rules.

Bear in mind that no one "hates" the PGR. I have spoken personally with Bandido Lee and he stated I like what you guys do. I have also spoken personally with several senior leaders with AVMC, Viet Nam Veteran's MC, and Leatherneck MC and they believe in what we do (they were doing it before we showed up in Aug 05). They want to work with us. But we have to honor our agreements and maintain our integrity.