Riders cruise ‘all the way’ to respect veterans, past and present

ROCK SPRINGS — West Coast to East Coast, bikers unite to remember, honor and support veterans during an annual 13-day cross-country ride from Auburn, California, to Washington, D.C.

Bikers from the National Veterans Awareness Organization started their journey on Tuesday, May 14, visiting veterans at the Mathers Veterans Medical Center, south of Sacramento. They arrived in Rock Springs on Friday, May 17.

Those who participate in the ride take part in three major activities:

Each day, they visit veterans’ homes and hospitals to let them know they are not forgotten.

They participate in memorial services, laying wreaths down and showing their respect for veterans who have come before them.

They visit schools and talk with students about giving back to their communities, serving our nation and showing respect for military veterans.

Libby Worden, a Sacramento resident, has been riding with her husband, Wayne. He has been the ride chaplain for the National Veterans Awareness Ride for 10 years. She said she already had a positive impression of Rock Springs when the giant flag on the crane behind the fire department on College Drive came into view, welcoming the vets.

Worden described the National Veterans Awareness Ride, so far, as an “exceptional vibe.”

She said Lexi Lamb, a Uinta County resident, organized the gathering at VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 4280 in Evanston.

“Her husband passed away just three weeks ago, but she still wanted to host us,” Worden said. “Just the thought of someone putting their grief aside and honoring the vets was so great. It was a priority to her.”

The riders and members of Post 4280 had a joint wreath-laying ceremony at a memorial site a block away from the post. Five members from the veterans ride took part in presenting the wreath. After the prayer and a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace,” a dozen preschool children showed up, waving flags. They recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

“There wasn’t a dry eye there. Everyone was so proud,” she said. “It’s a joy to my heart that the little children are being taught what patriotism is.”

California resident Jerry Connor, the president of NVAO, is one of a group of five known as the Missing Man Formation. Connor explained that the group rides side by side, tighter than the formation that is weaving in and out behind them, and it moves at the same time.

“There is an empty slot beside us that represents the veteran who is no longer with us,” Connor said.

The NVAO has a new ride pin made every year. The riders receive a bunch of pins and put them in one of their nine pockets. They are presented, with gratitude, to veterans they meet around the country, as well as their caretakers in long-term care facilities, hospitals, police escorts and to many others who support the veterans ride and the veterans.

“We meet many people with a collection of pins on their vests, jackets and hats,” Worden said.

Worden expressed gratitude to the Sweetwater County law enforcement agencies for ensuring their safety through construction zones and handling the traffic in town.

New to this year’s National Veterans Awareness Ride is the Ride of Pride truck. Both sides feature images of soldiers in uniform, an eagle with spread wings and military aircraft. The driver’s side also features the Cadet Chapel at the Air Force Academy. The hood of the truck pays tribute to prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA).

Jeff Waggoner, driver of Ride of Pride, is a Colorado resident. He said this is the first trip the Ride of Pride has made throughout the West of the United States. He usually participates in events with his truck on the east side of the country. He spent 24 years in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer.

Riders and local responders did not part ways until they heard the rally cry from Connor.

“How far are we going?!”

“All the way!!” “How far?!” “All the way!!”

Rock Springs residents Kat and Mike Tipton have been pulling the merchandise chase trailer for the past two years. Kat explained that if a bike breaks down during their trip, they load it into the trailer. She describes the ride as “a heartfelt experience,” noting that “it’s been very emotional.” The couple also serves as the Wyoming state coordinators for the National Veterans Awareness Ride. In 2019, they laid flags in the tombs of the unknown in Washington, D.C.

“We’ve been in the ride since it started,” Kat said. “But we only made it all the way six times.”

After getting fuel for their motorcycles, the riders headed to the American Legion Archie Hay Post 24 in downtown Rock Springs for breakfast.

“When we arrived at Post 24, the color guard stood proud, presenting colors right there in front,” Worden said. “It’s an image I won’t soon forget.”

She added that walking through the doors of the post felt like “walking into a friend’s home.”

She said, “Each person there had a smile, a greeting, and stood, willing to serve us. The breakfast was delicious, and the coffee was the real thing. Also, it was especially nice to have fresh fruit.”

According to Worden, the highlight for her was talking with Rock Springs resident Becky Tammany. Tammany’s four young grandchildren have been involved “from birth,” volunteering at veterans events, Worden said.

“This blessed my heart knowing that there are still people out there passing the importance of patriotism to the younger generation, as well as the respect for veterans and the sacrifice of serving their community,” Worden said. “Walking out with Becky, I commented that it feels like family here. It really does.”