Rolling Thunder Chapter 4 honors members, plans upcoming events

Barbara Diefuf, center, receives a Blue Star Coin from President Jack Killion, left, and Vice President Mike Hill.

Monday, June 10, 2013 — Rolling Thunder Inc. Kentucky Chapter Four held its monthly membership and business meeting on June 2, 2013.

Barbara Dieruf received a Blue Star Coin for her son Nick having served in the Army. A tribute for Nick’s time in service and having lost his life during the Gulf War was held May 19, 2013, in Versailles. Chapter Four had the privilege of being a part of this ceremony. Ron Mudd gave a touching speech about this fallen warrior. Ron was given a USMC Challenge Coin and Globe and Anchor Emblem for such outstanding remarks about Nick. John Mills received a POW/MIA coin and U.S. Army Emblem for his participation in the First Annual BBQ, Bikes and Blues. Patches were awarded to Steve Curry, Doug Matthews and Jimmy Brooks.

President Jack Killion, left, watches as Mark Gill (second from left) presents Ron Mudd with a USMC Challenge Coin and Globe and Anchor emblem while Vice President Mike Hill watches at right/

The Missing Man Table was on display and each item was explained by John Locke. They (POWs/MIAs) are unable to with us.

A round table to show everlasting concern for our missing men. The white tablecloth symbolizes purity when answering the call of duty. A single red rose in a vase reminds us of the families and the loved ones of our comrades in arms. The Red Ribbon is symbol of our continued determination to account for the missing. A slice of lemon on the bread plate remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of the families who wait. The glass is inverted-they cannot toast us this night. The chair is empty since they are not here.

A memorial service for past members was performed by the chapter. Mike Preston said many kind words of Ron White and how he had touched his life. Charlie Wachowski talked about Zeke Spears and his time in the Chapter.

John Locke spoke of Joe and Mary Milliner, whose son William Patrick Milliner is still classified as a POW/MIA. Pictures of Ron White, Zeke Spears and Joe and Mary Milliner were set on a table.

Jimmy Brooks, second from left, Steve Curry, center, and Doug Matthews, right, received patches from membership chairperson Missie Hill and President Jack Killion at far left.

Candles were lit and a bugle sounded taps by John Locke at the end of the service. It was a very emotional time for all who had known these past members.

UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS. The Never Forgotten Run will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2013. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the ride leaves at 11 a.m.

It starts and ends at Colvin Community Center in Radcliff. The rain date is July 12, 2013. The ride will be on scenic Kentucky back roads and be $20 per player, $10 second hand, $5 extra to draw at last stop. Lunch is $5 donation: hamburger, hotdog, chips and drink. Auction and 50/50 drawing at last stop. Raffle for a Ruger 308 with Nikon scope, 1 chance $5 or 5 chances for $20. Donations will help Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter Four assist our veterans and raise awareness of the POW/MIA issues.

The 1st Annual Rolling Thunder 5K FUN RUN/WALK will be held on August 3, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. Freeman Lake Park, Elizabethtown, Kentucky. $25 pre-registration (www.3wayracing.com) $30 on Event Day. Race Day Registration 8:00 -8:45 am. Register by July 15 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. Walkers encouraged. Results and pictures will be on our Facebook page!! www.facebook.com/RollingThunder5k

The Missing Man Table Tribute created by John Locke.

Rolling Thunder, Inc., Kentucky Chapter Four, monthly membership and business meetings are held the first Sunday of the month in the Colvin Community Center, 230 Freedoms Way, Radcliff, KY 40160. Meetings are open to the public and dues are $30.00 per year. Anyone can join, even though many members are veterans and ride motorcycles, you don’t need to be a veteran or ride a bike to join. The major function of Rolling Thunder Inc, is to publicize the POW/MIA issue and committed to helping homeless and disabled veterans of all wars and other Veterans issues. Visit our website at: http:/rollingthunderkych4.com

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Memorial tribute display for fallen members Ron White, Zeke Spears, and Joe and Mary Milliner.