More Issues

El Riad Shrine Motor Corps

Pictures taken by Sandra Haase and Jane Anderson

The El Riad Shrine Motor Corps may not be a well-known group, but their skill of riding and intricate routines are a marvel to watch. If you are a novice to what the El Riad Shrine Motor Corps does, Vice Commander of the Motor Corps, Jerry Hauff, gives a little explanation of the group and what they do. “The El Riad Shrine Motor Corps unit started in Sioux Falls in 1994. Originally, to be a part of the corps, members were required to have a white Harley-Davidson Road King Police bike, but in order to broaden the membership a little bit, we started to allow everything with a large v-twin for our unit. We now have around 40 members in the motor corps, eight of those members are on the competition team, with a few alternates. Our unit is both a parade unit, and we also have a competition team.”

The Motor Corps competes in regional competitions, as well as national events when time and travel permit. The Midwest Shrine Association (MSA) consists of 14 temples ranging from Canada, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. They always ride to and from these regional competitions, which is part of the experience and the journey. Once arriving, meetings are scheduled and required to attend, along with a starting parade and ending parade. During the competitions, members are required to pass personal and equipment inspections which account for part of their overall score. There is also a routine in a 150 foot by 300 foot area that all teams must work within. The routine is judged by four field judges, along with the head judge. Execution of four specific maneuvers is required, and teams implement other more complex maneuvers that require a lot of practice in order to execute. The Shriners participate in several parades across South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, executing some of those precision maneuvers in front of thousands of cheering patrons.
For members of El Riad Shrine Temple in Sioux Falls, the main objective is to raise money and awareness for the 22 Shriner Hospitals for Children across North America. It takes almost two million dollars a day to run the hospitals. That money can come from endowments, membership dues, donations from temples, etc. The Shriner Hospitals are committed to providing the best care for children in specialty areas including orthopedics, burn care, spinal cord injury, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Shriners raise money to help transport patients to Cincinnati and Minneapolis, as well as provide assistance to local patient families through other activities. They also raise money for the units so they can continue to parade, compete, and be a presence in their communities. Giving communities, such as Sioux Falls and surrounding areas, help raise funds to sustain the temple, units, and philanthropy.

You may be wondering, “How can I become a part of this great fraternity?” In order to become a Shriner, you must first become a Mason. The website for the Grand Lodge of South Dakota (www.mygrandlodge.org) will help educate you and allow you to do the research necessary to make the life-changing decision to become a Mason and a Shriner. If you don't live in South Dakota, contact your Grand Lodge and they will help you along.

As you can see, Shriners are an important part of our communities across North America. Dedicated people who care for our children's future make the organization a success. Chances are, you know a Shriner who has not reached out to you yet. Take that first step and see if this is right for you. Perhaps the best thing you can do is talk to a patient or recipient of the services, and that will tell the story of who the Shriners are and what they do. The next time you attend a parade, look for the Motor Corps and other Shrine units, and show your support for our great temples and this great country. TMM

July 2016

View Online

More Issues

El Riad Shrine Motor Corps

Images