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