By Marc Pica

The  9th Annual Boots on the Ground Poker Run and Concert was once again hosted by American Legion Riders Chapter 9, Flamingo Lake RV Resort and Dick’s Wings. LOCATION: 3640 Newcomb Road, Jacksonville FL 32218. To support K9s For Warriors, K9 Line, Inc., Project Vet Relief, Mission 22, The Veterans Village of NE Florida, The Florida Fallen Hero Memorial Fund and Wreaths Across America. Over 1,500 Bikers and 180 Jeepers came out to honor this Nation’s Veterans, their families and memorialize our Fallen Heroes while supporting this great cause. Live music by The Remains on Friday Night Pre-Ride Party , Saturday there were  performances by the Side Project Band Pipe and Drum, Paul Wane Experience, Metal Mucil and closing out the night was Duval County Line. The event raised over $75,000 in support of the 7 Veterans support organizations. There was thirteen separate bike routes and 1 Jeep route with a total of forty-seven different poker stops to choose from. Over forty vendors and several food vendors. The Bikes kicked up at 11am when the Dreamland Squadron conducted their flyover, that they do for this event every year. Thousands of military and first responder boots lined the RV Resort. each with a flag and a picture of a fallen military personnel KIA in OEF/OIF or a first responder that perished during 9/11. It is part of ALR Chapter 9’s “Boots on the Ground-America Remembers” Memorial. The bikes and the Jeeps paraded through the memorial as they left out. It truly is an emotional and humbling experience. This event is always the Saturday prior to Mother’s Day so mark your calendars for next year. You will not be disappointed.