Bringing the thunder

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The thunder of more than 150 Airmen, family members and civilian motorcyclist engines filled the air outside the base Pride Hangar in anticipation of the 14th Annual Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Run, Aug. 5.

The event, hosted by Ellsworth's Green Knights Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club and beginning on the flightline, offered participants before riding to Sturgis, S.D. the opportunity to tour and photograph B-1B Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress static displays.

To kick off the nearly 60-mile journey through the Black Hills, Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, addressed the crowd, highlighting the tradition of the event and the importance of safety while riding.

"We're here today to not only enjoy the ride through the Black Hills but to also remember and honor veterans," said Kennedy.

As an added safety measure, Box Elder, Rapid City and Sturgis law enforcement officials escorted the group led by Col. Ty Neuman, 28th BW vice commander, from Ellsworth all the way to downtown Sturgis.

Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Borries, 28th Bomb Wing NCO in charge of command post operations, said she was excited to participate in the ride having never attended before.

"I've been here at Ellsworth for six years and have heard great things about this ride so I wanted to make sure to experience it before I leave the area," said Borries.

At the culmination of the run, Mark Carstensen, Sturgis mayor, greeted the riders and expressed his gratitude for the veterans in attendance.

"Every year we honor veterans during the rally's military appreciation day," said Carstensen. "This year we are also paying a special honor to DeWayne Hayes - a South Dakota native and Korean War veteran."

Hayes joined the U.S. Air Force in October 1950 and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. After completing basic training, he was sent to McChord Air Force Base, Wash., before being transferred to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., then known as Rapid City Air Force Base.

In March 1953, Hayes arrived at Kimpo Air Force Base, Korea, where he was assigned to the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group Intelligence as a target controller until January 1954. He then returned to the U.S. and was honorably discharged that August.

Col. Neuman presented Hayes with an American flag that had been flown over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"We thank all servicemembers for the many sacrifices they make," Carstensen said. "They are all heroes and deserve to be shown respect and appreciation for what they do."