Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 06/01/2026
Title:
title
Presentation of Proclamation and “Key to the City” by Councilwoman Lisa Ford to Jeff and Bonnie Brown, founders of the Patriot Guard Riders
End
Background:
The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) grew out of long-standing traditions of veterans and motorcycle groups attending military funerals to show respect. The modern nationwide movement began with Jeff “Twister” Brown, a Vietnam-era U.S. Air Force veteran from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
In 2005, after participating in the “Run For The Wall” and Rolling Thunder events-experiences that deeply reconnected him with his identity as a veteran-Brown became involved in protecting military funerals from Westboro Baptist Church protests. After attending several missions with groups from Oklahoma and Kansas, he learned of another funeral being targeted by protesters but found no organized way to notify riders. That frustration sparked an idea.
On November 8, 2005, while riding to honor PFC David Martin in Edmond, Oklahoma, Brown decided to create an Internet-based network to alert riders about upcoming military funerals. He shared the idea with fellow riders, and the support was immediate.
That same night, Brown emailed motorcycle and veterans’ groups nationwide. The response grew rapidly-volunteers organized web operations and communication efforts, and membership surged. Within days, a website was launched, and a national structure with state captains was formed.
In less than a year, the Patriot Guard Riders expanded from a grassroots idea in Broken Arrow to over 70,000 members nationwide. Today, with nearly 400,000 volunteers, the PGR stands as a symbol of everyday Americans uniting to honor fallen heroes and support their families.
Cost: None
Funding Source: N/A
Requested By: Lisa Ford, Broken Arrow City Councilor
Approved By: City Manager’s Office
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendation:
recommend
No action required.
end