Registration for the 4th Annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride is open!
Thank you to all military men and women past and present who serve our great country. Thank you to all the families who are separated from their loved ones while they serve and protect our freedoms. Thank you to the men and women in our own community at Fort Dix and McGuire Air Force Base. That's the message that started the Armed Forces Freedom Ride 3 years ago and the message that was sent on Sunday. Thank you for keeping us free and safe.
Over 750 bikes started out in the rain on our ride to McGuire AFB, where we rode down the flight line and unto Doughboy field at Fort Dix for ceremonies, celebrations, music, food and fun.
Thank you to Camden County HOG for starting the day by staging all the bikes at Barb’s in the morning. They did a great job keeping it smooth and organized. Color Guards from McGuire AFB opened the ceremonies in the morning, the National Anthem was sung by SSgt. Jessica Sherman, Ray Exton played the bag pipes, and a prayer was said before we rode.
Medal of Honor recipients Brian Thacker and Barney Barnum were escorted to Barb’s by the Philadelphia Highway Patrol. Thanks to Collingswood, Haddon Township and Westmont Fire Departments. Every year they raise a 40 foot flag over the dealership but this year the high winds kept it down.
The perfect ride up 295 and through Mt. Holly was led by Medford, Pennsauken and Willingboro Police Departments. They kept us safe the whole way and the NJ State Police had every entrance to 295 blocked. It’s so cool when the only vehicles on the highway are 750 motorcycles with American Flags, Police motorcycles with flashing lights and Army Hummers all riding to show their support to our brave men and women.
It was a chilly ride and several people were already wet but no one cared. Once again Colonel James Kerr and Colonel Gina Grosso made it possible for us to ride down the flight line at McGuire Air Force Base. To many people this is the highlight of the day. It only happens once a year and it only happens when you ride in the Armed Forces Freedom Ride. It's amazing. Riding into McGuire AFB we pass several old Air Force planes that are now on display but when you get on the flight line it just send chills up and down your spine.
When we arrived at Doughboy field music was playing by Brynmawr a local band who volenteered their time and man power to show they care. The BBQ was cooked by Greg Lyons and company and once again it was great, we all went through the food line twice. Plenty of food and drinks for all.
Ceremonies included speeches from the Honorable Jim Saxton, Colonel Ronald Thaxton, Colonel Gina Grosso, several members of the Burlington County Military Affairs, Barb Borowiec and Sue Manuel from Barb’s Harley-Davidson. And, the man who makes it possible for us to bring our bikes on to Fort Dix, Command Sergent Major Anthony Young. Our National Anthem was sang at Fort Dix by SGT. 1st class Eric Turner.
We heard the stories of our guests of honors Medal of Honor recipients Brian Thacker and Barney Barnum. Thank you both for attending our ride and for serving our country in such a selfless manner. You are both true heroes. We thanked and honored all those who have served and who are serving now.
This year we had a rider join us from California. Joe Verrill flew in, rented a bike and rode with his brother in the AFFR. He will be doing the ride every year. We were happy to have him and hope he brings more riders from California next year. Adam Bueller form the Green Knights MC won $375.00 in the 50/50 and donated it back to the AFFR, thanks Adam.
We had over 750 riders, 108 were active duty military. We raised approx. $30,000.00 which will be given to Burlington County Military Affairs and the Philadelphia Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. Burlington County Military Affairs supports the airmen, soldiers and families at McGuire AFB and Fort Dix. The Philadelphia Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation provides educational grants to the children of marines and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
Please join us next year and continue to show your support to our military community and to all who serve.
Also Thank you to
The committee who meets for six months to prepare the AFFR
Burlington County Military Affairs
Philadelphia Marines Corps Law Enforcement Foundation
Colonel James Kerr
Colonel Gina Grosso, Commander
Colonel Ronald Thaxton, Commander
Command Sergeant Major Anthony Young
Inspector Anthony S. Boyle, Philadelphia Police Department
Detective Jack Cummings, Philadelphia Homicide
Barb Borowiec, Barb’s H-D
Sue Manuel, Barb’s H-D
Barb’s H-D employees
Ed Sebastian
The Verrill family
Drag Specialties
Lo Jack
Barrett Brooks (former Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers)
Bob Kelly (Flyers Alumni)
Bill Barber (Flyers)
Robert Vogt from Family morale, welfare and recreation @ Fort Dix
The honorable Jim Saxton
Corporal Robert Kalkbrenner, Medford Police Department
Ms. Lisa Spengler
Warriors Watch Riders
American Legion Auxiliary #72
Green Knight M/C
Red Knight M/C
Leatherneck M/C