Bob Harder

Bob Harder entered the Air Force after high school in 1965. Following Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, he was stationed at Chanute AFB Rantoul, Illinois, where he trained as an Aircraft Electrician. After a short appointment at Homestead AFB, Florida, Mr. Harder was deployed to Vietnam, where he was stationed at the base at Tuy Hoa which was still under construction. While there, Mr. Harder worked as an aircraft electrician and his tour of duty lasted one year. 

Upon his return to the United States, Mr. Harder was stationed at Travis AFB, California. After one year, he was discharged with an E4 ranking, and during his military service, he was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal and AF Good Conduct Medal.  

Mr. Harder is Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), which provide assistance for veterans and their families. The Guard’s mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the grieving family. Along with other veterans, Mr. Harder has greeted WWII veterans returning from Washington, met the bodies of veterans returning home for burial and on March 30, 2015, stood for the dedication and renaming ceremony at the Jefferson Rd. Post Office. 

Mr. Harder has also been active in PGR’s Help on the Homefront (HOTH) program, which assists wounded veterans and their families in need. He has been a force in raising money for HOTH by conducting an annual garage sale along with the Corvette Club of Rochester. Mr. Harder has also been involved in another HOTH program where PGR members provide used furniture for veterans returning to society and storing furniture for veterans who were returning to the hospital for additional help. 

Mr. Harder has selflessly donated his time, experience and energies wherever and whenever they have been needed. This makes him a hero not only on the battlefield, but in his community and to all veterans.