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Stay tuned for press on 2012 6th Annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride

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Courier Post May 16, 2011

Motorcycle ride salutes soldiers, law enforcement

HADDON TWP. — The sound of freedom can take many forms.

Whether it is the sound of a military jet engine roaring across the sky, a young girl singing "God Bless America" or the roar of hundreds of Harley-Davidsons tearing down the highway, it's a noise that can't quite be classified.

Those taking part in the 5th Annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride experienced all three Sunday in a gesture saluting American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines as well as those who commit their lives to law enforcement.

"For this particular ride you have a lot of law enforcement, military and firefighters participating but this one is for anyone that loves the sport's freedom," Sgt. First Class Ray Bunn said. "That's what it means to me."

Bunn, originally from Boyertown, Pa., but stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, was one of nearly 1,000 motorcyclists who made the 25-mile trip with his wife Tracey on his Harley Sportster XL 1200 Custom.

An activated reservist, Bunn first got into riding back in 2003 after returning from Iraq. Bunn was one of a handful of those in uniform, wearing a clean set of standard issue digital camouflage fatigues.

Some commemorated their service and veteran status with patches representing the various armed services on their jackets.

"It makes me pretty proud to be an American," he said. "Lots of like-minded people here. I love it."

Others, like Mark Anderson of Cherry Hill, love to ride and be around fellow riders. It's a love affair he has had since he bought his first Harley, a 1981 Fat Bob, 30 years ago.

"I sure value what those young people are doing out there," Anderson said of men and women in the military and law enforcement.

"They let me do what I do and to have the freedoms we have. We totally take it for granted to get up in the morning and do what we do and it's because of what they do."

His love of bikes has filtered down to his children, who also are active riders. Anderson has ridden in all five freedom rides. He rides in memory of his son, Jack, who died two years ago.

"With what we've been through as a family, motorcycles are a way to reunite and take care of each other," Anderson said. "I don't know any way else to say it."

The ride started off Sunday from Barb's Harley-Davidson in West Collingswood Heights led by a police escort down the Black Horse Pike to Interstate 295 and its destination at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Since its inception, the ride has raised more than $100,000, with the proceeds split between the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee and the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation of Philadelphia.

Much of those funds go to scholarships for young people.

Rep. Jon Runyan, D-N.J., acted as the day's lead rider, proceeding down the flight line at McGuire. Barb Borowiec, whose eponymous business sponsored the event, said countless hours and volunteer support goes into pulling the day off.

"When the ride first started, I said wouldn't it be great just to go up there and hug the military?" Borowiec said. "To me it's all about the motorcycle community supporting the military community."

Photos from CP newspaper

Armed Forces Freedom Ride set to roar up the highway and down the runway (VIDEO)

BURLINGTON -- Sue Manuel of Barb's Harley Davidson and Russell Regn of the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee dropped by Amy's Omelette House for Trentonian Live! Thursday morning to talk about the Armed Forces Freedom Ride scheduled for this Saturday.

The ride begins with a gathering at Barb's in Collingswood, Camden County, with the hundreds of bike roaring their way up to Ft. Dix for a run down the runway and a barbecue held at the base.

By Trentonian Staff (http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2011/04/28/news/doc4dba2ea0c4c21747127688.txt

MOUNT HOLLY — About 1,000 motorcycles are expected to turn out for the fifth annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride in support of military families stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

The May 15 ride, co-sponsored by the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee and the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, attended in the past four years by more than 3,500 bikers, has raised almost $100,000 for military members and their families stationed at the base.

This year opening ceremonies for the ride will start at Barb’s Harley-Davidson on West Collingswood Heights, 926 Black Horse Pike, at 9 a.m., said Joe Barton with the BCMAC.

The cost to enter is $30 with preregistration by May 14. Registration on the day of the event costs $40. Register online at armedforcesfreedomride.org or by e-mailing smanuel@barbshd.com. More than 300 have already registered for the event.

Grand marshals include former Flyers Bob Kelly and Dave Schultz, and former Phantom Frank “The Animal” Bialowas.

After the ride at the joint base, ceremonies will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Doughboy Field, including a complimentary lunch, live music and entertainment, photo ops, vendors and displays.

The money will be used for education and scholarships for family members of deceased veterans, plus other support services


Press/Media from previous years listed below..

July 31, 2008 - 2nd Annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride Check Presentation. At an awesome BBQ dinner held at the Palmyra Cove Nature Park, a crowd of uniformed men and women from Fort Dix and McGuire Air Force bases attended the check presentation by Barb’s H-D to the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee and the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation of Philadelphia. Each received a check in the amount of $15,000 from the 2nd Annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride. Medal of Honor recipient, Brian Thacker and Fox 29’s, Don Tollefson gave heartfelt speeches to the attendees.

Annual Freedom Ride open to all motorcyclists

by Staff Sgt. Monica Dalberg

514th Air Mobility Wing

4/23/2008 - MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- -- Sponsors of the second annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride expect up to 1,000 motorcyclists to participate in the event that takes place May 18 and starts in West Collingswood, passes through historic Mount Holly and then down a runway here, ending at Fort Dix.

The Burlington County Military Affairs Committee, Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation and Barb's Harley-Davidson sponsored the ride and raised $25,000 last year. Over 750 people and 600 motorcycles took part in that inaugural ride.

Barbara Borowiec, owner of Barb's Harley-Davidson and member of the BCMAC, was happy at the money raised in last year's ride, but she was also pleased with something else.

"They (military) saw all the support from the community," said Borowiec. "That was one of my main goals, to show the men and women at Fort Dix, McGuire Air Force Base and Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station, that we know you're here. You're right here in our backyard and we support you and we love you."

This year's ride will be lead by Jon Cavaiani, a prisoner of war in Vietnam and U.S. Army Medal of Honor recipient. Accompanying Cavaiani will be Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan, former Philadelphia Flyers Bob Kelly and Brian Propp and former Philadelphia Phantom Frank Bialowas.

Freedom Ride cyclists MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- More than 600 motorcycles were ridden in the inaugural Armed Forces Freedom Ride last year on a 40-mile route beginning in Collingswood, N.J. and ending at Fort Dix. The Freedom Ride, sponsored by the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee, the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation and Barb's Harley-Davidson raised $25,000 to benefit military members, veterans and their families as well as the families of federal enforcement personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo)

The approximately 40-mile route starts at Barb's Harley-Davidson at 926 Black Horse Pike in West Collingswood Heights at 10 a.m., follows Interstate-295 north, through Mount Holly and on to McGuire Air Force base, concluding down a runway and to Fort Dix.

"We're hoping this year when we ride through Mount Holly we can have some people come out of their houses and cheer the riders on," said Mary Duffy, an organizer and employee at Barb's Harley-Davidson.

Duffy said there was a large crowd of spectators outside the dealership when the ride started last year and Cavaiani was a highlight of the event.

"People were in tears last year shaking his hand," she said.

"I am thankful we have civic organizations that recognize our freedom and want to help those who help ensure that freedom," said Col James L. Kerr, commander of the 514th Air Mobility Wing.

"This event encompasses an American pastime, motorcycle riding, something I personally enjoy," said Colonel Kerr, who plans to participate in the Freedom Ride.

"It's a good thing when like minds rally together and pay tribute the heritage of sacrifice, as well as the present sacrifice, for freedom," said Colonel Kerr. "This is a joint base and joint community event and the 514th is a valuable part of the team. I highly encourage participation."

Chief of Safety for the 514th AMW, Lt. Col. Mark Ustaszewski, wants riders to keep a few things in mind.

"It's vital to do a thorough safety check on your bike before a ride. Items to check include tire pressure, fluid levels, fuel and make sure all your lights are working," Colonel Ustaszewski said.

"When going on an organized ride, it is imperative you have enough fuel for the entire ride since stopping may not be an option," he said. "A full tank of fuel would be the best bet."

Military members must adhere to military standards for riding. This includes the use of helmets, eyewear for helmets without shields, contrasting outer garments for day visibility and reflective outer garments for night visibility, according to Colonel Ustaszewski.

"Full fingered gloves are also a requirement and finally it is recommended to have over-the-ankle footwear," he added."

The ride concludes at 1 p.m. with a complimentary barbecue chicken lunch for participants as well as live music, a performance by the Motorcycle Patrol Drill Team and more.

Participants must pre-register for the Freedom Ride by May 16. Registration is free to active duty, Reserve and National Guard members who provide a valid identification card. All others, including passengers on motorcycles, must pay a $30 registration fee.
More information on the ride and registration forms is available online at www.armedforcesfreedomride.org and can be mailed to the address on the forms. Participants may also register in person at Barb's Harley-Davidson.

Proceeds from the Armed Forces Freedom Ride benefit military members, veterans and their families as well as those of federal law enforcement personnel.

Melissa Hayes, a reporter with the Burlington County Times contributed to this article.