May 2007 Activity Reports

May 3rd 07

Quaker Bike Night

Thanks to the folks that showed up to help out
Pam, George, James, Clay, Scott, Mary, Michael, Clell, Donna

May 3rd 07

Services for James Plaza

James Plaza's Family has requested Rolling Thunder's presence at his service Rolling Thunder TN3 Members attended the service Thursday evening first meeting qathered Thursday May 3rd  at Quaker Steak and Lube at 6:30 pm, Kickstands went up at 7:00 for the ride to the Service Those who attended were Scott, Mary, Michael, Matt, Clell, Donna

5/8/07

Rolling Thunder Chapter TN3 Meeting

At Quaker Steak & Lube, 5616 Merchants Center Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37912

May 8th 2007 In preparation for our Ride to the Wall A large part of our May TN3 Chapter Meeting was Devoted to a Riding Safety Seminar It was be presented by a fellow named Carol Bales who is the chief instructor over the training classes at Pellisippi State College as well as a few others by the Knoxville_Rider_Education_Program A Division of The_Motorcycle_Safety_Foundation If you didn't make it this was one you shouldn't have missed out on It could have saved your life!

Thursday
May 17th 2007

We had our Booth set up from 5pm thru 9pm At Quaker Steak & Lube,

Members that attended and helped out were:
George, Sasha, James, Pam, Dianna, Clay, Clell, Donna, Lee

Wednesday May 23rd Run for the wall Departure Dates and Times that we know of: First Wave out On the Ride to the Wall Scott Golden, Mary Golden, Michael Golden, Marie Nia, Rez Nia, Clell Jenkins, & Donna Hanson Meeting on Wednesday morning at 8:30am and departing from Coyote Joe's at 9am and they are planning to ride some of the Blue Ridge Parkway on the way up to DC Anyone was welcome to ride along ------------------------------------------------------------------------   May 23rd at 4:30pm Welcome Operation Carry the Flame At Knoxville H-D on Lovell Rd. We Needed 9 Volunteers to help out with this Event, Special Thanks to the Members that helped out with working parking lot as well as other needs for Rolling Thunder TN3's participation in 'Operation Carry The Flame' Clay Tumlin, Dianna McMillan, James Wade, Debra Mehrer, George Gonzales, Pete Fortin, Cheryl Fortin, Jeff Zurrett And to the other members that also attended Ken & Sue Tinker   Thursday Morning the 24th Second Wave out On the Ride to the Wall George Gonzales = planning on departing Thursday morning on the 24th If he can't find any chapter members to ride with he will probably just link up with the group carrying the flame. Ken & Sue Tinker = Rode up alone and met up with everyone at the event A lot of us were gone on the Run to The Wall so we did not set up our booth at Quakers on this evening Friday Morning the 25th Third Wave out On the Ride to the Wall Carlos Hollifield, Clay Tumlin are planning on meeting anyone that wants to ride up with them at the IHOP on Merchants Road the one just below Quaker Steak and next to Red Lobster) on Friday morning. Projecting a kick-stands up and out of the parking lot no later than 8:30 a.m. I75 to 640 East to I40 East to I81 North to I66 East. If folks want to grab a bite to eat before they depart that is up to them, This is also convenient for fueling as there are several gas stations at that area. Enroute stops will be based upon number of riders, riding abilities, types of bike which will dictate fuel stops, etc.  The plan at present is to make a stop about every 100 miles for fuel, potty breaks, a smoke for those who do, and to stretch legs.  Subject to change the anticipated stops will be something like:   Bristol, TN/VA Roanoke, VA Harrisonburg, VA Front Royal, VA Arlington, VA   We will be more than glad to have any riders that want to join us. Also if anyone is planning to drive up and wants to follow in trace as a safety vehicle, etc. they are also welcome. =========================================================== Jeff Zurett & Debbie Mehrer = Pulled out Friday Evening. Anyone that wished to ride with them was more than welcome. May 25 thru the 27th 2007 (20th) Ride For Freedom The goal this coming year is to top 800,000 Ya'll come now Ya'hear! If at all possible you want to be there and ready for action early on the 25th so you can also take part in the Candle Light Vigil on Friday night and We Strongly Advise Rolling Thunder TN3 Chapter Members to book their rooms at the Crystal City Hyatt www.crystalcity.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp When we tried calling them they asked that we call during the daylight hours, I'm assuming that would between 8:00am  4:30pm eastern time. We're not at all trying to push their hotel here. This is where the main happenings take place during the Demonstration Event so if you want to be more of a part of them then you would if you stayed somewhere else this is surely the place to be staying. If that isn't your thing we have other options for you well list on here as they come to us:  Received in email from one of the Holiday Inn's to Rolling Thunder Groups! Holiday Inn Tysons Corner!  Plenty of covered parking for motorcycles Indoor pool and fitness center Two great restaurants (including O'Malley's Irish Pub open 11am-1am daily!) Only 10 miles from downtown DC! Book by March 31, 2007 and get the special Rolling Thunder rate of $109.00 including breakfast for 2!! For information or to book your group today, contact  Kristie Poehler at 703-738-3122 Holiday Inn Tysons Corner  1960 Chain Bridge Road • McLean, Virginia 22102  Phone: (703) 893-2100 • Fax: (703) 356-8218  Toll Free: 1-800-Holiday In The News! Thunder rolls at White House  Bush welcomes biker group, hears their concerns on MIAs  By BEN FELLER, Associated Press  May 28, 2007  WASHINGTON - President Bush likes a serene White House most Sundays. Every now and then, though, he is ready for rumble. Leaders of Rolling Thunder, the motorcycling group that raises awareness about missing veterans, roared right up the mansion's driveway Sunday. Bush stood alone outside the South Portico to meet them.  "How you doing, Artie? Welcome back," the president told Artie Muller, the founder and executive director of the nonprofit group. Muller led 13 visitors who came calling on eight motorcycles. Bush gave out handshakes and hugs, took a look at the gleaming bikes and invited his visitors into the Oval Office. Artie Muller said he presented a series of concerns to Bush.  Among them were the way the Defense Department classifies missing and captured troops, and the plight of soldiers who have been discharged from military hospitals and are having trouble supporting their families. "He's always been very honest with us and supportive," Muller said. "He feels that these issues need to be addressed." Overall, tens of thousands of motorcyclists took part in Sunday's rally; major streets were closed for the event. The riders began at the Pentagon, crossed the Memorial Bridge and gathered at the somber wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This was obtained from KnoxNews.com The Pentagon's top general has joined the thousands of bikers riding through Washington today in honor of America's veterans. Joint Chiefs Chairman Richard Myers made the ride with his wife, Mary Jo, behind him. He wore blue jeans and a shirt emblazoned with an American flag. Later, he addressed the Rolling Thunder rally on the national mall.  Myers told the crowd that Rolling Thunder and other such groups "helped Americans realize that no matter where they are sent overseas, we have to respect our military." Also at the rally were the parents of the only U.S. soldier listed as missing and captured in Iraq.  They say they're gratified by the support Rolling Thunder is showing for their son, Sergeant Keith Maupin. He's been missing since his convoy was attacked west of Baghdad in April of last year. Rolling Thunder has been focusing attention on veterans and POW-MIA issues since 1988. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press Obtained from www.wbir.com

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