Dakota Thunder Run, military vets recognized during Sturgis Rally

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Revved up engines of more than 200 Airmen, family members and civilian motorcycle enthusiasts echoed throughout the skies outside the Pride Hangar in anticipation of the 16th Annual Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Run Aug. 9 at Ellsworth AFB.

The event, hosted by the Green Knights Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club, began on the flight line and offered active military members and veterans the opportunity to tour and photograph a B-1 bomber static display before riding to Sturgis.

To kick off the nearly 60-mile journey through the Black Hills, Col. Gentry Boswell, 28th Bomb Wing commander, addressed the crowd, expressing appreciation for all who serve and emphasizing safety while riding.

“Today we celebrate who we are as veterans and warriors,” said Boswell. “Ride loud, ride proud and be safe.”

As an added safety measure, Box Elder, Rapid City and Sturgis law enforcement officials escorted the group from Ellsworth to downtown Sturgis.

Marty Shade, from Blackhawk and wife of a retired Air Force member, and her sisters, Mary Faatz and Pam Gunderson, from Rapid City, have participated in the ride for six consecutive years and all agree it is their favorite event of the year.

“I love the Dakota Thunder Run,” said Shade. “To be able to ride with other veterans in a big group like this is amazing and I like that we get to show our appreciation to our veterans during the rally.”

Faatz interjected that she too is glad the military are shown appreciation with the event and that it is special to see the camaraderie amongst all the riders.

“I’m glad they do the military right like this,” said Faatz. “It is also thrilling to be able to ride on the same flight line that the B-1 bomber takes off from.”

At the end of the run, Mark Carstensen, Sturgis mayor, greeted the riders and expressed his gratitude for the veterans in attendance during a recognition ceremony held in Sturgis.

“Tuesday is my favorite day of the rally,” said Carstensen. “It is the day we recognize our military members and veterans past, present and future.”

Carstensen proceeded to initiate the Military Appreciation Day proclamation along with formally introducing this year’s two South Dakota veterans that were honored at the ceremony - retired Air Force Lt. Col. Chuck Childs and former Coast Guard Boatswains Mate Gordon Lease.

A World War II and Korean War veteran, Childs earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses flying a B-17 Flying Fortress against the Third Reich.

“This is such a wonderful honor,” said Childs. “It’s a big surprise seeing all the people here just for us.”

The audience roared with laughter when Childs joked, remarking that today’s pilots don’t fly aircraft like he used to, “ … they just press buttons now.”

Also a WWII veteran, Lease earned the Chevalier Legion d’honneur, the highest French order for military and civil merits, for his support of the Normandy invasion where his crew transported 265 soldiers and sailors from the shoreline to England for medical treatment.

“I’ve worked out here in South Dakota for 18 years,” said Lease. “And to be given this kind of recognition is very nice.”