Lost Saints MC Honor Fallen Soldier With PATRIOT GUARD Duty

PFC Matthew M. Martinek

Age: 20 years old

Died: September 11, 2009 in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 501^st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Incident: Died Sept. 11 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered in Paktika province, Afghanistan, Sept. 4 when enemy attacked his vehicle with an improvised-explosive device followed by a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire.

The Lost Saints MC did their part as Patriot Guard Riders, a service provided to the families of U.S. Military personnel who sacrificed their lives for our country. The Lost Saints, along with over one-hundred other riders, honored PFC Matthew Martinek by leading his motorcade. The Martinek family invited the Patriot Guard Riders to lead all aspects of his services. Matthew graduated from Bartlett High School, where hundreds of students lined the street to salute the motorcade and pay their respect to a fallen soldier and friend. Martinek was the second Bartlett graduate to give his life for our freedom within the last year.

The Patriot Guard service is provided only if requested by the decedent's family. Through non-violent means, the Patriot Guard positions itself to physically shield the mourners from the presence of anti-war protesters by blocking protesters from view with their motorcade, or by members holding American flags. The group drowns out the protesters' chants by singing patriotic songs or revving their motorcycle engines. The group's mission quickly expanded to include the funerals of law enforcement officers, fire department personnel, all first responders, and any active duty member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces from all previous wars and conflicts and is now largely focused on recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of all who serve our country. Straight from the Patriot Guard Riders website, their mission statement:

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:

1. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters.
2. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

The Lost Saints agree. Please keep the Martinek family in your thoughts and prayers.

LOST SAINTS RIDE TO PEORIA - NEARLY MURDERED

The Lost Saints MC rode 180 miles to Bartonville, Illinois for a meet with the Peoria Chapter of the Blue Knights MC. It was a beautiful day to ride, and the landscape through Utica was fantastic. Once off the highway, the LSMC rode into what they thought was the Blue Knights 6th Annual Hog Roast. As the LSMC rode into the parking lot, they realized something wasn't right. Unfortunately they found themselves in the middle of an Outlaws MC gathering. Road Captain 'Black Cloud' quickly took a head count. About 30 Outlaws. There were 5 Lost Saints. LSMC President 'Cowboy' would swear there were hundreds. No sooner than the LSMC dismounted, Outlaws began approaching. Scoping. Looking. "Mean-mugging" if you will. Outlaw "P.C. Pete" didn't make the LSMC feel very welcome as he sized up the Cowboy. But P.C.Pete did the respectable thing, shaking hands and extending an invite to spend a few bucks at their charity auction. Black Cloud approached what appeared to be a friendly (and rather portly) Outlaw patch-wearing member. Black Cloud introduced himself, and explained how the LSMC landed square in the middle of Outlaw territory. The Outlaw chuckled, and apparently understood the very Lost Saints. A few handshakes later and a point in the right direction, the LSMC bid the Outlaws farewell and headed for the Blue Knights clubhouse post-haste.

Safe at last. The Blue Knights MC welcomed the Lost Saints MC with open arms and brotherly hospitality. The Blue Knights MC members provided the lowdown on places to see while in the area. The Lost Saints headed to the Bartonville Insane Asylum where legend and folklore tells a scary tale of former inmates who now haunt the hallways of the abandoned asylum. As the LSMC rolled up on the dismal and dilapidated building, the air turned cold. After peering into a few broken windows, the LSMC took some pictures and left the ghosts behind. The next stop was downtown Peoria for Oktoberfest, stopping for a "Heidelburger" and a small sampling of German beer. The LSMC saddled up and headed back to the BKMC Clubhouse where we sampled more great food at the Hog Roast. The LSMC traded stories and took some pictures with the Blue Knights. Nightfall was quickly approaching, and the LSMC headed back home. all body parts intact.