2012 Dakota Thunder Run

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley J. Cass
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  A grey-haired man walks by and adjusts his leather vest bearing various Vietnam veteran and Prisoner of War-Missing in Action patches. A young woman dons her riding helmet before mounting her motorcycle adorned with a miniature American flag. All the while, three B-1 bombers stand watch in the background.

Approximately 450 active-duty servicemembers, military veterans and their family members gathered on base to participate in the 12th Annual Dakota Thunder Run, Aug. 7.

Hosted by Ellsworth's own Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club, the ride began on the flightline, after those present had the opportunity to tour and photograph three of the wing's B-1s.

Staff Sgt. Aaron Waite, 28th Medical Operations Squadron bioenvironmental engineering technician, said he has been stationed at Ellsworth for two years, with this being the third year he has participated in the ride.

"We're out here today to enjoy the ride and honor veterans," Waite said.

Robert Waite, a management systems auditor and Staff Sgt. Waite's father, said he enjoys making the ride a family affair.

"I get to spend quality time with my son while being part of something special," Waite said.

Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander, addressed the crowd assembled around approximately 350 motorcycles before the festivities began.

"Today, we're going to enjoy the Black Hills and honor retired Lt. Col. Donald Smith," Weatherington said. "Be safe, and thank you all for coming."

As they prepared to fire up their bikes, both Pennsylvania natives agreed they had fellow servicemembers who are from home on their minds.

"We hope that everyone who is currently deployed makes it home safe," Waite said. "This is a great opportunity to honor those that have come before us."

The group was joined by more than 100 other riders as they wound their way through scenic countryside filled with log cabins, spacious ranches and rolling hills.

The ride culminated in a procession through the heart of Sturgis, led by Weatherington's official staff car and the 37th Bomb Squadron's tiger-themed car, the "Phat Cat."

Waite said both men had always wanted to ride in the Dakota Thunder Run.

"I had always heard a lot about it," Waite said. "My favorite part is cruising through the Black Hills."