July 1st falls on the first Tuesday of the month, which as you all know, is our meeting night. We’ll be meeting at 7pm at Hacienda Rest.
Pass the word to make sure everyone knows.
/Phathead
Thanks to everyone that helped out with the 2008 Bike Show. The weather didn’t cooperate like we had hoped, but there was a decent turnout. We had about 1/2 of the bikes entered into the show that I had anticipated.
Next year, hopefully the weather will be in our favor.
Thanks to all WVRK3 members and to Mac’s Cycles for helping sponsor the show.
/Phathead
Southern West Virginia
Bike Show and Open House
Featuring: Robbins and Jones Band
1st Annual – Saturday May 31 2008 – 11am
Mac’s Cycles, Williams Rd. Exit off Rt. 119, North of Danville WV
Sign Ups 11am until 1pm - $10.00 Bike Entry – Free Admission
Door Prizes – Food – Fun and Games – Live Entertainment
Trophies For: Best of Show, Cruiser, Sport, Touring, Custom, Ladies, Antique, Customized Helmet
Proceeds to benefit the Red Knights WV #3 Motorcycle Club’s (Fire Fighters) Children’s Foundation and Associated Endeavors
Call John for More Info: 304-687-6232 – www.wvrk3.org
Sponsored By:
Red Knights Motorcycle Club (AMA), WV #3 & Mac’s Cycles of Danville WV
I implore all WVRK3 members to read and learn the following web page. It’s a Basic Protocol when dealing with MC’s (Motorcycle Clubs). It’s a very good read and gives good insight into just exactly what type of respect “patches” represent.
Please read it, it may keep our club and you out of a jam some day.
http://home.earthlink.net/~rcvsmc-edu/id13.html
/Phathead
WVRK5 in Logan has invited us to ride in their Poker Run on the 19th of April. Remember, this is the same day as our scheduled “Sock Hop” appearance at the Madison Civic Center. I think we can make both events. The Poker Run is scheduled to start in Omar at 12noon and our Sock Hop is at 7pm. Tristan from ‘5 said they might like to go to the Hop
with us, so, if we can make the ‘Run, we may have a few more brothers and sisters at the Hop.
I say we meet up at the Boone Co Bank parking lot at 11am, ride to Omar, do the Poker Run, then back to Madison for the Sock Hop at 5 or so.
The Poker Run is $10.00 single, or $15.00 double.
Email me and tell me what you think.
/john
The 2008 Mikey Hart Memorial Poker Run is scheduled for Saturday June 21st starting at the Belington Fire Dept. in Barbour Co. First bike out is at 10am with last bike out at 12pm. There will be prizes, 50/50s, food, beverages, and entertainment. This event is to help fund the Mikey Hart Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was established to help WV students that want to pursue an education in firefighting and/or paramedic with monetary assistance. This fund was started in memory of Mikey by his family to help keep his legacy alive. Mikey was the elkins and belington FF that was tragically killed in a mva involving a tractor and trailor on december 20th, 2005. We hope that you will attend. Preregistration is available by contacting me at gonetoosoon304@yahoo.com or at the Mikey Hart Mem. Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 436 Belington, WV 26250, with your name and address. Hope to see you all there.
Below, you’ll find the info coming out of the yearly business meeting, including the election results.
Inactive members were dropped from the roster.
Membership dues are due December 31 2007.
We’re gonna contact the Brother’s of the Wheel and offer help for their Christmas fundraiser.
Financial report was given by the Treasurer.
WVRK3 will attempt to get a committee together of all State RK Chapters to handle general RK business within the State.
WVRK3 will try to coordinate an effort by all state RK members for participation in the annual WV State’s Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial.
WVRK3 will attempt to coordinate a “PGR” type attendance by all WV RK members at State Fallen Fighter funerals.
Memorial Day “Ride to the Wall” was discussed.
The quartermaster has some patches for sale. Speak with her about the patches.
“In Memory Tree” to be discuss and developed for fallen comrades.
By-Laws accepted and approved by International.
Consider a possible memorial ride for fallen comrades.
Elections were held. Positions available this election period: President, Secretary, Road Captain(s).
Elected:
President, Jimmy Berry reelected.
Secretary, John Holstein elected.
Road Captain(s), Scott Abernathy and Chris Price.
“Member of the Year” award was awarded to Jimmy “Wolf” Berry for outstanding achievements by a WVRK3 Member for 2007. This award will henceforth be known as the “Jimmy “Wolf” Berry Award”.
Due to the holidays, the next meeting will be at Danville VFD, 7pm, Third Tuesday in January (1-15-2008).
Everyone welcome Sara Nodurft to the membership roster.
–
Phathead
WVRK3 Secretary
I just wanted to say “thanks” to all of the PGR and Red Knights that attended. We had 3 PGR members from Va., 1 from St. Albans, 1 Red Knight (also a PGR member) from PA Chapter 13 and 4 from RK WV 5 attend the services. I want to send out an additional thanks these folks as well. It really meant a lot to the family. We really appreciate your participation.
/Wolf
President RK WV 3
“…A Pilgrimage of Americana.”
By: John Holstein, Road Captain, Red Knights WV #3
A block of granite, a few flowers, some hand written notes, two or three stuffed animals, unit regalia and other memorabilia. Simple tokens created by man in order to honor brothers and sisters. Words may never be enough to express the emotions experienced during that long walk over a short distance. Five hundred feet. Imagine if you will, one of the most enlightening journeys of your life, ending with a simple walk of five hundred feet.
My story begins three years ago where my best friend, Jimmy Berry, tries to get me to go on the “Ride to the Wall”, a motorcycle journey starting in California and ending at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. Our segment of the trek would start in Hurricane, WV, through Charleston WV, on to Lewisburg, WV and finally, on to Washington D.C. I did not make that trip with Jimmy. What a mistake. I have since made the 2007 Ride to the Wall with Jimmy and several other friends and this is my journal of that ride.
We begin our 2007 quest on Friday evening, May 25, 2007 at Jimmy’s house. Jimmy, his wife Laura, Chris Price and I met to discuss plans for the ride during the Memorial Day Weekend. I didn’t know for sure who would be going as the trip was unfolding in a disorganized manner. After a few brief words, another friend of ours, David Ratliff, a fellow “Red Knight” (a fire fighter motorcycle club member) arrived in his pick-up truck. We were deciding who would be going and when we would be leaving. After finding out what we were discussing, Dave said “…give me a few minutes and I’ll go get my bike.” Simple as that, on the fly, he decides to take-off with us on our 430 mile ride. We hone our plans, load up our bikes with equipment, make a few last-minute preparations and get ready. About the time everyone is loaded and ready to hit the saddle, David arrives on his bike, ready to make the trip. It’s already eight-thirty and it’s almost dark.
We arrive at “camp”, my girlfriend’s parent’s weekend retreat in Summers County WV around eleven thirty that night. This will be our “stop-over” before the final leg of our journey into Washington D.C. via I-64, I-81, I-66 & I-95. We discuss our plans for the morning then it’s off to bed for a few hours sleep. We’re awoken at 6:30 a.m. to the sounds of a quiet morning on the Greenbrier River; a peaceful beginning to a solemn occasion. At 7am, the still morning air is disturbed by the firing of the big V-Twin engines, the sound echoing through the valley, disrupting the sleep of many other local campers. My thoughts were of the POW/MIAs, their struggles, their strife and their beliefs that their country would never leave them behind. A few folks displaced by the sounds of roaring motorcycle engines didn’t mean a whole lot to me then.
After taking a very enjoyable cruise through the Greenbrier River Valley and into Lewisburg, WV, we stopped to enjoy breakfast, fuel up our mounts and then head out on the final leg of the trip. At one point in our travels, we stopped along-side I-81 to take a break and have a cold drink. While there, a lone biker, I should say a “bikers-biker” stopped to check on us. Wearing his leather vest, covered in Vietnam Veteran memorabilia, this long-grey-haired and bearded biker epitomized the reason we were on our quest. With nothing much to say other than “…how can I help.”, he ignited the engine and drove off into the sunrise, his arms 12 inches over his head holding on to the enormous “ape-hangar” handlebars. One of my friends simply stated: “…that’s one of the reasons we’re here.”
Upon arriving in the D.C. area, the emotions began to ensue. Considering I haven’t witnessed the monuments of the D.C. area since I was a kid, I was awestruck by the magnificence of the sheer size and overwhelming thoughts of the generations of man that have traveled these roads, ventured to this Nation’s Capitol in the hopes of viewing democracy in action, to pay homage to the great Americans of the past; A Pilgrimage of Americana.
One of the first buildings I remember seeing, the Pentagon. For a lack of better words, this giant structure showed no signs of the damage inflicted during the 9-11 attacks. Thousands of motorcycles were visible in the Pentagon Parking area; another testament to the power of this particular ride. We passed through the Arlington area, thoughts of the men and women buried here and how they have sacrificed themselves to preserve the nation’s peace passed through me; a humbling experience indeed. Further north on I-95, we find the Washington Monument standing vigil over the city. We cross the Potomac, thinking of then General Washington, taking his troops across the same river in the hopes of defending against the British invasion.
Arriving at our hotel, we make haste delivering our saddlebags to the rooms and immediately jump back on our bikes to reconnoiter the National Mall area. Riding through D.C. metro traffic is tough in a car, our motorcycles and what Memorial Day weekend means to the D.C. commuter traffic made life a little easier. We were able to make it to the Washington Monument on Constitution Ave within minutes. Parking our bikes, we take a look over the wide fields in front of the monument, witnessing kids flying kites, a man playing Frisbee, families venturing to the base and fellow bikers hiking all over. Behind us, the Whitehouse sits far off, behind the solitude of Lafayette Park, the Lincoln Memorial sits in honest solitude, and of course, our Nation’s Capitol, its grounds being prepared for the events of the day to come. We’re surrounded by symbols of America. At this point, for a Patriot, it’s over-whelming. I cannot begin to imagine what I will feel when the real memorial day tribute begins tomorrow morning.
Throughout the day we stay in contact with the second squad of Red Knights coming up from WV. Laura, Erik Crawford and his girlfriend left Danville WV at 1pm and were traveling the “northern route” through Morgantown. They’ll be arriving later in the evening.
Continuing on, we visit the vendors on 21st and Constitution Ave. The very first thing we see is a Huey helicopter display with kids in the back playing “door gunner”. The very fact of knowing that a parent is standing there allowing their kids to take part is proof-positive that I am around kindred spirits. Moving on toward the booths, I find a Vietnam Vet requesting folks to “sign up” for a Vietnam Vets organization. His ploy to get folks to listen to him was to look at a couple Vietnam Vets walking around and say: “…hey! You two look like Jane Fonda fans.” Sometimes, it takes getting a rise out of people to get them to listen. It worked. Hanoi-Jane isn’t a favorite around one of these events.
Of course many Vietnam Vets are there and we’re able to speak to a few, thanking them for their service. All of whom, returned our thoughts of gratitude with their own, thanking us for making this trip and for being there. “Being there” means more to these vets than any other I’ve met. “Being there” for them is finally saying “Welcome Home”. My generation is full of pride for our troops, pride in our country and patriotism for the efforts of the individual soldier, sailor, marine and airman. Unlike their reception when they arrived home back in the late 60’s and early 70’s, Vietnam Veterans are receiving the gratitude they deserve.
There were a few World War II and Korean War vets in attendance, but not many. Their numbers are slowly dwindling down to a mere fraction. Members of the “greatest generation” are steadily declining, a sad fact of life. Most all WWII and Korean Vets have very interesting stories to be told and sadly, their stories are dying with them. The Library of Congress has finally enacted a new program to scribe the stories of our Nation’s Veterans, but for the bulk of the WWII and Korean stories, I feel it may be too late.
Our second squad arrives late Saturday night. We’re all drained from the day’s activities and decided to get some shut-eye and hit it wide-open in the morning. We begin Sunday with a drive around D.C. All seven of us get on the bikes and hit the road. We drive around every aspect of the National Mall area. At one point, on Pennsylvania Ave., I get to see the U.S. Navy Memorial, being a Navy vet, this meant a lot to me. My thoughts lean toward my brother and sister sailors, out to sea, haze-grey and underway, protecting our Nation’s security and dedicating themselves to a solitary life at sea; The lives lost in the Battles of Midway, Pearl Harbor, Wake, the Coral Sea. Entire Battleships, destroyed within minutes and the thoughts of the great victories at sea, the untold memories of thousands of sailors.
We arrive back at the Washington Monument, we attempt to gain a ride to the top but it’s once again sold-out. I then persuade everyone to go to the World War II Memorial. I am a WWII history buff, specifically, the Pacific Theater. My father served in the Army during WWII in the Pacific. He was a soldier in the 25th Infantry Division. The few stories he retold during my childhood were enough to whet my desire to learn more and over the years, I have read everything I could get my hands on pertaining to the battles in the Pacific. From the attack on Pearl Harbor to the armistice treaty on V-J day, I have read many stories, novels and historical documents pertaining to the Pacific Theater. In my DVD collection, I have over 100 or so pieces of “War” related movies and documentaries. Particularly, the movies pertaining to the Pacific Theater interests me most.
As we arrive at the WW II Memorial, I am awash with emotions. Knowing how I feel about the “Greatest Generation”, I decide to take everything in very, very slowly. I begin my walk toward the Atlantic Theater side, reading every stone engraving. At the base of both the Atlantic and Pacific Theater monuments lies an accounting of the major battles. From North Africa to Monte Cassino, thru Normandie (sic) and Bastogne, Ramelle Neuville, Nuenan and Foy, the images of the 101st Airborne, “E” Company and “Band of Brothers” pass before me. I recount the history I have read: The liberation of the Dutch; The counter attacks of the Germans; The rescue of thousands of holocaust victims and of course, of the dead. The atrocities that occurred during the Second World War cannot be spoken in such brief words. I cannot begin to express my gratitude of the sacrifices made by valiant soldiers, doing impossible tasks with never-enough equipment or facilities.
I move passed the Atlantic monument toward the fountain in the middle. Noticing folks having their pictures taken in front of the fountain, reflecting on how these people are able to stand here today, free to memorialize in the way they see fit because behind them is a wall of stars representing the thousands of American military men and women that have lost their lives protecting the world from the Axis powers. As I arrive at the “Wall of Stars”, I think of the hundreds of thousands of military personnel that have lost their lives in defense of this Greatest of Nations. From the War of Independence to the recent struggles in the Persian Gulf. All of these individuals had one thing in common; their belief in this great country and their commitment to promote democracy everywhere.
Finally, I arrive at the Pacific Theater. Knowing this would be the most emotional portion of my venture to D.C., I planned to spend as much time as possible here, reflecting the endeavors of folks like my father, during the most catastrophic war in history. Again, I am inserted into a recounting of the historic battles. At the base of the Pacific Theater Monument, I see the names of the epic battles fought: Pearl Harbor, Wake, Guadalcanal, Iwo-Jima, Coral Sea and Okinawa. I think of the historical recounts I have read and watched about the Marine Corps Raiders, the raid on Makin Island, the flights of such heroes as Greg “Pappy” Boyington, Mitchell and the others; The introduction of the M-1 Garand Rifle by the Army when soldiers were sent in as replacements to the Marines that had taken Guadalcanal. Remembering the stories my father had told me about the troop ships and the horrid accounts of crossing the Pacific Ocean.
Then, I noticed “it”; “It” being the wreath. In front of the Pacific Theater Monument was a wreath depicting a perfect scaled version of the insignia of the 25th Infantry Division, my father’s outfit. I cannot express my thoughts. The lump in my throat was of a size I had never felt. Chris tried to speak to me, I don’t remember this. I later told him I couldn’t reply because I couldn’t talk. While that was probably the case, the truth was, I didn’t know someone was speaking to me. I had to walk away. I walked away knowing that I had just touched something that my father was a part of. He passed away in 1998 and wasn’t able to visit the WWII memorial. He did not get to see the monuments, to read the inscriptions or to know that the 25th Infantry Division had an organization such as this. The stories my father told me back when I was a child began this journey for me. The journey ended with a walk of 500 ft.
After somewhat regaining my composure, our little group found the “West Virginia” pillar along the Pacific Wall. At this point, I wanted everyone’s picture taken, to allow me to remember this moment. After leaving this pillar, I topped the Pacific Monument only to be overcome with emotions again. Arriving the monument was one thing, leaving was another. I had to have another look. I had Jimmy come over with me and I tried to explain what I was going through. Hardly able to speak, I simply pointed at the 25th Infantry Wreath and told him, “…that was my dad’s outfit.” Jimmy then put his hand on my shoulder. Saying nothing, we stood there for what seemed like an eternity. He then had Laura go back down to the floor of the monument and start taking pictures of the wreath, the monument and of Jimmy and me as we stood atop the monument steps. Thank you Jimmy for being there for me, it meant more to me than you’ll ever know or more than I’ll ever be able to express.
After leaving the WWII monument, we made our way to the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. What a wonderful view of the Lincoln Memorial this was. The reflection of everything was cast across the pool and the long walk gave one time to reflect the longer walks made by the military during their marches to meet the enemy and during such occasions as the Bataan death march. We were briefly accompanied by a small grey-squirrel during our walk toward Honest Abe’s memorial. This little critter seem to have taken a fancy to us and decided we were about as interesting as the trash bins he was raiding.
We made it Lincoln’s memorial where we decided to visit the vendors first, then on to The Wall and once again back to the Lincoln Memorial. After obtaining some refreshments, we got in line to take the five hundred foot walk. Two hundred fifty feet per segment, The Vietnam War Memorial is a quiet place. Even with shoulder-to-shoulder visitors there, the solitude was still very evident. After getting to the start of the west wall, I went to The Wall and laid my fingers across the granite monument. I could feel the heat that had absorbed into the wall during the day’s sunlight. I could imagine the number of people that have been here, the families this wall had touched, the thoughts of the soldiers that had given their lives and perhaps now know, this is their tribute from a finally grateful nation. Chris later told me, “….when I touched it, it shocked me.” Everyone seems to have a different experience when they touch The Wall. Some are touched back. In the center I found a visiting child speaking with a volunteer. This volunteer was speaking with a German accent, counting the lines off the wall and explaining how to find more information to the child. A German volunteer at an American Monument, helping an American child and speaking with a German accent. How befitting a Memorial Day event.
At The Wall, I found folks had placed dog tags at the base of The Wall, stuffed animals, a child’s drawing, poems, letters from home, flowers and just about any other type of small memorabilia that one could think of. When Chris touched The Wall and it “shocked him”, he later said he looked down and seen a set of wedding rings. I told him that may have been how The Wall had touched him back. Again, it’s a different experience for everyone that visits.
From this point, we go back to the Lincoln Memorial. After finishing there, we hear “The Thunder” of the riders beginning their parade through Constitution Ave and toward the Capitol. It’s estimated that 600,000, yes, that’s right, SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND people were expected to be in the parade with another estimated 600,000 people along the parade’s route. 1.2 million people were expected to be there this year and I would wager this estimate isn’t far off. From the edge of Constitution Ave, I could easily see the lead riders heading our way. Approximately 200 motorcycle police officers led the way for the parade. Behind the officers, a trike pulling a trailer upon which sat a bamboo cage with a former P.O.W. inside. With a sunken face and ribs showing, this long grey-haired and bearded vet depicted the horrific struggles put upon our Vietnam Prisoners of War. A chilling reckoning of just exactly what it looked like. A picture I will forever keep within my mind’s eye.
The parade lasted for over 4 hours. During which time, every type of rider and motorcycle was represented. At app. the 2.5 hour point, we met another group of Red Knight’s from New Jersey. We took a few pictures, shook a few hands and they were off to other places. In front of our bikes, we found a former Green Beret Captain. I had a chance to speak with this vet, it was an honored occasion for me. We decided to depart with the parade, taking off on our bikes, we took part within the parade of bikes and headed toward the Smithsonian for a hiatus. While the cooling effect of the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum was therapeutic, the sweltering heat had drained our strength. We headed back to the Hotel for another dip in the pool and to relax for the evening’s affairs.
In the evening, we stayed in the Hotel room for a little while, watching the 2006 Memorial Day events at the Capitol on PBS. A thunderstorm had hit the D.C. area. At the end of the viewing, the 2007 event kicked off. Even though the rain was still partially coming down and the streets were wet with the evening’s downpour, we hit our bikes and headed back down to The Mall area. The little bit of water we had to endure was nothing to us compared to the tribulations our fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines had to go through during their hitch in the military.
After visiting the vendors, we headed for the event at the Capitol. Making it there, we were able to see some of the show and the tribute to our nation’s military men and women. Considering the storm that had passed through, only about half the usual number of people was in attendance, however, that number still pretty much filled up the entire area in front of the Capitol steps. It was simply amazing to see the sheer number of people that were there to honor past and present military personnel.
Folks have since asked me “…did you have fun?” That’s not exactly my take on the entire trip. The trip itself isn’t meant to be a “fun time”. While there were many times of laughter and fun, the trip is overall, a solemn occasion which has a different meaning for every participant. Every American that’s able to make the trip, should at least make the trip to Washington D.C. for the annual Memorial Day Event once in their lifetime whether you’re on a motorcycle or if you travel by other modes of transportation. To say the least, it’s something that if you haven’t been there, you’ve never experienced anything like it. Thanks to my fellow Red Knight’s that went with me. It’s an experience best shared with family and friends.
John Holstein - aka “Phathead”
We're the Red Knights Motorcycle Club (MC), WV #3. Our mailing address is: 6606 Price Br. Rd., Danville WV, 25053. We're a group of Fire Fighters and folks associated with the Fire Service that ride motorcycles. We engage in fellowship with our members and the members of the motorcycle riding community. We're members of the AMA and WV COC. Established in 2004, our Chapter gained it's Charter with the Red Knights International MC. We're currently developing a foundation for the purpose of providing assistance to the children of Boone County West Virginia that have become victims of fire. Our President is Jimmy "Wolf" Berry. For more information, feel free to look around or contact us via email.
