Dear
Tribute to the Troops:
I was just browing online yesterday and ran upon
your site through Yahoo and decided to check
it out. I am currently stationed with 4th BCT,
1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, TX. And originally
from Faribault, MN. I am just really glad to
see your support and contributions to the Military.
I know every time I see someone supporting the
Troops I tell them thanks and anytime someone
comes and thanks me whether it is at the airport
or just out in the community, I in return tell
them thanks for supporting us. I can't tell you
how nice it is to hear people tell us thanks.
I couldn't tell you how many times I've been
stopped in the airport just for them to tell
me thanks and give me a hug! It's even hard for
me to buy my own food in the airport. I was reporting
to my duty station during leave and a pilot of
the aircraft I just departed from was at the
local subway and purchased my meal. I was surprised
at the cashier saying my order was paid for and
the next thing I saw was the pilot coming to
see me and thanking me and telling me who he
was. I am Proud to be a Soldier and thank you
again for supporting us. On behalf of Bravo Battery
2nd Battallion, 29th Field Artillery, God Bless
Your and Army Strong!!!
PFC Kenneth M. Perry
2nd BN 29th FA, FORSCOM
We
would like to extend our appreciation to Tribute
to the Troops. Thank you to Ride Captain Chris
Lind and to Troop Board Member Mike Lundeen for
organizing the stops for our family. We are grateful
to the organization and riders for sharing with
us the plaque commemorating Matthew. Sharing
an afternoon of our memories with you and to
having learned about your stories that brought
you to the ride were an honor for us. Other than
the afternoon rain showers, we could not have
asked for a better day to share with you in remembering
Matt.
Colleen Kahler and the family of SFC Matthew
Kahler
I
can not find the words to thank you and everybody
who came to our home to honor and remember
our son Josh. I am so proud to have been his
mother
and he was a good boy. We miss him and his
smile with every part of our being. There are
days
I can hardly breathe with the pain in my heart.
But to know there are people out there that
would take the time to remember and visit was
heart
warming. It was great to see some faces that
we knew from Jan. when Josh came home.
I will never be able to put into words what
that weekend meant to us.You guys rock and
I love and appreciate all of you.
Lynn Anderson
Proud Mom of SPC Josh "Doc" Anderson
Dear
Friends,,
Steve and I, Linn, Shawn, Charlie, Jamie, & Darrin,
and our familys wanted to thank you all so
much for an enlightening and healing weekend.
We cannot say
enough what it did for all of us, as we continue this journey that has now
included you in our lives, although times it
was hard to relive the stories that have
all brought us together. The tears flowed and new friendships have been made.
We have stories that only this new family can have. You have taught us to give,
love, and share ourselvesin a special way with families like ours.
The
southern ride was brought to us for a reason
and weare still grateful for that day you
rode up our driveway. To be able to ride up others driveways is one we are
so grateful to be able to be inluced in. Thank
you for your unselfish love and generosity.
We love you.
Steve and Deb
Shawn and Linn Roberts
Charlie and Jamie
Darrin Langanki
Hi
Gregg!
Sorry to take so long to get this to you...this
has been quite a week.
I want to thank you, Rockie, and the entire
TTTT
organization for this past weekend. I can tell
you for a fact that you made Kim Modeen feel
so much better. She was so excited and grateful,
as we were a year ago.
I cannot even begin to express the impact
you all have on our families. I know I've said
it
before but it is so true... what you do is
so very important to the families of our fallen
heroes. It is very obvious to all of us
that you care about our loved ones. And your
college fund
for the children left behind is simply AWESOME!
Our family and close friends had a great time.
Those that couldn't be there last year were
very impressed with the great job you do
of honoring
our heroes. Thanks again!
Love to all of you,
Betsy Turcotte
Grandmother of A Fallen Hero
NDT 2-17-83/12-04-2006
Hi
Randy,
My heart was filled with emotion looking through
the photos of this past weekend. Reading the
words of so many people, tears came rolling
down my face thinking of all of you and how
you have
helped so my people and brought healing to
so many family members and veterans. My ex-husband
explained to me how he was spit on at the airport
and was treated badly by a cab driver and people
when he returned home. This man and many others
were drafted and some sat in front of a open
door on a helicoptor for our freedom. I can't
tell you how thankful and glad I am that Vietnam
Veterans are feeling some healing from this
effort
too. You have brought awareness of our fallen
soldiers to many and comfort and help to the
families that their sacrifice will never be
forgotten. We go about our lives as normal
as as we should,
not really thinking of the small percent that
is caring the full responsibility for our freedom
and making the ultimate sacrifice. All of the
research, coordinating, event planning, roads,
mapping and service
to the families involved in organizing something
as huge as this has got to be endless. TTTT
touches more and more people every day. This
has been
a great opportunity for me also to show my
support for our troops in a comfortable atmosphere
riding
my bike which I thoroughly enjoy. I am so happy
to have shared in this wonderful experience.
Thank You for all of your hard work and I look
forward to riding with TTTT in the future.
Mary
Dear
Rockie, Gregg and Tribute to the Troops Family,
It's hard to put into words how much your visit has comforted my family and me.
To say Thank You just doesn't seem to express
our thanks and gratitude for honoring my twin
brother Bill. He would have been so proud to
have been a part of such a wonderful organization
as he was an avid motor cycler. He would have
definitely been one to ride along to other families
had he not been in Iraq.
I now have
another way of getting through those rough days;
it's as if I will forever have one
HUGE hug wrapped around me to help me through.
Each and everyone of you have left a definite
mark in our minds and hearts, one which will
never be forgotten. If you were someone who
didn't have the pleasure of witnessing such honest
and
heartfelt emotions you wouldn't believe it,
to see all these people come to you and say "thank
you" and "he will not be forgotten" truly is amazing. As his family we will never forget him but to know that there
are others out there who never met him, that
will think of him on occasion and what he was
doing and be as proud of him as we are truly
says more about the kind of people you are
and an inspiration to anyone privileged enough
to
meet you.
To those of
you who so generously gave rides to the kids
that day, I wish I had gotten a chance to thank
each of you personally because not only did
you give them a memory of a lifetime, for my
two
kids, Brittanie and Anthony especially you
gave them something to smile about!
To Rockie;
you touched a part of my daughter that I haven't
seen in 41 weeks and 3 days (as of the date of
this email.) She was such an innocent girl and
simply loved life and for a few short moments
you gave that back to her and I Thank You! At
the concert on Sunday, what you said to her left
such an impression on her; someone whom she had
never met and is famous would take the time to
tell her her Uncle was a hero and he wouldn't
be forgotten and the fact that you took the time
to ask about her, when she would drive and once
she got her license that you would sit beside
her and go for a drive, and to keep in touch
on your my space page, people don't do that unless
they are truly compassionate about what they
do and I can tell that you are, I also told her
that they aren't empty promises because he truly
cares about what he is doing and the people he
meets. You not only have a gift in your voice
you have an amazingly huge heart!
Gregg and
Maggie - From the first time I met you at Fatboys
you have shown nothing but support for my family.
TTTT is such a wonderful organization you have
created, it shows by all of the people you have
involved that you are both caring, compassionate
and thoughtful individuals. To take time from
your own schedules to come to our home and visit
us, honor Bill, look at pictures, just can't
be adequately expressed by 2 simple words, thank
you.
To James Parent:
You truly have the heart of an angel, you not
only gave Tony a ride but also put a smile on
his face and gave him a few moments where it
was something fun that he could do, he has not
stopped talking about the ride and hoping he
can go along next year (all decked out in his
ride gear!) As I said at the Medina, if by chance
you have no one riding with you next year, you
would have a companion in Tony if you would like.
He would be honored not only to be on the ride
but to ride with someone who cares so much about
what you do and I thank you for that!
Jeff and Deb
- you were there for the funeral, you gladly
escorted my brother's bike to the funeral (even
though it seemed insane to everyone else to have
a bike out in the middle of Winter but you found
a way to do it) you have become friends of my
family and you feed Jake your scraps, that in
my book (and Bill's) makes you absolutely wonderful,
caring people! It is a true honor to be able
to say I know such wonderful people.
Randy and
Barbara - I want to thank you for doing such
a wonderful job of notifying us of when you were
coming, finding out where to park and handling
all of the logistics, I was not part of the ride,
but I can imagine it is not an easy task. You
have both been so caring and such a comfort to
my family not only the day of the ride but the
day we met at Fatboys.
To all of
the riders I met on Friday, September 5th I want
to say thank you for every kind word, expression,
token or gift and hugs, those hugs will get me
through the hardest of hard days and will never
be forgotten. Each and everyone of you have an
amazingly huge heart!
Lastly, I
would like to say thank you for the wonderful
concert on Sunday night, not only was the music
fabulous but the moments to remember not only
the fallen heroes but their families will never
be forgotten. I was able to meet some other families,
and was especially thankful to meet the family
of Jonathan Tobiason who was killed 2 days after
my brother. His mother, sister and Aunt's and
Uncles. I have a picture of my son with Jonathan's
uncle both of whom are wearing their red tribute
to the troops bandana's. It was such a comfort
to meet Nancy and talk about our siblings and
how they seemed to be so alike and just be there
when we both started to cry, knowing the other
was going through the same loss and we were surrounded
by a lot of people that cared even though they
had never met our loved one.
Thank you
for a memorable weekend and god bless all of
you, you are amazing!
Bridget Sura
Twin Sister of
IPA William (Bill) Juneau KIA 11-26-2007
Dear
Gregg,
I love to read the letter you sent us over
and over!
Speaking for myself, being part of the ride
was not at all selfless. I am 100% addicted
to all
the love and hugs we receive, and that is
a HUGE pay-off!
And
all that love and hugs is a big way God provides
His strength. I guarantee you, God uses you
and TTTT.
There is no way for me to stop thinking about
Daniel. The best I can to is try to aim the
thoughts in a positive or helpful direction.
Being with
TTTT makes that happen. And........I can soooooooo
picture Daniel doing it, too. Trying to hear
his words, touch what
he touched, love what he loved, and doing what
he might have done - is as close as I can get
to having him present in this life. I know
I will see him again.
And
one day I will introduce all of you!
Love, Gwen
Mother of Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Olsen
September
11, 2008
Dear Patriot Guard Riders and TTTT Members,
Happy Patriot’s
Day! This day is for you. As I was preparing
a lesson plan for my third graders yesterday,
I knew right away who I was going to talk about.
It will be with great pleasure and pride that
I share your mission with my students today,
and tell them all about how you ride all over
the state to protect each of your comrades from
ridicule and uphold their honor, and how genuinely
sincere each and every one of you are as you
embark on each mission. Wow, talk about positive
role models.
Take pride in this day, because you are what makes Patriot Day what it is. I
am so very proud to be an American, because of people like you.
Sincerely
Judy Carlson
Eagle View Elementary
Elko New Market, MN
First let
me say that all of us feel what you feel,
and your words could not have been any more truthful
and heartfelt.
I can only add that I have rode my motorcycle
a few 700 mile days before, and was never
as exhausted as I was coming home from the Medina
this weekend. My heart felt warm inside,
and
of course my tear supply was on empty.
The TTTT gang
has become more of a 2 wheeled family, and it
just keeps growing by leaps and
bounds. I am sure that Rocky and Gregg had
no idea what this would become, and I can see
it
in there eyes when they speak.
The speech
that was given by the vet was over the top, and
as I looked around the room everyone
there was hanging on every word. I just wanted to add to what you had already
so thoughtfully said. Thankyou for all you
do. And thankyou to the whole TTTT family,
because
that is what we are, a family. We are one
body of like minded people, with a like minded
love
of our great country. We all appreciate what
our brave soldiers do for our freedoms, and
we share the pain with the familys when one
is lost.
North, South or Central? We are just "1" family,
we are the "Tribute to the troops", and I am very proud to be part of it all.
Mark Hennig
Randy & Gregg " 2
G's ",
I need to thank you and your group of Patriots
for a unbelievable weekend. I had a blast
. What you folks do is hard to put in to
wordsright
now for me.
Your link will be on our website sometime this
am. I look forward to speaking to you after all the dust settles
from your event. Again , thanks to everyone. Especially the " Road
Monkeys " lol
Skip Hermann
Proud Veteran
U.S.Army ' 78 - ' 82
Gregg, On behalf of Melanie, Dylan, Ashley, Brandon,
Duane, Sandy and
the Pionk family we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for
the honor you gave to Matthew. It is Americans like you and your
organization that make America the greatest nation on this earth. The
concert last night was unbelieveable. The riders put a smile on the
Pionk childrens faces they have been watching the video over and over
that we shot when they arrived. The pain was and still is horrible
from losing our Matthew but the honor and attention you gave us
helped ease the pain. We will always be greatful and we will see you
next year at the concert.
Could you please convey this message to Rocky and every one in the
tribute to the troops organization.
Thank
you very much and God bless America and our
troops
Duane Pionk
Well - another year has come and gone And it's
not until after I get home that I feel the reality
sink in
of the emotion spent over the weekend
500+ miles - all a sacrifice I'm willing to make with you in order to
be a part of the healing this TTTT family generates within these
families of fallen soldiers. Doesn't even feel like a sacrifice -
mostly a driving force.
I
had a chance to talk with so many of the families at the Medina. I think what's so cool is NONE of them were left alone - each of us,
I feel were lead to be with certain parts of certain families because
each of us - through the weekend - felt very strong towards every one
of those feeling the loss yet we each perhaps felt stronger "tugs"
toward certain people.
I felt the grace of God and the feeling of peace building as I watched
hugs - LONG and STRONG hugs - the tears and the laughter. The
power of all of you surrounding these families in a circle - beyond words
I hope they all felt the hug you created for them through arms
intertwined - actually - I know they did because most joined you and
I saw the looks on their faces.
I am so blessed to be a part of this family of ours. Thank you for
those of you who came to me and thanked me - I hope you know that I
in turn am so thankful for all of you. Not only are we helping heal
these beautiful families - we are also building an incredible bond
between ourselves and it just grows stronger every time we are together.
I was taken aback by the speach that was made that evening by our
dear friend To find that we are actually providing healing to our Veterans!!!! -
who have been so angry or lost through so many years of our lives.
You know - I just cannot fathom the ENORMITY of what is happening
here - It is a miracle - a HUGE miracle - built by small acts of
kindness built one on top of the other - kind of like our arms
intertwined in our group hug.
I am so thankful for all of you
For "our founders" and those called
to lead with them
I am proud to walk with all of you toward this incredible goal.
Before I leave you - I must share one piece of a story.
Our first stop on the Central Ride on Friday afternoon was quite a
way to start our whole journey - to say the least.
Mom was alone and she had just received recent sad news regarding her
son's death - our hero, Specialist Jacob J. Fairbanks,
that very morning. When we found her behind her closed door with the
gold star flag - she was shocked - she had been so wrapped up in her
mourning and sadness that she forgot we were coming/confused the day
- she broke down and trembled. Tears flowed like a waterfall. Of
course - the domino effect - the waterfall became 60+waterfalls and the healing began. She said she hadn't cried since he died in
April "even at his funeral" and
now here she was just letting it go in front of all of us. She didn't understand why this was happening in front of such a huge group of "strangers" -
she came to realize that we were already her friends and that we were there to comfort her and tell her she, her family and her son will not be forgotten.
As I witnessed
the hugging and words of comfort given so freely to her - and we had all
taken our turn in holding her - she kept weeping
and trying to share stories of her son - saying how she just keeps
expecting him to walk in her door and say "Hi
mom, I'm home" -
something extra special began to happen. Our Gold Star Moms and Dads
(The Olsons and the Beardsleys)
joined her and started to comfort her and give her words of hope.
This was so powerful ON TOP OF powerful already.
It was truly hard to leave her there all alone - no one else was home
with her and it haunted me that night and the next day.
Here's what I want to share
When I spoke with her at the Medina (thankfully she came and brought
her daughter and 's stepfather)
She had me come outside - she felt uncomfortable staying but wanted
us to have tokens in her son's memory that she had made for us.
As we walked - she still trembled - this time fighting tears. She
said - that morning - she had felt like she was at the end of her
rope and felt so helpless and alone - and then we showed up.
She said we were like a flock of angels and said "God
sure works in
mysterious ways" - she continued by saying "I
don't know what I would
have done without you at that very time on that very day"
Now - The more I become involved in all of this - the more I pray.
I pray for all of you and your safety.
I pray for all of these families in their healing. and I KNOW - they know we are here for them - anytime - anywhere -
someone will come to help, talk, cry, listen.......whatever they need.
This Tribute has become something that I don't think ANY ONE of us
could have imagined - ever
all I can say is WOW
~Peace~ to all of you. I love yo. My life and SO many others has been blessed
because of you
let's keep this moving - together - the power is building
a difference has been made - over and over - each time we reach out
to these beautiful families.
From the depth of my heart
Laurie / aka Lensbabe
Had
the pleasure to see this bike in person at Sturgis.
It is a fantastic chooper in design and finish.
I applaud you for using this chopper as a means
to remind all of us daily the sacrifices made
by our troops and their family members. My only
wish is that it ulitimately ends up in the hands
of a soldier, sailor, marine or airmen.....as
it should be.
Special
thank you to Blackwater Choppers, Rocky Mountain
Choppers and Finish Line Design (Brian and Leah Gall).
Good
luck to all in the upcoming drawing this
Sunday.
Respectfully,
MSG GENE M. CLAYTON
Desert Storm Veteran
Iraqi Freedom Veteran
Gregg,
Please pass along a big thank you
to all the organizers of Saturday's ride and leadership at TTTT.
I am again amazed
at the ease at which everything seems to go at such a large
event. I brought my wife along on this one and she has
told everyone she's seen since how genuinely caring all
the Tribute riders are and the kindness and genuine feelings
that went into the visits at the VA hospital and at the
recruiting station. She never really understood the scope
of what you all do until Saturday when she saw it in person.
I think she was a little scared by our road guard duties,
but she adapted really well to stopping traffic
Thanks again.
See you on June 5th.
Jim Woodruff
Tribute To The Troops
Hey There, not sure if you all remember me. My name is Manny Lopez, I was at the Memorial held in Minnesota, near North Branch. I was there with the Benson Family.
Right now I'm in Fallujah, Iraq for my second deployment. Things are running smoothly, not too crazy. It’s a little slow, we are basically support for the Iraqi Police, and as soon as they have no problems controlling their city, we will transition away.
I just wanted to say thank you for all the support. It’s great to see that there are people out there that care as much as you guys. Let everyone please know that I am grateful and will hopefully see you, or some of you when I get back next year. Take Care & God Bless!
Sincerely,
Manuel A.Lopez
Rockie, Gregg, and all the members of tribute to the troops, Our family would just like to tell you how much you have touched our lives. There really are not enough words to express our gratitude. You are such a humble group of individuals that have put your beliefs in action. Our family will be forever grateful that you are helping a community, state, and nation remember what our son died for. We are so honored to know such a geniune group of people. Of course we wish that you never had to come to our home, but knowing that there are people that are willing to share in our grief and let us know that we have not been forgotten, makes the process a little easier to handle. We have just been honored by your show of support. The whole weekend was very emotional for us, when you showed up at our house we were blown away how many of you there were, I don't think we have recieved so many hugs at one given time - THANK YOU!!!! The ride on Sunday was awesome, in someways it was bittersweet, being able to have lunch with the national guard - the brave men and woman who are still serving our country was really special. Being surrounded by so many patriotic men and woman - made us think that our son died to defend a great country made up of people who really believe in it!!!! And finally what can we say about the concert at the Medina - UNBELIEVABLE - Rockie, God has given you an incredible talent to not only sing, but to touch peoples lives through your stage shows, we felt so blessed to be there and knew it was exactly where God wanted us to be to continue our process of healing. We have met so many great people that we hope we will continue to call friends for the rest of our lives and we just know that there will be a special place in heaven for each one of you. Again Thank You so much for touching our lives and we look forward to seeing you all again
- GOD BLESS
The Beardsley Family
I would like to thank you all for paying a special moment to honor Mike-- it meant a lot to his family and others---- my son will never forget it. Anyway-- you are an amazing group of caring people
-- God Bless you. Jeanice Hazen- West Saint Paul
Hi Gregg,
I am
sorry that this is so late in coming...Words can not even
express how grateful and thankful I am to have been able
to participate in this year's Tribute To The Troops Ride.
Spending time, getting to know you and the rest of the
folks who put this magnificent event on was overwhelming.
I am still reeling from the emotions of the weekend. You,
Maggie, Rockie, Randy, Barbara, Jerry, Jere, Laurie, Gail
and all of the riders, the list goes on, for all the people
who took me under their wings, helping me to feel apart
of this great group. It definitely opened my eyes up to
all the good you do.
You asked
me to give you a little bit about what I thought about
the event. I can't express more than what you see in the
faces of families who have lost their loved one. The pillars
of strength that they show and how grateful they are that
someone reached out and noticed them and their grief. The
fact that they want to make sure that all the riders are
taken care of, very surprised about all the families who
wanted to feed this many people. But that would be me too!My hat
goes off to Randy (but I'm sure that all of the ride leaders
are the same), I just happened to be riding the Central
Ride, how organized the ride is. The precision and how
everything is timed right out so we are not early and we
are not late. It was really nice to see the law enforcement
agencies step up to help with the safety of the riders.
Too bad we can't get more! Safety being such a key element.
Everyone makes sure that everyone is taken care of, a big
extended family! BIG KUDOS to Randy!The Concert
and wrap up was awesome! Getting all of the families together
and giving them honor that they deserve. The whole event
shows the respect for our fallen heroes that definitely
should be shouted from the mountain tops. Look what these
families have given us so that we may have our freedom.
I wish there is some way the media would cover this event
and events like it.You have
an stupendous staff that surrounds you and Rockie with
this event. I am looking forward to seeing more pictures
from Laurie (what an amazing person and a phenomenal photographer)
and the others. Please keep me in the loop!If you
would allow, I would like to participate again next year
as we talked about before I left. My drive back to Nashville
was long, but it was definitely reflective from the weekend
just spent. My burn has healed nicely. Still tired though!If there
is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to
ask! I will try to help in whatever way I can. Thank you
again for your hospitality! I look forward to hearing from
you!
All the best,
Shar'n Clark
Shake 'Em Up Music
Rockie Lynne - Carolina Blue Sky Music
9 Music Square South, #125
Nashville, TN 37203
To
all of the Tribute To The Troops Riders & Volunteers,
I want to thank you for remembering my son and our family
during the 2007 ride and concert. It matters that our loved
ones are remembered, and your visit made a difference.Your
visit and the concert left us with so many amazing memories:
the emotions that swelled as we heard the roar of your
approaching motorcycles; the expressions on your faces
as you gathered in front of our house; the sheer number
of you taking your time and resources to remember; the
beautiful plaque, CDs, and concert tickets so graciously
given to us; the heartfelt hugs and tears you shared; the
opportunity to visit with you; being able to read to you
the writing my son had marked with his dog tag; and the
beautiful tribute paid to our soldiers during the concert.
These are memories that will be cherished forever.I understand
the purpose of your visits and the concert is to honor
our loved ones and remember their families, but I want
you to know that we were also honored to have had your visit.
Thank you so much for your compassion.
You are amazing.We
will definitely be at next year’s concert. It’s
already on my calendar.
Sandy Masterson
Mother of CPL Conor G. Masterson
I must
tell you that participating in the 2007 TTTT had a profound
effect on me. I was truly moved by the genuine outpouring
of emotion at the visits to the families and again at Camp
Ripley. I had never before met Rockie Lynne, Gregg, Randy
or most of the volunteers and was really touched by the amount
of compassion these people and more had for the families and
the troops. I am a MN Patriot Guard member and would like
to volunteer some of my time for the 2008 event. If the November
meeting is open to the general public, I will attend along
with the concert afterward. Regardless, count on my participation
in the years to come. You people do a marvelous thing here
and more people need to know about it.
Jim Woodruff
Mr. Knafla,
I cannot thank you and your friends at Tribute to the Troops
enough for the wonderful ride and concert. My family was
more than touched at the outpouring and love your riders
conveyed. I do not know what else to say other than
thank you... Anyone will tell you I am NEVER speechless
- this ride/concert - leaves me that way...OK...
so I guess I am not TOO speechless because I have some
things to say - I wanted to say a thank you. You stood
out amongst the rest - I still have your bracelet in my
car - I put it around my shifter to remind me of the wonderful
things you and the others have done for families around
MN - and so when people ask me about it I can tell them
of the wonderful person who gave his room for my parents,
was a shoulder to cry on (when I didn't think I had any
tears left), and even had enough energy after 3 days of
riding a motorcycle to dance (with permission from his
wife) with a perfect stranger! Thank you! I wish I could
remember the names of the others that treated my family
so well and seemed to keep an "eagle eye" on
us to make sure we were ok during the concert.I wanted
you to know that my family is doing ok. We shed a lot of
tears and I believe that has been a part of our healing.
We cry on our own, we cry together - happy tears, sad tears
it depends on the day, but we are coping and making it through.I am sure I will see you next year!
With Sincere Thanks!
Proud sister of Marine Sgt. Chad M. Allen
KIA Iraq, February 28, 2007
Linell Haux (Allen)
I just
wanted to thank you again for all the hard work in organizing
the TTTT central ride. I was very impressed with how
everything was timed just perfectly!
It was an amazing experience - hard to put into words. Tony
and I will definitely be participating again. I would like
to help out the organization in any way I can. Not sure if
I will be at the annual donation meeting but I will definitely
be at the concert. I hope to see you there. I'll
be watching for future meetings. Please let me know if
there is anything I can do - this is such an amazing cause.
Hope to see you in November.
Stacey Eriksson
Hi Gregg,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for making me feel welcome
among the Tribute Group! It was such an amazing experience.
I felt so proud to be apart of it! I hope to be apart of
it forever! Please keep in touch and let me know if you
need help with anything! Thanks Again! I'll see you soon.
Raquell
Randy,
Cindy and I owe you and the entire TTTT team our heartfelt
thanks for leading what was simply the most organized,
thoughtful and memorable ride that we have ever been
involved with. It was an unforgettable week-end that
was what I refer to as a "centering life event".
We too are honored and humbled to be participants.
THANK
YOU!
Brad Chandler
Gegg,
Our family would like to thank you, Rockie, and your entire
organization for this past weekend. It was such a
thrill to see so many bikes carrying so many genuinely
wonderful people come to Nick's home in his honor. We
hope the pictures gave you all a bit of a glimpse into
the great life led by our Nicholas. Thanks
to all of you for the care given to little Miss Shelby,
who had a wonderful weekend thanks to your caring organization. She, of course, has a new love in her
life. Rockie really touched her heart, and all of ours
for that matter. You gentlemen should be proud of the
organization. TTTT has our undying gratitude. We were
able to ENJOY something that directly honored Nick,
and that is not easy most days.|We will definitely keep all of you in our prayers and your
website in our laptops. If you
ever need any help during the course of this next year,
please keep my e-mail and phone number handy. I
would like to help you in any way I can.
Tribute
to The Troops ROCKS! God Bless!
Betsy Turcotte
A Very Grateful and Proud Grandmother of A Fallen Hero
Dear
Gregg,
I just wanted to write and thank you, again, for everything
that you do. Coming to my parent's house (Grandma & Papa)
to honor Nick was absolutely amazing! My heart is still reeling
from that day...I've never seen anything like it! Just knowing
that there are people like you & Rockie and Maggie, etc...who
really, really care about our loss, and who I truly believe
will never let them be forgotten; it means more than I can
ever put into words. And knowing that Nick is being remembered
and loved by a whole lot of people, especially with us living
in Colorado, well, I can't even tell you what that means
to me. Every time I leave Maple Grove to come back to Colorado
my heart breaks; but with every visit, it somehow gets a
little easier, knowing that so many of you will not forget
him, and are truly there to honor him, along with all the
other Minnesota Fallen Heroes, it helps my heart more than
you will ever know. He's with me/us here in Colorado, I know
he's watching out for us; I believe you, too, have all gained
your own personal red-headed guardian angel!!Anyway,
I just wanted to send my love and thanks for all that you
guys do; by the way, Shelby thinks you're totally awesome
and can't wait until the next time she gets to see you!
Thank you so much for being so sweet to her, I believe
you won her heart!! She says Hi and hopes your foot/leg
is getting better!! In her words, "You Rock"!!Give
my love to Maggie, I'll be dropping her an email real soon!
You take care of yourself & I look forward to the
next time we meet!
Safe
riding!
Debbie Moore
(Proud Mom of SGT Nicholas D. Turcotte/KIA 12-04-06)
To All
the Tribute To The Troops Southern Riders
If it wasn't for your organization and your awesome visits & benefit
concerts, we "Broken Hearted" families would hide
from the world-pull the covers over our heads and never dance
again. So Thank you for the therapy session:)
Ride-On & God Bless you
From the Family of Sgt. Joshua Schmit
Wow!
You guys have made the biggest impression in my heart. I
can not begin to tell you what your visit meant to us. You
do something that takes a special heart and soul to do. You're
awesome! Thanks for braving the cold and rain to ride all
the way to Beardsley. Just as Kevin will never be forgotten
you won't either. Continue to do what you do and touch all
the aching hearts of families in Minnesota. I hope you enjoy
the pictures and will keep checking your website for pictures
of the "eyes".
Continue to ride safe.
Thanks again for everything.
Rhonda Witte
Hello Randy!
Just catching up on some e-mails and I wanted to extend our
family's thanks one more time for the Tribute ride on Saturday
the 8th---totally awesome and very moving--- and the
Benefit Concert on Sunday. As I told Gregg, it was
a time to celebrate Nick's life and the others with
some fun and love, both of which come at a premium these
days.I knew
you would do a scouting run beforehand and I am sure it
was not hard to identify our home. The flags and yellow
ribbons have been a fixture ever since Nick left for Camp
Shelby, MS.We will
definitely attend next year's concert and bring several
more peope with us. Your organization needs as much recognition
as it can get. You are all great.
Sincerely,
Betsy Turcotte
Proud Grandmother of a Fallen Hero
We want
to thank everyone for helping us honor Johnathan Benson and
all the troops this past weekend. Thank you for all the love,
kind words and support;it was a memorable event. After experiencing
both "sides" we can say that this is a wonderful organization
and we want to continue to serve any way we can.
Thank you and may God bless you all!
Dave and Michelle Benson
Thank
you for your time and commitment to the TTTT. Brian and I
have done all four years and continue to see the impact that
such an event has had on the people that embrace it. We will
continue to hold the TTTT close to our hearts and carry the
weekend with us throughout the year.
God Bless, Melanie Warwas/Brian Dehn
Greetings,
Four years ago we rode to visit three families who had lost
their hero (and our hero), without any idea of what we were
doing, we only had an idea that it was the right thing to
do. I think it is amazing that four years later all three
of the families that we visited that first year attended the
concert and continue to express gratitude for what we did
and are doing. I want to thank everyone that helps to continue
that idea from four years ago, from the board members to the
volunteers to the bands that donated their time, and to the
riders who took a weekend out of their busy schedules to join
us to the sponsors that support us. Each and every one of
you play a very important part in honoring our heros and their
families, and for that I say THANK YOU. Please keep them all
in your minds and prayers.
I am honored and humbled,
Randy Vaughn
Thunder Country Productions, Inc.
ROCKIE LYNNE
www.rockielynne.comDearest Mama and Papa,
How can I thank you for your wonderful hospitality during my visit? I can't
thank you enough for all you did to my my trip smooth as silk or to make me
feel more welcome. It was a joy to meet you both and Rockie, too, and I count
myself luckier in life for the experience you shared with me.The motorcycle
ride was absolutely awesome and emotionally moving. I wrote two stories and
hope I captured half the heart and spirit of the event. Please send my love
to Rockie, too, and express my thanks for his warmth and inspiration.Here are
links to the stories posted online this morning. I'll send more
photos when I get to the office on Monday. Looking forward to talking soon!
Donna Miles
Randy,
Bill and I want to thank you and the other members for letting
us be a part of this years ride. It is an experience we will
never forget and we are looking forward to participating for
as long as we are able to. It was a pleasure meeting all of
you and we are looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Sue
Sherman
So many
thank you's...
Instead of being Weekend spectators, we get to be PARTICIPANTS.
Instead of being the silent majority, We can be ACTIVE and
ALIVE. As the Commander said at Lunch... Will we ever know
how much it means to the Soldiers? Goosbumps, shivers, & Tears.
To You, Rockie and all the Committee Members that give the
rest of us the opportunity to participate.
THANKS. Terry Roehl
I cannot
believe how big this ride is getting, it's amazing to have
gotten to be a part of it for the last three years and watch
the awareness grow. It will be nice when the day comes and
you just have to plan the Memorial Day Ride on Sunday with
no visits to families. You guys do an awesome job at planning
this event.
This
is one of the smoothest rides I have ever been on being this
size. I enjoyed helping out and being a Road Guard and doing
a small part helping out. I like the way Rockie performed
this year, dedicating the first part to the families. I am
sure it meant a lot to them.
Thanks for all that you do!
Gigi
Thank
you guys for the best organized ride i have ever been on.Me
and the wife both went on the ride and thourghly enjoyed it,
We are also PGR members. We also joined the Tribute To The
Troops. I am interested in doing some volunteer work for the
oganization, who do i need to contact?
Thank You
Don Sparks ( Sparky )
|
I would just like to take the time and thank you for what you do. A few weeks
ago I was on leave visting family before a deployment.
I had to stop at the Wal-Mart in Forest Lake
and when I came out I found a card thanking me
for my service. It really felt great to know
that what I do every day matters to people and
are thankful for our service. The only thing
I wish I could have done was thanked the person
that took the time to place the card on my car.
It really did bring a smile to my face and I
just wanted to say thank you for all that you
do.
John Von Lange
Gregg,
Maggie, Randy.
I received 2 certificates in the mail today and I wanted to say thank you. I
never expected that. It was nice and gave me
a warm feeling that you had even noticed. As
with the PGR, I don't think anyone does it for
the recognition and the good feelings we get
are more than enough but this was very special
because I so strongly believe in what you are
doing.
Recognition
from you is great as I look up to all of you
for what you do. I am so grateful that you
let me be a part of what you have worked so hard
to bring to fruition. I wished I could have
contributed
more to your successful mission but I was almost
full time between PGR, DAV, TTTT and Relay
for Life this year.
I
participated in the Wreaths Across America today
at the Veterans
Cemetery and as we were laying the wreaths
at the gravesites I met a mom and pop of a soldier
from Milaca that had been KIA in 2005. As they
were telling me how important the PGR was as
now they know there are people like us that
care
and wont forget they mentioned what it meant
to them when the TTTT visited them. They remember
how awesome it was when you visited and that
it helped them heal. She started to cry and
I had a hard time holding back the tears. I was
so proud I had my vest on with my TTTT patches.
You
have made a big difference in peoples lives.
You have made
me very proud. I am grateful for the opportunity
you all have provided me. I will be 70 before
the next ride so do not know how much I can continue
to do but trust that you have provided me with
some of my greatest memories. I can hope that
you can sit and look back with self satisfaction
and pleasure at what you have done for the KIA
families, the military and those of us that you
let share in the accomplishment. May you have
the Happiest and Merriest of Christmases.
James C. Parent
To combine motorcycle riding with such a worthy cause is beyond words. Seeing the faces of the families of fallen
soldiers when all these folks ride up is the best feeling you could
give someone for free. They know we won't forget. Jim Hallila
I
wholeheartedly agree with the deep feelings of
thankfulness for everyone involved with Tribute
to the Troops. This organization
has been the #1 in the healing of my son David's
death. There are so many of you that have a
special place in the heart - a heart that has
been bruised
so deeply especially with my sons recent news
in regards to his death.
I as well as all of my children & their families personally thank each and every
one of you, your strength has given me strength
to keep going when a huge part of me just wants
to give up.
I thank you so much for everything that this organization has done for me and
my family. My goal is to become more active with
Tribute tothe Troops and somehow show my thanks
for everything.
Sincerely,
Deb Cedergren
Sunday,
September 14, 2008
Gregg, Rocky & everyone
who participated in Tribute to Troops:
I would like to address everyone, but there to
many names for me to remember.
All week I have been thinking about how to say
thank you for not forgetting about Jacob & all
of our troops.
I
would like to say first is that you have given
our family a weekend to remember and that we
have never felt so much love and support in one
weekend.
(I still feel it!)
Jill's favorite part was meeting different people
who could relate to what we are going through,
music & Bagpipe
performance. Jeff's
favorite part was meeting everyone, music, speakers,
bagpipe performance,
reading of the
names and looking at the chopper. My
favorite I loved every part & Rocky,
I love the songs, you are very talented and
have a beautiful voice
'You all helped me personnally in a positive
way with my grieving process.
This is the story I tell:
It
was Friday afternoon and I was feeling
very sad. I was upstairs in my bedroom & I
was thinking about Jake......
My wlindow was open it was a beautiful
day. All of a sudden I heard a motorcycle,
( I
thought this was coming from Whitebear
Ave.) And
then I heard 2 motorcycles, then 3 and then more
and more........and the roaring
was coming
from in the front of my house. I
ran down the stairs and looked out my front window
and just about you know what
in my
pants! When I opened the my front door
and stepped out I saw sooo many kind faces. The
front
of the
house was filled with people, the street
filled with
motorcycles. A site to remember. Gregg
and Rocky introduced themselves, and told the
purpose
of the visit. Then Rocky presented to me a plaque that
had a picture of Jacob on it & what
Tribute to the Troops stand for.. I was
overcome with emotions.
Then everyone gave me a hug and that was
alot of hugs!
THANK
YOU TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS FOR WHO YOU ALL ARE & GOD
BLESS.
Sincerely,
THE FAMILY OF SPECIALIST JACOB FAIRBANKS
Chris
Lind and the Southern group of TTTT riders
Where do we begin to let you know the heartfelt
caring and love we have for all of you who
came to Hayfield to remember us in our great
loss of John.
Finding
words for the feelings you all left us with is
one of the most difficult
things to put
in black and white. A “Thank You” doesn’t seem
enough !
Your
presence with us was overwhelming. The generous
giving of yourselves, showing support
and the
spirit of love you gave meant so much. My family
and friends
who were there were awestruck with the compassion
each of you showed.
There
is so much emotion I will continue to have in
my heart for each
of you. Those hugs
will
linger with me always. I will treasure the
TTTT Flag,
remembrance photo and coin.
The
evening at Medina blew us away. The speakers,
all the music
(Rockie’s talent touches all
of us) and friendship and sharing was beyond
anything
I could have imagined. The love in that
room was
felt everywhere. The TTTT group should
be so proud of what they are doing, as they
give
of themselves
to each family.
You
prove that WE are united as one here in the USA
and feel each others pain. Your organization
and its gift of caring and honor will forever
be
in our hearts!! We are honored and very proud
to have you become part of our family now also! God be with each of you in the TTTT group!
And all of our Troops !!!
Please share this with ALL the TTTT members
With Love and Hugs
Virginia Tobiason and Nancy Mitchell
Forever Proud of son and brother SFC
John J Tobiason, Iraq 11-28-07
Gregg
and Maggie,
I can't tell you how proud I am of the work
you do for the Tribute To The Troops, I am
so very
proud of you and all that are involved in
this wonderful Tribute you give our fallen
Hero's
and the support and love you give to the
families that you visit. I am extremely proud
to say
that you are my daughter and son-in-law in
this beautiful work that you do. I know how
HARD you both work to make this such a success.
God Bless You and God Bless America. I thank
you from the bottom of my heart,that I and
all my loved ones can have Freedom in out
country because of the Armed Forces protecting
our Freedom. Barb Zarich
Hi
Maggie and Gregg.
I just wanted to say thank you for providing
the opportunity to ride with you and try to
help
our heroes families with the healing process.
I know you get thank you's from the families
and others but the opportunity you provide
the riders is important too. I strongly suspect
that rider patriotism is greater because
of TTTT and that they spread their patriotism
even more. I am particularly grateful because
I had stood the flag line for almost all
of
those heroes and had at least seen the families
before and had stories about several of them.
- Bill Juneau's family had Bill's bike and helmet
brought to the front door of the church so all
entering had to walk by it.
- Jacob
Fairbanks family let the kids come out and
rev the pipes of the bikes and give us some
heartwarming
pics
- Josh
Andersons mom came out in the cold and hugged
every single person on the flag line while
the
Gov and Amy Klobuchar were inside.
- Paul
Johnson Rueben's service had the West Baptist
Church protesters present.
- Gregory
Rundells family asked all PGR to come in to
pay respects and
gave us a bear hug at the casket. etc. etc. etc.
So you see how this was a significant event
for me ( and probably all the riders) and I appreciate the opportunity you provide and
thank you just does not seem to be enough. On another subject I do not seem to be
on the email list. Could you check on it for me. I have to plan ahead to attend meetings as I am so
far away and the emails would help.
Also, I have had the opportunity to lead a lot of rides (Funeral escorts,
welcome homes, etc.) and I have to say Randy did an excellent job with so many bikes and so much
traffic. What a great job. I had hoped to tell him myself but he was so busy at the Medina
that I couldn't get to him. Please tell him for me and others who said so also.
At the Medina, the Bill Juneau family took me aside to take my picture
with Tony, the little boy I took on the ride. They were so grateful and I was so proud. They told me
the entire family wants to go on the whole ride next year.
You guys are awesome and I thank you so much for the opportunity you provide to all of us.
James C. Parent
Hi Gregg,
Just wanted to say again how awesome the event was on Sunday. So glad
I was there to witness it for myself and feel the emotion
of the night. What a special group you and Rockie
have put together! Looking forward to the next
event with TTTT's.
Neil Freeman Promotions Director
BOB 106
I
want to start by saying thank you to your group
for the outstanding support you offer to the
families of our fallen heroes.
My cousin SFC John Tobiason was killed inside
the green zone in Iraq last November. Hearing
the news that night I was overcome with emotions
and for the first time in my life I fainted.
Over the next few days I struggled with anger,
rage and a sense of revenge for the people
who did this to him. I had forgotten about the
love,
devotion and courage it took for John to lay
his life down so that we can walk the streets
without fear, vote in elections and speak freely. Having been to many visitations and funerals and had never seen anything like
I did the night of John’s visitation. I was amazed
at the sight of the Minnesota Patriot Guard Riders
standing along the road as I drove to see my
cousin for the last time. As I turned into the
parking lot I again was amazed to see them outside
every entrance to the funeral home and posted
all around the building holding American flags
in honor of a man they never knew, I must point
out that these men did this in temperatures hovering
around 10 degrees with wind whipped snow, not
once complaining or even moving off their marks
until relieved by another who took his place.
It was at that moment the anger left me and the
love returned, it was the sight of these men
paying tribute to John that made me realize that
this was not about anger but the memory of John
and the love we have for him.
I had never
heard of your group before the weekend of your
September 2008 tribute ride, my father a Vietnam
Veteran who served with the United States Navy
as a Medic attended the gathering in Hayfield
Minnesota for John. When he returned home that
evening he was in awe, he told me about the sound
of the bikes approaching the town off in the
distance, and how the line of bikes stretched
as far as he could see. The presentation of the
plaque to his sister Virginia and the genuine
emotions displayed by the members could only
be described as amazing. The event in Hayfield
touched him so deeply that he insisted I come
with him to the event in Medina, after listening
to my father who in all my years growing up never
displayed the type of emotions I saw in him that
day. All this was due to the men who again had
given up their time to honor a man they never
knew. Arriving in Medina on Sunday night to the
parking lot full of bikes and people who I quite
honestly I have gone out of my way to avoid in
the past brought back memories of the night back in November when I first saw the Patriot Guard
and I knew I was not in danger but in the safest
place in the world. Surrounded by the spirit
of John and the other fallen hero’s and the sound
of laughter made me feel at peace for the first
time in months.
The event
was much like a celebration of these hero’s music,
stories, pictures and jokes. But it was also
a memorial service of sorts, with tears, hugging
and sadness. The range of emotions I felt that
night where felt by everyone in attendance that
I’m sure of, what I’m not sure of is did anyone
find closure that night? I did. John is gone,
but he is not forgotten he lives on in memories
and pictures and yet there is still sadness inside
I no longer feel the anger and rage I had kept
inside for far too long. The speakers that night
where inspiring, they touched everyone there
including my son who had only meet John a few
times but can remember every minute of the visits
we had with him. Hearing the names of Minnesota’s
fallen hero’s and the names of their home towns
I started to put the map together in my head
and thought to myself my God I have been to just
about every town mentioned and to think you visited
each and every one of the places is just amazing.
The miles between the homes of the families,
the amount of emotions you saw those three days and the fact it never got you down
your group kept going from one town to the next
knowing it would be emotional for them but necessary
to show the families that regular people do care
for them. It does not matter how you look, what
you drive or where you live, we are all Americans
who live where we want, drive what and where
we want and look any way we feel is because of
the sacrifice John and thousands of other brave
men and women who lost their lives protecting
the freedoms we hold so dearly.
I do not ride
a motorcycle, I'm no good at fundraising but
I do want to help so I pledge to become involved
with remembrance ceremony’s at Ft. Snelling,
to volunteer at the Veterans Hospital and to
make sure I say thank you to every veteran and
active member of the armed services I meet for
the courage, strength and willingness to protect
me and the ideals of our country even if that
means dying for the freedoms we cherish as Americans.
Patriotism
is not about flying the American flag on the
fourth of July or putting special plates on your
car, Patriotism is going out to vote, serving
or helping another without hesitation not for
money but because you care, it’s about speaking
your mind if you do not agree with something
or someone, it’s about our country and each and
every one of us who live here under the protection
of our hero’s past, present and future. Thank
you John for the sacrifice you made for me, thank
you to every fallen hero, their families and
loved ones for the price they have paid for us
and thank you to your group for inspiring me
to see that the events surrounding the death
of John where not about hate but about love,
caring and courage, thank you for who for not
forgetting about him, his family and the hundreds
of other Minnesota fallen and their families
they need your support and comfort. Thank you
for the words spoken that night they inspired
me to act rather than sit back and watch. Thank
you for the compassion you have shown to my family and the families of every fallen hero. Thank you for the
amount of time you take each and every day to
carry out the home visits, the grave side vigils
and the funeral marches. You need to know that
what you do touches more than the families, what
you do inspires ordinary people with a call to
do what is right and that is to take care of
your fellow man, show compassion and assist when
and where you can. No matter if it is a hero
from today’s war on terror or yesterdays hero’s
of Vietnam, Korea or the few remaining from the
World War’s they are all hero’s and are due the
respect that they deserve, some later than others
but now is the time, I stand united with them
as a proud American. I pledge to carry on their
memory and to pay my respects to the fallen each
and every day.
Thank you
for your time,
Matt Petersen
Cousin of
SFC John J Tobiason
Killed in
Action November, 28th 2007 Baghdad, Iraq.
Jim
and I and our family echo your letter. You captured
the weekend so well with your words, as I read
it I was brought right
back to each visit and the incredible 'reunion'
event at the Medina. I cried all over again,
tears of sorrow and tears of hope and Joy.
Being a Gold Star Family, we knew exactly what
these
families were feeling, yet I am still amazed,
as you were, how God seemed to show up in so
many different ways and through so many different
people and work in these lives. We have come
to call this feeling 'grieving with hope' Our
loss will never lessen and we will always grieve,
but we have hope to move forward knowing that
God has placed so many wonderful people beside
us to walk the journey. We tried as often as
we could to tell everyone who is involved in
this great organization that you really, really
make a difference and I think this weekend
was testiment to that. You truly are the hands
and
feet of God. For Jim and I we could not think
of a better way to honor our Son, BJ, (who
was an avid motorcycler also) than to ride
along side such an incredible group of people
who's
passion is evident in the works you do.
It says in Psalms 45:4 "Ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your
right hand (that would be our throttle hand)
display awesome deeds.
Thank you for all that you do and God Bless,
Jim
and Dianna Beardsley
Proud parents of
SSG William 'BJ' Beardsley 5/23/81
- 2/26/07
Gregg,
This past weekend is one of the most inspiring
times I have ever had. I met your group at
the home of Kevin and Lynn Anderson, who
lost their son Josh in Iraq this year and
then rode
with the group to Rosemont to honor another
family. I also attended the event in Medina
and truly am honored to meet those like Rockie
and Gregg and so many others who give their
precious time for this event. Your organization
will be one that I will be adding to my list
to support. I would also like to get some
contact info for Jeff Seber, the Vietnam
Veteran that
spoke to us at last nights event. I would love
to have him speak to my squadron at a future
commanders call. ( I am a First Sgt) Once again
thank you... Dale S. Myhers
Tim B,
Once again a great safe year. I just want to
take the time to tell you THANK YOU!!!!!!!! This
year was great and we were all safe. You again
amaze me on how we stay on schedule all weekend.
We make a differance in a lot of lives when we
show up at their homes. I know I truly am blessed
to be able to be a part of this wonderful group.
Lori Dobbs
Hi Gregg,
I waited an extra day to write a note of congratulations
and thanks to you, Rockie, and the whole TTTT organization,
on another great tribute weekend. What a wonderful
group. I thought if I waited
an extra day,
some of my giddiness may have subsided, and I
wouldn't say something really sappy. I hope it
works. But I
did want to pass on a thought I kept coming back
to over the eekend. I have found no other venue
where I feel
so surrounded by people with similar beliefs,
and who appreciate what others have done to make
our life better.
I am beginning to realize we share more than
a love of motorcycling and patriotism, we also
share core values of love, hope, compassion, and understanding
for people in need. We can never fill the void
in these families
hearts who have lost a loved one, but we can
at least momentarily cover it with a smile, a
hug, and a warm welcome
into the TTTT family, where they know their loss
will never be forgotten. Over the years of my
riding with TTTT I have witnessed and vividly
recall the many faces of moms, dads, sisters,
brothers, etc., where a transformation from tears
and sadness has turned into smiles and hope,
to me that's a mini miracle of healing. The people
I meet on these rides never fail to amaze and inspire me. I am sure
I am not alone when I say I feel "honored" in
the presence of these
families, I don't know any other way to explain
it. To have the Beardsley's and Olsen's ride
with us all weekend was
a real blessing. Seeing Conor Masterson's mom
at Ft. Snelling and the concert along with all
those families from
past years and present was real special. But
I also mean people like Anna and her friends
from Chicago and her "Wounded
Heroes Fund' group. What amazing people. How
about Jeff Seeber? I wish I could put a little
bit of him in a bottle and carry it in my pocket
everyday. Maybe that would make me a better person.
For those that fear what our
next generation might be like, they should visit
a facility like Camp Ripley and meet these dedicated
young men and women, America is in good hands.
I could go on and on but I know I'm getting dangerously
close to the sappiness I
spoke of earlier, but you know what, I really
don't mind. If that's what it takes to convey
my thoughts and my thanks to
all you wonderful people...so be it. God willing I will see you all again next time.
Ride safe my friends,
Pete Schelitzche
P.S.
A special thanks
also
to Laurie for preserving
these memories
in photographs, and to Randy and all the roadguards
for getting us all back home safe ..great job.
I
would just like to say thank you for what you
are doing. I am currently serving is the air
force and I am deployed to the middle
east. Its great to hear what you are doing
for us troops.
Andrew Ledo, USAF Iraq
Hey Maggie,
I talked to you after the ride on Saturday night
at the concert. You told me
to e-mail you, so here I am. The show was great
by the way. What you guys do is great, too. It's good to know that
we are still strong in what we
believe as Americans no matter what the media
says. Here is my contact info for after my June 6th deployment. (Info withheld)
Spc Stephen Gatchell
Hi
Randy,
Just a quick note to again say THANKS for doing
your usual great job as our Road Captain
on the TTTT rides this past
weekend. The preparation and skills you and
all the road guards show to get us to locations
on time and home safely does not
go unnoticed. We all appreciate it very much...
Thanks again!
Ride safe,
Pete Schelitzche
Good
Morning Gregg,
Congratulations to you, Rockie, and the whole TTTT board and
volunteers for another successful ride and concert honoring the brave young men and
women serving in our Armed Forces. The visits to the families of our fallen heroes
are always very touching and inspirational. I always hope we help to ease their burden
for at least a fleeting moment...I think we do. There were so many emotional highlights
I would find it hard to rate them, but I must admit that seeing Jeff Seeber salute
us all as we left Fort Snelling Cemetary touched me on a personal
level, and left a mental picture I will always remember. It's
at those times you're thankful you're alone with just your
thoughts, your bike, hiding behind your sunglasses. There were
so many moments, presentations, people, etc., that left a lasting
impression. I can't thank you enough for putting together an organization that gives all of us people "from different
walks of life",
a chance to show our appreciation to these military heroes
and their families. As I will not forget this weekend, I will
also never forget all the wonderful heroes we honored, and the
families they left behind.
With warm regards,
Pete Schelitzche
Imagineering Machine, Inc
Please
extend our most heartfelt thanks to all the riders who visited
the Schmits on Saturday. It will never be forgotten. Also for
the Sunday concert tickets. You made the front page of our local
newspaper today.
Jan
Hazen
To the
Riders, Committee Members, Gregg, Rockie and The Bands, Thank
you one and all for bringing the families of loved one lost
together for a great night. Thank you for the ride you all
so love to do and for honoring our lost heroes. And lastly,
thank you for being such wonderful people.
Marcia & Ed Herrgott
All gave some and some gave all
Parents of PFC Edward J.(Jim)Herrgott
From:CSM Doug Julin
1/34th BCT Command Sergeant Major
Thanks
to all that your group is doing back there in the state.
We are still here in Iraq for a few more months and can't
wait to get home. I am looking forward to meeting a number
of you and plan to attend a few of the rides. It will be
two years since I have been able to ride my bike and what
a great bunch of people to plan a ride with. Take care
and thanks again for taking care of business back there
while we continue to do what we have to over here.
Thanks, CSM Doug Julin
Read the thank you letter from John Folsom of Wounded
Warriors.
Hi Guys.
I am just writing to say thank you again for remembering our Adam (Van Alstine)
during your 2006 ride. I am forever reminded of him and your gracious visit when
I look at his framed photo we received. It is a very hard time on us as we are
approaching the 1 yr passing of him (Feb. 25). Your work does not go unnoticed..and
we are forever grateful. May God bless all of you. Please keep my wife and family
in your prayers.
Darin Meyers, Cottage Grove, MN
Gregg,
We received the Christmas card and it was awesome. We are so
proud of all that you do, concerts, rides, donations. We are
so proud to know each and everyone of you. From our home to
each and everyone's home that help in these ventures, God Bless
and Happy Holidays.
Ed and Marcia Herrgott
Gregg,
Your cycle riders came as promised; the picture of Mike is
very nice. I got lots of hugs and they took lots of pictures.
Thank you very much.
Love, njb
Pam I
should have got around to this sooner, but it is I and Coni
that should be thanking you and all the people that put this
Tribute RIDE together. It was one of those weekends
that going in we did not know what to expect, but we thought
the idea was something that we had to participate in. Boy
where we blown away with what we experienced over those 3
days.
The way we were treated that first morning pretty much set
the tone for the whole weekend. It was like we had ridden
together for years. The friendships that we made will
never be forgotten. The family s we visited, I
do not know how to put into words what we felt.
Please extend to Chris our thanks for the great job he did
as Ride Captain.
I could go on and on but I think you understand.
We look forward to when ever our paths will cross again and
you can be sure that the SOUTHERN RIDE will rock again in
2007.
Rick & Coni Granahan
Really
nice slide show you guys. I participated on Friday and Sunday
and watching the slides brought me back to that emotion filled
weekend very quickly, especially when the slides included
those folks we were trying to serve.
Thanks
for your work on this very important project.
Sincerely,
Jim Krieger
From The
parents of Scott Modine who were visited 9/9/06Thanks
to everyone.... that was so nice of all of you!
We would just like to thank you for coming to our house. That
was an amazing thing and we love you all for your kindness
and sympathy. The concert was great and we will be there next
year.
Love,
John and Georgia Modeen
Thank
you for your patriotism. I live in Little Falls and am currently
stationed in Baghdad Iraq until around the March timeframe.
I think I speak for a lot of people when I say thank you for
all that you do to help support the troops and honor our brothers
and sisters who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service
to our great country. I ride as well and I would be honored
to ride with you on the 2007 Tribute. It is people like you
that make me feel proud to do the things I do!
Again
thank you for your patriotism and support.
SFC Brendan J. Jay
Bagdad, Iraq
Hello
"Family"
As I struggle to get back to work today - I wanted to take
the opportunity to write to you. Immediately after I left
all of you I had to go to the Minnesota Professional Photographers
Assoc. Convention in St Cloud for two days I am exhausted
and find that all I can think of is the weekend. All
I want to do is look at the photographs and start working
on them.........all 1,700 of them! YIKES!
Here's what I'd like to share with all of you.
First of all I want to thank you for recognizing me with the
Tribute Plaque - WHAT A SURPRISE!To tell
you the truth - it meant more to me than any of my photographers
plaques and awards.......perhaps even more than receiving
my Master Photographer's Degree!
I want to thank all of you from the innermost parts of my
heart. My heart - something that has been filled til
overflowing, with feelings I've never felt SO strongly in
my life - until all of you have touched it so deeply.
The only visual I can connect it with is "The Grinch"
- funny, but amazingly true.
As I followed the line of bikes prod through traffic
and along country roads, I found myself constantly choking
down tears. The power of your dedication and the force that
pulled you towards your destinations was overwhelming.The circle
of love and the power that comes from GENUINE love that you
would form around each family as if it were your own was so
true and beautiful. I'd watch as you would share your sorrow,
your support, your words of comfort and gratitude with each
hurting family - with each one - the atmosphere of tears and
pain would magically transform to that of joy, feelings of
love and great hope.
The power you have, within each of you, becomes an amazing
force as you join all of your hearts together in this cause. As Gregg
approached me (as SO many of you did) to thank me on the last
night - as we were all huddled together on the dance floor
- all attached with arms around - he said "can you feel
the love in this place?" THAT'S
IT - that's what is so powerful - I STILL get goosebumps.
That feeling will remain a part of me and continue to touch
me forever. You have all given my life more purpose.
In a
world full of such pain and sadness - its truly a comfort
to know that there's a power within all of us, through God,
to overcome it all because we have love, and through that
love we gain strength, purpose and hope.
Thank you - all of you - for allowing me to be a part of such
a beautiful thing. I feel it has changed my life - you
are truly amazing.
God Bless you all.
With love
Laurie Pease Johnson
aka: LensBabe:)
Sir or
Ma'am,
I just wanted to thank you for your support. Last week, your
group rode to one of my soldier's spouses place, Cindy Gamnis.
She was very pleased and wrote me an email about it. Again,
thanks for thinking of us and our families.
1SG Barry
L. Sell
Co C (-) FWD 2-136 IN BN
1-167 CAV
LSA Anaconda, Iraq
BLDG 4150
This past
weekend was my first participation in your "Tribute To
the Troops" ride and benefit. I felt it necessary to
send you a quick note of thanks for what you, Rockie, and
the wonderful committee members and volunteers you assembled
for this years "Tribute To The Troops" event have
done. I don't mean to all the families and soldiers we visited,
their appreciation was very evident in their reactions and
conversations with all of us. What I personally want to thank
you for is for what it did for me. I can't remember a more
fulfilling weekend. I know at times the weather was a little
cold, but the warmth I was carrying in my heart dampened the
chill. If you weren't touched by the human tenderness, love,
and respect that you and Rockie articulated so well to these
families and soldiers, I can't imagine what it would take.
I typically try not to show too much emotion in public, but
this weekend I was proud to wear my tears as a badge of honor
for all those "Heroes". What you folks do is a wonderful
thing, thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part
of it. God willing, I will see you all again next year. With
warm regards,
Pete Schelitzche
I would
just like to take a moment to say thanks for all that you
do. You will be visiting my parents on Saturday and I am not
sure you realize how much this will mean to us. This has been
a very hard struggle and seems at this time, not to be any
easier. But thanks so much.
JAY LEE
LEAF
LITCHFIELD, MN
Greetings,
What an honor and a privilege it was to fly out to join your
wonderful group, I should say family, for the day. I truly
can not think of anything more respectful to do for these
families of fallen warriors than what you, your organization,
and your comrades already do. I myself am a Desert Storm Marine
vet and I must say that without a doubt that this was the
most moving and inspiring event I have ever covered through
my lens.
Semper
Fi
William D. Moss (Doug)
American Forces Press Service
Hi Gregg
and Rockie too!
Thank you so much for being part of the Cromwell parade with
our Blue/Gold Star Mothers Chapter on Saturday. What you did
for the four families in Cromwell was absolutely amazing and
wonderful. The Tribute Concert was very nice too.Again,
thank you for all you do! Keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Cathy Nummela
Proud Air Force Mom
V.P. Blue Star Mothers of America, MN Chapter #3
P.O. Box 86
Moose Lake MN 55767
218-391-7191
Gregg,
You and all the Riders did a fabulous job, we are so proud
of all of you! Thanks for all that you do and all that is
you! It is a pleasure to know you!I am going
to send you the photos I received from Donna Miles at the
Pentagon! I will send them in separate e-mails so as not to
jam up our computers. The 2 articles she wrote regarding the
Ride were posted on the AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU web site first
thing Monday morning 9/12/05.
Many thanks,
Jere'
Gregg:
I wanted to take a minute to "Thank You" again for
all that you did in putting together the Tribute to the Troops
Benefit. It was very honoring and sincere...my husband would
have been very proud. The military was very important to John,
he was the man he was because of the Marine Corp. The Marine
Corp became his family. He moved up the ranks, and became
a leader to many. He carried these skills into his civilian
life as a parent, coach, manager. Everything he did he did
with great pride. I have learned much from my husband and
I am a better person for having him in my life. I am grateful
for the time we got together and try to concentrate on that
....and not the loss.Your efforts
this weekend reminds me of how lucky we all are to live in
this great country and that greatness sometimes comes with
sacrifices. I know that my husband died doing exactly what
he loved to do and among warriors. I gain comfort in that.
I also gain comfort in knowing that I am not alone. The support
of family, friends and community warms my heart. God has certainly
blessed me with a strong support system. I am grateful for
that. Please know that the ceremonies where very much appreciated
and smiles followed the tears.I have
also sent along an e-mail that was sent from John to our dear
friend Pam October 8th, six days before his death. She has
graciously shared it in an effort to show his point of view
and what his personal convictions where. People question why
we are there, this clearly says why he was there. Please remember
me in the future I would be honored to be a part of this and
help in any way that I can. Feel free to share this with your
organization. I think the email is powerful, and says much
about my husband.
Again
thank you,
Lorie Pinsonneault and family
John's
e mail to his friend Pam, one of his last.
Thanks for the encouragement. These days it's needed. As far
the happenings here, yes, things are escalating; the anti-coalition
wants to disrupt the US elections which is quickly approaching,
and influence the American people that their leadership is
not being successful. Along with that they want to keep things
here chaotic because of their upcoming elections at the end
of the year. They are very dedicated to disrupting the 'security'
of this country in hopes of discrediting the coalition claims
of security improving and tightening.I think
I told you about the car bomb from earlier this week. One
guy seems to be doing much better, the other is still in induced
coma. We had a rocket land in our team tent last night. We
had finished an all-hands meeting not 30 mins. prior. That
frickin' rocket landed 15 yards from where I stood. Good news
was that it buried itself deep enough that the blast was minimal.
NO real injuries, a couple of minor cuts.The bounties
continue to grow and the threat threat levels have increased
with both elections nearing and Ramadan a week away, we are
expecting things to increasingly become more hairy.Such is
life and the cost of freedom. Yet, without regrets, what I
have seen and continue to see daily, reconfirms my personal
commitment to the Iraqi people. Some say the war is about
oil, weapons of mass destruction...and they are indeed some
collateral elements of the rationale why we are here. The
real reason, which it haunts me why the media doesn't express
this more, is because of the oppression of people, their basic
freedoms.Stand
over a mass grave in the Kurdish high country, a mass grave
of Kurds who were gassed because they had differing philosophies
than Saddam. Stand over the mass grave and look at the rotted
bodies, young, old, men, women and children who were gassed
near Basrah to 'test' the effects of their chem/bio weapons.
Talk to the women who were rapped by Saddam's sons and others
in his regime. Come here and see the hatred in their eyes
for Saddam and his regime. Look at how these people live;
stacked on top of each other, on the streets and find out
their disparity.The unfortunate
part is their lack of trust for the coalition's overall intent.
Will the US stay the course to help them reconstruct their
country, will we make sure the US stays here through the elections,
will we be here to ensure that the transfer The unfortunate
part is their lack of trust for the coalition's overall intent.
Will the US stay the course to help them reconstruct their
country, will we make sure the US stays here through the elections,
will we be here to ensure that the transfer of that power
is successful in the long run. Will the US be here to repel
any revolution...The Iraqi
people have a lot on their minds. They are deathly afraid
that leadership could go bad and things would go back to the
way it was; a very few hold the money and power and the rest
must pay the pipers in order to do anything. The corruption
of the system here was nothing short of maddening. Nothing
was done without payoffs, bribes, conspiracy...which keeps
the ambassadors and Senior Advisors from the coalition forces
on their toes. Changing that mentality doesn't happen just
because Saddam is gone.So there
lies some of the incredible challenges faced in overthrowing
a leader and the redevelopment of a people, a government and
a country.
John Pinsonneault
Team Leader, Team 3
DynCorp WPPS
Baghdad, Iraq |
