![Paul “Bear” Angel is seen at West Neck Marina with his 2003 Electra Glide Classic Anniversary Edition, which he uses in rides to commemorate fallen members of the armed forces. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]](https://princessanneindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/bike-1-3-1024x682.jpg)
PUNGO — People call him Bear.
Paul Angel, originally from Pittsburgh and now of the Malibu neighborhood, served in both the Army and Navy, and he continues to honor those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice by riding on a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic — painted Harley blue — sporting two American flags.
On a spring day at West Neck Marina, Angel showed a challenge coin from the Virginia Patriot Guard Riders, a group that often rides to commemorate the fallen as invited guests of loved ones.
Angel was giving it to a friend at the marina.
“When we do a funeral, we give these to the family,” he said. “This one means a lot to me, but he’s a good guy.”
Said good guy, by the way, did not want his name in the paper, but he clearly was moved by the gesture.
Another man at the marina, Ron Iapicca, noted that he knew of such rides back home in Boston to honor people.
For Angel, the rides are a way to give back to those who have served and their kin.
“It’s showing tribute to our soldiers who have fallen and respect,” he said.
It’s the right thing to do — to honor our fallen.”
![A detail of Bear's patch. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]](https://princessanneindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/bike-1-4-1024x673.jpg)
![The coin Bear gave to his friend. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]](https://princessanneindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/bike-1-2-1024x683.jpg)
Learn more about the Virginia Patriot Guard at virginiapatriotguard.org.
© 2016 Pungo Publishing Co., LLC
