Ellsworth kicks off 10th annual Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Run

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alessandra N. Hurley
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  More than 500 servicemembers and civilian motorcyclists gathered at Ellsworth Air Force Base for the 10th annual Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Run, in honor and support of the nation's veterans- past and present, Aug. 10.

"This is our largest ride in ten years," said Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) James Russell, Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club president. "The scenery along the way through Vanocker Canyon is the best in the Black Hills."

The 57-mile motorcycle ride through the Black Hills was escorted the entire way, courtesy of the Rapid City, Sturgis and Box Elder police departments- in collaboration with South Dakota state troopers.

"I think this event is an important way for us to show that we are a vital part of the community- and it's an experience we can share with the locals," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Lavoie, 28th Operations Group superintendent, who participated in the run for the first time.

It was also a first for Airman 1st Class Torrence Levis, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron offensive avionics specialist who shared the chief's enthusiasm.

"The best part is getting people together from the community to share a great, brand-new experience," Airman Levis said.

After a safety briefing from William Martin, Dakota Motorcycle Club safety officer and 28th Force Support Squadron Black Hills Center director, and blessings from Chaplain Ernie Basener, Christian Motorcyclist Association South Dakota area representative, and Chuck Counselor, Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club chaplain, a few distinguished guests also took the stage.

Keith Wandell, Harley Davidson Motor Company chief executive officer, said the company was deeply honored to show its appreciation for troops and veterans who put their well-being on the line in the service of our country.

"I couldn't be more proud to be here," said Mr. Wandell. "Harley Davidson has a long tradition of supporting our nation's troops for the cause of freedom around the world."

Among those present to honor all veterans were Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniels master distiller, Staff Sgt. Matt Ritchie, Special Operations Command pararescueman and his father, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Steven Ritchie, the only Vietnam fighter ace, who expressed pride for his son's service and addressed Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th Bomb Wing commander, with words of admiration and appreciation.

"My son, Matt, is a PJ- these are the guys you count on when you get in trouble," said General Ritchie. "It's important to know that we depend on every servicemember as they do their job day in and day out. We are honored to be here with you. Thank you for your presence here, today, and thank you for this ride."

Colonel Taliaferro responded graciously as he welcomed the general and his son and remembered our Airmen who have recently returned from deployment.

"When folks think of Sturgis, they often think of freedom...So I can think of no more appropriate place to start this ride than right here at Ellsworth, where about a week ago over 350 of our Airmen returned home from combat, with another 224 of our Airmen still overseas today doing the nation's business."

After the commander's speech and a final reminder for safety from Mr. Russell, the bikers geared up with their protective equipment and revved their engines in preparation for the ride to Sturgis, S.D.

Upon arrival at the 70th annual Sturgis Rally, riders parked their machines and congregated inside one of the large tents for refreshments and a special tribute to a World War II veteran.

Maury LaRue, Sturgis mayor, introduced Morris Hallock, World War II veteran as well as Sturgis Real Estate agent and Chamber of Commerce member, and his attending family members. "Morris Hallock has lived a full and distinguished life."

Mr. Hallock was presented with a plaque, a coin from Maj. Gen. Steven Doohen, South Dakota adjutant general, as well as an encased flag flown on a B-1 training mission and flag certificate by Colonel Taliaferro.

"I would like to present this flag to you, sir, on behalf of a grateful nation," said Colonel Taliaferro. "Our Airmen gain strength from the service of our veterans"..."Because we know, ten years from now, twenty years from now, or like Mr. Hallock, some 65 years from now, we'll be proud of our service in a way that will change us for the better, forever."

After being honored, Mr. Hallock stood beside his wife and thanked everyone for coming.

"I want to thank everybody for being here," he said. "We welcome you to Sturgis and we are glad to have you. Come often. Please remember our fighting men and women overseas and remember that our nation was established on the principles of a strong religious foundation. As half-military, half-civilian and half-politician, I want to encourage you to vote and to hold fast to your values. God Bless America."

With those final words, the audience dispersed and regrouped outside for a tribute to America's veterans by a special flight from a B-1B Lancer over Main Street, displaying the Nation's Air Power.