A small town in the Midwest has streets lined with families and children. The escort starts down the main road where children begin to wave flags. A group of motorcycles follows next. Several big, bad bikers wearing dark sunglasses with tears streaming down their faces make their way into town. These bikers are part of official organizations called American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard Riders.
Not many people are aware that Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center employee Rob Chitwood is an active member of both. The organizations go hand-in-hand to support those in need.
The American Legion started after the Patriot Guard. American Legion members are veterans who look after returning soldiers and their families. Patriot Guard is open to anyone focusing on returning soldiers.
"I'm a veteran. I served in the United States Army Military Police Corps from 1983-1993," Chitwood said. "I see us just doing the right thing and showing respect. I want the families to know their loved ones' sacrifices are known and they get the respect they deserve. It's about letting the troops know their work is appreciated."
He joined the American Legion in 2003 and Patriot Guard in 2005 after getting involved with the American Legion itself. It was a new way to participate and be active in the organizations.
"I participate in a lot of the escorts," Chitwood said. "I have to take leave to do it. Thankfully management hasn't given me a hard time about it. They've been fantastic. It's all volunteer work."
He recalls several memories he has from different escorts. One was for Sgt. 1st Class Michael Smith of Bettendorf about six years ago.
"We still do what we can to help out his wife and kids," Chitwood said. "We want to make sure they are not forgotten. Their husband and father sacrificed and has not been forgotten. The kids were young, now they are in middle school and elementary."
Another memorable moment for Chitwood was Jerry Tharp's funeral in Galesburg. The riders met with the State Police before meeting in Galesburg. Over 300 bikers participated in the escort. Once the riders made their way to Galesburg, the state police notified them that the protestors were present and had gotten approval.
"During the funeral and procession, we didn't see any protestors," he said. "Afterwards, I was watching the news and wondered where they were since I didn't see them. I asked around and found out the police had moved their mobile police truck and a fire truck right in front of the protestors. It was fantastic."
At RIA JMTC, Chitwood is a process improvement specialist under project management and engineering. He describes his job as going into different areas to help people improve their jobs. He says his volunteering with the American Legion and Patriot Guard does correlate with his job in some ways.
"I deal with all different types of people and situations," he said. "Some can be more intense than others. Nothing here at work can be as intense as standing between a family member and protestors during a funeral."
Chitwood is married and has three children. His daughter attends Bettendorf High School, one of his sons married last month and his oldest son is serving in the US Army, who is stationed in Germany and has served one tour in Afghanistan.
Besides being an active member of American Legion and Patriot Guard, Chitwood likes to ride motorcycles and help people.
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