Yellow Ribbon Run

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th Wing commander, prepares to depart Offutt Air Force Base as part of the Annual Yellow Ribbon Run on July 10. Bacon joined more than 1200 motorcyclists for the Offutt leg of the Annual Yellow Ribbon Run. The Yellow Ribbon Run is held each year in honor of fallen heroes. (U.S. Air Force Photo by D.P. Heard/Released)

Yellow Ribbon Run

Barry Wilkinson of the 55th Force Support Squadron speaks to the crowd participating in the Annual Yellow Ribbon Run at Offutt Air Force Base on July 10. Barry was among more than 1200 motorcycle riders who participated in the run, which is held annually to honor fallen heroes. (U.S. Air Force Photo by D.P. Heard/Released)

Riding for our heroes

Published July 19, 2011
By David R. Hopper
55th Wing Public Affairs

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- More than 800 motorcycles roared across Nebraska's highways on July 10 as part of the annual Yellow Ribbon Run to honor fallen heroes.

"The Yellow Ribbon Run is a joint venture put on by Rollin' Plains Motorcycle Club, Werner's Cycle Works, KAT 103 radio station and Friends of the Family Support Center," said Barry Wilkinson, who organized the Offutt leg of the run. "It is more of a parade to recognize the contributions of our troops and remember the sacrifices that they make every day for us."

The event began at Werner's Cycle Works in Omaha, Neb., with the registration and an opening ceremony. The first leg of the "run" took riders to the Strategic Air and Space Museum as Sgt. Larry Lampman of the Bellevue Police Department led the way on a police motorcycle.

After the museum, riders cruised to Offutt and parked along the parade grounds. After the thunder died down, riders made their way to the gazebo where members of several Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan addressed the crowd.

"Today, we ride to honor the fallen heroes of this great country and their family members, and to remember that freedom is not free," said Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th Wing commander and participant in this year's Yellow Ribbon Run. "Our nation has had many Gold Star families, which reflects the many battles fought to secure and maintain our nation's freedom. Seeing so many people come out to support servicemembers is humbling and we thank you."

After a few homemade cookies, these hard-core bikers left Offutt for a "Hog" roast at the American Legion in Gretna, Neb.

"The Yellow Ribbon Run is more than just a memorial ride, it's also a fundraiser," said Wilkinson. "The proceeds from the run go to support the Friends of the Family Support Center, a group that helps military members and their families during overseas deployments."

This year marked the ninth annual Yellow Ribbon Run, which usually takes place in July.

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