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.
| Linda
Block |
Volunteer |
| Rick
Block |
Gift
Photo Manager/Researcher |
| Pam
Braastad |
Treasurer |
| Tim
Braastad |
Ride
Cordinator/Captain |
| Darwin
Erickson |
Road
Guard |
| Darlene
Erickson |
Volunteer |
| Pam
Johnson |
Secretary/Merchandise
Manager |
| Don
Knafla |
Road
Guard |
| Jen
Knafla |
Volunteer
|
| Chris
Lind |
Ride
Coordinator/Captain |
| Rockie
Lynne |
Cofounder/National
Spokesperson |
| Gregg
Schmitt |
Cofounder/Executive
Director |
| Maggie
Schmitt |
Volunteer |
| Sandy
Olson |
V.I.P.
Co-coordinator |
| Janet
Mertes |
V.I.P.
Co-coordinator |
| Randy
Vaughn |
Ride
Coordinator/Captain |
| Barbara
Vaughn |
Volunteer |
OUR
SUPPORTERS
The Tribute
to the Troops ride and benefit concert is supported by these
organizations:
| America
Supports You (Pentagon) |
| American
Legion |
| Blue
Star Mothers |
| Gold
Star Mothers |
| Tee
It Up For The Troops |
| Veterans
of Foreign Wars |
| Wounded
Warriors Hospital Fund |
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
|