Fallen Marine honored in today's Harley ride to Arlington
Against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the early crisp Fall air, two hundred motorcyles roared out of Shenandoah Harley-Davidson this morning to begin Freedom Ride V. The rumble filled the air as, led by a police escort, they roared down the road from the Harley place and out onto the interstate ... Rolling Thunder, indeed.
Included in the group was Rhonda Winfield, mother of Marine Lance Corporal Jason Redifer who was killed at the age of 19 in Operation Iraqi Freedom on January 31, 2005. Jason's older brother, Sgt. Justin Redifer, U.S. Army, was riding in the group as well as their two younger brothers, Courtland, 10, and Carter, 8. Jason's stepdad, Scott, drove the chase vehicle and Justin's wife, Missy, rode with Scott.
SWAC Girl stood on an overpass as they left, waving an American flag and fighting back tears of pride at seeing so many American flags waving proudly on the back of those Harleys as they roared off into the distance.
Organized by Shenandoah Harley-Davidson owner Bob Ladd, the Freedom Rides raise money for worthy causes. This year all money will be donated to the Jason Redifer Scholarship Fund at Stuart Hall School in Staunton.
They will visit Jason's grave in Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ... and ride back this afternoon.
God-speed and safe travels....
2 comments:
You're always critical of the local media. What about that page one story on the Redifer ride in the Wboro paper hte other day? You haven't mentioned that.
I missed that story so my apologies ... I think Bob Stuart is an exceptional reporter. I was with Rhonda Winfield driving to Harrisonburg when Bob called to interview her on the phone for the Freedom Ride story ... and then I forgot to check it online since I don't (won't) get hard copy. I imagine that story was most appreciated by Rhonda and her family.
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