By Raven

The 11th 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 to support K9s For Warriors, K9 Line, Inc., Operation New Uniform, American Legion Post 9 and Wreaths Across America. Over 909 registered riders, and 250 Jeepers came out to honor this Nations Veterans, their families and memorialize our Fallen Heroes while supporting this great cause. Live music by South Bound 41 on Friday Night’s Pre-Ride Party, Saturday there were performances by the Side Project Band Pipe and Drum, Rob Powell, Metal Mucil and closing out the night was Blistur. The event, after expenses, raised over $123,000 in support of the 5 Veterans support organizations. There were fifteen separate bike routes and a Jeep Party with a total of forty-four different poker stops to choose from. Over forty vendors and several food vendors participated. 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 2025. You will not be disappointed.