TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS HISTORY

The Tribute to the Troops ride and benefit concert began in 2004 as a way of showing the families of fallen soldiers that ordinary Americans from all walks of life care about them, are aware of their loss, and wish to acknowledge the sacrifice they and their beloved hero made for our country.

The inspiration came from a video featuring the song "Home" by Rockie Lynne, a moving tribute featuring pictures of fallen soldiers from the Midwest.

Gregg Schmitt, a long time Minneapolis based music agent who was working for Rockie at the time, was so moved by the music and images of the video that he decided to do something for the families of these brave heroes. Gregg explained his idea to Rockie Lynne, who had yet to be discovered nationally but was gaining a large following in the Midwest. Rockie supported it immediately. He felt this was his way to demonstrate that ordinary people do care about the families, as well as a way to bring focus and awareness to these families who were grieving their loss. While both Gregg and Rockie felt this was a good idea, they needed to get more input before going forward. The video was played for many friends in the motorcycle community, veterans, and members of motorcycle rights organizations. After seeing the video, the idea of the ride was discussed with them. Everyone felt it was a worthwhile endeavor. It wasn’t until Gregg witnessed some of these patriotic American biker's eye's fill with tears during the playing of the video that he knew he was on to something. Everyone of these average folks who had the love of their country and motorcycling in common went on to become volunteers to help produce the event or participate in the first ride.

That first year over 60 participants on 45 motorcycles visited three families around the Twin City Metro area. Upon experiencing the reception of those families visited and the powerful emotions the participants felt that day, they all realized this was something exceptional, and vowed to continue, but to make it better. Two resounding themes came about that day. When asked to describe how emotional and gratifying this experience was, the riders could only say "If you were there, you know". When thanked by the families visited for caring and taking the initiative to do something to demonstrate how they felt the participants could only respond, "It's the least we can do".

Shortly after this first ride, Rockie Lynne signed a major recording contract with Universal South. Finally, after years of performing and writing songs, his talent was discovered! Rockie and Gregg discussed the future of the ride, as well as adding a benefit concert to raise funds for the troops and their families. Rockie was so moved by the event that he committed to participate every year. No matter what his future schedule may be, he would come back to participate in the ride and appear at the benefit concert. The volunteers decided that the main beneficiary for these funds raised would be The Wounded Warriors Hospital Fund, run by Marine Colonel (now retired) John Folsom. Wounded Warriors provides comfort items for troops injured in battle at category one and category two hospitals, as well as supporting Fisher House and other worthwhile charities devoted to helping soldiers and their families. In only the second year, over 90 riders visited families throughout the state of Minnesota, from Tracy to Northome and raised $5,000.00 for Wounded Warriors. We also participated in
a parade with Blue Star and Gold Star Mothers, which was a highlight of the ride. Moreover, each family visited that second year and in the future now receives a beautiful framed picture of their hero, a ride flag and a copy of the DVD "Home" by Rockie Lynne.

The Tribute to the Troops in nonpartisan. We are not Republicans, Libertarians or Democrats. We are not for or against the war. We have never been, nor will we ever be, part of any political campaign or agenda. We are simply in support of the troops who serve our country so well, and the families of the brave heroes who put their life on the line defending our freedom and our way of life.

Currently, The Tribute to the Troops has applied for nonprofit status, has a growing list of over 30 dedicated volunteers (including members of some of the families we visited), is pursuing sponsorship opportunities, has been featured in numerous radio, television and newspaper articles while simultaneously growing into the major motorcycle event and benefit concert honoring American heroes and their families in the country. Our goal is to someday launch this event beyond the Midwest to a nationwide event.

THE VOLUNTEERS

The following individuals conceived and implemented the Tribute to the Troops. They have given much in the way of money, energy, creativity and most important, time. Although we have some of the best volunteers an organization could ever hope for, and our numbers are growing rapidly, it is the people who are listed below who have been there since the beginning. Without their dedication, help and vision, this event could never have happened.

OUR SUPPORTERS

The Tribute to the Troops ride and benefit concert is supported by these organizations:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS