As the president begins a troop drawdown in the war on terror, area troops continue to be deployed. These soldiers are spend up to a year away from home,family and many of the comforts they knew when they were home. While the military provides the essentials to keep them operating, it's the "extras" that many must do without while so bravely serving on our behalf. This is why The Guardian Knights Motorcycle Club conceived Operation SOS. With the largest deployment of PA Guard troops in history, Operation SOS stands ready to meet the needs of those troops with "touches of home".
OperationSOS.org is a contact point for our PA Guard and Reserve troops deployed overseas, to let us know what they want or need. Then, through fundraising efforts and activities we are raising monies to provide those items to the troops in the field. This interaction provides a two-fold benefit. It allows us to do something to make their time there easier, and it lets them know that they are loved, supported and missed.
It is the intention of OperationSOS.org to "adopt" units from PA and try to take care of their wants/needs while they are away. Through this web site we provide a connection for the troops themselves to let us know not only what they want/need, but also how they are doing. We can also take donations to help us in this endeavor via online payment in addition to our local fundraising efforts at area events and our own Benefit Ride Scheduled for Sat. Aug. 11, 2012.
While we are aware that there are many programs out there doing similar things, it is our belief that none is handling the effort in quite the same way we are. It is our hope that the personal interaction with the troops by our members will add another dimension of comfort and support while they are "over there" and that we can meet specific and not just general needs for these brave men and women.
The black keystone is symbolic of the 28th Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard whose subdued combat patch is in the shape of a keystone, and symbolic of the Keystone State. Inside the Keystone lies a yellow ribbon, symbolic both as a reminder and tribute to the 34 Soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard who made the ulimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror, and an acknowledgement of the hope for the safe return of more than 5000 of its members currently in harms way. This symbol was first used in the Big33 football event in 2009 and has been presented to the Guardian Knights MC, Inc. by it's creator Captain Jay Ostrich, Senior Public Affairs Officer of the Pennsylvania National Guard for their efforts in supporting the PA National Guard through Operation SOS.
The Troops
Since early Oct. 2008 Operation SOS has spent over $10,000 shipping letters and packages to units in Iraq and Afghanistan. Items shipped to date include snack foods, wet wipes, books, movies, Playstation games, socks and other personal care items. Over 50 letters from area school children and scout troops have also been sent.
We are currently working with many individual soldiers, sailors and marines in Iraq and Afghanistan. The support of the community is greatly appreciated in this effort and we hope you will continue to aid us in our efforts. See our Ride Page for a list of the most requested items.
If you have a friend or loved one deploying with a PA unit, have them contact us with a wish list and we will do our best to fill it.
Who are the Guardian Knights?
The Guardian Knights Motorcycle Club, Inc.
(a 501(c)3 non-profit) is made up of riders who are in law enforcement or retired from law enforcement. Formerly known as the PA Disciples of Justice, the group decided to separate from the DOJMC in the fall of 2008 to better serve its membership and the community. Many of the members are also military veterans and one of our own members is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Each year the Guardian Knights MC, Inc. chooses a project to benefit the community. This year (and for as long as it takes) we have chosen to adopt our PA Guard and Reserve troops and try to make their lives away in a war zone just a little better.
ALL proceeds from this effort are used directly to benefit the soldiers. NONE of the monies raised are used for anything else.
Please be sure to check the site often to see how we are progressing and what our troops have to say. We hope to be able to post photos of our adopted units as well as our different events as they progress.
140+ Riders came out to help raise in excess of $4000 for Operation SOS. The day started with a pancake breakfast provided and served by the Black Sheep HDFC. At 10 am it was kick stands up and on the road. Stephanie Shatto of SVHD later said that it took nearly 4 minutes to roll out all the bikes.
Thanks to the support of the Lower Paxton Twp. PD, Susquehanna Twp. PD and Harrisburg City PD we were able to make a run through Linglestown Road and the city.
We made a couple of rest stops while traveling through some of the best scenery the area has to offer, ending at Memorial Lake State Park at Fort Indiantown Gap where riders were treated to a light lunch and some prize give-aways.
Mark your calendars for next years ride, Saturday August 11, 2012. This year's ride will mark our 5th anniversary and We have a big celebration planned. This year's ride will end at Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson and will feature live music by "Last Call", Food, Prizes and fun for the whole family. We will also be drawing the winner of the Knievel Custom Chopper raffle to benefit Operation Give-Back. Tickets for the raffle are on sale now from GKMC members and can be purchased online at the GKMC web site Click Here. Tickets are only $10 each.
Hear the Bob 94.9 interview from 8/5/2011
promoting the Operation SOS Ride
If you wish to submit contact information for friends or family deployed overseas, or make comments or suggestions, use the form below.
140+ Riders came out to help raise in excess of $4000 for Operation SOS. The day started with a pancake breakfast provided and served by the Black Sheep HDFC. At 10 am it was kick stands up and on the road. Stephanie Shatto of SVHD later said that it took nearly 4 minutes to roll out all the bikes. 
Thanks to the support of the Lower Paxton Twp. PD, Susquehanna Twp. PD and Harrisburg City PD we were able to make a run through Linglestown Road and the city. 
Mark your calendars for next years ride,