ABOUT US
rolling thunder® - how it all started
The Vietnam War proved to be a difficult time in America's history. Similar to today's political climate, our nation was divided, primarily over issues of peace and war. As the Vietnam war came to a close, more than 58,000 American soldiers were killed, and thousands more were still being held as Prisoners of War, or deemed Missing In Action. Our government failed its mission of accountability, by not bringing home the remains of the fallen or missing for an honorable and respectful burial.
However, in 1988, several veterans of the Vietnam War rallied together their families, fellow veterans, and veterans' advocates, to organize a demonstration at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC over the Memorial Day weekend. They announced their arrival with the roar of their Harley-Davidson's, a sound similar to the the 1965 massive B-52 bombing campaign against North Vietnam named 'Operation Rolling Thunder'. Approximately 2,500 motorcycles participated in that rally, demanding that the U.S. government account for all POW & MIA's.
The group then became known as Rolling Thunder, and each year up until 2019, has held an annual "Ride for Freedom" to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. It was estimated that nearly 1.2 million motorcycles participated in the final Washington, D.C. Ride For Freedom XXXII in 2019.
Rolling Thunder was incorporated as a class 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization and today has nearly 90 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Each Chapter is registered as a 501(c)(4) not for profit organization. The group is actively involved year-round in promoting legislation to increase veteran benefits and resolve the POW*MIA issue from all wars. We also provide financial support, food, clothing and other essentials to veterans, veterans' families, veterans groups, and women's' crisis center through our Charities Fund.
Today, the annual Memorial Day Demonstration “Ride For Freedom” is conducted in cooperation with other Chapters in either an individual state or local region. This ensures that our message is carried out nationwide. The 2025 Ride For Freedom will be hosted by Chapter 1.
However, in 1988, several veterans of the Vietnam War rallied together their families, fellow veterans, and veterans' advocates, to organize a demonstration at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC over the Memorial Day weekend. They announced their arrival with the roar of their Harley-Davidson's, a sound similar to the the 1965 massive B-52 bombing campaign against North Vietnam named 'Operation Rolling Thunder'. Approximately 2,500 motorcycles participated in that rally, demanding that the U.S. government account for all POW & MIA's.
The group then became known as Rolling Thunder, and each year up until 2019, has held an annual "Ride for Freedom" to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. It was estimated that nearly 1.2 million motorcycles participated in the final Washington, D.C. Ride For Freedom XXXII in 2019.
Rolling Thunder was incorporated as a class 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization and today has nearly 90 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Each Chapter is registered as a 501(c)(4) not for profit organization. The group is actively involved year-round in promoting legislation to increase veteran benefits and resolve the POW*MIA issue from all wars. We also provide financial support, food, clothing and other essentials to veterans, veterans' families, veterans groups, and women's' crisis center through our Charities Fund.
Today, the annual Memorial Day Demonstration “Ride For Freedom” is conducted in cooperation with other Chapters in either an individual state or local region. This ensures that our message is carried out nationwide. The 2025 Ride For Freedom will be hosted by Chapter 1.
about florida chapter 1
- Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida is a registered and IRS approved 501(c)(4) non-profit, all volunteer organization.
- We stand ready to provide funeral escorts for any veteran within Brevard County.
- We supply POW*MIA flags at no charge to any business, organization, or individual with an American flag flying on a flag pole. Just call to schedule.
- We sponsor high school Junior ROTC programs with scholarships; promote Junior Memberships, and sponsor other youth programs.
- We are members of the Brevard Veterans Council
- We participate in many veteran activities, functions, and events.
- We are proud to wear our specially designed red shirts each Friday in honor and support of all of our men and women in uniform. Please help us to Remember Everyone Deployed (R.E.D) by wearing red on Friday's. Thank you.
membership
Our membership is balanced between men and women, motorcycle riders and non-motorcycle riders, veterans and non-veterans.
All of the events we organize and attend are made possible by the efforts of our volunteer members. We are not a motorcycle club, or a veteran’s fraternity, and you do not need a motorcycle to become a member.
Our members have a common goal - bring our missing home, and care for those veterans that need help.
A new member information packet, which contains information about the Chapter, is located in the secure area of the website. members will need the password that was provided to you to gain access. Please click HERE to review these documents. If you have any questions about membership, please contact any Board Member, or the Membership Chairman, Walt Marshall, at [email protected]
All of the events we organize and attend are made possible by the efforts of our volunteer members. We are not a motorcycle club, or a veteran’s fraternity, and you do not need a motorcycle to become a member.
Our members have a common goal - bring our missing home, and care for those veterans that need help.
A new member information packet, which contains information about the Chapter, is located in the secure area of the website. members will need the password that was provided to you to gain access. Please click HERE to review these documents. If you have any questions about membership, please contact any Board Member, or the Membership Chairman, Walt Marshall, at [email protected]
we are not a motorcycle club
General Membership Information:
1. Eligibility: Membership in Rolling Thunder® is open to anyone with an interest in educating the public regarding the Prisoner-of-War, and Missing-in-Action (POW*MIA) issue, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, or other classification protected by law. All persons must be eighteen (18) years of age or older for Regular Membership, or under the age of 18 for Junior Membership. Membership applications can be picked up in person at one of our Chapter monthly meetings. We do not mail out membership applications.
2. Membership Dues: Dues are $40.00 per year per member, of which $30.00 goes to National. Anyone who was a Prisoner of War or a spouse of a Prisoner of War, all Gold Star Mothers, and all Medal of Honor (C.M.H.) recipients will have a free membership in Rolling Thunder®, provided they present legal documentation of their status.
- Membership Dues are renewed annually during the month of February. If not collected within thirty (30) days after the February meeting, the Chapter may terminate that member.
- Dues can be paid through PayPal, in person with cash, or by personal check.
3. Membership Rights: Every member of the organization in good standing shall be entitled to one vote on matters to be decided by a vote. No absentee ballots will be accepted.
- Upon request of any member or officer at any meeting, all non-confidential corporate documents and financial books must be made available at the next meeting. Minutes of confidential meetings (i.e. Chapter Board meetings) and confidential disciplinary actions or proceedings are not to be made available, except upon the express written prior approval of National.
- To remain a member in good-standing, Members-at-Large will also be required to attend at least three (3) Veteran related events per year or perform Veteran related services (i.e., visit local VA Hospitals, etc.) each year. The member must supply National with proof of these visits.
4. Military Veteran Members: Any Rolling Thunder® member who is a United States Military Veteran is required to provide to their Chapter a copy of his or her DD-214 (notice of separation). The DD-214 will be kept on file with the Chapter for the duration of their membership. In case of transfer between Chapters, it will be sent to the new Chapter.
- The DD-214 will not be copied, shared, or scanned into an electronic file. Any United States Military Veteran who does not turn over a copy of his/her DD-214 to their Chapter will not be permitted to display any pins or patches on their Rolling Thunder® vest or jacket indicating that he/she is a Veteran. The pins/patches are to include but are not limited to, military awards, decorations, unit patches, and armed forces insignia.
- Non-veteran members may not display any aforementioned medals, ribbons, military awards, pins, or patches.
5. Our members include men, women, veterans, non-veterans, motorcycle riders, bicycle riders, and non-riders. You do not need a motorcycle to join us, because we are not a motorcycle 'club' (MC) - but many members do ride.
Membership Patches and Obligations:
1. Every prospective member must complete an application, which can only be obtained in person at one of our general membership meetings. We do not mail or email applications.
- All applicants must include their actual physical home address on their application, particularly if a P.O. Box is used for mail. This address must be updated whenever the member changes his/her residence.
- All applicants will provide their Social Security Number (SSN) as security for Rolling Thunder® National's organizational patch's; a Boot patch signifying the chapter you are joining; and the Eagle and Rocker (2-patch set) presented after one year’s service for a member in good standing. Patches are currently $50 for each patch. The Eagle and Rocker is a set ($100), and the Boot is $50.
2. There is a 120-day probationary period for all NEW members.
3. New members MAY receive a Rolling Thunder® Membership Boot Patch (from the Chapter) when they become a full member at the end of the 120-day period, provided the necessary security deposit has been made. If a member meets his/her obligations before the 120 days, they are entitled to receive their Boot patch no earlier than 90 days, provided they meet all other (loyalty and conduct) requirements.
4. A new member must make three (3) meetings or events, or a combination thereof, during the 120-day trial period to become a full member. Anyone who joins and does not meet his/her obligation will be terminated from the chapter.
- After a member completes his/her first year (from the day they receive their boot patch) as a member in good standing, then they will be issued the Eagle & Rocker, if the security deposit has been received.
- All members who receive their patches - Boot, Rocker & Eagle - will place them on their vest or jacket as described in the New Member Packet.
5. Any member who does not want a set of patches does not have to pay a patch security deposit and will be considered a non-patch holder member.
6. All membership patches come from National.
MEETINGS:
All general membership meetings are held at the Veterans Memorial Center and Museum, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, the 4th Sunday of every month except May, at 2PM.
- In accordance with our National Constitution, transcribed copies of all Rolling Thunder® meetings are digitally recorded and kept on file for a minimum of eighteen months. They are available on the website.
- Board of Director meeting minutes are confidential, and are not posted on this website.
- The custodian of all of our minutes is the Chapter Secretary.
It is our policy to email and publish a 'draft' of the membership meeting minutes so members can view them and request a change or clarification if necessary. Only the current draft is available for comment. When the minutes of the previous meeting are read at the next scheduled membership meeting and voted on to accept, or modify, the draft will then become the final minutes, as originally drafted, or after any approved changes have been made.
Draft meeting minutes are available on the website in the members only secure area. You will need the password to view this document. Please note: you only need to enter your password once to view all secure area documents.
NEW MEMBER INFORMATION PACKET:
A new member information packet, which contains information about the Chapter, is located in the secure area of the website. You will need the password that was provided to you. If you have any questions about membership, please contact any Board Member, or the Membership Chairman, Walt Marshall, at [email protected]
The membership Chairman maintains the member roster, which is updated every 30 days. The current roster is only available in the secure area of the website. You will need your password to view the file. Members are encouraged to review the roster and notify the Membership Chairman of any changes.
Nationwide, each Chapter of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is regulated by our National Constitution, produced by the National Chapter each November. Every member needs to be familiar with the contents of the constitution. The National constitution is viewable in a sub-menu of "About Us".
Florida Chapter 1 also published a Standard Operating Procedure that is used in conjunction with the Constitution.
A new member information packet, which contains information about the Chapter, is located in the secure area of the website. You will need the password that was provided to you. If you have any questions about membership, please contact any Board Member, or the Membership Chairman, Walt Marshall, at [email protected]
The membership Chairman maintains the member roster, which is updated every 30 days. The current roster is only available in the secure area of the website. You will need your password to view the file. Members are encouraged to review the roster and notify the Membership Chairman of any changes.
Nationwide, each Chapter of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is regulated by our National Constitution, produced by the National Chapter each November. Every member needs to be familiar with the contents of the constitution. The National constitution is viewable in a sub-menu of "About Us".
Florida Chapter 1 also published a Standard Operating Procedure that is used in conjunction with the Constitution.
leadership
Each Rolling Thunder® Chapter is governed by two essential Boards:
The Executive Board are member elected officers that take care of the Chapter's business on a daily basis. They are: The President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Presently holding those positions:
The Executive Board are member elected officers that take care of the Chapter's business on a daily basis. They are: The President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Presently holding those positions:
- President - Dr. Lance Armstrong, DC
- Vice President - Gary McClain
- Secretary - Bob Wells
- Treasurer - Steve Fritz
The Board of Directors consists of 5 to 7 duly elected members, and their job is to advise and assist the Chairman of the Board (COB) on all matters regarding finances, resources, and events. Currently holding those positions:
- Jesse Justice - Chairman of the Board
- Betty Jo Green
- Edward Carmean
- Walt Marshall
- Joe Jeppi
- Ira Weinstock
- Cindy Flowers
- Kenneth Brody (Alternate)
- Diatra Salmons (Alternate)
Each elected member serves on their respective Board for a period of 2 years.
The Chapter President can also appoint members to assist with meetings, special programs or events, or maintain our extensive supply of Chapter apparel, equipment, and supplies. Currently holding those positions:
'Chip' Hanson - Chapter Chaplin
Gerald 'Red' Dhaeze - Chapter Sergeant-at-Arms
Walt Marshall - Membership Chairman
Missy Justice - Chapter Quartermaster
Gary McClain - Ride Captain (Lead)
Jed Parks - Ride Captain
Bill Wagner - Ride Captain
Dena Armstrong - Events Coordinator
'Chip' Hanson - Chapter Chaplin
Gerald 'Red' Dhaeze - Chapter Sergeant-at-Arms
Walt Marshall - Membership Chairman
Missy Justice - Chapter Quartermaster
Gary McClain - Ride Captain (Lead)
Jed Parks - Ride Captain
Bill Wagner - Ride Captain
Dena Armstrong - Events Coordinator
our meetings
In order to effectively manage the Chapter, meetings and events are necessary. We meet on the 4th Sunday of each month (except May) at the Veterans Memorial Center and Museum, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32952 at 2:00 P.M.
The public is invited to attend our General Membership Meetings, and if you are interested in what we do, please consider joining us at a meeting.
The public is invited to attend our General Membership Meetings, and if you are interested in what we do, please consider joining us at a meeting.
BREVARD VETERANS MEMORIAL CENTER, PLAZA, & MUSEUM
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our events
All of the events we organize and attend are made possible by the efforts of our volunteer members. We are not a motorcycle club, or a veteran’s fraternity. You do not need a motorcycle to become a member. Our membership is balanced between men and women, motorcycle riders and non-motorcycle riders, veterans and non-veterans. All of us have a common goal - bring our missing home, and care for those veterans that need help.
- You can see our events and events from other organizations on this website, by clicking on the main menu tab “Calendar” at the top of each page.
rolling thunder® florida chapters
There are currently seven (7) Chapters in the state of Florida. A state Liaison acts as a go-between each Chapter's President, and the National Executive Director. He is assisted by a member of his/her choosing, selected from any Chapter. The current State Liaison is Tom Lynch from Chapter 3.
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CHAPTER 1
President - Dr. Lance Armstrong, DC 400 South Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island, Florida 32952 (321) 506-4357 [email protected] https://RollingThunderFlorida1.org https://Facebook.com/RollingThunderFL1 CHAPTER 3 President - Don Hickman https://www.RollingThunderFlorida3.org CHAPTER 4 President - Michael Cetnarowski 585 Straffordshire Drive Jacksonville, FL 32225 www.rollingthunderjax.org CHAPTER 5 President - Michael O'Connor PO Box 1038 Naples, FL 34106 (973) 479-5980 www.RollingThunderFL5.com |
CHAPTER 6
President - Robert Staneruck 5914 NW Bayou Court Port St Lucie, FL 34986. (267) 377-0311 [email protected] https://www.rtfl6.org https://www.facebook.com/RTFlorida6/ CHAPTER 7 President - Rob Wyckstrom 4453 S. Halo Hills, Lecanto FL 54461 (802) 782-4104 https://www.facebook.com/rtfl7/ CHAPTER 8 President - Marie Wajda 35 Zonal Geranium Trail Palm Coast, Fl. 32164 (386) 338-5176 http://www.rollingthunderfl8.com/en/ |
If anyone would like to open a Chapter in or around the Panhandle or big bend, please let us know. We want to make sure that our services are available to all veterans in Florida. There are quite a few military bases in these areas, and we're sure they would like to be involved.
Drop us a line and let us know if you are interested. We will make sure you are given the correct information and will help you establish a chapter.
Drop us a line and let us know if you are interested. We will make sure you are given the correct information and will help you establish a chapter.
we can't do it alone
The funds we collect are used to promote the POW*MIA cause, for veterans and their families, and programs in our community.
One of our biggest programs so far, was when we coordinated the raising of the POW flag at each and every public school in Brevard County. Donations covered the price of the flags - nearly $4,000, and there was no charge for our presentation and raising of the flag.
We have presented hundreds of POW*MIA flags to local governments, businesses, Home Owner Associations, Brevard County public schools, parks, fire stations, and other organizations throughout Brevard County, Florida.
If you would like us to present a POW*MIA flag to your business or organization, please click on the 'Contact" tab from the main menu and let us know. There is no cost for the flag or our service in presenting it.
One of our biggest programs so far, was when we coordinated the raising of the POW flag at each and every public school in Brevard County. Donations covered the price of the flags - nearly $4,000, and there was no charge for our presentation and raising of the flag.
We have presented hundreds of POW*MIA flags to local governments, businesses, Home Owner Associations, Brevard County public schools, parks, fire stations, and other organizations throughout Brevard County, Florida.
If you would like us to present a POW*MIA flag to your business or organization, please click on the 'Contact" tab from the main menu and let us know. There is no cost for the flag or our service in presenting it.
The services that we provide to our Veterans and their families are totally voluntary. Our members are dedicated to POW*MIA awareness and supporting those presently fighting for our freedom. All donations regardless of how large or small, whether monetary, products or services go directly to supporting the programs we provide for Veterans.
We call upon you to show your support of our organization. Your contribution or donation will help us achieve our goal of helping Veterans of all wars, showing our Veterans that we appreciate their sacrifice and service to our country. Your donation will also help us promote the awareness of the POW*MIA mission and to continue to demand full accountability of our prisoners of war and those still missing in action (POW*MIA).
If you would like to make a donation, please make your check payable to "Rolling Thunder® Inc., Chapter 1 Florida" and mail it to:
Rolling Thunder® Inc., Chapter 1 Florida
400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy
Merritt Island, Florida 32952-3547
We call upon you to show your support of our organization. Your contribution or donation will help us achieve our goal of helping Veterans of all wars, showing our Veterans that we appreciate their sacrifice and service to our country. Your donation will also help us promote the awareness of the POW*MIA mission and to continue to demand full accountability of our prisoners of war and those still missing in action (POW*MIA).
If you would like to make a donation, please make your check payable to "Rolling Thunder® Inc., Chapter 1 Florida" and mail it to:
Rolling Thunder® Inc., Chapter 1 Florida
400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy
Merritt Island, Florida 32952-3547
If you are using a mobile device, just scan the QR Code, or you can use the donation button to make your donation.
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Thank you in advance for your support.