By Raven

SONY DSC

The 10th Annual Boots on the Ground Poker Run and Concert was hosted again by American Legion Riders Chapter 9, Flamingo Lake RV Resort and Dick’s Wings. LOCATION: 3640 Newcomb Road, Jacksonville FL 32218. This ride supports K9s For Warriors, K9 Line, Inc., Operation Barnabas and NE Florida Women Veterans, The Florida Fallen Hero Memorial Fund and Wreaths Across America. 917 Registered Riders came out to honor our Nation’s Veterans, their families and memorialize our Fallen Heroes while supporting this great cause. Thank You as well to the Slingshot Community and the Jeep Community. Live Music by Duval County Line 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 Blister.  The event Raised over $99,000 in support of the 7 Veterans support organizations. There were fourteen separate bike routes with a total of forty-four different poker stops to choose from. Over forty vendors and several food vendors. 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.