America Supports You: Tribute for Troops Donates to Troops, Vets

By Carmen L. Burgess
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2006 – Organizers of the annual “Tribute to the Troops” motorcycle ride and benefit concert recently donated more than $18,000 to Minnesota and Wisconsin-based military support groups.

The group raised the funds during their third ride Sept. 8-10. The event takes place each year around the Sept. 11, 2001, anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.

Gregg Schmitt, director of the Minneapolis-based organization, first teamed up with country music artist Rockie Lynn in 2004 to plan the event as a way of showing the families that Americans from all walks of life care about them and are aware of their loss.

More than 200 bikers participated in this year’s ride which began in Minneapolis and ended three days later in Hamel, Minn. The riders stopped at the homes of nine fallen servicemembers along the route to pay their respects to families and to thank them for their sacrifice.

Plans for the fourth annual ride slated for Sept. 7-9, 2007 are already underway.