Airmen ride to nation’s capital for Memorial Day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Daniel Oliver
  • 16th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFPN) --  Fifteen motorcyclists from here started a three-day road trip May 26 to participate in Memorial Day activities at the nation’s capital. The team will join thousands of other riders paying tribute at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

They will be part of the annual Memorial Day “Rolling Thunder” procession that draws people from across the country.

The Hurlburt riders are part of Sentinels of Freedom, a base motorcycle club dedicated to road safety, camaraderie and mentorship. The ride will take three days with scheduled stops at military installations along the way. They are expected to return here June 2.

Airman 1st Class Matthew Short said the journey to the memorial has a strong family connection.

“My father and uncle served in Vietnam. They asked me to take photos of certain names on the wall,” he said.

This is Airman Short’s first visit to Washington, and he said he plans to visit all the war memorials and other national landmarks.

Other riders also said they want to show respect for those warriors who have paid the ultimate price to their country.

“I want to show my respect at the wall for those heroes,” said Airman 1st Class Jonathan Smither.

Tech. Sgt. Tanya Stevens, vice president of the club, said the road trip is a first for the Hurlburt riders.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase our club and also pay respect to those who lost their lives,” she said.

The first leg of their journey will end at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.