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Rally Around the Flag: Veterans Event Ignites Patriotism

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Being named Colorado’s largest motorcycle rally is quite an accomplishment. With the huge number of riders in this state, and the vast number of great rides, runs and rallies to choose from, it says a lot more about an event that boasts the largest attendance among its peers.

The annual Salute to American Veterans held each August in Cripple Creek is much more than just a bike rally. Over the past three decades, this event has become a pilgrimage for Veterans from all over the United States, and Cripple Creek has been called “sacred ground” for US Vets to gather, remember, respect and heal.

What began in the late 1980s as a small, grassroots effort to call attention to the plight of American POWs and MIAs has grown into a three-day festival complete with ceremonies, dedications, vendors, music and the display of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Traveling WALL.

“We did not have any goal in mind, or any vision of the future of this event when we began” said Jim Wear, founder and organizer of the rally. “This is not contrived. The rally evolved organically. There was no master plan. The event has made its own path.”

The 2019 Veterans Rally will continue on it’s natural path, providing the opportunity for honored Veterans and loyal Patriots to gather together in the old-west mining town, rallying around the Stars and Stripes and igniting patriotism in all who attend.

The annual POW MIA Recognition Ride, the ride which spawned the Salute to American Veterans Rally, takes place Saturday morning, with thousands joining Colorado’s largest escorted procession of motorcycles. The Brotherhood of Veterans motorcycle club, the Colorado Patriot Guard Riders and the Colorado and Kansas American Legion Riders step up to help organize the effort annually.

Beneficiaries from this year’s event include the Vets4Vets organization (helping local homeless Veterans), The Pueblo POW/MIA Memorial effort and the scholarship fund for the child of fallen 10th SF Green Beret and Teller County resident Elliott Robbins.

The Veterans Rally will also play host to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Traveling WALL as it has for the past 12 years, making the Veterans Rally the longest standing annual host for the traveling wall in Colorado.

For the third year in a row, the Combat Hero Bike Build organization returns to Cripple Creek and will present Sgt. J.J. Guerrero, a battle wounded double amputee Army / USMC Veteran with a new customized machine during the ceremony in Cripple Creek’s City Park. 

“The Combat Hero Bike Build is an awesome project, and we support their efforts 100%.” Said Wear, “To take a wounded Veteran who can no longer ride and get them back in the wind accomplishes more than most people will ever understand. These Vets have many issues to contend with, and getting them on a bike not only brings back the feelings of freedom and independence, but it makes them feel “more normal” if you will… and that is something that goes beyond dollars and cents.”

The American Legion will be recognized for 100 years of service during the rally with a plaque dedication, guest speakers and a great history of the Legion being read during the ceremony.

Other features include FREE “Red Friday” T-shirts for the first 800 patriots, military static displays, Veterans parade, benefit silent auction, pancake breakfast, live music, aircraft flyovers, beer garden, vendor show, Friday poker run and much more. 

“I’m sad to say that Patriotism is under attack by radical factions in this country,” said Wear. “America needs Patriotism now more than ever, and this event provides the opportunity for everyone who attends to express their love for our Flag, our Veterans and our Country. The camaraderie, honor and respect that the attendees of this rally have for each other is what makes it all happen. All we do is set the table… and our guests ignite the fires of patriotism that they then, hopefully, carry home with them when the weekend concludes.” 

For more information, go to www.theveteransrally.org.

What Does It Mean to be Part of the American Legion?

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I had the distinct pleasure to meet with the State Chair “Poncho” Serrano, Mike “Chaplain” Smith and Joe Calabro all American Legion members and American Legion Riders last month to talk about What does it mean to be a part of the American Legion in 2019.

As a daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I had only heard negative about the Legion and the VFW, my dad still carries today bad memories of what those organizations stood for when he returned from war and doesn’t want to entertain the idea of coming to the New 2019 American Legion.

I have to say that I was extremely impressed when I have visited Post 178 (Lakewood) and Post 22 in (Northglenn) each time the members were inviting and greeting and the stigma that I was expecting was no-where to found. In April of this year, I have also attended and event at ALR Post 35 in Chandler Arizona what I saw was a young, organized group of veterans ready to help any and all veterans in need, no matter what war you came from.

The ALRs is a program within The American Legion. We are Legionaries who ride motorcycles. Each ALR program is sponsored by an American Legion Post. A person can be a member of the ALR if they are a member of the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion or Auxiliary. We commonly refer to this as our Post family. So, if you’re not a veteran, don’t think you can’t join us. If you have a relative that served, such as a parent or grandparent, then there’s a chance you may still qualify to join our family. Check with your local post and learn more. We love signing up new members. The ALR is the fastest growing part of the American Legion and has had a great effect on Legion membership. We currently have about 35 ALR charters in the state of Colorado and growing.

What do we do? Well we ride for military veteran causes and do great things for our community and youth. We raise funds for all kinds of causes such as youth scholarship funds, veteran’s assistance funds, food pantry’s, homeless transition programs, veteran therapy programs. The list is huge, and we keep finding great things to support and promote. So many great things are happening in the Legion as well as outside the Legion. If it helps our veterans, we’re usually there to offer support.

We also take part in motorcycle escorts and honors for our fallen as well as participate in parades throughout the state. Most of us served in the military ourselves or have lived within the military family unit. We know the cost and it’s important that we remember the warriors and families that paid the ultimate price. We also support those that came home wounded with scars seen and unseen. We do our best to offer a network of support to those who are among us still fighting the battle in their minds.

Every year our riders raise money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund that helps pay for college for military families who lost a parent after 9/11 or who’s veteran parent has a 50% disabled rating or more. We do through what we call the Pony Express. Riders go across the state from post to post collecting funds with the Pony Express satchel. This all takes place in one fun weekend and we’ve had great success with it and have collected record amounts every year.

The new face of the Legion are veterans from more recent wars, and they aren’t in the shadows, they are involved, engaged and ready to be involved. They have a home now away from home, where they can hang with their own and get thru those moments that flashback to them and feel a part of something.

I ask any veteran who is looking for somewhere to call home, to give the American Legion a try and come to a few meetings. If you like to ride, the American Legion Riders are involved and regularly meet and go for rides to help other veterans and local charities.

To find out more information, please contact the

American Legion Department of Colorado, 7465 E 1st Ave D, Denver, CO 80230 — (303) 366-5201

Please take a moment to read about what these veterans have found being part of the American Legion.

Joe Calabro (Road Captain) – American Legion Post 178, Lakewood Colorado

I didn’t even know the American Legion Riders existed. As a veteran of the first Gulf War, I was interested in veteran’s issues. So, in 2004 when I got a letter from the American Legion, I thought that would be a good way to support veterans. At my very first Legion meeting someone noticed that I had ridden my motorcycle to the meeting and told me that American Legion Post 178 had a Riders Chapter. I went to their meeting the next Saturday and have been a member ever since. What drew me to the American Legion Riders was that it is a volunteer organization that does a lot in the community to support veterans and their families. Between raising money for charities, standing in flag lines at funerals to honor our departed brothers and sisters and their families, or bringing food to disabled veterans, the Am. Legion Riders gave me a feeling of purpose and a way to help other veterans and their families. There is no better feeling than when the family member of a fallen veteran gives you heartfelt “Thank You” for standing in a flag line, in boots that were not made for standing, to honor their family member. It is a small price to pay. As a long time, motorcycle rider, I also enjoy the charity poker runs, the parades, and the brotherhood that only riders understand. No matter if you served, or if it was your Father or Grandfather, the American Legion Riders is a great place to support our veterans and their families.

Michael Wilson – American Legion Post 22, Northglenn, Colorado

When I was 6 my uncle came over to the house in his dress blues, he was a full bird Colonial. The instant I saw him I told my dad that I would one day proudly wear that uniform. At age 19 I entered boot camp to become that proud Marine. My intent was to make it a 20-year career. After 6 years I decided against it, a decision that I have regretted to this day. That was back in the day that if you entered the military you were pretty much guaranteed a free trip to Vietnam.

While in Vietnam as a combat radio operator I saw more than my fair share of action. 13 months in country left me a broken man. I left many friends over there. The good lord above saw fit to let me come home and I swore that I would spend my life doing good for others and I would take care of my fellow veterans that were not given all that I was lucky enough to be granted. I knew that I needed to share my experiences in an attempt to self-heal. That is when I found the American Legion. The Legion is a place where we can go to re-bond as brothers and share stories without being judged. Of course, we tease each other about our different branches and that’s OK for us but God help any outsider who would do any one of us harm. I have made many lifelong friends due to my affiliation with the American Legion, if you’re a member of ANY post you are a member of every post around the world and welcome everywhere.

I am a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast but have never had any inclination to join an MC. I have always told anyone who would listen that “I am one of the good guys”, our Legion chapter started an ALR (American Legion Riders) some 4 years ago that I have become intimately involved with it and plan to remain a member for life. We ride for our brothers who cannot, we raise funds for veterans and their families, and we do many motorcycle dignified honors escort services for our departed brothers.

Even if you are not personally a veteran there are various ways you may be eligible. We encourage your interest. There are American Legion posts in just about every city in Colorado. Come on down.

Frank “Poncho” Serrano – Colorado ALR State Committee Chairman

In 2014 my riding buddy and I were looking into joining a riding group and we ran across the American Legion Riders. The more we learned, the more it seemed to be a good fit for us. We are both military veterans and liked the idea of riding for veteran causes. Our local Post didn’t have a Riders program, so we were asked to start one. It began with about 8 of our closest riding friends and in 3 years, it grew to around 70 members. Not only did our rider group grow but our post did as well. From around 60 members to over 260. It has had a positive impact on our Falcon Colorado community since 2014 and we’ve been able to do great things for our local veterans ever since.

Freedom Fest 2019

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By Dean Gary, Freedom Fest Founder

Colorado Freedom Festival is here again June 29th at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. It will be our 5th year! Without the loyal support of the Freedom Fest Family this could never happen. I can’t express my gratitude to our all of you for coming together to celebrate our Nation’s Heroes.

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Freedom Fest: Behind the Scenes

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I have met a lot of remarkable people in my life, but right now I stand in awe of Dean Gary, founder and organizer of Freedom Fest, an event that celebrates the men and women who serve in our country’s military forces.

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Honoring America’s Heroes for 26 Years

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The SALUTE TO AMERICAN VETERANS RALLY, Colorado’s largest motorcycle rally, returns to Cripple Creek, August 17th – 19th. The members of the Rally Committee invite all Veterans, their Families, American Patriots and the general public to attend this awesome event – whether on 2 or 4 wheels.

A few of the “NOT to MISS” Rally features include

click to enlarge

The 2 VETERAN REMEMBRANCE CEREMONIES, The first is the 31st annual POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony in Cripple Creek’s City Park at noon on Saturday. This is the centerpiece of Salute to American Veterans Rally and everyone is encouraged to attend, features this year include a special salute to the US ARMY 4th INFANTRY DIVISION, the presentation of a custom-built motorcycle by the COMBAT HERO BIKE BUILD Guest speakers, dedications and much more.

The second will take place Sunday at 1:00 pm at Cripple Creek’s War on Terror Memorial on the west end of town near the Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. At this important service, the names of the servicemen from the local area who were killed in action over the past 12 months will be added to the Memorial.

WIN A 2018 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD KING MOTORCYCLE! The bike will be given away at 4:00 pm on Sunday at Century Casino (at the corner of 2nd & Bennett).

The indoor Veterans memorial tribute display inside the Cripple Creek Park & Rec building, right on Bennett Ave. just across from the Fire Station.

Get your FREE RED FRIDAY T-SHIRT at the Rally on Friday while they last. Show your support for our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and th

e National Guard by wearing Red every Friday from now till they come home. These shirts are given away ONE PER-PERSON. If you want more, a donation will be accepted and used to help local Veterans in need.

The SILENT AUCTION to benefit the Vets 4 Vets: Up for grabs will be an awesome DAVID UHL PAINTING titled “ACKNOWLEDGED”. This piece is valued at over $850.00. We also have an awesome one-of-a-kind HANDMADE QUILT, and a 3-piece set of commemorative bottles of Jack Daniels single barrel Bourbon.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial WALL will be on display 24/7 from Thursday thru Sunday at the Cripple Creek High School Football Field. This is one feature of this year’s Rally that you will not want to miss.

The 31st ANNUAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION RIDE will stage at the Woodland Park High School on Saturday morning. What has become “Colorado’s largest procession of motorcycles” will roll through the mountains under police escort and arrive in style to the cheering supporters at the Rally. This will be the 6th ANNIVERSARY RIDE of the “POW-MIA MEMORIAL HIGHWAY”

OFFICIAL VETERANS RALLY MERCHANDISE will be on sale at 2 locations in Cripple Creek. The main merchandise booth at the corner of Bennett and 2nd Street will be open Friday afternoon and through the weekend. The second location between 4th and 5th Street on the east end of town will be open on Saturday only.

The 26th ANNUAL VETERANS PARADE happens Saturday morning and proceeds down Bennett Avenue westbound starting at 5th Street. Dozens of military, civic and civilian organizations participate including the Colorado Shriners, American EX-POW’s, Car Clubs, Fire & Police Departments and motorcycle clubs make this a fun and patriotic parade. The parade kicks off at approximately 10:00 am.

The Official Beer Garden located at the corner of Second Street and Bennett Avenue. This is the “Freedom” Beer Garden sponsored by Century Casino. You can hear live music Saturday and Sunday plus enjoy ice-cold Miller and Coors products.

For more information on the Salute to American Veterans Rally go to www.theveteransrally.org

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association

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By Joanna Fuchs

The Mile-High Chapter 3-1 of Combat Vets Association would like to invite you to attend their 13th annual All Patriots Run. The ride starts at the American Legion #178, 1655 Simms St., Lakewood, CO 80215. This is the chapter’s largest annual fund-raising event. The bikes will be parked after a day of riding and the brotherhood will continue with food, drink, auctions, door prizes and raffles.  Staging is from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., so come check out the CVMA Mile High Chapter 3-1 and wish the members and participants a safe ride. Check out the Chapter 3-1’s website https://www.cvma3-1.org/ for more information on this and other Colorado events.

The Mile-High Chapter 3-1 of CVMA sponsors or attends events throughout Colorado. The most recent event was the Veterans-4-Veterans fundraiser, where money was raised for the Redistribution Center, Inc./Warrior Warehouse. The ride began at the Mile-High Harley Davidson of Parker and took off from there.

We invite all riders to come and get to know your local chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA). Our members believe in the mission and they’re focused on sponsoring and participating in as many motorcycle-related charity events as possible. And, as a non-profit organization, ride proceeds are donated to various local veteran care facilities and veteran charities.  The organizations selected to receive the CVMA’s donations are dedicated to caring for brothers and sisters in arms who have defended our country and our freedoms and now need our help. Indirectly through these organizations, and often directly as well, the CVMA provides a warm meal, clothing, homeless necessities, shelter, and guidance. Sometimes they simply make sure they’re at the right place at the right time to say, “Thank You” and “Welcome Home,” especially to our older veterans who deserve to be reminded that our country absolutely is still so thankful and proud.

The CVMA membership is comprised of those with verified combat service (full members) and those who have non-combat military service and have a sincere dedication to helping veterans (support members). Members of the CVMA come from nearly all 50 states and some live abroad. Many continue to serve in our Armed Forces, with several currently serving in combat areas. Spouses of full members can join the auxiliary.  Auxiliary members ride along (sometimes on their own bikes), attend to event logistics and planning, and have a fun time letting the CVMA members have stress-free, breathtaking rides and spoken, or unspoken, comradery.

Getting back to the CVMA’s mission, it’s to serve and honor our military:

Let’s honor our military,
The men and women who serve,
Whose dedication to our country

Does not falter, halt or swerve.
Let’s respect them for their courage;
They’re ready to do what’s right
To keep America safe,

So we can sleep better at night.
Let’s support and defend our soldiers,
Whose hardships are brutal and cruel,
Whose discipline we can’t imagine,

Who follow each order and rule.
Here’s to those who choose to be warriors
And their helpers good and true;
They’re fighting for American values;
They’re fighting for me and you.

A Very Special 10th Anniversary in Canada

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By: Renee “Belt Drive Betty” Charbonneau

On Saturday, May 5th, I was blessed to be the only reporter and the only female in attendance at the 10th Anniversary Cpl. Michael Starker Graveside visit by the Veterans MC Canada.

Killed in an ambush by the Taliban 10 years ago on May 6th, 2008, Cpl. Michael Starker was a Calgary Paramedic and a co-founding member of the Veterans MC Canada.

I’d known Mike for a little over a year before he was killed, and I had attended his deployment party, a party where Haley and Dave got engaged, and two other members were also getting ready to deploy. Over the course of our friendship, I had learned to appreciate Mike’s unique sense of humor, and it cracked me up how he could push the buttons of Anthony, the other co-founder of the Veterans MC Canada. Those two could not have been more different from one another if they tried, and they provided countless hours of amusement and entertainment for those who knew them!

I was honoured to be the person to capture the graveside visit and to be allowed to share it with everyone else in our community. This is a rare glimpse into the Veterans MC Canada and the brotherhood that exists because of the rigorous vetting and mutual histories and hobbies that these men share.

Bright and early on Saturday morning, I was picked up at my friend’s place in Airdrie by Sean Ellis, a man who has also become my friend.

We arrived at the clubhouse in Calgary, and the smells wafting out of the backyard had my mouth watering. Fozzy, another prospect was serving coffee, eggs, sausage and pancakes.

Fozzy is an interesting character; he speaks with an English accent but spent a good amount of his time with the Veterans MC Netherlands. I was directed to talk with him to find out more about the history of the Veterans MC, the various chapters around the world and their involvement in an alliance called the Brothers in Arms.

After a big scarf and being introduced to a good number of the 24 club members who would be attending at the graveside, it was time to head out for Queens Park Cemetery.

I rode with Sean, who had all of the graveside amenities already loaded into his SUV.

We pulled into Queens Park Cemetery and walked over to Michael’s grave. A bouquet of green and white flowers from the club was placed on his marker. A lot of the men who are a part of this MC today never met Mike. They didn’t experience his brand of friendship, loyalty, mischievousness, etc.

Telling the same stories year after year, making sure that each new comer to the club learns about its co-founder and his values, is a task left to people like Kris Dlouhy.

Every year he does his best to educate the newcomers about the philosophy and sense of brotherhood on which this club was founded. Like every other year, Kris spoke of Mike and his values, and while his voice cracked, he held his composure together for the most part.

After some tears, some cheers and a few photos, everyone headed back to the clubhouse. One of the wives had made spaghetti sauce, and that was the first smell that hit you when you walked in the door. Instantly people were ready for a late lunch, and so it was decided that we’d go to a local pub for growlies.

After the luncheon, it was back to the clubhouse, and by now you could smell the spaghetti sauce out in the backyard too. I didn’t think I was going to make it until supper time!

Some of the gents had to head back home as they had to work the next day, but in their stead came more club members, many of whom brought their significant others. The backyard was full, so was the front yard and the house itself. There were people everywhere.

After an amazing supper (and Melanie, that was amazing spaghetti sauce), many of the different riding clubs that make up the fabric of the Calgary Motorcycle scene started dropping in.

The show of respect was evident from every RC that showed up. The prospects, all 8 of them, were busy ensuring that every guest was being looked after. They kept the yard clean, the beverages flowing and were offering all of the new comers a bite to eat should they be hungry.

I watched young men like Pork Chop work his way through the guests and make sure that everyone was taken care of, and he did it with such joy and reverence that I had to smile. Likewise, Matt was just as considerate and efficient in taking care of the club’s guests. They all were.

If Mike was alive today, I think he’d be so proud.

The quality of the young veterans or serving members that comprises this club is really remarkable. I watch the way they work together, ride together, move together, and I can’t help but think that the training these folks undergo, no matter the division, makes it so that they can work side-by-side in a precise fashion even if they have never worked together before.

The brotherhood of people who have fought side-by-side, who have trained side-by-side, is so unique. Firefighters and Veterans/Serving Soldiers see horrid things during the course of their careers. Many have had to do things that you and I couldn’t possibly fathom.

I hear a lot of people throw that word brotherhood around, but I am here to tell you that the average person that thinks they know what brotherhood really is, probably does not have a clue.

“Brotherhood is an unconditional love that I feel for my brother. I would do anything to support or help my brother, anytime, anywhere. If this (prospecting) doesn’t work out for me, then I will become a lone wolf because I don’t want to be a part of any club. I want to be a part of THIS CLUB because of what it represents,” said Pork Chop.

Veteran Continues to Serve

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Joel Hunt and co-host Lucy Patterson.  Photo by Task Force ISO, Brian Gliba

By Jennifer Goad, The Herald

The H-Train Show with Goose helps veterans find resources beyond the VA

Army veteran Joel Hunt has traveled down a long and winding road over the last two decades.

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