Patriots Join 'Phantom Thunder' Ride

Department of Defense Photo Essay

  • U.S. Army Spc. Eimar Perez, left, his 18-month-old son, Isaiah, center, and his wife, Yaritza, attend the Phantom Thunder kickoff event at Fort Hood Stadium, Texas, Nov. 7, 2008. Phantom Thunder is an annual event aimed at promoting motorcycle safety event and honoring veterans. The military and civilian riders will travel 60 miles to a veterans cemetary in Killeen to honor America's fallen. Perez is assigned to the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade's Company E, 2nd battalion, 1st artillery defense regiment. U.S. Army photo by Michael Heckman
  • U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander, III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas, applauds the service of veterans in the stands, Nov. 7, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Michael Heckman
  • Pace “Pawkee” Bonner, of Austin, Texas, rode his BMW motorcycle to Fort Hood for Phantom Thunder. Bonner typically rides 25,000 to 30,000 miles a year on Patriot Guard missions. He’s ridden the 6,800-mile round trip from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., for Rolling Thunder and "The Ride to the Wall" twice. U.S. Army photo by Michael Heckman
  • U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander, III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas, arrives at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery for a veterans memorial ceremony, Nov. 7, 2008. Nearly 1,200 Phantom Thunder riders participated in the days events. U.S. Army photo by Chris Haug
  • Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander, III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas, and Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola, command sergeant major, III Corps , present a wreath honoring all veterans and salute the traditional Army memorial, which is an M-16 rifle and helmet on a pedestal, Nov. 7, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Chris Varville
  • U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Graybeal sits at the ready following the Phantom Thunder Memorial Ceremony at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas, Nov. 7, 2008. Graybeal is assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. U.S. Army photo by Chris Haug
  • Nearly 1,200 riders depart the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetary following a memorial service, Nov. 7, 2008. The riders participated in a 60-mile saftey and mentorship ride that honored veterans. U.S. Army photo by Chris Varville