Right now I'm in Fallujah, Iraq for my second deployment. Things are running smoothly, not too crazy. It’s a little slow, we are basically support for the Iraqi Police, and as soon as they have no problems controlling their city, we will transition away.

I just wanted to say thank you for all the support. It’s great to see that there are people out there that care as much as you guys. Let everyone please know that I am grateful and will hopefully see you, or some of you when I get back next year. Take Care & God Bless!

Sincerely,
Manuel A.Lopez

You asked me to give you a little bit about what I thought about the event. I can't express more than what you see in the faces of families who have lost their loved one. The pillars of strength that they show and how grateful they are that someone reached out and noticed them and their grief. The fact that they want to make sure that all the riders are taken care of, very surprised about all the families who wanted to feed this many people. But that would be me too!My hat goes off to Randy (but I'm sure that all of the ride leaders are the same), I just happened to be riding the Central Ride, how organized the ride is. The precision and how everything is timed right out so we are not early and we are not late. It was really nice to see the law enforcement agencies step up to help with the safety of the riders. Too bad we can't get more! Safety being such a key element. Everyone makes sure that everyone is taken care of, a big extended family! BIG KUDOS to Randy!The Concert and wrap up was awesome! Getting all of the families together and giving them honor that they deserve. The whole event shows the respect for our fallen heroes that definitely should be shouted from the mountain tops. Look what these families have given us so that we may have our freedom. I wish there is some way the media would cover this event and events like it.You have an stupendous staff that surrounds you and Rockie with this event. I am looking forward to seeing more pictures from Laurie (what an amazing person and a phenomenal photographer) and the others. Please keep me in the loop!If you would allow, I would like to participate again next year as we talked about before I left. My drive back to Nashville was long, but it was definitely reflective from the weekend just spent. My burn has healed nicely. Still tired though!If there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask! I will try to help in whatever way I can. Thank you again for your hospitality! I look forward to hearing from you!

All the best,
Shar'n Clark
Shake 'Em Up Music
Rockie Lynne - Carolina Blue Sky Music
9 Music Square South, #125
Nashville, TN 37203

To all of the Tribute To The Troops Riders & Volunteers,
I want to thank you for remembering my son and our family during the 2007 ride and concert. It matters that our loved ones are remembered, and your visit made a difference.Your visit and the concert left us with so many amazing memories: the emotions that swelled as we heard the roar of your approaching motorcycles; the expressions on your faces as you gathered in front of our house; the sheer number of you taking your time and resources to remember; the beautiful plaque, CDs, and concert tickets so graciously given to us; the heartfelt hugs and tears you shared; the opportunity to visit with you; being able to read to you the writing my son had marked with his dog tag; and the beautiful tribute paid to our soldiers during the concert. These are memories that will be cherished forever.I understand the purpose of your visits and the concert is to honor our loved ones and remember their families, but I want you to know that we were also honored to have had your visit. Thank you so much for your compassion.
You are amazing.We will definitely be at next year’s concert. It’s already on my calendar.

Sandy Masterson
Mother of CPL Conor G. Masterson

Mr. Knafla,
I cannot thank you and your friends at Tribute to the Troops enough for the wonderful ride and concert. My family was more than touched at the outpouring and love your riders conveyed. I do not know what else to say other than thank you... Anyone will tell you I am NEVER speechless - this ride/concert - leaves me that way...OK... so I guess I am not TOO speechless because I have some things to say - I wanted to say a thank you. You stood out amongst the rest - I still have your bracelet in my car - I put it around my shifter to remind me of the wonderful things you and the others have done for families around MN - and so when people ask me about it I can tell them of the wonderful person who gave his room for my parents, was a shoulder to cry on (when I didn't think I had any tears left), and even had enough energy after 3 days of riding a motorcycle to dance (with permission from his wife) with a perfect stranger! Thank you! I wish I could remember the names of the others that treated my family so well and seemed to keep an "eagle eye" on us to make sure we were ok during the concert.I wanted you to know that my family is doing ok. We shed a lot of tears and I believe that has been a part of our healing. We cry on our own, we cry together - happy tears, sad tears it depends on the day, but we are coping and making it through.I am sure I will see you next year!

With Sincere Thanks!
Proud sister of Marine Sgt. Chad M. Allen
KIA Iraq, February 28, 2007
Linell Haux (Allen)

Randy,
Cindy and I owe you and the entire TTTT team our heartfelt thanks for leading what was simply the most organized, thoughtful and memorable ride that we have ever been involved with. It was an unforgettable week-end that was what I refer to as a "centering life event". We too are honored and humbled to be participants.

THANK YOU!
Brad Chandler

Gegg,
Our family would like to thank you, Rockie, and your entire organization for this past weekend. It was such a thrill to see so many bikes carrying so many genuinely wonderful people come to Nick's home in his honor. We hope the pictures gave you all a bit of a glimpse into the great life led by our Nicholas. Thanks to all of you for the care given to little Miss Shelby, who had a wonderful weekend thanks to your caring organization. She, of course, has a new love in her life. Rockie really touched her heart, and all of ours for that matter. You gentlemen should be proud of the organization. TTTT has our undying gratitude. We were able to ENJOY something that directly honored Nick, and that is not easy most days.|We will definitely keep all of you in our prayers and your website in our laptops. If you ever need any help during the course of this next year, please keep my e-mail and phone number handy. I would like to help you in any way I can.

Tribute to The Troops ROCKS! God Bless!
Betsy Turcotte
A Very Grateful and Proud Grandmother of A Fallen Hero

Dear Gregg,
I just wanted to write and thank you, again, for everything that you do. Coming to my parent's house (Grandma & Papa) to honor Nick was absolutely amazing! My heart is still reeling from that day...I've never seen anything like it! Just knowing that there are people like you & Rockie and Maggie, etc...who really, really care about our loss, and who I truly believe will never let them be forgotten; it means more than I can ever put into words. And knowing that Nick is being remembered and loved by a whole lot of people, especially with us living in Colorado, well, I can't even tell you what that means to me. Every time I leave Maple Grove to come back to Colorado my heart breaks; but with every visit, it somehow gets a little easier, knowing that so many of you will not forget him, and are truly there to honor him, along with all the other Minnesota Fallen Heroes, it helps my heart more than you will ever know. He's with me/us here in Colorado, I know he's watching out for us; I believe you, too, have all gained your own personal red-headed guardian angel!!Anyway, I just wanted to send my love and thanks for all that you guys do; by the way, Shelby thinks you're totally awesome and can't wait until the next time she gets to see you! Thank you so much for being so sweet to her, I believe you won her heart!! She says Hi and hopes your foot/leg is getting better!! In her words, "You Rock"!!Give my love to Maggie, I'll be dropping her an email real soon! You take care of yourself & I look forward to the next time we meet!

Safe riding!
Debbie Moore
(Proud Mom of SGT Nicholas D. Turcotte/KIA 12-04-06)

Hello Randy!
Just catching up on some e-mails and I wanted to extend our family's thanks one more time for the Tribute ride on Saturday the 8th---totally awesome and very moving--- and the Benefit Concert on Sunday. As I told Gregg, it was a time to celebrate Nick's life and the others with some fun and love, both of which come at a premium these days.I knew you would do a scouting run beforehand and I am sure it was not hard to identify our home. The flags and yellow ribbons have been a fixture ever since Nick left for Camp Shelby, MS.We will definitely attend next year's concert and bring several more peope with us. Your organization needs as much recognition as it can get. You are all great.

Sincerely,
Betsy Turcotte
Proud Grandmother of a Fallen Hero

We want to thank everyone for helping us honor Johnathan Benson and all the troops this past weekend. Thank you for all the love, kind words and support;it was a memorable event. After experiencing both "sides" we can say that this is a wonderful organization and we want to continue to serve any way we can.
Thank you and may God bless you all!
Dave and Michelle Benson

Thank you for your time and commitment to the TTTT. Brian and I have done all four years and continue to see the impact that such an event has had on the people that embrace it. We will continue to hold the TTTT close to our hearts and carry the weekend with us throughout the year.
God Bless, Melanie Warwas/Brian Dehn

Greetings,
Four years ago we rode to visit three families who had lost their hero (and our hero), without any idea of what we were doing, we only had an idea that it was the right thing to do. I think it is amazing that four years later all three of the families that we visited that first year attended the concert and continue to express gratitude for what we did and are doing. I want to thank everyone that helps to continue that idea from four years ago, from the board members to the volunteers to the bands that donated their time, and to the riders who took a weekend out of their busy schedules to join us to the sponsors that support us. Each and every one of you play a very important part in honoring our heros and their families, and for that I say THANK YOU. Please keep them all in your minds and prayers.
I am honored and humbled,
Randy Vaughn

Randy, Bill and I want to thank you and the other members for letting us be a part of this years ride. It is an experience we will never forget and we are looking forward to participating for as long as we are able to. It was a pleasure meeting all of you and we are looking forward to seeing you again soon. Sue Sherman

So many thank you's...
Instead of being Weekend spectators, we get to be PARTICIPANTS. Instead of being the silent majority, We can be ACTIVE and ALIVE. As the Commander said at Lunch... Will we ever know how much it means to the Soldiers? Goosbumps, shivers, & Tears. To You, Rockie and all the Committee Members that give the rest of us the opportunity to participate.
THANKS. Terry Roehl

I cannot believe how big this ride is getting, it's amazing to have gotten to be a part of it for the last three years and watch the awareness grow. It will be nice when the day comes and you just have to plan the Memorial Day Ride on Sunday with no visits to families. You guys do an awesome job at planning this event.

This is one of the smoothest rides I have ever been on being this size. I enjoyed helping out and being a Road Guard and doing a small part helping out. I like the way Rockie performed this year, dedicating the first part to the families. I am sure it meant a lot to them.
Thanks for all that you do!
Gigi

Thank you guys for the best organized ride i have ever been on.Me and the wife both went on the ride and thourghly enjoyed it, We are also PGR members. We also joined the Tribute To The Troops. I am interested in doing some volunteer work for the oganization, who do i need to contact?
Thank You
Don Sparks ( Sparky )

Hi Randy,
Just a quick note to again say THANKS for doing your usual great job as our Road Captain on the TTTT rides this past weekend. The preparation and skills you and all the road guards show to get us to locations on time and home safely does not go unnoticed. We all appreciate it very much...Thanks again!
Ride safe,
Pete Schelitzche

From:CSM Doug Julin
1/34th BCT Command Sergeant Major

Thanks to all that your group is doing back there in the state. We are still here in Iraq for a few more months and can't wait to get home. I am looking forward to meeting a number of you and plan to attend a few of the rides. It will be two years since I have been able to ride my bike and what a great bunch of people to plan a ride with. Take care and thanks again for taking care of business back there while we continue to do what we have to over here.
Thanks, CSM Doug Julin

Read the thank you letter from John Folsom of Wounded Warriors.

Gregg,
Your cycle riders came as promised; the picture of Mike is very nice. I got lots of hugs and they took lots of pictures. Thank you very much. Love,
njb

Pam I should have got around to this sooner, but it is I and Coni that should be thanking you and all the people that put this Tribute RIDE together.  It was one of those weekends that going in we did not know what to expect, but we thought the idea was something that we had to participate in.  Boy where we blown away with what we experienced over those 3 days.  
 
The way we were treated that first morning pretty much set the tone for the whole weekend.  It was like we had ridden together for years.  The friendships that we made will never be forgotten.  The family s we visited, I do not know how to put into words what we felt.     
 
Please extend to Chris our thanks for the great job he did as Ride Captain.
 
I could go on and on but I think you understand. 
 
We look forward to when ever our paths will cross again and you can be sure that the SOUTHERN RIDE will rock again in 2007.
 
Rick & Coni Granahan

Really nice slide show you guys. I participated on Friday and Sunday and watching the slides brought me back to that emotion filled weekend very quickly, especially when the slides included those folks we were trying to serve.

Thanks for your work on this very important project.
Sincerely,
Jim Krieger

From The parents of Scott Modine who were visited 9/9/06Thanks to everyone.... that was so nice of all of you!
We would just like to thank you for coming to our house. That was an amazing thing and we love you all for your kindness and sympathy. The concert was great and we will be there next year.

Love,
John and Georgia Modeen

Thank you for your patriotism. I live in Little Falls and am currently stationed in Baghdad Iraq until around the March timeframe. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say thank you for all that you do to help support the troops and honor our brothers and sisters who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country. I ride as well and I would be honored to ride with you on the 2007 Tribute. It is people like you that make me feel proud to do the things I do!

Again thank you for your patriotism and support.
SFC Brendan J. Jay
Bagdad, Iraq

Hello "Family"
As I struggle to get back to work today - I wanted to take the opportunity to write to you. Immediately after I left all of you I had to go to the Minnesota Professional Photographers Assoc. Convention in St Cloud for two days I am exhausted and find that all I can think of is the weekend.  All I want to do is look at the photographs and start working on them.........all 1,700 of them! YIKES!
 
Here's what I'd like to share with all of you.
 
First of all I want to thank you for recognizing me with the Tribute Plaque - WHAT A SURPRISE!To tell you the truth - it meant more to me than any of my photographers plaques and awards.......perhaps even more than receiving my Master Photographer's Degree!
 
I want to thank all of you from the innermost parts of my heart.  My heart - something that has been filled til overflowing, with feelings I've never felt SO strongly in my life - until all of you have touched it so deeply.
 
The only visual I can connect it with is "The Grinch" - funny, but amazingly true.
 
As I followed the line of bikes prod through traffic and along country roads, I found myself constantly choking down tears. The power of your dedication and the force that pulled you towards your destinations was overwhelming.The circle of love and the power that comes from GENUINE love that you would form around each family as if it were your own was so true and beautiful. I'd watch as you would share your sorrow, your support, your words of comfort and gratitude with each hurting family - with each one - the atmosphere of tears and pain would magically transform to that of joy, feelings of love and great hope.
 
The power you have, within each of you, becomes an amazing force as you join all of your hearts together in this cause. As Gregg approached me (as SO many of you did) to thank me on the last night - as we were all huddled together on the dance floor - all attached with arms around - he said "can you feel the love in this place?" THAT'S IT - that's what is so powerful - I STILL get goosebumps. That feeling will remain a part of me and continue to touch me forever. You have all given my life more purpose.

In a world full of such pain and sadness - its truly a comfort to know that there's a power within all of us, through God, to overcome it all because we have love, and through that love we gain strength, purpose and hope.
 
Thank you - all of you - for allowing me to be a part of such a beautiful thing.  I feel it has changed my life - you are truly amazing.
 
God Bless you all.
With love
Laurie Pease Johnson
aka: LensBabe:)

Sir or Ma'am,
I just wanted to thank you for your support. Last week, your group rode to one of my soldier's spouses place, Cindy Gamnis. She was very pleased and wrote me an email about it. Again, thanks for thinking of us and our families.

1SG Barry L. Sell
Co C (-) FWD 2-136 IN BN
1-167 CAV
LSA Anaconda, Iraq
BLDG 4150

This past weekend was my first participation in your "Tribute To the Troops" ride and benefit. I felt it necessary to send you a quick note of thanks for what you, Rockie, and the wonderful committee members and volunteers you assembled for this years "Tribute To The Troops" event have done. I don't mean to all the families and soldiers we visited, their appreciation was very evident in their reactions and conversations with all of us. What I personally want to thank you for is for what it did for me. I can't remember a more fulfilling weekend. I know at times the weather was a little cold, but the warmth I was carrying in my heart dampened the chill. If you weren't touched by the human tenderness, love, and respect that you and Rockie articulated so well to these families and soldiers, I can't imagine what it would take. I typically try not to show too much emotion in public, but this weekend I was proud to wear my tears as a badge of honor for all those "Heroes". What you folks do is a wonderful thing, thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part of it. God willing, I will see you all again next year. With warm regards,

Pete Schelitzche

I would just like to take a moment to say thanks for all that you do. You will be visiting my parents on Saturday and I am not sure you realize how much this will mean to us. This has been a very hard struggle and seems at this time, not to be any easier. But thanks so much.

JAY LEE LEAF
LITCHFIELD, MN

Greetings,
What an honor and a privilege it was to fly out to join your wonderful group, I should say family, for the day. I truly can not think of anything more respectful to do for these families of fallen warriors than what you, your organization, and your comrades already do. I myself am a Desert Storm Marine vet and I must say that without a doubt that this was the most moving and inspiring event I have ever covered through my lens.

Semper Fi
William D. Moss (Doug)
American Forces Press Service

Hi Gregg and Rockie too!
Thank you so much for being part of the Cromwell parade with our Blue/Gold Star Mothers Chapter on Saturday. What you did for the four families in Cromwell was absolutely amazing and wonderful. The Tribute Concert was very nice too.Again, thank you for all you do! Keep in touch.

Sincerely,
Cathy Nummela
Proud Air Force Mom
V.P. Blue Star Mothers of America, MN Chapter #3
P.O. Box 86
Moose Lake MN 55767
218-391-7191

Gregg,
You and all the Riders did a fabulous job, we are so proud of all of you! Thanks for all that you do and all that is you! It is a pleasure to know you!I am going to send you the photos I received from Donna Miles at the Pentagon! I will send them in separate e-mails so as not to jam up our computers. The 2 articles she wrote regarding the Ride were posted on the AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU web site first thing Monday morning 9/12/05.

Many thanks,
Jere'

Thunder Country Productions, Inc.
ROCKIE LYNNE
www.rockielynne.comDearest Mama and Papa,
How can I thank you for your wonderful hospitality during my visit? I can't thank you enough for all you did to my my trip smooth as silk or to make me feel more welcome. It was a joy to meet you both and Rockie, too, and I count myself luckier in life for the experience you shared with me.The motorcycle ride was absolutely awesome and emotionally moving. I wrote two stories and hope I captured half the heart and spirit of the event. Please send my love to Rockie, too, and express my thanks for his warmth and inspiration.Here are links to the stories posted online this morning. I'll send more photos when I get to the office on Monday. Looking forward to talking soon!

Donna Miles

Gregg:
I wanted to take a minute to "Thank You" again for all that you did in putting together the Tribute to the Troops Benefit. It was very honoring and sincere...my husband would have been very proud. The military was very important to John, he was the man he was because of the Marine Corp. The Marine Corp became his family. He moved up the ranks, and became a leader to many. He carried these skills into his civilian life as a parent, coach, manager. Everything he did he did with great pride. I have learned much from my husband and I am a better person for having him in my life. I am grateful for the time we got together and try to concentrate on that ....and not the loss.Your efforts this weekend reminds me of how lucky we all are to live in this great country and that greatness sometimes comes with sacrifices. I know that my husband died doing exactly what he loved to do and among warriors. I gain comfort in that. I also gain comfort in knowing that I am not alone. The support of family, friends and community warms my heart. God has certainly blessed me with a strong support system. I am grateful for that. Please know that the ceremonies where very much appreciated and smiles followed the tears.I have also sent along an e-mail that was sent from John to our dear friend Pam October 8th, six days before his death. She has graciously shared it in an effort to show his point of view and what his personal convictions where. People question why we are there, this clearly says why he was there. Please remember me in the future I would be honored to be a part of this and help in any way that I can. Feel free to share this with your organization. I think the email is powerful, and says much about my husband.

Again thank you,
Lorie Pinsonneault and family

John's e mail to his friend Pam, one of his last.
Thanks for the encouragement. These days it's needed. As far the happenings here, yes, things are escalating; the anti-coalition wants to disrupt the US elections which is quickly approaching, and influence the American people that their leadership is not being successful. Along with that they want to keep things here chaotic because of their upcoming elections at the end of the year. They are very dedicated to disrupting the 'security' of this country in hopes of discrediting the coalition claims of security improving and tightening.I think I told you about the car bomb from earlier this week. One guy seems to be doing much better, the other is still in induced coma. We had a rocket land in our team tent last night. We had finished an all-hands meeting not 30 mins. prior. That frickin' rocket landed 15 yards from where I stood. Good news was that it buried itself deep enough that the blast was minimal. NO real injuries, a couple of minor cuts.The bounties continue to grow and the threat threat levels have increased with both elections nearing and Ramadan a week away, we are expecting things to increasingly become more hairy.Such is life and the cost of freedom. Yet, without regrets, what I have seen and continue to see daily, reconfirms my personal commitment to the Iraqi people. Some say the war is about oil, weapons of mass destruction...and they are indeed some collateral elements of the rationale why we are here. The real reason, which it haunts me why the media doesn't express this more, is because of the oppression of people, their basic freedoms.Stand over a mass grave in the Kurdish high country, a mass grave of Kurds who were gassed because they had differing philosophies than Saddam. Stand over the mass grave and look at the rotted bodies, young, old, men, women and children who were gassed near Basrah to 'test' the effects of their chem/bio weapons. Talk to the women who were rapped by Saddam's sons and others in his regime. Come here and see the hatred in their eyes for Saddam and his regime. Look at how these people live; stacked on top of each other, on the streets and find out their disparity.The unfortunate part is their lack of trust for the coalition's overall intent. Will the US stay the course to help them reconstruct their country, will we make sure the US stays here through the elections, will we be here to ensure that the transfer The unfortunate part is their lack of trust for the coalition's overall intent. Will the US stay the course to help them reconstruct their country, will we make sure the US stays here through the elections, will we be here to ensure that the transfer of that power is successful in the long run. Will the US be here to repel any revolution...The Iraqi people have a lot on their minds. They are deathly afraid that leadership could go bad and things would go back to the way it was; a very few hold the money and power and the rest must pay the pipers in order to do anything. The corruption of the system here was nothing short of maddening. Nothing was done without payoffs, bribes, conspiracy...which keeps the ambassadors and Senior Advisors from the coalition forces on their toes. Changing that mentality doesn't happen just because Saddam is gone.So there lies some of the incredible challenges faced in overthrowing a leader and the redevelopment of a people, a government and a country.

John Pinsonneault
Team Leader, Team 3
DynCorp WPPS
Baghdad, Iraq