Fourth of July fundraiser supports Patriot Guard

BY PHYLLIS JACOBS GRIEKSPOOR

The Wichita Eagle

As sporadic fireworks noted Independence Day and Mother Nature threatened to set off fireworks of her own, members of the Kansas Patriot Guard rode their flag-adorned motorcycles into a parking lot across from America's Pub in Old Town.

The motorcycle group, which has become famous for their efforts to protect the families of fallen U.S. soldiers from the funeral demonstrations of members of Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, was honored at the Pub on Wednesday night with a fundraising concert and dance.

Gary Jones, a member of American Legion Club 136 in Mulvane, the club that founded the Patriot Guard, was on hand with his riding partner, Lara Hon.

"It's really an honor to have them do this for us," he said. "We are a nonprofit. We pay for our own gas and food and expenses wherever we travel. It can get expensive."

The Patriot Guard has attended funerals across the United States where the Westboro group has held demonstrations, lining the funeral traffic path with flag-adorned bikes to block the view of the Westboro signs.

"We do it for the families and to honor our soldiers," Jones said.

Most, but not all, of the Patriot Guard riders are veterans who are members of an assortment of American Legion clubs.

More than a dozen organizations helped sponsor the concert and all proceeds from the $10 cover charge were slated to go to the Patriot Guard. The event was organized by Wichitan Brock Hayes, who said he did it to show his appreciation for the Guard's support at the funeral of his father-in-law.

Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, an award-winning band, was the lead bill of the concert.

That was enough for Thane Powell and his date, Leslie Mayer.

"We're here to dance. They're a great band," Mayer said.