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Thunder in the Cascades
Florida State H.O.G. Rally
Oktoberfest 2008
It's Official

                   " Thunder In the Cascades" ( Cooper's Lake)
Slippery Rock, P.A.
June -25 -26-27- 28 , 2009
Article by Robert Harris

   After a few days of R.&R. in New Castle , PA. , I started working on my special project. Will tell you more at a later date. It was then off to Coopers Lake in Slippery Rock , PA.  for , a weekend at  " Thunder In The Cascades" to continue my fundraising efforts to help my homeless Vet  Brothers. Sort of a continuation of " Operation Dust Off ". While there I entered the Tribute Bike in two bike shows walking away with 1st. place Radical Ride and Best Of Show.

Carla with Veteran Tribute Bike
   On a whole the people I met were great. I had  a bit of a  problem with the venders next to me who were selling chewing tobacco and one across from me , " HP Custom Cycles" out of Elizabeth, PA. It seemed as though they  did not appreciate the songs I was playing on my small portable C.D. player in honor of my Vietnam Vet Brothers. After they called camp security and complaining, as well as wineing to the shows organizers I decided to just close up shop. I got tired of their crying and did not want to discipline them street style and go to Jail. But that was not. the end but merely the beginning . Word of the incident spread through the camp ground like wild fire. Soon those who served in Korea , Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan , all started to coverage on my little spot. I was asked to take out my small C.D. player and start to play my music again. My brothers from the " War Dogs" came to show their support. A few words of reason from them and H.P. Cycles decided to close up shop and head back to Elizabeth. The chewing Tobacco boys beat them out of town.

  The War Dogs with Robert Harris

It did my heart well to know that my fundraising effort was appreciated by so many. A special thanks to George Ringeisen, Jr. who recently  buried his father with full military honors . ( He was a World War II Vet  ) George was prepared to go to Jail for me and my cause. Another big thank you to Mike ( Horse) Horzempa and the rest of the War Dogs Motorcycle Club for their support and persuasive reasoning. They some how convinced HP Custom Cycles and the Tobacco boys it was time to leave the camp grounds. Love ya  my brothers.

   The weekend went by fast. Mostly nice weather and those who visited the Tribute Bike and made donations were the best. They were still in the minority as most people just walked around the big poster of a homeless Vet and the donation box I practically put in the middle of the walk way. Maybe they did not know how to read English. Maybe they just needed glasses. Most likely they just take their freedoms for granted. How sad. The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten. All gave some, some gave  all . Time was served,  Time to honor.  If you enjoy and love your freedoms support organizations  who support the defenders of  your   freedoms.
God Bless you. -  God Bless America

Robert Harris - " Sky Soldier"
Operation Dust Off - Organizer / Coordinator
173rd. Airborne - Vietnam 1965-66

Florida State H.O.G. Rally

Cocoa Beach , Florida . October 22- 25, 2008
Article by Robert Harris " Sky Soldier"

Hats off to Florida's Harley Owner's Group for their hospitality in hosting the Veteran Tribute Bike at their Cocoa Beach , Florida State H.O.G. Bike Rally. The respect shown for the Tribute Bike and what it stands for and represents by Florida H.O.G. leadership as well as its rank and file went far beyond the call of any host. Respect begets respected and they have earned mine. On behalf of my self and my fellow Veterans a warm THANK YOU . Also a thank you to the local Sheriff's who provided the Tribute Bike with a police escort from the hotel ( Hilton ) to the host of the bike show ( " Ron Jon's Surf Shop"). It was befitting royalty. Click Here to See Photo. Both hosts were great and I thank their management for their hospitality as well. Rain put a damper on the bike show but thanks to Ron Jon's Surf Shop who offered the Tribute Bike shelter the bike stayed dry.
I would especially like to thank " Bruce Fuller " and congratulate him and his crew on a fine job co-ordinating the whole affair. A job well done. Bruce and I both served with the 173rd.Airborne Brigade ( Seperate ) in Vietnam as " Sky Soldiers".
I am particulary proud of the plack presented to me on behalf of Florida's H.O.G. Chapter which read : In appreciation Robert " Vet Bob" Harris Veteran Tribute Bike for all who served for American Freedom 2008 Florida State H.O.G. Rally Cocoa Beach , Florida. (Photo to the Left)
The only down side was the phone call I receive at 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning informing me that " Dodo Wilde " of Lehigh Acres, Florida who is a member of Naples, Florida H.O.G. Chapter climbed over the barriors set up to protect the Tribute Bike and against instructions from the hotels security several time climbed onto the Tribute Bike causing it to fall over which caused damage to the bike and its one of kind custom Airbrushed art work. She then tried to walk away but was stopped by eye witnesses and held her until the police arrived.
Why a H.O.G. member who owns a bike herself would do such a thing is beyond me. Hopeful her insurance will cover the cost.
Until my next article ride safe , be safe , and be good. If you can't be good be careful.
Always remember that all gave some - some gave all.
Time was served - Time to honor .
The country which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.
If you love and enjoy your freedoms thank a Vet.

Show your love - Hug a Vet .

Robert Harris - " Sky Soldier"
173rd. Airborne - Vietnam 1965 - 66

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Oktoberfest 2008
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA .OCTOBER 16TH.17TH .18TH .
ARTICLE BY ; ROBERT HARRIS -" SKY SOLDIER".

Beautiful weather but attendance was noticeable down.
I kept running into people I met on my 6 month journey this past summer. I met many beautiful people and it did my heart well to see some of them in Daytona.
In my last article I said I would let you know how things went for the Tribute Bike at the many bike shows and being a man of my words here goes. Tropical Tattoo's "Old School bike show" on October 16th. Not my type of bike show. The Tribute Bike is not " Old School" . I did get to see some excellent old school bikes and they just keep getting better. Reminded me of the chopper I had in the mid and late 60's. A 1953 pan head engine rammed into a knuckle head frame with a 1/4 inch rake and a 21 inch extended springer front end.
On to the Boardwalk Classic Bike Show on October 17th. The Tribute Bike entered the Boardwalk show three times in a row and like the 2 shows prior the Tribute Bike once again walked away with the prestigious " Peoples Choice Award" hands down.
The following day on October 18th. it was the Tribute Bikes 4th. Rats Hole bike show, and as in the past the Tribute bike took first place in its category.
It was then on to the " Best Of The Best Bike Show" at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in East Palatka, Florida on October 19th. The contest was between all their past winners from their past 13 shows ( Thirteen ) . The Tribute Bike once again walked away with the 6 foot tall Trophy along with a $ 250.00 check made out to "American Vets Tribute Bike, Inc." thus being the first check to be lodged in the Non- Profit account. Hopefully it is only the beginning of things to come.
Coming up next the Tribute Bike will be the main advertised attraction at the Ron Jon's Surf Shop Bike show in Coco Beach, Florida on October 24th. 2008. I am looking forward towards being their guest of honor.
Our web-site keeps growing so keep checking us out at www. veterantributebike.org
Until my next article , ride safe, be safe , and be good. If you can't be good be careful.
Remember that our vets need your help and support .
All gave some - Some gave all
Time was serve - Time to honor
The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.
If you love and enjoy your freedoms thank a Vet.
Show your love , Huge a Vet.

Robert Harris - "Sky Soldier"
173rd Airborne - Vietnam 1965- 66

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It's Official
ARTICLE BY : ROBERT HARRIS - " SKY SOLDIER"

As of 09 / 19 / 2008 The " Vietnam Vets Tribute Bike ", now the " Veteran Tribute Bike " D.B.A. " American Vets Tribute Bike," Inc. is registered as a Non- Profit Organization dedicated to helping Veteran causes.
Our website is a work in progress. Check us out at www.veterantributebike.org
Donations can be made to American Vets Tribute Bike , Inc. Bank Of America, Account # : 229018756169
We will soon have Posters, T- shirts , head tie downs, etc for sale at our website as well as on location where ever the Tribute Bike is displayed.
I have worked hard traveling to most of the major bike rally's in the United States putting on over 15,000 miles in the past 6 months alone displaying the Tribute Bike , meeting and welcoming home all Vets from all branches of the military from all wars. The plight of our Veterans are many and their hardships are real.
I along with Carla Spence have been working tirelessly to bring the plight of the " Defenders Of Our Freedom" to the eyes of the public and public officials. I did so out of pocket along with the small but generous donations dropped in my donation box along the way. It has drained me financially , but hopeful now as a Non- Profit Organization with an up and growing web-site not to mention a bank account where donations can be made I will be able to carry on. Not only with travels but in helping my fellow Vets over come there hardships.
We are now actively looking sponsorship from small and large corporations both Locally and Nationally so that our organization can really make a difference.
I know that GOD loves me . I wake up each morning on a mission from the heart. It drives me. And after all, when the going gets Tuf , the Tuf get going. Paratroopers never quit and I always was " Airborne All The Way".
If you are a Vet in need or an organization such as ours dedicated to helping our Hero's do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. As we grow, so will our ability to help and make a difference.
The Tribute Bike won "Best Of Show " 4 times in a row since returning to Florida after its 6 month U.S.A tour . " Motorcycle Mania , " East Bay Raceway Park , Tampa , Florida 27th September 2008 " Biker Bash Reunion , " Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa, Florida 28th September 2008, " Run to the Heartland" Historic downtown Sebring , Florida 4th. October 2008, " West Coast Bike Rally " Manatee County Fairgrounds Palmetto , Florida, 11th. October 2008.
This as run up to 4 Bike Shows in a row at Oktoberfest in Daytona, " Tropical Tattoo " 16th. October " Boardwalk Classic " 17 October , " Rats Hole Bike Show 18th. October, and the first annual "Best Of The Best Bike Show" competition at the Putnam, Florida Fair grounds 19th. October 2008. I will let you know how thing's went.
Until my next column / Article be safe , ride safe , and be good . If you can't be good be careful.
Remember - All gave some - Some gave all. Time was serve - Time to honor.
The nation which forgets its Defenders will itself be forgotten.
If you love your freedoms thank a Vet. Show your love - Hug a Vet.

Robert Harris - " Sky Soldier"
173rd. Airborne
Vietnam 1965- 66

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