Patriot Guard Riders honor two local fallen veterans

Hazel Dell — Members of the Patriot Guard Riders escorted two unclaimed Navy veterans after their remains were identified by the Clark County Medical Examiner. The medical examiners called and asked PGR to take the fallen soldiers to Willamette National Cemetery in Portland for full military honors and interment. “We feel our fellow veterans have long awaited their full military honors for their self-sacrifices made for our country,” said Lynn Vaughn, assistant state captain of Patriot Guard Riders (West). “It is our honor and privilege to take them to their final resting place and stand with them as they receive these military honors. We act as their family during the course of receiving these honors.” PGR rose up in 2005 as a response to the Westboro Baptist Church picketing and protesting funerals of deceased service men and women who were killed in the line of duty. Over the years, PGR has grown to extend honors to military veterans of any war era, as well as funerals of policemen, firemen, and other first responders. “We stand ready to honor veterans and first responders whenever and wherever we are asked to do so,” said Vaughn.