Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Run honors local veteran

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  As part of Military Appreciation Day more than 400 motorcyclists joined in a 57-mile ride from Ellsworth's flightline to the 69th Annual Sturgis Rally.
 
Rally attendants looked on as the procession of motorcycles participating in the Ninth Annual Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Run pulled into the empty parking lot, set aside for the Dakota Thunder riders, at the Sturgis Community Center.
 
"It's amazing to see this many motorcycles and riders in one place," said Chief Master Sgt. Clifton G. Cole, 28th Bomb Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant. The Sturgis Rally is known all over the world, he said. The Airmen that come to the rally are able to experience the tradition of the Dakota Thunder Run firsthand.
 
Originally organized by the Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club, the Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Run is comprised of active duty and retired military members and their spouses as a means to honor veterans.
 
"It's a group ride of men and women recognizing the people who came before us," said Senior Master Sgt. James Russell, 28th BW staff superintendant and president of the Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club.
 
In keeping with this tradition, Maury LaRue, the Sturgis mayor, introduced Warren Prascher, a World War II veteran who gave his country and community a lifetime of service, as the honored guest of Military Appreciation Day.
 
"In this community we remember Warren for his dedication to all," said Mayor LaRue as he officially proclaimed August 4 as Military Appreciation Day.
 
Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th BW commander, joined Maj. Gen. Steven R. Doohen, the Adjutant General of South Dakota, in praising Airmen both past and present for their ongoing commitment to their country.
 
"Those Airmen gain strength through their heritage," said Colonel Taliaferro. 

Colonel Taliaferro then presented Mr. Prascher with a folded American flag, flown during a B-1B Lancer mission.
 
After Mr. Prascher accepted the flag he gave a speech about the commendation he was receiving from the Dakota Thunder Motorcycle club and the members of the Sturgis community during Military Appreciation Day.
 
"I'm deeply honored," said Mr. Prascher. "I'm sure there are other people more deserving than I, but thank you for the honor."
 
Col. Steven Hiss, 28 BW vice commander, remarked at the proud heritage of the World War II veterans. "Our World War II veterans are a treasured part of American history. It's our pleasure to honor them during this Military Appreciation Day."
 
Colonel Taliaferro also remarked at the importance of recognizing veterans. "Our veterans paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today," he said. "It's our duty to fight on in their place and ensure the sacrifices they made were not in vain."
 
As the scheduled flyby time grew closer the crowd observed a scheduled moment of silence while scanning the sky for the first signs of the B-1.
 
As the B-1 approached, the crowd looked skyward. The sound of its engines echoed through the town, causing the ground to vibrate - cheers and applause followed from the crowd.
 
As the crowd dispersed to enjoy the Sturgis Rally, which continues until August 9th, many of them were still talking about the B-1 flyby done in honor of Military Appreciation Day.
 
Beginning as a motor-cross race organized by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, the Sturgis Rally has grown to an event that attracts people from all over the world. Ellsworth participates in the Sturgis Rally through the Dakota Thunder Run and Military Appreciation Day.