ABOUT US

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.
Every one 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.
Much
has happened since those early days. We have experienced
many positives, and a few negatives,
but through it
all we remain focused on reaching out to the
families
of
fallen heroes to let them know we care, and
we will never forget their loss. We also have been
fortunate
to being
able to help other organizations helping injured
as well as active duty military personnel and
their families.
We can humbly state that we have, and are,
making a difference!
The
Tribute to the Troops is 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.
Tribute
To The Troops applied for and received non profit status
in 2006. Donations
are
now tax deductible.
We
also received a trade mark for the name
and logo in 2009t.
THE
VOLUNTEERS
Since our inception, we have had the greatest group of volunteers any organization
could ever hope for. Many have given their money, time
and expertise to help TTTT develop, define our mission,
and make a difference In 2008, we implemented a membership
program to better communicate with our participants
events and happenings.
OUR
SUPPORTERS
The Tribute to the Troops ride and benefit concert is supported by these organizations:
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Rockie
Lynne |
Co-Founder,
National Spokesperson |
|
Co-Founder, Past Chairman of the Board |
|
|
Chairman of the Board, President, Founding Member
|
|
Member of the Board, Treasurer, Founding Member |
|
Member of the Board, Ride Captain, Chopper Manager, Founding Member |
|
Member of the Board, Ride Captain, Safety Officer, Founding Member |
|
Member of the Board, Legal & Trademark, Raffle Tickets, Founding Member |
|
Member of the Board, Education Fund, Founding Member |
| Cindy
Lundeen |
Member of the Board, Secretary, Merchandise |
| Jim
Beardsley |
Member of the Board, Family Liaison |
| Dianna
Beardsley |
Member of the Board, Family Liaison |
| Brad
Chandler |
Member of the Board, Sponsorships |
| Cindy
Chandler |
Member of the Board |
In addition, there are Officer Positions who report directly to the board. These
individuals work tirelessly on helping accomplish our
mission. They are:
Mark
and Michelle Hennig
|
Heroes Remembrance Officers:
|
Dean
Mitchell
|
Social Activities Officer
|
Laurie
Johnson, Assistant Stacey Erikson
|
History Officer/Official Photographer
|
Sue
Fleming and Sue Sherman
|
Blue Star Mothers Liaison Officers
|
Lyle
and Marlene Willock
|
Veterans Affairs Officers
|
Lori
Dobbs
|
Family Gift Officer
|
We
wish to thank those individuals who have served in
the past and contributed so much to our cause. The
Leadership Team, the Officers, the Members and all
the Volunteers of Tribute To The Troops look forward
to continuing to demonstrate to families of fallen
heroes that people do care about them, and their
loss has not gone unnoticed. We also remain focused
in making
a difference in peoples lives. People who have been
affected by the call to duty, and the defense of
our freedom. We do so with pride, dignity and respect.
Now, more than ever, we are proud to say about our
fallen heroes....
We Ride In Their Honor!
|