STAR Touring and Riding Chapter 239 :: The 2nd Annual Ride for BVQ

Category
To say that today's Ride for the Bedford Veterans Quarters went off without a hitch is an understatement. This was truly a tremendously successful day and one that we, as a chapter, can be very proud of.

The weather, always a concern for weeks ahead, was perfect! The turnout was spectacular!! 50+ bikes, WOW. The police & sheriffs did an outstanding job and we could not have done this without their help.

And the warm welcome we received from the veterans made the day complete. They actually applauded us as we approached the picnic area. That was heartwarming. During the BBQ, Tom Fiander came around thanking us individually. He expressed his gratitude as well as the gratitude of the veterans and how much it means to all of them that we took it upon ourselves to give something back.

All the effort that everyone put in made this all work.

As for all the chapter "chefs", you guys did a bang up job with those burgers and dogs. As if the afternoon wasn't hot enough, you all hung out for most of it over a hot grill. A big Thanks for doing that.

This day has come and gone, but it will be one we will all not soon forget. And we seem to have given the resident veterans of the BVQ a Saturday that they will remember for a long time as well.

We did good, you guys.

Some other links:
Departure video
Bedford Minuteman story

Comments

1 - First let me say thank you to everyone for all your help with the BVQs ride. As with everything this chapter does, it is not one person but the entire chapter that makes things happen. I could not have done it alone and this event is just another example of how we all pull together, under a tight schedule, and get things done. I was realy awesome the way everyone pitched in and helped JD and I with the food once you all arrive at the VA Hospital. I do not believe anyone waited to long for there food and everyone seem please with the event, especially the Vets who were our guests of honor. I can not tell you how many times I heard ' Thank You" but it is really us who should be saying thank you for their service to our country that allows us to ride and enjoy events like yesterday.

I would like to thank Bill and Cida for hosting our little get together later in the day and for cooking..thank God, I do not think I could have flipped another burger or hot dog.

So again, thank you everyone for your help and support planning and executing this event. To quote our Chapter President "You guys rock".

Posted by Wayne Stanley At 11:57:56 PM On 02/12/2009

2 - I finally have a few moments now to sit down and reconnect with everyone. This morning we helped Bill and Cida complete the move from their old house to their new house. Munds and Doreen, and Jack Foreman (The New Sheriff in Town!) were also there to help too. The STAR Rescue Rig was back on duty one more time! And none too soon. JD and I just got through storing the last of those (icey cold) beers and sodas when the sprinkling started...which quickly changed to rolling thunder and more defined rain drops. Great timing for a weekend well spent!

But I want to take this time to reflect on the recent past and to say again (and again and again) THANK YOU to our entire chapter for all your hard work which obviously made for a perfect and successful day for us and the veteran's in Bedford. I will be sending words of THANKS to all the chapters (far and wide) who showed their support in so many ways and who road long distances to help us support these veterans. It was an awesome day, which touched me deeply to see such support and friendship! One always hopes and prays that an event will turn out well, but is certainly moving when an event comes together such as this one did, and well exceeds any expectations. This was truely a TEAM EFFORT! and it showed!

To our COOKS! What more can I say that Fran hadn't already put to words! YOU GUYS ROCK!
However I think the best sight was seeing all the cigars break out! Like all of you were just finding your zone! I just loved the safari rag top Wayne was sporting for a while! Very cool fashion statement!

Tom Fiander went from person to person and couldn't stop saying "thank you" enough...and I'm glad for that! I know everyone appreciated the day...and we had boat loads of fun doing it! I think he was pretty surprised by the amount of money that was raised and by the two framed "story boards" that were presented to him. I don't know if you all heard what he said to me after I handed those framed items to him...but he stated that those will "definately be hung in a place of honor". I think also, once we can get our hands on that group picture of our chapter we took yesterday morning, and the group picture from the afternoon, we should get an enlargement of those pictures and get those mounted the same too for them.

Well, the rain seems to have passed and the sun is back out. I'm going to chill for a little bit then head out to do a little yard work. But for now, thank you again for all your hard work...everyone! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST EVER!

Posted by Rosemary DeLorey At 11:58:49 PM On 02/12/2009

3 - On behalf of STAR Chapter 239, I would like to thank everyone who rode in the 2nd Annual Ride for Bedford Veterans Quarters for your support and for your donations. Between Saturday's ride and several previous donations, we raised a total of $2,022.00 !! Every penny of this money will be used to purchase whatever additional items the veterans may need for their homes. In addition to helping the residents of the BVQ, this group ride was also a way to express your gratitude to ALL those who have served our country and as well as those who are currently serving. To everyone who participated, feel proud of yourselves and of your fellow riders for being a part of this very special event. We hope to see you all again next year. Ride Safe.

Posted by Fran Williams At 04:33:08 PM On 02/14/2009