Rolling Thunder Rides for Veterans

Thundering for causes of veterans
by Donna Teresa

I have a list of places I want to see, things I want to do and people I hope to meet, before I leave this Earth.

My list is big, but unique. I've been fortunate to have accomplished some of those items. One of them is to have the chance to someday meet Artie Muller and the legendary Rolling Thunder motorcycle group.

I know absolutely nothing about motorcycles and, for that matter, don't know how to ride one, but it was never the motorcycle that fascinated me about this organization. When I first saw this large group of people assemble for its annual Memorial Day ride, an event that was televised on the C-Span channel years ago, its message captivated my interest…

This nonprofit organization with more than 80 chartered chapters across the United States and abroad was incorporated in 1995. It is led by Muller and president Gary Sheffmeyer.

These veterans advocates consist of men and women, veterans and nonveterans. Their record of community service is never-ending, tireless and truly admirable. They have courageously taken the lead of advocating for veterans as well as co-authoring legislation to address the issues of POW/MIAs, and veteran homelessness.

In addition, they have provided support to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, offered essential moral support to our newest veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq and educated the nation's youths about the issues that veterans face.

Throughout the year, they consistently make a pilgrimage to clean the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., not because they have to, but because they feel it's an honor to do so. And quite frankly, I can't imagine anyone else having that honor but Rolling Thunder.

This year they are making their 20th anniversary ride on Memorial Day weekend, which begins with a massive rally first at the Pentagon, crossing into Washington, and then heading to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Mall. This ride is not about having a bike parade but to bring attention to the POW/MIA cause.

The Rolling Thunder refuses to let the issue go away and it is relentless in making sure politicians make progress to bring home those who are still missing in action or prisoners of war. I truly believe if it were not for its persistence, the issue would be given a low priority or be nonexistent in Washington politics. The Rolling Thunder is impressive in sight and sound, but is not just a love of bikes that drives its members, but a steadfast determination to stop the injustices to veterans past and present.

The definition of thunder is "the loud sound that follows a flash of lightning." The Rolling Thunder will be making sure that the struggle to fight for veterans' rights will be heard loud and strong for many years to come. As for my list of people to meet such as the Rolling Thunder, that opportunity may never happen, because that's how life works. But at least I can send them this message.

Congratulations to Artie Muller and the Rolling Thunder (www.rollingthunder1.org) on your 20th-anniversary ride and thank you for never forgetting our veterans.

Donna Teresa can be reached at [email protected]

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