Nation of Patriots

When It Comes To Patriotism The Entire Nation Is Involved

By: Chuck N. Baker

(Las Vegas) — How does one define a patriot? A dictionary explains that a patriot is one who loves his country and zealously guards its welfare. While that is certainly one definition and one that would easily fit early Americans who took up arms and started a revolution for freedom, perhaps today the word has expanded its meaning. For example, school children who write glowingly about the Constitution are patriots. Individuals who fly the American flag on holidays, or often fly it year ‘round, can be said to be patriots. Men and women who show up for veterans parades and proudly salute the flag, sometimes with tears in their eyes, are certainly patriots. In fact, it can be said that Americans as a whole reside in a nation of patriots.

I’ll write it again, this time with capital letters — Nation of Patriots. It’s appropriate that a national veterans organization, with a strong presence in Nevada, has taken to use that as its official name. Its mission is to promote the awareness of the financial and physical, emotional and economic misfortune that some U.S. veterans and their families live with each day. The Patriot group works to help those in need. It’s a 100 percent volunteer organization that gives 100 percent of all its donations directly to veterans. Melanie Stout, the organization’s West Regional Commander, said, “We work to unite Americans beneath the flag and behind the men and women serving in the armed forces, and those who have previously served in the armed forces. We raise money through our national network and distribute it directly to the families we strive to support.”

Stout said that eligible veterans must have a financial hardship due to current deployment, service-connected injury or illness, or be on a fixed income while experiencing an emergency situation. “Eligibility includes one dependent as defined by the IRS,” Stout explained.

The main thrust of the Nation of Patriots when it comes to raising charitable funds is its annual Patriot Tour, which is currently in progress. The way it works is that an American flag is passed from one motorcycle bearer to the next as it travels across the entire country. Along the way the bearers — and his or her entourage — raise funds for needy veterans. Each dollar raised goes to the state to help local veterans families in need. In the past tours have brought together thousands of individuals through fundraisers, ceremonies and motorcycle rides. The tour flag has flown on Capitol grounds, with fighter jets and on helicopters and naval ships. Those who carry the flag take an oath and do so with the highest regard for the nation.

This year is especially significant for two reasons. For one, the tour emanated from Las Vegas on May 22. In the past it has only reached the 48 continuous states traveling on two and three wheeled bikes. But for the first time the flag has traveled to Hawaii and Alaska, thanks to a jet-setting volunteer: “One flag, 50 states, 115 days.”

The tour began on May 13 with an official launch at the Red Rock Harley-Davidson location in Las Vegas. Volunteers and supporters gathered to discuss the tour and greet volunteer Larry Preston, who took on the Hawaii and Alaska portion of the tour. Veteran Rick Bitzer, vice-president of operations, was on hand to speak to the crowd. Volunteer associate Minnie Watson assisted. Then on the 22nd dozens of riders began the physical step of the continental journey by meeting to discuss the rules of the road and start traveling to the first stop — Kingman, Arizona. Leading the troupe was flag bearer Dale Kroonenberg, a veteran of the 101st Airborne who served in Vietnam. His patriotism is known far and wide by many veterans. He earned a Silver Star for heroic action in combat. Separately he took part in the celebrated action in the infamous Hamburger Hill assault in ‘Nam. He proudly accepted the tour flag and took the oath of flag bearer in front of riders and guests who attended the launch. Then it was time to don riding gear, rev up the engines and begin the journey to Arizona. Numerous Metro officers on their bikes gathered to give the riders an official send-off. Members of the Las Vegas Fire Department arrived and hoisted a gigantic American flag between two fire engines. Showgirl Christine Biederer was on hand to add some sparkle to the event, and long-time volunteer and spokesman Chuck Lennoitt aided in the ceremony. The Disabled American Veterans provided the Honor Guard.

On September 11, this year’s Patriot Tour will end and the homecoming will take place at the Elks Lodge in Las Vegas. For more information, to donate or to join the organization, Stout can be reached at nationofpatriotslv@gmail.com. She can often be found around town riding her bike. But be patient. When she comes home for a break and cuts off the engine, she’ll be sure to get back to you. Communicating with patriots is her life’s work.

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