MIA Totals: WWI (3,344), WWII 73,078 - Korean 7,762 - Vietnam 1,614 – OEF, OIF 6
Indiana WWII (1,521), Korean (180), Vietnam (50)
INCOMING!
May 2017 Newsletter
ROLLING THUNDER®, INC.
Indiana Chapter #1
“POW-MIA – You are not Forgotten”
http://indianarollingthunder.com
https://www.facebook.com/RTINCh1
Chapter Officers
Michael Clark President
Vern Rensing Vice President
Linda Cope Secretary
Terry “Flash” Sanderson Treasurer
President’sNews
It’s hard to believe that we only have 16 days until we head East to Washington D.C. I’m ready and hope
you all are as well. The third orientation briefing for the 2017 Ride to the Wall is May 21st before the Chapter meeting. The orientation briefing will be from 11:00 to 12:30. The Chapter meeting will start promptly at
13:00. If you are riding to Washington and haven’t registered, you need to do so on May 21st.
We have a few events coming up before the Chapter meeting that you need to program into your
smartphone or mark down on your calendar. Friday May 19th, the Chapter will be performing the Missing
Man Table ceremony at the Armed Forces Banquet. If you are interested in attending the Armed Forces
Banquet, send me an email and let me know.
Saturday May 20th , will be our annual Veterans Memorial Ride to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in
Madison, IN. See page 15 for the details. Sunday May 21st, is the third orientation briefing for the 2017
Ride to the Wall and Chapter meeting.
At our April meeting, it was a pleasure to issue Barbara French and Jeff Thatcher their Boot Patch, and
Steve Ford his Rocker and Eagle. Congratulations to Barbara, Jeff, and Steve. Please remember that the
patch deposits must be paid to National before National will issue patches.
The Rolling Thunder® Indiana Veterans Fund is helping our Indiana Veterans. The April plate sales was
413 for $10,325. From January 2017 to May 9th, RTIVF has been paid out $31,224.26 to assist our Indiana
Veterans. The total plate sales for the first 4 months of 2017 is down by 6 plates from 2016. We need to
continually push the plate sales at every opportunity we can.
Please keep Gary and Brenda Stanley in your prayers. Gary Stanley is still over in Germany undergoing
cancer treatment. Tom Ransdell and Linda Harrington could also use your prayers to help recover from
some ongoing health issues.
The next Chapter meeting is Sunday, May 21st at 13:00
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May 2017 Birthday’s
Cary Crowder (23)
Dick Harrington (17)
Chris na Johnson (17)
John Mascari (14)
Don McFarland (10)
Tony Palmiero (21)
Tom Ransdell (4)
Gary Stanley (22)
Ken White (1)
2
Patched
April 23rd, 2017
Barbara French
Jeff Thatcher
Congratula ons to Barbara and Jeff
3
Patched
April 23rd, 2017
Steve Ford
Congratula ons to Steve
4
Boot Patch Requirements
1. Must meet full member requirements (See Below).
2. Must Pay refundable $50.00 patch deposit to National.
3. Must Sign for Boot Patch when received.
Rocker and Eagle Requirements
1. Must be a member in good standing (See Below).
2. Must pay refundable $100 patch deposit to National.
3. Complete 15 months of membership or 12 months after receiving Boot Patch.
4. Must sign for the Eagle and Rocker back patch.
Full member: A new member must make 3 meetings or events, or a combination
thereof, during the 120-day trial period to become a full member.
Member in Good Standing: Member must attend (3) Chapter Meetings and (3)
Chapter Events within the membership year, and Pay their dues on time.
Note: The Boot and Eagle/Rocker patches are the property of Rolling Thunder®,
National and must be returned to Rolling Thunder ®, National when the member
quits, resigns or whose membership has been terminated. The deposits will be Returned to the member after Rolling Thunder®, National receives the patches.
5
The 2016 Ride to the Wall Year Book is ready for purchase. David Franklin has done a great
job putting the Year Book together. The Year Book consists of 72 pages of the best pictures
of the event from the orientation classes to the last day heading back to Indianapolis. The
Year Book will be available in Hard Copy or Soft Copy on a USB Jump Drive.
The Hard Copy is $20.00 each and the Soft Copy is $15.00 per jump drive.
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POW*MIA Chair of Honor
Coachman Restaurant
April 1st, 2017
The Chapter can be proud of what has been accomplished with the POW*MIA Chair of
Honor program. The above Chair’s are located in venues where thousands of people will
see them each year. These special chairs will help us in our mission to bring awareness of
the POW/MIA issues to the public. In May 2017, the Chapter will dedicate the Indianapolis International Airport POW*MIA Chair of Honor.
Thanks to all of the Chapter Members that helped on the design and development of these
special chairs. The Chapter is truly blessed to have such talented members.
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Indianapolis International Airport
POW*MIA Chair of Honor
Will be dedicated May 25th, 2017
The Indianapolis International Airport POW*MIA Chair of Honor has been completed and
ready for the dedication on May 25th, 2017. This beautiful display will be a in a venue
where thousands of people will see it each year. The display is a great tribute to our POWs,
MIAs, and their family members.
I want to thank our Chapter Members Dick Harrington, Flash and Vern for their craftsmanship in designing and building this awesome display. Great job.
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POW*MIA
Saddle of Honor
To continue on with our mission of educating the public on the POW/MIA issues, the idea
of a POW*MIA Saddle of Honor has been suggested. The POW*MIA Saddle of Honor
would be designed for Motorcycle shops in honor of our POWs, MIAs, and their family
members.
The design would consist a Motorcycle seat with the POW/MIA logo, a plaque explaining
what the Saddle of Honor is about, with an American/POW Flag.
The plaque would read something like, “We are able to ride our Motorcycles in Freedom because of the men and women that fought and died for our Freedom and the
Men and Women who defend our Freedom today”
The above quote is just an example. We are looking for suggestions from the membership.
Please bring any ideals that you may have to the next Chapter meeting.
Several motorcycle shops have expressed an interest in having a Saddle of Honor in their
shop. This would be another way for the Chapter to expand its mission of educating the
public on the POW/MIA issues.
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Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)
As of May 6th, 2017
May 5th, 2017- The remains of Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Harry H. Gaver, Jr., killed in the attack on the USS Oklahoma during World War II, have now been identified..
April 21st, 2017—WWII Marine Corps 2nd Lt. George S. Bussa has now been accounted
for.
April 19th, 2017— Korean War Army Pvt. Walter F. Piper has now been accounted for.
April 17th, 2017—WWII Seaman 1st Class Milton R. Surratt has now been accounted for
April 14th, 2017—Korean War Army Pfc. Richard A. Lucas has now been accounted for.
April 14th, 2017— WWII Army Air Forces Pvt. Harold S. Hirschi has now been accounted for.
April 14th, 2017—Korean War Army Cpl. Leslie R. Sutton has now been accounted for.
April 13th, 2017— Korean War Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard G. Cushman has now been
accounted for
April 13th, 2017—Vietnam War Air Force Col. William E. Campbell has now been accounted for
Visit the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) website to get the details on the
above POWs/MIAs.
http://www.dpaa.mil/
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2017 RIDE TO THE WALL
And
30th Anniversary Ride for Freedom
May 25th, 2017 will be here before you know it and it will be time to
head to Washington D.C to participate in the largest peaceful demonstration ride in the Country. This will be the 30th anniversary of the
Ride for Freedom demonstration to remind our leaders that not all of
our War-Fighters have returned home or have been accounted for and
we demand 100 percent accountability.
I hope all Chapter Members that are able will join the Chapter on this
special ride.
If you are planning on joining the Chapter on this ride, please make
sure your motorcycle is ready for the trip and you have made your hotel reservations.
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We need Sponsors to help with the cost of the event
Please help find Sponsorship
Sponsorship information can be found at
http://www.indianarollingthunder.com/RTTW.html
Please have your donations in by May 21st, 2017 for your
sponsors to be recognized at the sendoff ceremony.
Don’t Forget about the
Uncle Chuck Challenge
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April 23rd, 2017
Lafaye e Honor Flight
A few of our Chapter Members rode up to Lafayette on Monday April 23rd to welcome home our Indiana
Heroes from their long day visiting their memorials in Washington D.C. The flight included Veterans
from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. We had a great time welcoming the Veterans home.
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May 19th, 2017
Armed Forces Day Banquet
The Chapter has been asked to perform the Missing Man Table Ceremony at the Armed
Forces Day Banquet.. This will be the third year that we have performed the Missing Man
Table Ceremony for the banquet,.
The Chapters Sergeant-of-Arms will be asking for volunteers for the ceremony. If you would
like to be part of the ceremony, let Chuck Cochran know. The uniform will be Black POW/
MIA Hat, White Long Sleeve Shirt, Rolling Thunder Vest, Black Pants, and Black Boots.
The Armed Forces Day Banquet is Friday May 19th from 17:00 to 20:30.
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May 20th, 2017
Veterans Memorial Ride
Madison, IN
As you all know, the Veterans Memorial Ride to Madison, IN scheduled for April 22nd
got rained out and is rescheduled for Saturday May 20th.
Here’s the plan.
Meet at the Ft. Harrison Veterans Center at 8:45am with KSU at 9:00am. We will ride
to Greensburg, IN and make our normal pit stop at the BP gas Station on the corner of
HWY 421 and HWY 3. We will continue down HWY 421 South to the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison, IN.
After our visit at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, we will partake in some
great BBQ at the Smokin Crow located at 5517 West State Rd 56, Hanover, IN 47243.
If you are not able to ride or don’t ride a motorcycle, you are welcome to follow the
group or meet us at the cemetery. The group should be arriving at the cemetery between
11:15am and 11:30am. The address to the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery is 1415
MSH N LN Madison, IN 47250.
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May 21st, 2017
3rd Ride to the Wall Orienta on
and
Chapter Mee ng
Please program your smartphones, mark your calendar, tell your wife,
tell your husband, that Sunday May 21st is the third Ride to the Wall
Orientation and Chapter meeting.
We only have 16 days left before heading East to Washington DC to
participate in the 30th Annual Ride for Freedom Demonstration.
If you are planning on riding to Washington DC, you must attend the
Orientation briefing on the 21st or 24th of May.
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POW/MIA “VANITY” LICENSE PLATE
The POW/MIA “vanity” plates are available for $15.00
These plates are strictly for the front of the vehicle, and NOT used as a regular state
license plate. The plate represents that there are still too many POW-MIA’s missing,
and need to come home. Tell your friends about the vanity plate today.
Purchase yours at the next meeting
INDIANA POW/MIA LICENSE PLATE
The license plate that’s making the difference for our Indiana Veterans.
For every plate that BMV sells, $25.00 will be deposited into the Rolling Thunder® Indiana Veterans Fund (RTIVF). These funds are
used to help our Indiana Veterans statewide.
You can help boost the sales of the POW*MIA license plate. How?,
Distribute the plate brochure at your favorite eatery, watering hole, and
veteran friendly organizations. Follow up from time to time to refill the
display as needed.
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Rolling Thunder® Indiana Veterans Fund
(RTIVF)
The RTIVF plate fund is really helping the our Indiana Veterans. In 2016, 4005 plates
have been sold for a total of $100,125. Below is the plate sales for 2017.
January 2017 Plate Sales (149) for a total of $3,725
February 2017 Plate Sales (414) for a total of $10,350
March 2017 Plates Sales (511) for a total of $12,775
April 2017 Plate Sales (413) for a total of $10, 325)
Total Plates Sold (1,488) for a total of $37,200
The amount RTIVF has paid out from January 2017
to May 9th, 2017 to assist our Indiana Veterans
$31,224.26
We need to continue pushing the POW/MIA Plate Sales
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Ed Duam is a long time Rolling Thunder Chapter Member, and owner of the Do it Best Hardware store
in Plainfield, IN. Ed has a great selection of hardware products for you do-it-yourselfers. If you are in a
need of an American, POW-MIA, or State flag, see Ed. His flags are top American quality at a reasonable price.
Ed offers 10% discount to Veterans.
Web site: h p://www.plainfielddoitbest.com/
Store Address: 1001 East Main Street, Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 839-2353
Ed will love to see yea
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The Coachman Restaurant and Lounge
Larry Paynter is a proud Marine, Chapter Member, and along with his wife Becky, own
and operate the Coachman Restaurant & Lounge in Plainfield, IN. The Coachman is now
celebra ng their 25th year in business. The Coachman is famous for mouthwatering Prime
Rib, Fresh cut steaks, large seafood selec on, and the best Pork Tenderloin sandwich
anywhere.
The Coachman offers daily lunch, and dinner food specials, with discount on appe zers,
desserts, wine, liquor, and beer.
Join us for great food, and service along with our beau ful Pa o for outside dining and
entertainment (weather permi ng). The Coachman is located at 6112 Cambridge Way,
Plainfield, IN 46168
Mr. Paynter with his wife
Becky. Hard to believe that a
Marine could make such a catch
Visit the Coachman at http://www.thecoachmanrestaurant.com
The Coachman Restaurant and Lounge
10% discount with this coupon
Not available with any other discounts
Always remember our American POWs and MIAs
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Government Affairs
Federal and State
21
State of Indiana Elected Representatives for the 115h
Congress.
Name
Washington
Number
Local Number
Alternate Number
Senator Todd Young (R-IN)
202-224-5623
Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
202-224-4814
317-226-5555
Rep. Peter J. Visclosky (D-01)
202-225-2461
219-795-1844
Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-02)
202-225-3915
574-204-2645
Rep. Jim Banks (R-03)
202-225-4436
260-702-4750
Rep. Todd Rokita (R-04)
202-225-5037
317-838-0404
Rep. Susan Brooks (R-05)
202-225-2276
317-848-0201
Rep. Luke Messer (R-06)
202-225-3021
Rep. Andre Carson (D-07)
202-225-4011
317-283-6516
Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-08)
202-225-4636
812-465-6484
812-232-0523
Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-09)
202-225-5315
812-288-3999
317-851-8710
See the following pages for the current bills that we need to
have our Indiana Representa ves cosponsor.
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Federal
Senate Bills being tracked
Bill
Purpose
S. Res 61
Calling for the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government,
and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all
missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United
S. 422
States.
Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017.
Federal
House Bills being tracked
Bill
Purpose
H.R. 504
To amend title 36, United States Code, to require that the POW/MIA flag be displayed on
ALL DAYS that the flag of the United States is displayed on certain federal properties. (U.S
White House and U.S Capitol)
H. Res 129
Calling for the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and
identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United
States.
H. Res 219
Rep. Walker R-NC-6: Establishing a Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs.
H.R 299
Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017.
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Indiana Federal Representatives
Score Card
Note: Track activities of the United States Congress at www.govtrack.us, and
http://beta.congress.gov
X = Represents that the Representative Cosponsors the bill.
Senate
422
61
(40)
(0)
Todd Young (R-IN)
Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
House of
504
Representative
(2)
299
129
219
(272) (48)
(2)
Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-01)
Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-02)
X
Rep. Jim Banks (R-03)
Rep. Todd Rokita (R-04)
Rep. Susan Brooks (R-05)
X
Rep. Luke Messer (R-06)
Rep. Andre Carson (D-07)
Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-08)
Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-09)
Contact your Representative today, and tell them to cosponsor this bills
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Indiana Veteran Related Bills before
The 2017 General Assembly
Indiana State
Senate Bills
SB
Description
Remarks
59
155
Reciprocity in professional Licensing
Capital Punishment and Serious Mental Issues
245
Long Term Small Loans
307
Veteran Preference for Employment and Training
382
Veterans’ driver’s licenses
This will allow a ‘V’ on driver license
515
Tax Administration
$7,500 off Income Tax instead of $5,000
517
Distribution of lottery revenues
Go to h ps://iga.in.gov/legisla ve/2017/bills/senate to see the current status of these
bills.
Indiana State
House Bills
HB
1001
1308
1324
1396
Description
Remarks
Biennial Budget
Various professional matters
Activation of state employees
Teacher licensing for military spouses
Go to h ps://iga.in.gov/legisla ve/2017/bills/house to see the current status of
these bills.
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2017 Chapter Event Calendar
Date
May 19th
May 20th
May 21st
May 24th
May 25th - 30th
May 26th
June 3rd
June 10th
Event
Armed Forces Day Banquet
Veterans Memorial Ride, Madison, IN
Board/Ride Committee/Chapter Meeting
Final Orientation for Ride to the Wall
Rolling Thunder XXX Ride for Freedom
IWM 500 Festival Memorial Service
Sam Hillis Memorial Ride
Mayors' Veterans & Family Appreciation
Day
12th Annual Ride for the Salute
June 11th
Board/Chapter Meeting
June 16th - 17th
June 24th
July 4th
July 16th
July 28th
Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run (Middle
East Conflicts Wall)
NGA Car Show
Lawrence Parade
Board/Chapter Meeting
Ride with the Governor
August 5th
August 19th
August 20th
August 26th
September 11th
September 15th
September 16th
September 16th
September 17th
October 15th
Veteran Center Support Ride
Rolling Thunder Indiana State Meeting
Board/Chapter Meeting
Russ Dellen Memorial Ride
9/11 Ride
POW-MIA Recognition Day
Quaker Day Parade
Vietnam Veterans Reunion
Board/Chapter Meeting and Elections
Board/Chapter Meeting
November 2nd – 5th
November 10th
November 19th
Rolling Thunder National Conference
Veterans Day Parade
June 10th
December 5th
December 16th
December 17th
Board/Chapter Meeting
Annual Project Blue Light Ceremony
Wreath Across America
HVAF Luncheon/Chapter Meeting
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Remarks
Marseilles, IL
POW/MIA Education Reading
And
Websites
Recommended Books
Title
Author
Leave No Man Behind
Escape with Honor
Why Didn’t You Get Me Out
Kiss The Boys Goodbye
Betrayed
Bill Bell
Charles Layton
Frank Aton
Monika Jensen-Stevenson & William Stevenson
Joseph D. Douglass, Jr
Note: Books marked in RED are highly recommended reads.
Recommended Web Sites
Title
URL
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)
http://www.dpaa.mil/
Biographies on Prisoners of War and Missing in Action
http://www.pownetwork.org/bios.htm
Rolling Thunder National
http://www.rollingthunder1.com/
National League of POW/MIA Families
http://www.pow-miafamilies.org/
Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 1
http://www.indianarollingthunder.com/
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
http://esgr.mil/in
Veterans Support Council of Marion County
http://www.vscmc.com/
Veterans Events
http://www.veteranevents.org/
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This page is dedicated to our brothers and sisters hat have gone on to ride the
heavens
NEVER FORGET
Tookolo, Allen, Member, November 2002
Walker, Bruce, Member, October 2004
Brinkley, Jon Past President, January 2009
Hall, Bruce, Member, March 2010
Jolly, Ron Past Vice President, December 2011
Wilson, John, US Army WWII POW, July 2012
Freeman, James, Past Board, August 2012
Huelskamp, Glenn, Member, February 2013
Winters, Steve, Member, September 2013
Richard (Dick) Forrey, Member June 2015
Mary Brodrick, Member April 2016
Booth, Frank, Member, 2004
Parish, Bruce “Buz”, Past President, Sept 2008
Leck, Lou, Member, September 2009
Gigle, Gene, Member, August 2011
Kaler, Steve, Past President, June 2012
Loffredo, Nicholas, Member, August 2012
Fulmer, Kenneth, Member, August 2012
Hillis, George “Sam”, May 2013
Meyerrose, Timothy, Member, May 2014
Hutchinson, James Alt Board Member, Dec 2015
Vanbrunt, Craig, May 2016
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