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Red, white & thunder...
The procession of motorcycles stretched along the interstate for nearly eight miles as the riders made their way toward Mountain Home. They had come together for a common purpose -- to show their appreciation for those who serve their nation.
On Sunday afternoon, the city of Mountain Home welcomed this record number of motorcycle riders, who made the trek from Boise for this year's Patriot Thunder event.
Celebrating its second year, event organizers originally planned to stop at Mountain Home Air Force Base, but increased security measures at the installation prompted a last-minute change of venue to East Side Park.
Led into Mountain Home under escort by local law enforcement officers, Patriot Thunder more than doubled last year's attendance figures, according to event organizers. A total of 674 motorcycles and more than 750 riders and passengers rolled down American Legion Boulevard before they stopped along South 14th East Street.
Mayor Tom Rist applauded this multi-mile entourage of motorcycles, calling it an "over the top" display of pride and patriotism.
"We are pleased and proud to host something this important" to those who serve, the mayor said.
The veterans' charity raises money for The Wounded Warrior Project, Idaho National Guard and Reserve Family Support Fund as well as Operation Warmheart at the nearby Air Force base. As of Monday, the organization had already passed the $17,000 mark with money still coming in, said Todd Godfrey, a group spokesperson.
Organizers will equally distribute proceeds between these charities, each of which focuses on caring for military families across the state. They plan to formally present the money to each of the charity groups during an upcoming ceremony.
"This is about giving back to those who serve," Godfrey said. "There's no one better to give back to than those who serve in the U.S. military."
Col. Ron Buckley, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing at the base, praised the outstanding support that Mountain Home and communities across the state demonstrate every day for military service members.
"These donations go a long way to supporting our Gunfighters," Buckley said.
In fact, hundreds of the fighter wing's airmen are currently deployed to Afghanistan providing close air support for U.S. ground troops battling hostile forces in the region.
Sunday's ride provides a "fitting tribute" to those who serve this nation, added Bryan Ricker, a spokesman for Senator Mike Crapo's office. Idaho itself has an abundance of heroes -- selfless individuals that don't consider themselves heroes but have made a lasting difference for their county, Ricker said as he read a letter from the senator.
Among those heroes was Bob Brumpton, an Idaho soldier who was seriously wounded during military operations in the Middle East. Fitted with a prosthetic leg to replace the one he lost in combat, he held a place of honor at the front of the procession during this year's ride.
Others joining this year's charity ride was Maj. Ted Glasco, who joined the Patriot Guard riders several years ago. Now the commander of the 366th Communications Squadron at the base, he just missed last year's ride by a matter of days and wanted to take part this year.
Driving from Boise while flying a full-size American flag from his bike, the major praised the efforts of events like this to help those who serve their nation.
The ride brings together people from a myriad of backgrounds to get together for a common goal while sharing their passion for motorcycles, he added.
The ride held special importance for people like Wes "Topper" Garvin. A retired Navy senior chief petty officer with more than 25 years of service, his family's legacy of military service dates back to the nation's earliest days.
"I'm committed to thanking every veteran," said Garvin, who vividly remembers the horrible treatment that he and other Vietnam veterans faced when they returned home.
"We were the only generation (in the nation's history) that was never welcomed home," he added. It's something he and other veterans aim to never let happen again.
Remaining faithful to the oath he took when he joined the Navy in 1964, Garvin plans to visit each veteran's home in five midwestern states starting this August. He expects to complete the tribute ride to each of these 10 homes over the course of four weeks.