Rolling Thunder Ohio Chapter 2 Participates in Run to the Wall DC Demonstration

Rolling Thunder® XVIII

"Run to the Wall" Demonstration

Washington, DC
May 29, 2005

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This year's Rolling® Thunder XVIII - Run to the Wall - was another well attended demonstration. The North Pentagon Parking Lot was full and overflowing as usual. Even more visitors gathered along the parade route to cheer on our veterans who rode the demonstration event. Out of all the years that your humble Web Master has been attending the Run to the Wall, I can't remember a year where the weather was as good as this year. We only caught a small sprinkling of rain and the sun shined brightly causing a lot of smiles all around.

Unfortunately for Ohio Chapter 2, we had a small delegation this year due to weddings, work priorities (unreasonable bosses), and illnesses in our immediate families. Due to our light turnout, our Chapter 2 delegation was taken off of parking duty and assigned to sales duty. It felt a little strange not doing parking lot duty since we've been assigned parking duties for a billion years. Nevertheless, Ohio Chapter 2 members performed well in the sales arena.

What follows are some pictures that turned out reasonably well to place on this web site (photographer's camera was acting up - most pictures turned out pretty blurry). Enjoy.

If there are any pictures that you took while attending the demonstration that you would like displayed on this page, please send your pictures to the Web Master at gdannyg@adelphia.net .

The Hyatt Regency - Headquarters for Rolling Thunder® National Office

What a flag - Old Glory - the hotel staff did us proud by displaying the biggest flag I've ever seen inside a hotel lobby. What an eye catcher.

There were several of these wreaths that Artie and the National Office placed at the entrance of the hotel lobby. When you saw these awesome collection of wreaths, you know real quick that you were in the right place.

Thought I would show everyone the infamous "abyss" - the deep hole with some pretty good close cornering turns on the way down to the hotel parking area - BEWARE -this thing goes straight down.

Don't know who owned these sweet rides but would have loved to drive both off the hotel lot.

The National Office brought the nice Ford Expedition to the demonstration - unfortunately, I made these pictures too small so you can't see the stickers on the back of the vehicle - but you can check below for info. Nice ride for sure.

I really like the back side of this truck - I like bold, decisive statements too!

Ohio Chapter 2 Participated in the Washing DC VA Hospital Visitation

Andrew S. Kerr, member of National Chapter 1, plays his bagpipes for our Washington DC VA hospitalized veterans.

Andrew S. Kerr plays for Fred Douglas Bean (left) and William Dillard (right). Fred and William were soaking up the pipes as Andrew belted out the songs.

Barb Henry (left), Board Member and Treasurer of Ohio Chapter 2, shares a moment with Vickie Griffin, a guest of Ohio Chapter 2. Vickie attended the VA Hospital Visit this year to support our troops.

Danny Griffin (left), Web Master for Ohio Chapter 2, visits with Vernon Thornton, WWII Army veteran.

Danny Griffin visits with Serena Vine, WWII Navy veteran.

This lady, while a little on the humble side, had some really good stories to tell. When we thanked her for her service to our great country, all eyes got a little teary - I know you know what I mean.

Greg McGlashan (right), Ohio Chapter 2 member, visits with Andrew Hughes, Army veteran.

Vickie Griffin (standing) visits with Alyce Dixon. What makes Alyce stand out in the crowd is that she's 97 years old and was a member of the Original Women's Army Corp (1943). This veteran had a great many stories to share as well and everyone was attentive to her every word. Thank you again for your service Alyce and God Bless All of Our Veterans.

These guys are talking really fast, thus the major blurring.

Ms. Alyce Dixon telling it like it is.

Part of the Ohio Chapter 2 delegation (from left to right): Woodie Henry, Greg McGlashan, Danny Griffin and Barb Henry.

The Annual Meeting - Our National Office Put on a really great meeting with some fantastic speakers - the food was good too.

Artie "Dictator" Muller (right), Executive Director and Founder of Rolling Thunder®, confers with Gary Scheffmeyer (left), President of Rolling Thunder®, before taking the podium to tell it like it is.

Here are some special people (left to right), Artie Muller, Nancy Sinatra (www.nancysinatra.com), Carolyn and Keith Maupin(www.yellowribbonsupportcenter.com). Both Artie and Nancy are great speakers and advocates for our veterans. Nancy can really bring a tear to the eye with her gift of sharing experiences.

Carolyn and Keith Maupin are the parents of Keith "Matt" Maupin, our own Ohio Hero from Batavia, Ohio (click here to go to Matt's Page).

Artie Muller takes the podium with style and grace. I've listened to Artie for many years and each year I'm reminded as to why this gentleman leader founded Rolling Thunder®. You can feel the passion and purpose in his voice and in his message.

God couldn't have picked a better founder and leader for our Organization.

Lucy Walsh (left), National Director in charge of Veterans Affairs, receives an award for her dedication and service from Lynne "Jinx" Jenks, National Vice President.

Paul Revere (center) and the Raiders received special recognition from Artie Muller (left) for the years of dedication and service to Rolling Thunder®. I believe that's band member Omar Martinez on the right.

Artie Muller gives honor and homage to Carolyn and Keith Maupin for their son's service to our Country.

Two beautiful young ladies, Nikki Mendicino (left)(http://nikkiusa.com) and Nancy Sinatra (www.nancysinatra.com). Both spoke during Rolling Thunder® XVIII demonstration activities. My favorite speakers cause they've got a good message and are tremendously easy on the eyes - YES. I can listen to them both all day.

Both ladies are veteran advocates as well as well known speakers. Both have their own web sites - as you can readily see.

Here's Lucy receiving her award surrounded by Gary Scheffmeyer (far left), Lynn Jenks and Artie Muller.

Job well done Lucy - Congratulations again.

Mrs. Muller receives special recognition (especially for putting up with the "Dictator").

Mr. and Mrs. Scheffmeyer (left) with Mrs. Muller and her recognition plaque.

The Reveres (left couple) share some special time with The Maupins. All listening with purpose to Artie's message.

The Vietnamese were present to sell their motorcycle models. Yes, there were special interest vendors just outside the meeting room.

Mike DePaulo, National Service Officer, speaks to the crowd.

Ohio Chapter 2 guest, Diane Geiser, stands next to her husband, Ty Geiser, Ohio Chapter 2 member. With them is their friend, Ron Hunter, who traveled from Greensboro, North Carolina, to honor our veterans and visit The Wall.

Woodie and Barb Henry, Ohio Chapter 2 members, got to the meeting early in order to get a seat.

Standing room only. This meeting was packed. Left to right: Billy Damron, Doug Wiser, Diane Geiser, Ty Geiser, and guest, Ron Hunter.

There was a book signing going on.

You can't tell from this picture but this was a sale item at one of the vendor stands - a POW/MIA glow plaque.

Is this really Artie "Dictator" Muller?

The Infamous North Pentagon Parking Lot

Billy Damron, Ohio Chapter 2, waits for the start of the parade on his BMW K model.

Ty Geiser, Ohio Chapter 2, kicks back with his lovely wife Diane.

Doug Wiser, Ohio Chapter 2, waits for the start of the parade on his Harley Ultra Classic.

If you were in the parade, you saw Jose Shapiro, Ohio Chapter 2, standing in the middle of the parade route waving riders around our beloved Marine who stood for three hours at "present arms" saluting the veteran riders as they rode by.

Jose was recruited by National for this rewarding assignment.

This is what Jose and our beloved Marine saw for three straight hours - a steady stream of motorbikes - and some were moving fast. Good work Jose!!

Jose stands his ground for three hours as well.

Ohio Chapter 2 had two Sales Teams working the Parking Lot

The Billy Damron - Greg McGlashan Sales Team

Billy Damron (left) and Greg McGlashan are selling patches and pins.

Greg and Billy work the crowds.

The goofy yellow hat is courtesy of National. Only one hat per team - thank goodness. We don't know exactly how Greg got stuck with wearing the hat?? The hat was given to Greg at the end of the selling session but I don't think Greg kept it very long??

The Ty Geiser - Doug Wisor Sales Team

Doug Wiser (left) and Ty Geiser selling patches and pins.

Doug and Ty work the crowds.

It's obvious that Ty dismissed the yellow goofy hat and found a yellow hat of his own. That's a smart man.

Thought for the day - not having the goofy yellow hat helped the Geiser - Wiser team to sell more patches and pins.

And the Winning Sales Team Is ------ The Ty Geiser - Doug Wiser Sales Team.

Both of our Ohio Chapter 2 Sales Teams did exceeding well. The Geiser - Wiser team won out over the Damron - McGlashan team by selling a second basket of patches and pins. Congratulations to Ty and Doug. And just as many thanks to Billy and Greg for all their hard work. All of these guys make us proud at Ohio Chapter 2 and I know that Artie Muller and the National Chapter appreciates all the hard work too.

Some Pictures from The Wall Activities

Jose Shapiro, Ohio Chapter 2 member, pays his respect to the men and women on The Wall.

Keith and Carolyn Maupin take the podium while Mike DePaulo, National Service Officer, looks on.

Woodie Henry visits the Three Soldiers memorial adjacent to The Wall.

The statute represents the camaraderie and the closeness of the grunt. Not Anglo, African, Hispanic or Native American, but flesh, bone and blood! They all shared everything and they all bleed the same color . . . RED! Just doing their job for their Country and Flag. Words by Jay Hirsch (68-69)