| Operation Homefront Iron Hogs Ride for Freedom - 17 May 2008. What we rode for and why: Operation Homefront is an organization that provides assistance to Wounded Warrior families of all branches of the military. The services provided are in the areas of education, morale, and emergency services to the wounded warrior and family. We participated in this noble cause to help our brothers and sisters in uniform and their families during a time of need. This is what we stand for in the CVMA, Chapter #25; “Veterans Helping Veterans”.
The weather was perfect for riding, cool but not cold, warm but not hot. Chapter members formed up early at the Waffle House in Marietta and after a good WH breakfast, a few war stories and the required discussion about any new bits of chrome on our bikes it was off to Earl Small’s Harley Davidson for link-up.
Those that had not pre-registered with Operation Homefront registered at the Operation Homefront command post set up to collect money, rider information, and to pass out Operation Homefront T-shirts to the participating riders. All riders then gathered at the motorcycle assembly area that had been set up across the street from Earl Small’s Harley Davidson. This assembly point was maintained by a former MP, who still had it in him to do his job well. The motorcycles were lined up in a coned area two abreast. With kick stands down all riders and passengers awaited the command for kick stands up to begin the ride.
At preciously 1200 hours we met at the motorcycle assembly area for the ride debriefing and safety meeting given by the Chapter Commander of CVMA #25. With kickstands up, we departed for our first stop - Motorheads Bar and Grill, in McDonough.
The Cobb County Police Department provided escort to Interstate 75. They did an excellent job blocking the intersections and leading us to the interstate and they have our sincere thanks for a getting us on the road safely.
The ride south on I-75 was swift, enjoyable and without incident. The riders pulled into Motorheads at 1300 hrs where the group took a break, downed cold soda and water, ate lunch and socialized. The riders were to depart at 1400 hrs, but stood down until 1430 hrs so that other riders coming in could join the Operation Homefront riders.
At 1430 hrs the Chapter Commander called for kick stands up and we departed for Macon – our second stop. As standard operating procedure the Chapter Commander was in front leading the motorcycle riders accompanied by the Chapter XO, with the tail gunner bringing up the rear and being the last one out.
The Chapter Commander tested the situational awareness of those long since departed from active military duty by improvising on the ride route at the I-75 & I-475 intersection. I can say that all Combat Veterans responded well while maintaining awareness of their surroundings, motorcycle’s, and POV’s near them (you really needed to see this one!).
We pulled into the Clubhouse, a motorcycle friendly bar and grill in Macon at 1530 hrs. There was more food to be eaten, and refreshments to drink. After a round or two of soda, water and red bull everyone seemed to be well hydrated. A few more motorcycle riders joined the group for the ride further south to our final destination at Angel City.
The Chapter Commander gave the call for kick stands up at 1630 hrs and away we went. The final leg south was swift, and we soon exited the interstate at exit 122 and made the turn right for the final leg of this great riding day for a very good and noble cause. Soon the asphalt pavement turned into a dirt road; and on we rode into the tree line - We were at Angel City, our final destination. This is an old western town constructed in the middle of farm land, and the inspiration of two brothers, Wayne and Ralph Smith. Build it and they will come. Well, we came.
The operation Homefront riders socialized, hydrated and ate some chow (pizza) while resting up for the departure to their respective homes throughout the state. We took time to get a picture with the Homefront members and the Jim Beam Girls!
It must be said that the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association members (full and auxiliary), and the veterans that rode with us and later joined our ranks, had a great time doing what we have all joined up to do. And that is to have fun together, ride motorcycles, and be “Veterans Helping Veterans”.
Ride Safe | | GWVH Visit - 1 June 2008 On June 1, 2008, our Chapter had the honor to visit with over 100 Veterans residing in the Pete Wheeler building of the Georgia War Veterans Home. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of  Wal-Mart, Publix, Operation Homefront, and Magnolia State Bank, we were able to distribute over 100 gift bags to the Veterans that call the GWVH home. Sundry items, puzzles, playing cards and so on were a big hit. We were also able to donate a whole cart full of books and several games for the recreation area. Of course, the best part was being able to walk the halls, meet, and talk with the veterans, some even coming outside to look at our bikes. It was a privilege to visit with these great Americans and we certainly look forward to the opportunity to visit again. | | Captain Conner Homecoming - 25 October 2008 “Captain Lorenza Conner is coming home to US soil after 42 years. On October 27, 1967 Captain Lorenza Conner was piloting an F-4 Phantom II in a flight of four aircraft over Tuyen Quang Province, North Vietnam. His plane was struck by anti-aircraft fire that resulted in his plane being shot down. Captain Conner was not able to eject from his aircraft, and died as a result of the plane crash. Captain Conner‘s co-pilot was able to eject safely, was captured and remained as a POW. Between 1992 and 2003, several joint US / Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated this incident, interviewed witnesses and surveyed the crash site. At the crash site, teams found aircrew-related equipment and aircraft wreckage consistent with an F-4 Phantom II. In 2007, another joint team excavated the site and recovered human remains. Through dental comparisons, Captain Conner was positively identified. On October 24, 2008, almost 42 years after his death, the remains of Captain Conner will be brought home to his family and community in Cartersville, Georgia”. What you have just read was the call to action that had the Georgia Chapter ruck-up for an important mission to celebrate the homecoming of a fallen brother in arms and to give the family of Capt Conner the answers they so desperately needed. Fourteen members of the Georgia CVMA Chapter descended on Cartersville on a cold and damp morning to honor our fallen hero. Coming from as far as Fort Benning and Fort Stewart the riders linked up with their metro area Brothers and Sisters for the final ride of Capt Conner. After affecting our final link up in Cartersville and with LEO escort we rode together to the PGR start point. Four of our Vietnam Brothers were chosen to ride in a special procession escorting Capt Conner to the funeral home. Led by our Chapter Commander, Dewman, and Sergeant at Arms, Flameout, members Rifle and Al departed for their posting at lead and trail of the procession, while the remainder of the Chapter joined the PGR and over 200 other bikes and Veterans groups at the start point. After a lengthy brief we mounted up and began the procession through the town of Cartersville. Led by LEO’s from every neighboring community, we rode the streets of Cartersville as the townspeople came out in droves to salute their fallen hero and the last of the Cartersville sons to come home from Vietnam. We arrived at the funeral home and got the flag line set well before the arrival of the official party. After funeral ceremony began we moved to the Cemetery for the grave-side ceremony. Once again the flag line was set as the funeral party arrived. The Air Force Honor Guard was outstanding as was the Bugler (who by the way had Transplant convinced that if he was not a statue, then certainly he was the most disciplined Airman he had ever seen). The timing was perfect as the USAF conducted a flyover of the gravesite just as the bugler finished the final notes of Taps. With the ceremony over, we departed as a chapter for some food and fellowship as only the Georgia Chapter can partake, before finally heading off to our respective corners of the state. The Georgia Chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association would like to express great thanks to all who made this event happen including the Patriot Guard Riders, the American Legion Riders, and especially Flameout for getting us involved and keeping us informed of a very fluid schedule. Together we were all able to honor a great fallen hero. A personal thanks goes out to Dewman, Flameout, Rifle, and Al for allowing me to be a part of this event and for your sacrifices. Welcome Home Brothers and Sisters and WELCOME HOME CAPTAIN LORENZA CONNER. Shadow CVMA GA State Rep | |