By Lulu

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I was blessed with an opportunity to work a vendor’s booth in Washington, D.C. during the Run to the Wall in May. Having participated in the ride a few years ago with Rolling Thunder Chapter 8 out of Port Orange, I knew what an awe inspiring event this rally is and how important it is to give respect and tribute to the veterans that protect our freedom, often giving their lives or enduring great emotional turmoil as a result of their time spent in the service.

The makers of Bayer, Aleve and Alka-Seltzer set up a booth on vendors row and have people meet and greet the veterans or their families, and to dole out free samples of their products. Since many of the folks coming up to the booth have spent days on the seat of their motorcycles they definitely have aches and pains…and many were happy to have the chewable Alka-Seltzer for on the road and a handful of Bayer and Aleve for pain relief. It’s really commendable when a large company takes time and money to celebrate an event like this for our vets!!!

I was able to catch a ride on the parade from the Pentagon parking lot to the Vietnam Wall with Frenchy from France. There isn’t a more moving sound than when the bikes throttle up to make the short trip past the capitol and down to the Wall. Thousands line the streets waving flags and blowing kisses to these vets and the Gold Star Moms.

The Gold Star Mother’s on the lead bikes will certainly leave you in tears when they talk about the loss of their children. One of the mothers’ from Palm Coast, Florida son was one of the hundred veterans that lost his life once back in the U.S. due to poor quality care by the V.A. He asked for help for his post traumatic stress and was given a distant appointment; he hung himself before medical intervention was provided. She has been a spokesperson before the Senate and is lobbying for change. You would hope that once back in the U.S. these boys and girls would be safe and able to get adequate medical intervention.

The work of Rolling Thunder within the local communities and nationally is never ending and with far reaching. If you want to get involved with an organization this is the one I would urge you to ride with.

By Deborah Speicher

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For some people Memorial Day brings to mind a three-day weekend, barbeques, a day at the beach, and the Indy 500. What should be remembered is the reason for this holiday, which is to thank the veterans of this country and the families of those who have fallen.

After the Civil War, people began to realize that those who had lost their lives in the war had not been honored properly. There are many different stories of how Memorial Day was started. One was that on May 5, 1865, librated slaves in Charleston took the union solders from a mass grave and gave them proper burials. The other was to have taken place on May 5, 1866, in the town of Waterloo, NY. All of the shops closed for the day, flags flew at half-mast, and flowers and flags were placed on the graves of their local war veterans. Regardless of when and where it started, the people of this nation realized the need to honor those who paid the ultimate price. By 1868 it became a more united and national event. May 30 of each year thereafter would be “Decoration Day” and would later become known as Memorial Day; ultimately evolving into a three-day weekend at the end of every May.

Every Memorial Day, Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell) holds a ceremony to honor those buried there and their families. Even in times of high gas prices and economic turmoil, the Florida motorcycle communities were out in full force to support this event. Several military riding organizations participated. With approximately 400 bikes, the largest group riding into the cemetery was the Defenders MC (Tampa Bay Chapter). The Defenders MC is a group comprised of active and retired military, law enforcement, emergency services and public safety professionals.

The Defenders’ ride was led by Colonel Ron “Paladin” Rook, USMC (Ret.). Colonel Rook has coordinated and led this ride for the past several years. Local HOG and other riding groups were invited to join the Defenders for this ride. Thanks to a police escort and the excellent road captains from the Defenders MC, this 30+ mile ride went off without a hitch.

The ceremony had many poignant speakers, patriotic music and a “missing man” flyover by Ye Mystic Air Krewe. While the actual meaning and traditions of Memorial Day may have been forgotten by some people, those attending the ceremony came out to remember, honor and salute those who had defended our country as well as to those currently keeping our country and citizens safe. This year, the group “Flags for Fallen Veterans” and a couple of thousand volunteers made sure that 120,000+ flags were placed on the grave sites. A big THANK YOU to this group and all the volunteers that came out the day before to make this happen.

By Amy Poole

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Hot! Hot! Hot!…is what we find out and about on these open roads!! Even though it was a scorcher outside at the 2^nd Sunday Bike Show the activities were still going on at the Iron Horse. Thank you to the hardcore riders for attending the Horse during the summer months!! Save the date for the 3^rd Annual Labor Day weekend car, bike, bikini and pin up contests along with live music all weekend!!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

I’ve been described as being cantankerous, irascible, crusty and testy. I know that I’m just a sweet, lovable teddy bear. However, there are a few things that really do irritate me. The lack of our knowledge of American history is one of them. We need to change the words of our National Anthem, instead of the land of the free and the home of the brave. It should read land of the overregulated and home of the uninformed.

The way we celebrate historical days in this country has a tendency to get my panties in a wad. Flag Day, June 14, which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, is a little-known holiday that takes a second billing and has little known history, even though it coincides with the birthday of the U.S. Army. There’s more celebration for Cinco de Mayo, which is a holiday invented in modern-day California, and is mostly ignored in Mexico. This year Flag Day fell on a Saturday. Normally, the banks and schools are open. There are no parades, fireworks, or excessive celebrations. Some of my patriotic former military biker friends decided to have a barbecue. Out came the grills, the hotdogs, hamburgers and the beer. While waiting for the chow, our conversation was directed to what we were going to do on the Fourth of July.

This is where I get on my stump. Our government schools are dumb downing our children so bad that it’s more important to teach them how to put a condom on a cucumber than the meaning of Independence Day. “Educate and inform the whole mass of people…They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty” Thomas Jefferson. A poll taken of U.S. teens found that 26% didn’t even know who we declared independence from. 14% thought it was France and another 5% thought it was the Canadians. There are even a few people who believe the United States was formed 2014 years ago. On July 4, 1776, we declared our independence from an oppressive government. Now, in 2014, we are far more dependent and oppressed by this Imperial Federal Government than we ever were by Great Britain. We are taxed higher and regulated more than in colonial days.

When I listen to our present politicians, I’m reminded that the U.S.A. was founded by the smartest people in the country—-we haven’t had any sense. (since)

I think there is a new oath of office:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully maneuver the office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, to preempt, decimate, and disregard the Constitution of the United States.

I have a lot more to say about this subject. Go to my website and read my blogs.

nobodiesopinion.com

See you on the shiny side up tomorrow.

By “Kneecap”

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It is said that Florida only has two seasons January and Summer. I believe it has four seasons:
Tolerable, Hot, Very Hot and ARE YOU KIDDING ME. The Red Knights MC Chapter 11 that sponsored the 9th Annual Shands Burn Center Poker Run picked a day right between the two seasons of Tolerable and Hot. As Mister Rogers would say, “It was a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”.

We started out in Ormond Beach at the Beaver Bar, had a great breakfast and headed off to the ocean to Finn’s Beachside Pub in Flagler Beach. The view of the ocean from the upper deck was awesome. Heading South on A1A with the ocean on our left, we rode to Highbridge and turned onto The Loop for a stop in Korona/Bunnell at the White Eagle Lounge. Next, we headed down Route 1 to Port Orange, and stopped at the Roadside Tavern on S. Nova Road. It was then off to the First Turn Steakhouse & Sports Lounge on S. Ridgewood Avenue, where we were greeted by the very personable owner Denise Hilliard. Here we had great food and enjoyed the entertainment by the Mistreater Band. There was 50/50, a silent auction, door prizes and of course, the best poker hand. The Red Knights have one of the best organized poker runs that I go on. I’m looking forward to next year and hope the weather is as good.

A check was presented for $1500 to Janet Popp and Laura Roberson from Shand’s Hospital at Cracker Barrel which is greatly appreciated by the foundation.

By Amy Poole

Don’t forget every first Sunday is Dirty Harry’s free Bar-B-Q with rippin’ tunes and pretty promo ladies! If that’s not plenty enough check out their bike night on these hot summer Friday nights! And add more spark to your nights and join Dirty Harry’s during the 4th of July weekend festivals up and down Main Street!

As most of you know I generally write the Bull’s Eye each month, but the following was submitted by Rich from Rolling Thunder Chapter 8 about the passing of a man that I admired and loved greatly…Bill Gruber. The only thing I would have added to his tribute is that Bill lived his life with passion and compassion, and those two traits set him apart from many we walk with daily. I have been blessed to travel the highways with Bill and Nancy due to his passion for Rolling Thunder’s Ride to the Wall and have witnessed his compassion for fellow veterans when his passion moved me to follow his friends while they moved homeless veterans into houses, complete with all the things that make a house a home. I have seen Bill’s tears of pride for the work his friends accomplished and tears for the work left to do. In his honor I ask you to live life to its fullest with passion for living, compassion for all and take up a past time that helps others; put down the remote or golf clubs and do something for others. Bill’s watch is over and it will take many to continue the work this one man did. I will miss you my friend…Lulu

WILLIAM “BILL” GRUBER A FINAL SALUTE

By Rich Malfitano

It is with saddened heart that we pay final honor to a long time friend and Brother in Cause, William “Bill” Gruber. Bill passed away from injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident on May 31st 2014. Bill Gruber an Army veteran, served from 1961-1964. He served with Battery B, 5th Battalion, 30th Artillery Division. Specialist William Gruber was awarded the marksmanship medal for M14 Riffle and earned the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Cold War Medal eligible. Bill donated much of his time helping veterans and supporting local community charities. Whether it be, clothing or food drives, honor events, military funerals or homecomings Bill was there. He even made a point of visiting the nursing home and the Haven Centers for Veterans. He was always eager to help out whenever and wherever he could. He was a charted member of Rolling Thunder FL Chapter 8 since 2008. He served several terms on the board of directors and was the chapter’s road captain, runs & events coordinator and the liaison for the VCVC and the Emory L. Bennett Memorial Veterans Nursing Home. Bill launched the chapter’s weekly dinner runs to bring the membership together on a social level, while gaining support from local restaurants and businesses. In spite of his continued dedication and busy volunteer schedule with RT FL-8 and other local charities he also supported the Veterans Assistance Collation. Bill was a true patriot. He believed in the basic principles in which our country was founded. His work with Rolling Thunder Fl-8, the VAC and the many other organizations he supported was nothing short of exemplary. He honored all veterans and active military. His love for country and the work he did for others was second only to that of his loving wife Nancy, his Mom and their families. To them we offer our deepest sympathy and prayers. Bill Gruber; a fine man, an old school American, and of course a true friend. RIP. Bill, you have served well. You will always have a place in our formation and will never be forgotten.

By Lulu

Hot Girls On Every Stage

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Great Faces

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Fun Everywhere

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One of my favorite events each year is by far Leesburg Bike Fest, about the only complaint I come up with is the heat, and this year didn’t seem quite so bad, that may simply be due to the fact we snuck away and got some pool time in during the hottest part of the day. The girls on all stages were hot too, which kept the crowds entertained. This year Twisted Tea brought in gator wrestling and some of my friends gave it their best pose! To me a huge surprise was how absolutely awesome Vanilla Ice was. His show was complete with clowns, water bottle and Ice, Ice Baby was WAY too COOL! From all accounts the crowds were up and there were vendors as far as the eye could see.

By Raven Van Pelt

It is a heart filled with pride that I get to tell you about the 2nd Annual Boots on the Ground, Heroes
and Bikers U.S.A Poker Run, that the American Legion Riders, Chapter 9, held at the Flamingo Lake RV Resort in Jacksonville on Saturday, May 10th.

It was an amazing and huge success, with over 500 riders and thanks to sponsors, volunteers and participants, the unofficial total amount raised was over 23 thousand dollars Legion Posts 283 & 401, along with VFW Posts 4351 and 10095 were the stops and back at the RV resort, Second Shot and Big Engine kept everyone entertained, along with the Dreamland Squadron, raffles, silent auctions, food, and drinks and just plain good old fashioned American spirit.

Mothers of AMF is a non-profit organization of volunteers, primarily Gold Star Mothers, who provide support for our deployed American Troops, honors Gold Star Mothers and Families, and pays tribute to the Fallen by initiating projects that serve others. Fund raisers and special events throughout the year help them achieve commitments.
They offer much needed support for deployed troops via letters and packages, sprinkled with lots of love and well wishes! Currently, American Heroes. “Boots On The Ground – America Remembers” will become a traveling memorial of over 7000 used combat, firefighter bunker, and law enforcement boots. Every boot will hold the picture, name, rank and information of a fallen warrior on or after 9-11. Each boot will carry an American Flag and items placed on or in the boot by families and friends of the fallen.

Mothers of America’s Military Fallen is an organization of volunteers, primarily Gold Star Mothers, who found solace through serving others in need. Their motivated in honor of our children, our Hero’s, who bravely served and died for our freedom.

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

I get tired of eating out so I decided to have a homemade meal for change. So I opened the freezer got out a Hungry Man dinner and put it in the microwave. Hey, I made it at home, didn’t I? While I was waiting for my dinner I decided to listen to the news. I turned on, tuned in, and dropped out. They were excoriating some 82-year-old basketball team owner who was far from being politically correct. He had been taped in the privacy of his bedroom. Even though the guy is a complete idiot; was his constitutional rights infringed upon?

I don’t need ice cream to get a brain freeze. All I need is some progressive liberal telling me that a convicted murderer was subject to a botched execution. His 8th amendment rights were violated. REALLY? What about the rights of the 19-year-old girl he beat, sodomized, raped, shot twice with a shotgun, and buried alive? Was her right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness violated or terminated? Of course, our illustrious White House had to criticize the so-called botched execution. It said the execution of a death row prisoner in Oklahoma fell short of the humane standards that must apply to carrying out the death penalty. I wonder if being buried alive fell short of humane standards.

Executions are now being postponed all around the country for various reasons. One reason was a shortage of lethal injection drugs. Do we have a shortage of bullets, electricity, ropes, or stones? Another reason used was intellectual disability. If that’s the case we would have a hard time executing anybody in Congress.

In order to unfreeze my brain I think I’ll go have a toddy. I think I need a cafe-whiskey-mocha-Prozaclatte. As a matter fact, I’m thinking about opening a new bar but I need a name. Here are some of them I’ve come up with. Full Of Bull Bar, Greasy Dicks, Bull and Politician Pub, Hic Up Haven, Fragrant Flatulence, Barfer’s Bar, Get Pickled Pub, The Beer Gut, No Apparent Reason, Assorted Butts Bar, Hot Nuts Inn, Blue Balls, Big Weenies, Dick and Bush Bar, Get Nagged, He’s Not Here, You Fell Inn, Big Hairy Haven, A Little Fuzzy, Skunks Hole, Camel Toe, and Dog And Duck. If you have any suggestions write a letter to my editor she would love to hear from you.

I got a lot more to say about the death penalty and many other topics.

Go to my website: nobodiesopinion.com to read more.

See you on the shiny side up tomorrow.