Offutt welcomes Yellow Ribbon Run riders

  • Published
  • By Landy C. Schwiesow
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  When people come to Nebraska, most become familiar with the Midwestern saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." Such was the case July 12. The mid-July Sunday looked like it was going to be a sunny day: Not too hot, not too cool. Just right. 

Around 11 a.m., the weather took an odd turn. As the clouds and wind blew in from one direction, thunder came rolling in from another. This thunder wasn't from nature's wrath, it was from hundreds of motorcycle riders. 

Offutt's General's Row provided a backdrop for the gathering of Yellow Ribbon Run riders who take to their bikes annually to raise money for Offutt's Friends of the Family Support Center organization. As the bikers parked along Washington Square, the clouds broke and the sun reappeared making for a refreshing atmosphere. Team Offutt volunteers teamed up with row residents to provide water and snacks to riders seeking a break under the shade of trees standing guard along the perimeter of the parade grounds. 

After parking their bikes, riders made their way to the gazebo to hear a few words from one of the event's organizers and the 55th Wing Vice Commander Col. John Rauch. 

Fellow biker and event organizer Barry Wilkinson, a lead work and life consultant with the 55th Force Support Squadron's Airman and Family Readiness Center, was the first to address those gathered. On behalf of the riders, he thanked Team Offutt and the residents for their hospitality and support. The sentiment was reiterated by Colonel Rauch who thanked the volunteers, the riders for their support and patriotism, and especially those riders who had served in the military. 

Mr. Wilkinson also took a moment to thank "Gold Star Families," those that have lost a son or daughter in ongoing operations around the globe. 

The run started at the Werner Cycle Shop in west Omaha and traveled to Camp Ashland, a National Guard training facility near Ashland, Neb., where the riders were briefed on the camp's mission. While at the camp, riders welcomed the Gold Star Family members who then led the group in a "Missing Man" formation to Offutt. The ride ended at Stack's Bar in Springfield, Neb., with a hog roast. 

Fund-raising can make one hungry. 

"The money we raised was just over $ 8,000," said Mr. Wilkinson. 

Those funds help various programs at Offutt along with the Guard and Reserves in the local area according to Mr. Wilkinson. 

Some examples of how the money is used annually at Offutt are the "Spring Spa for Spouses" and Project Happy Holidays which distributes care packages, said Mr. Wilkinson. 

[The Friends of the Family Support Center] provides dinners for deployed family members, pool parties for the children of the deployed, and other programs according to Mr. Wilkinson. "All services, active duty, guard, and reserve are invited to participate in these," he said. 

The ride, however, is not just about raising money, said Mr. Wilkinson. 

"This is a parade and reminder to the public that we still have military personnel fighting for us every day," said Mr. Wilkinson, "These Gold Star Families had sons or daughters that paid the ultimate price. The Gold Star Families will be honored guests on these rides from now on."