Editor’s Note: In July 2015 we featured Michael (Mad Dog) Lowthorp and a couple of his fellow Patriot Guard Riders and the work they do honoring our veterans. Mad Dog also owns SkootDog Motorcycle Leather & Gear in Mansfield.
Envision a long line of American flags, the red and white stripes gently flowing in the wind. Imagine the sound of hundreds of motorcycle engines revving and roaring in unison as they move in tandem, the ultimate patriotic procession. Sympathize with a family, standing proud and honored as they say their final goodbyes to their beloved fallen. Feel the reverence abound as the significant presence and purpose of the Patriot Guard Riders is realized — their mission, once again, successfully accomplished.
The Patriot Guard Riders is a nationwide nonprofit organization that was formed in 2005 when a group of individuals planned to protest funerals of fallen U.S. warriors. The goal was to prevent the tarnishing of fallen soldiers’ memories by acting as a shield at funeral services. The idea was a popular one that reached the hearts of many, and eventually, despite meager beginnings, the organization grew to thousands of members with chapters in every state of the country.
Although the PGR is comprised primarily of motorcycle riders and military Veterans, these are not requirements for membership. Additionally, there are no registration fees or monthly dues. The only requirement is to possess a profound respect for the military and warriors who serve our country. Three members who share this respect, and a love for motorcycles, are Mike Lowthorp, Ted Waldron and Mike Lambert.
In his youth, Mike “Mad Dog” Lowthorp, a Mansfield resident and motorcycle shop owner, had aspirations to become an Army man. He enlisted to make a career for himself but, unfortunately, suffered a severe knee injury that forced him out after only eight months. So, he redirected his life and began a career in the retail automotive industry. Nearly 25 years later, he then became an insurance adjuster, which led him to the PGR. On a business trip, a friend told him about the group. Mad Dog was instantly intrigued, and after a little research, he joined in 2013. The chance to once again practice and demonstrate his deep patriotism thrilled him.
Mad Dog is a general member, meaning he rides his 2006 Harley Ultra Classic and stands in flag lines at Honor Missions. Initially, he joined because he wanted to act as a protective buffer at military funeral services, but over the years, it has grown into something much more meaningful to the tall, brawny man. “Many families have no idea their loved one was a hero. When they see us, they realize how important that person was,” he said.
Another Mansfield resident and current PGR ride captain is Ted “Coal Miner” Waldron. In the 1960s, he joined the Marine Corps and attained the rank of gunnery sergeant while working as a weather forecaster. As a Vietnam Veteran, he experienced many painful occurrences, including poor treatment from his fellow Americans. “I returned home during an unpopular time. We were told not to wear our uniforms in public, because it was so bad,” Coal Miner recalled. “We were treated with no respect.”
However, Coal Miner’s pride and beliefs were unshaken, and he then joined the Air Force, where he earned the rank of chief master sergeant and worked as a civil engineer for another 19 years. From these experiences, he learned well the definition of camaraderie, as well as what it meant to serve his country. When he joined the PGR in 2013, Coal Miner once again had the chance to experience close relationships, as well as pay his respects to those who had risked everything by being in the military. “The public’s support of veterans and active-duty military has changed a complete 180 from what it used to be,” he stated. “That’s wonderful to see.”
As ride captain, Coal Miner shoulders much of the responsibility for ensuring PGR members have the necessary information for missions in the area. “I coordinate with funeral homes, the family and the military. I search online and in newspaper articles to get the information I need to ensure everything is done,” he explained. Atop his 2012 Can-Am Spyder trike, Coal Miner essentially leads the way, demonstrating his deep respect and pride, and assisting the Riders one mission at a time.
Mike “Gunner” Lambert, a former Mansfield resident, joined in 2008 as a general member. He rode on missions and stood in flag lines, but when he saw the opportunity to do more, he stepped up and became a ride captain. After two years, he once again took a higher rank as assistant state captain only to become the state captain another two years later. Now, he is the regional ride captain for the South/Central States.
Gunner rides a 2013 Stallion, a three-wheeled motorcycle made exclusively in Texas. He also serves the PGR by overseeing the day-to-day operations in the Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas regions. With a 22-year Navy career under his belt, the former combat search and rescue Vietnam veteran knows what it means to be a strong, fair leader. “The biggest thrill for me is working with riders and being in the position where I always feel like a proud parent,” Gunner said. “All of these people are working for the same thing — a smile or a pat on the back.”
“I consider that our pay,” Coal Miner added.
In honorable and sincere ways, the PGR gives dignity to those who have suffered and sacrificed for the nation’s safety. As volunteers, not a single member is paid a penny for the missions they help execute. Missions include: funeral, memorial, internment and visitation services for veteran and active duty deaths, as well as medal, dedication and memorial ceremonies. They also participate in both send-off and welcome-home functions, as well as Wounded Warrior home dedications. “Seeing the family members’ faces and the appreciation they have for us makes the whole experience for each mission,” Mad Dog stated.
In the past year, both Coal Miner and Mad Dog have ridden in about 15 missions in Mansfield. Coal Miner has coordinated nine in Mansfield alone. In total, the trio, in some capacity, has been a part of the hundreds of missions in the North Texas Region. According to them, it’s truly a moving experience witnessing so many compatriots come together for a common purpose. “You eventually begin to wear your emotions on your sleeve,” Gunner said.
“We all wear dark glasses, too. There’s a lot of allergies out there,” Coal Miner smiled.
Patriotism is defined as devotion to one’s country. This is demonstrated through actions deeply rooted in culture, respect and honor. These actions range from flying an American flag to saluting veterans and active duty military members or riding with the Patriot Guard Riders. No matter the action, it’s the reason behind it that matters most. When Mad Dog, Coal Miner and Gunner do what they do, it’s undeniable why. With an exceptional appreciation for the military and an unwavering respect for fallen heroes, they prove their patriotism one ride at a time.
SkootDog Motorcycle Leather and Gear
780 W. Debbie Ln., Suite 200
Mansfield, TX 76063
(682) 256-0722
Written by Sara Edgell
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