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RangerG
Bounty Hunter
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 Posted: 08/28/05 - 19:19 Post subject: POW/MIA Ride
Today I was invited to take part in a POW/MIA ride. Even though it was raining, there were over 300 bikes and riders.
The ride to the staging area, the ride itself, and the ride home was about 75 miles. The fellowship I experienced with other vets, and the rather moving rememberance ceremony, was like nothing I have ever experiences since I was in the service. Most of us shed a tear...or outright cried.
Another high point was when I was even able to sit and talk with other CH-47 FE's..sharing experiences, good and bad.
The one thing we were all in agreement about, was that we do not want any POW/MIA's from the gulf wars. There is one MIA from the first Gulf War. I hope that he is someday found, and comes home.
I can say at least 98% of the people there, knew the Pledge of Allegence and the words to the National Anthem. No German from Mercedes/Dalmer/Chrysler had to hold up a sign with the words.
Lets hope that there are no more POW/MIA's...and that they all come home soon.
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Floridaboiler
POTFH
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Joined: 18 May 2002
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Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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Posted: 08/28/05 - 19:23 Post subject: Re: POW/MIA Ride
| RangerG wrote: | ...
Another high point was when I was even able to sit and talk with other CH-47 FE's..sharing experiences, good and bad.
... |
That sounds like a cool ride. what is a CH-47 FE?
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JACKED UP
PRESIDENT
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Joined: 06 Jun 2003
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Location: www.johnnydu.com
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Posted: 08/28/05 - 19:25 Post subject:
Sounds pretty emotional, a good thing sometimes. Glad you had a good time.
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Floridaboiler
POTFH
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Posted: 08/28/05 - 19:28 Post subject: Re: POW/MIA Ride
| Floridaboiler wrote: | | RangerG wrote: | ...
Another high point was when I was even able to sit and talk with other CH-47 FE's..sharing experiences, good and bad.
... |
That sounds like a cool ride. what is a CH-47 FE? |
I guess I could google it to look it up but I am feeling lazy tonight.
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RangerG
Bounty Hunter
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Posted: 08/28/05 - 19:38 Post subject: Re: POW/MIA Ride
| Floridaboiler wrote: | | RangerG wrote: | ...
Another high point was when I was even able to sit and talk with other CH-47 FE's..sharing experiences, good and bad.
... |
That sounds like a cool ride. what is a CH-47 FE? |
I was a Flight Engineer on CH-47 A, B and C model Helicopters in the Army from 1973 thru 1977.
One of them was a medical evac helicopter, transporting 30 wounded at a time. Another was an Electronics Platform..nuff said about that.
GOOGLE - CH-47 Helicopter
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Floridaboiler
POTFH
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Posted: 08/28/05 - 19:51 Post subject: Re: POW/MIA Ride
| RangerG wrote: |
I was a Flight Engineer on CH-47 A, B and C model Helicopters in the Army from 1973 thru 1977.
One of them was a medical evac helicopter, transporting 30 wounded at a time. Another was an Electronics Platform..nuff said about that.
GOOGLE - CH-47 Helicopter |
Thanks Ranger!
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Ms. Jenn
Fresh, Hot & Wild
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Posted: 08/28/05 - 21:55 Post subject:
Very cool indeed. I"m glad you got to have this experience.
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rolling rock
The Pinball
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Posted: 08/29/05 - 06:01 Post subject: Re: POW/MIA Ride
| Floridaboiler wrote: |
Thanks Ranger! |
and sounds like a good thing, that ride.
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robp
Pyromaniac
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Location: Waiting in line at the beer store...
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Posted: 08/29/05 - 06:51 Post subject:
Sounds like a worthwhile way to spend a day.
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Cappy
Excelent
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Posted: 08/29/05 - 07:16 Post subject:
Great ride for a great cause
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RangerG
Bounty Hunter
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Posted: 08/29/05 - 07:36 Post subject:
| Cappy wrote: | | Great ride for a great cause |
One cool thing was that Uwclan PD gave our local contingent a Lights and Siren, 2 Motorcycle escort from Eagle to the Reading staging area...about 46 miles...counting their stop at Dunkin Donuts 
Mr. Smaltz gives em the Harley Police bikes at cost, and free maintenance. They are always available to escort our larger rides.
It is the first time I leagaly ran a red light...well...more like 20 of em... 
Hundres of folks braved the rain along the ride route to wave and hold up signs.
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copteacher
Adjunct
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Joined: 08 Jun 2002
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Location: Teaching in the Halls of Justice
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Posted: 08/29/05 - 07:36 Post subject:
well done sir
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RangerG
Bounty Hunter
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Posted: 08/29/05 - 07:45 Post subject:
| rtpd113 wrote: | | well done sir |
I think the most moving thing about the ceremony..was when they called out the names of all the PA MIA's. When a name was called out...a vet group in the crowd would call back...Still Missing Sir! Damn I did my best not to cry... 
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HYPERASHEL
Member
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Posted: 08/29/05 - 10:57 Post subject:
| RangerG wrote: | | rtpd113 wrote: | | well done sir |
I think the most moving thing about the ceremony..was when they called out the names of all the PA MIA's. When a name was called out...a vet group in the crowd would call back...Still Missing Sir! Damn I did my best not to cry... |
yeah that's me too at a "Roll Call"
was this a motorcyle ride or bicycle ride? you going to do Rolling Thunder in DC next Memorial Day?
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RangerG
Bounty Hunter
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Posted: 08/29/05 - 11:05 Post subject:
| HYPERASHEL wrote: | | RangerG wrote: | | rtpd113 wrote: | | well done sir |
I think the most moving thing about the ceremony..was when they called out the names of all the PA MIA's. When a name was called out...a vet group in the crowd would call back...Still Missing Sir! Damn I did my best not to cry... |
yeah that's me too at a "Roll Call"
was this a motorcyle ride or bicycle ride? you going to do Rolling Thunder in DC next Memorial Day? |
Yep..it was a motorcycle ride.
I have the flyer for Rolling Thunder, not sure if our group is going yet.
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