Photo By Chief Petty Officer Michael Heckman | Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, III Corps and Fort Hood commander, arrives at Central Texas State...... read more read more
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By Michael Heckman
Fort Hood Sentinel Staff
FORT HOOD, Texas - The roar of nearly 1,200 motorcycle engines split the morning air on Nov. 7, 2008, at Hood Stadium, minutes after Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, III Corps and Fort Hood commander, had addressed a crowd of more than 1,000 Soldiers and civilians who gathered to participate in Phantom Thunder Motorcycle Safety Ride to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.
Lynch organized the 60-mile ride to emphasize the importance of motorcycle safety, Family time and fun for Soldiers and to honor the men and women who have served in the military and sacrificed their lives in order to defend American interests.
The Phantom Thunder ride, memorial service and party were held from 12-10 p.m. on Nov. 7 at Hood Stadium. The party included carnival rides, inflatables, motorcycle vendors and an evening concert featuring country singer Michael Scott.
Addressing the crowd, Lynch said he asks himself the same two questions every day: "Are we doing the right thing; and are we doing things right?
"What we're doing today is indeed the right thing," Lynch said, referring to Soldiers, Families, veterans and community residents.
He said he implemented the new rules for motorcycle riders on and off post.
"Because I love you. Because it is ridiculous to have survived the fields of battle and combat and come home and die on the highways and byways of Central Texas."
"I refuse to allow that to happen," he emphasized.
Four days before Veterans Day, Lynch observed, "It's because of the Veterans who served today and in past battles ... that we have the freedoms we enjoy today, the freedoms you provided us.
"We will continue your legacy," he told veterans in the crowd, "to assure that your kids and our kids enjoy the same freedoms."
As he recognized World War II veterans, Lynch singled out an 83-year-old veteran who planned to ride saying, "Thank you for your courage. We complain about our twelve-to-fifteen-month deployments but yours lasted five years. You and your generation mounted up and went to war and didn't come back until the war was over. Just know we love you and appreciate you."
Lynch also recognized two motorcycle groups whose members assisted with the ride: the Patriot Guard and Combat Veterans Association.
"You amazing people...have been at memorial services and funerals for our fallen comrades for the past six years," he noted, "...and are there to assure that there is no disturbance to the dignity and solemnity of the event. Thank you."
Lynch then called Scott a "true American hero" for his many performances for the troops.
Scott performed several times at Fort Stewart, Ga., when Lynch was 3rd Infantry Division commanding general. Lynch said he invited Scott to perform for troops in Iraq.
"He came and played at every base and.... whether it was for two or 2,000 Soldiers, it was the same good party every time."
Just before two reports from a nearby howitzer signaled the start of the Phantom Thunder ride, Lynch said, "God bless you all. Phantom Warriors!"
And then, three chocks of motorcycle enthusiasts pulled out with Lynch leading the 60-mile ride across the Central Texas countryside with clear skies and temperatures near 70.
About half an hour later, they arrived at the cemetery.
Lynch road his Harley Davidson into the cemetery following a rider with a three-star red flag attached. Each rider passed through the cemetery filled with lost comrades they and many other veterans had served with.
"We are here today to honor our veterans," Lynch said at the cemetery. "Not only those who currently serve but those who have served before us."
Lynch and Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola, III Corps command sergeant major, presented a wreath in honor of all veterans and then saluted the traditional Army memorial with an M-16 rifle and helmet on a pedestal.
Following the ceremony, one rider sitting next to his battle buddy said he was excited and honored to participate in the ride.
Sgt. James Mosely, a wheeled vehicle mechanic, for the 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, said, "this is one of those times that makes our service all worth it. It like the times when someone walks up to you in a store and says thank you for your service, but this event was that much more special."
Mosely said he couldn't believe that there were so many riders participating and from so many different organizations.
Mosely's battle buddies were Spc. Jason Arnold and his wife Nicole, also from 2-1 ADA Regt.
Another unit that participated in the ride with 23 riders and 21 bikes was the 36th Engineer Brigade.
Command Sgt. Maj. William Lewis and his wife Liz led the unit of riders.
"This was a beautiful day to ride," Lewis said. "I like to ride with wind in my face. And the views, the views from a motorcycle are so different than a car. I just love it and so do my guys."
He said this was the third safety and mentorship ride for his unit.
"We just like getting together," he said. "And the less experienced riders really like the mentorship and tips they get for the more experienced riders."
Following the ceremony, the riders continued the ride through the central Texas countryside before returning safely to Hood Stadium for the after-ride party with their families and community members.
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2008 00:49 |
| Story ID: | 26082 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 881 |
| Downloads: | 821 |
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