Flag Day Demonstration Run to Columbus

All Ohio Flag Day Demonstration Run to the State House

Columbus, Ohio
June 16, 2007

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Rolling Thunder® Ohio Chapter 2 members participated in the "All Ohio Chapter's Flag Day Demonstration Run to the State House" in Columbus, Ohio, on June 16, 2007. As in past Flag Day Demonstration Runs, Ohio Chapter 8 President, Ms. Becky Tompkins, along with her Chapter 8 members, put on an excellent demonstration. This year, the weather was great (good and hot), the speakers were again on point, and the demonstration went on without a hitch. President Becky is turning this annual event into an All Rolling Thunder® Ohio Chapters event for sure as she is rotating our Ohio Chapter Presidents into the demonstration speaking engagements. For this 2007 event, several members from Ohio Chapter 2 and Chapter 11 participated. See pictures below.

This 2007 Flag Day Demonstration Run was made very special by the attendance of Lynne "Jinx" Jenks, Vice President of our National Rolling Thunder® Chapter. Lynne also spoke to the crowd. Lynne did a great job and we all enjoyed meeting and speaking with her. Her other half, Mr. Larry Spenser, also attended our Demonstration Run. Larry, this past year, served as Ohio's Rolling Thunder® State Representative.

We greatly appreciate the attention that our National Chapter gives our Ohio Flag Day Demonstration Run to the State House. Thanks National Rolling Thunder®.

Congratulations again to Beck Tompkins and her Ohio Chapter 8 members for another great demonstration rally. We're all looking forward to the 2008 rally.

Flags were flying low due to the lack of wind on this very hot day.

Al Keck (right), Rolling Thunder® National Advisor and Ohio State Director, talks strategy with his predecessor, Larry Spencer of National Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 (left).

Ohio's Chapter 11 Color Guard stands at the ready.
At the left is Dennis Waler (LT) and Jeff Koster (Color Guard Commander) is on the right. Excellent.

Corie Schweser, Ohio President of Blue Star Moms of America, performs the "Presentation of Wreaths" with the Ohio Chapter 11 Color Guard. Jeff Koster and Dennis Waler salute.

Ohio Chapter 8 Wreath

Ohio Chapter 2's own Harold Murray, "Gold Star Father," joins participants in a prayer for our country and our troops. Harold also performed the Benediction.

(Harold's son is Sgt. Jeremy Murray - click here to review our Jeremy Murray Tribute Page)

Forming up at the Duke Travel Plaza - getting ready to roll into Columbus to form up with other Chapters and civilian support groups.

Becky Tompkins, President of Ohio Chapter 8, gets the event in high gear.

The State House "Walls" (there are two Walls on the State House grounds) memorialize letters written by our soldiers to their loved ones.

Corie Schweser, Ohio President, Blue Star Moms of America.

Ohio Chapter 9 President, James "Spy" Riley, takes his devoted turn at the podium.

Ohio Chapter 11 President, Dave "Pole Climber" Courtney speaks to his audience. Ohio Chapter 2 member and Gold Star Father Harold Murray gives his attention.

Our own Ohio Chapter 2 President, Bob "Gorilla" Fankhauser, speaks to the crowd. Bob, you did a really great job - you're a natural born speaker.

Tim and his lovely wife Dawn. What a nice lady. These are the types of folks we need to keep in our State House.

This is a picture of true dedication to our POW/MIA and veteran causes. How many men do you know that would come out in the heat in this condition? This guy is tough for sure. His name is Phil "Catfish" Smith and is a member of Ohio Chapter 11. Thanks for attending Catfish.

Robin Geiger, Chapter 11 Color Guard member, handles the sacred POW/MIA flag. Robin is also Chapter 11's Secretary and Veterans Affairs Coordinator. She's a busy lady.

Lynne Jenks, Rolling Thunder® National Vice President.

Kevin Ivey, Ohio Chapter 2 Photographer, got talked into some singing sessions.

No person has ever seen Al Keck's head. Al is our Rolling Thunder® National Advisor and Ohio State Director. Since Al is a very important person, everyone should know what Al really looks like. So when he had to remove his hat for the Pledge of Allegiance, I made a quick photo for positive and absolute proof that Al does have a head.

Jeff Koster and Dennis Waler close our our ceremonies.

Corie Schweser, Ohio President of Blue Star Moms of America, addresses participants.

Mr. Timothy A. Espich, Director, Governor's Office of Veterans' Affairs, brought everyone up to date on Governor Strickland's activities to help all of our Ohio Veterans. Great job Tim - please keep up the great job for our veterans.

Ohio Chapter 2 members Kevin Ivey (left) and Harold Murray (right) pay attention to Tim's comments.

If you need to contact Tim, he can be reached direct: 614-644-0898; phone: 614-466-3555; fax: 614-728-9498; e-mail: TIM.ESPICH@GOVERNOR.OHIO.GOV.

Dawn Espich, Lynne Jenks and Tim Espich.

Missing Man Table

Ty and Diane Geiser enjoy Tim Espich's comments and willingness to help our Ohio veterans. Ty is Ohio Chapter 2's Vice President.

Al Keck, Rolling Thunder® National Advisor and Ohio State Director, addresses participants.

Lynne Jenks wows the crowd with her remarks.

Thanks again to our Rolling Thunder® National Chapter for their attendance at this important annual event.

A better picture of the Missing Man Table.

A picture of dedication - Corie Schweser, Ohio President of Blue Star Moms of America.

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