Veteran Affairs

VETERANS APPRECIATION WEEKEND

Rick’s 15-Mile Ruck Sack Walk to Raise Awareness & Funds for Operation Giveback during Orlando Harley-Davidson’s Veterans Appreciation Weekend   Orlando, Fla. — July 24,  2014 —  Rick Brumby, a 53 year old Navy veteran and veteran’s advocate representing the Museum of Military History, will don fatigues and a 50 pound ruck sack and take to the streets to support OPERATION GIVEBACK. At 7am on Saturday, July 26th, Rick will begin a 15-mile walk from East Orlando Harley-Davidson to the Orlando Harley-Davidson Historic Factory Dealership. He anticipates arrival by noon. Rick uses Rucking as a vehicle to promote veteran’s causes,…
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THE WALL OF REMEMBRANCE AT HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF PANAMA CITY BEACH

The Wall of Remembrance has arrived at Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach!  Thursday morning, April 24, 2014 at 10 AM it will leave Harley alongside an escorted ride and head to Oaks by the Bay Park, where it will reside through the weekend.   This is the mobile monument's first Florida stop, having just arrived from California. The 103-foot Wall contains the names of 11,000 soldiers who have died in uniform fighting against terror.  Its Founder, JR Nichols, will drive the truck that houses the Wall.   You are invited to come to Harley-Davidson Thursday morning (TOMORROW) from 9 to 10…
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WELL DONE CITY OF PALMETTO

Last weekend showed the City of Palmetto has the ability to raise the bar to make the Desoto Seafood Festival even better than it has been over since its inception. Sunday my day started at Evie’s Tavern & Grill where numerous motorcyclists signed up and participated in the 10th Annual Blue Knight’s Poker Run. The proceeds from the run benefited the ‘Boys’ at the Manatee Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch (Rye Road). I would like to thank the Sarasota Chapter of the Blue Knight’s (XVIII) for what they did and do for surrounding counties, as well as nationally. For those who…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_JANUARY 23, 2014

Marcus Luttrell Last week I wrote about the movie Lone Survivor and I would like to continue along those lines this week.   If you haven’t seen the movie I will give you advance warning it is “R” rated for violence and language. That is not a big surprise for those who have been there and done that. For those who have not, you may be offended by both.   After reading the book Lone Survivor back in 2007, a custom bike builder by the name of Jeri Exner of Clearwater spent nearly seven months building a motorcycle for Marcus…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_JANUARY 17, 2014

Lone Survivor First of all here is my disclaimer prior to writing this column. I am by no stretch of the imagination a movie critic. Sue will tell you we have been to fewer movies than you can count on both hands, make that one hand in the 43 years we have been married. Now that I have that out of the way I want to expound on the movie ‘Lone Survivor’ which I saw Friday. As I sat awaiting the start of the movie along with 45-50 others (mostly my age or older) I became a little apprehensive as…
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HONOR A FALLEN SOLDIER

SPC Justin K. Adams U.S. Army Tampa - Clearwater, FL Wednesday - Friday, 04 & 06 Dec 2013   The family of SPC Justin K. Adams has requested that the Patriot Guard Riders assist in escort and to stand in silent respect for their hero who died while on active duty in Korea. Adams, Justin Kyle, Specialist, 21 of Largo died Friday November 22nd in Seoul, Korea. Justin was born on January 3, 1992 in Litchfield, Illinoi. He served in the US Army where he was a Field Artillery Data Specialist. Justin did his basic training at Ft. Jackson in…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Wreaths and CHRISTmas I know it’s just Thanksgiving and I’m talking about Christmas but I have a good reason as to why. Wreath across America is again involved in making sure each and every grave site at the Sarasota National Cemetery has a fresh cut Christmas Wreath. These wreaths are amazing and will leave you awe struck when you see the cemetery after placement. (National Website - wreathsacrossamerica.org) Motorcycle Escort December 14th (Saturday) Meet - 7am Location – Rest Area on I-75 South of Exit 240 / Sun City) Kick stands up: 8 am 9 am - Arrival at Sarasota…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_NOVEMBER 15, 2013

Veterans Day Last week I was somewhat overwhelmed by my schedule and it showed. I made a mistake and had Veterans Day posted as Thursday, I was happy several of my readers pointed that fact out to me. Now I know people do read my column and I thank each and every one of you for doing do. Last Wednesday twelve Patriot Guard Riders, all of whom were veterans met at Dan Nolan Middle School at Lakewood Ranch to spend time with the students prior to Veterans Day. We were able to talk with them individually and we also displayed…
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MEET THE KISSING SAILOR AT BOB’S BOAT HOUSE RESTAURANT

On August 14, 1945, Alfred Eisenstaedt took a picture of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, minutes after they heard of Japan's surrender to the United States. Two weeks later LIFE magazine published that image. It became one of the most famous WWII photographs in history, a cherished reminder of what it felt like for the war to finally be over.
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AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION THANKS VETERANS

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association thanks veterans of the U.S. armed forces this Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, for their willingness, commitment and sacrifice to protect and defend the United States and the American way of life. "This Veterans Day -- and every day -- we salute America's veterans for their devotion to serving our country," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Veterans are a dedicated and growing segment of motorcycling, and the same patriotism and valor that they demonstrate as American servicemen and women are welcomed qualities to our two-wheeled community. "The freedoms that we enjoy…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Congressman C.W. Bill Young Bill Young was born in Harmarville, Pennsylvania, on December 16, 1930 and moved to Florida at the age of 15 along with his Mother and brother. Bill devoted his life to public service and what made the difference in his life was the fact he served in the Army National Guard from 1948-1957 obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Florida Veterans lost a close friend on October 18, 2013 when Congressman Charles William “Bill” Young passed away at Bethesda Medical Hospital, Maryland. Shortly after his passing I received an email asking if I would be part…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_OCTOBER 25, 2013

Thank You Recently it has come to my attention I have fussed about those who lead us in Washington, sometimes to excess according to my wife. This week I want to thank some special folks who work for the federal government and I see under less than perfect circumstances almost weekly. They would be the men and women who work tirelessly at the Sarasota National Cemetery to make sure those who have served this country are properly treated and taken care of after their passing, no matter what. The ‘no matter what’ part is what I want to address in…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_OCTOBER 11, 2013

World War II Memorial Once in a while I feel good about people reportedly breaking the law. Case in point when WWII Veterans, their guardians and/or family members went to Washington to see THEIR War Memorial.   The senior Veterans were met with barricades surrounding an open memorial. Folks it’s not a building or a high security area, it’s out in the open and it honors those who went to visit it.   Maybe it doesn’t seem like a big deal for those who portray themselves to be our elected leaders to close the memorial but to those who are…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_SEPTEMBER 13, 2013

My Take on Syria First of all here’s the disclaimer. I am in no way an expert on Middle East foreign affairs. Secondly, thank God I am not a politician in any way, shape or form. As a matter of fact my patience has worn very thin with our elected officials in Washington.   My personal take on what should be done with Syria comes from common sense and basic logic which I learned over 66 years of dealing with all types of people, good and bad. I was taught and learned to ‘read’ people by their mannerisms, the way…
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MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Veterans Affairs Health Care This last week I received an envelope from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Enclosed in that envelope was a copy of Department of Veterans Affairs Form 10-10EZ which is the initial enrollment form needed for processing a new applicant to the VA system to be passed onto a person who is not enrolled.   Also enclosed was a letter from Robert A. Petzel, M.D. (Under Secretary for Health) which explained the following for those who are already a part of the VA Health Care System; (1) Most importantly, those who are presently enrolled in the…
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VETERAN AFFAIRS – AUGUST 27, 2013

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