INSIDE THE CHAPTER
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This is our fun page - where we post news, pictures of meetings, gatherings, or just being silly.
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Fully Patched Chapter 1 Florida member Anna Stewart graduated with honors from Eastern Florida State College with an Associates Degree in Aerospace Technology. Lets all congratulate Anna on her accomplishment.
Always a pleasure to recognize members advancements
(L-R) Cindy Flowers, VP, Christian Herrnkind; Ailene Picheco; (receiving Rocker and Eagle Patches); Barbara Morris, COB
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(L-R) Barbara Morris, COB; Shelly Bake and Dreama Justice (receiving their Chapter Boot Patches); Cindy Flowers, VP
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It's always nice to hear that we're doing a good job.
Chapter Meeting 03/24/2024
Maryalice Istvan receives her Rocker and Eagle at our January membership meeting
2023 Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida Christmas Dinner
--THIS IS AN OFFICIAL ROLLING THUNDER® INC. FLORIDA CHAPTER 1 EVENT REMINDER--
Date: Friday Dec 8, 2023
Event Time: 1800
Dinner Time ~2000
Address: Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
610 Glen Cheek Dr
Port Canaveral, FL 32920
Dear Rolling Thunder Members,
As the holiday season approaches, we extend a heartfelt invitation to our annual Christmas Dinner. Join us in the spirit of camaraderie and goodwill as we gather to celebrate the season of giving. Your presence will add a special touch to the evening, as we come together not only as advocates for POW/MIA but also as a community bonded by shared purpose and passion.
Let the warmth of friendship and the joy of the season fill our hearts as we reflect on the meaningful work we do as Rolling Thunder members. We look forward to sharing laughter, stories, and the spirit of the holidays with you.
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Warm Regards,
Dena F. Armstrong
Events Coordinator
Rolling Thunder® Inc. Florida Chapter 1
Date: Friday Dec 8, 2023
Event Time: 1800
Dinner Time ~2000
Address: Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
610 Glen Cheek Dr
Port Canaveral, FL 32920
Dear Rolling Thunder Members,
As the holiday season approaches, we extend a heartfelt invitation to our annual Christmas Dinner. Join us in the spirit of camaraderie and goodwill as we gather to celebrate the season of giving. Your presence will add a special touch to the evening, as we come together not only as advocates for POW/MIA but also as a community bonded by shared purpose and passion.
Let the warmth of friendship and the joy of the season fill our hearts as we reflect on the meaningful work we do as Rolling Thunder members. We look forward to sharing laughter, stories, and the spirit of the holidays with you.
--
Warm Regards,
Dena F. Armstrong
Events Coordinator
Rolling Thunder® Inc. Florida Chapter 1
FLAG RETIREMENT
The Veterans Memorial Center has asked Troop Three-four-three to retire the flag from the Mike Erdman Toyota dealership that used to be on Merritt Island. The Scouts have prepared the flag and will do the Flag retirement ceremony on Saturday, December 2nd, at 5 pm at the Flag retirement fire pit at the South end of the Veterans Memorial Park. Please join us!
Well, it's that time of year again -
the National Rolling Thunder® Conference in Washington, D.C.
the National Rolling Thunder® Conference in Washington, D.C.
Three representative from Chapter 1 Florida - (L) Cindy Flowers, Chapter Vice President, (C) Mrs Flo Walters, POW Spouse and long-time member of the Chapter, (R) Dr. Lance Armstrong, Chapter President. Thanks to Marie Wadja, former Chapter 1 member, now Vice President of Chapter 8, for the 'behind' the scene photo.
Inductees into the Florida Veterans Hall Of Fame
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From 2013 - 2023 Five Brevard Veterans have been elected into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. The five were honored and recognized by a County Proclamation on October 24, 2023. It is a great honor to recognize Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida member Donn Weaver (R) as the 2023 recipient, and will receive his award at the State's Capitol in Tallahassee on November 14, 2023. Donn is a regular fixture at the Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island, and heavily involved with the Brevard Veterans Council, and Military Officers Association of America, Cape Canaveral Chapter (MOAACC).
The other awardees and year, are from lefty to right:
Major General John Cleland (Deceased), US Army, Retired, Class of 2013. Represented by his granddaughter Amanda Bolte.
Lieutenant Colonel Harry “Skip” Taylor, US Army, Retired, Class of 2021.
Command Master Sergeant Eugene Johnson, US Air Force, Retired, Class of 2014. He also serves as honorary member of Tuskegee Airmen.
Sergeant First Class Juan Santiago, US Army, Retired, Class of 2019.
Captain Donn Weaver, US Army, Former, Class of 2023.
The other awardees and year, are from lefty to right:
Major General John Cleland (Deceased), US Army, Retired, Class of 2013. Represented by his granddaughter Amanda Bolte.
Lieutenant Colonel Harry “Skip” Taylor, US Army, Retired, Class of 2021.
Command Master Sergeant Eugene Johnson, US Air Force, Retired, Class of 2014. He also serves as honorary member of Tuskegee Airmen.
Sergeant First Class Juan Santiago, US Army, Retired, Class of 2019.
Captain Donn Weaver, US Army, Former, Class of 2023.
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Florida Chapter 1 Presents donations in support of Wreaths Across America to remember and honor our fallen heroes.
(LEFT) FL1 Vice President Cindy Flowers presents a check for $1500.00 to Donn Weaver, representing Wreaths Across America, Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
(RIGHT) FL1 VP Cindy presents a $500.00 check to Dorothy Walsh, representing "Their Voice of Hope" for Wreaths Across America.
(RIGHT) FL1 VP Cindy presents a $500.00 check to Dorothy Walsh, representing "Their Voice of Hope" for Wreaths Across America.
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New Junior Member Brooke Ratcliff presents Florida 1 with a wooden Flag plaque with the FL1 logo she made herself with the aid of her mentor Mary (NavyMom) Ingrassia. FL1 President Dr. Lance Armstrong, holding the plaque.
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(L-R) Sonya Ratcliff, NavyMom, Steve Ratcliff, FL1 President, Dr. Lance Armstrong, Brooke Ratcliff, Larry Ingrassia, and Chase Ratcliff.
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Mary (NavyMom) Ingrassia and new Junior Member Brooke Ratcliff present a Folded Flag pin with a Vietnam Service Ribbon to Florida 1 Veterans. NavyMom also created a Folded Flag pin with the FL1 Logo.
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Please join Florida Chapter 1 in welcoming our newest Junior Members, Brooke (L) and Chase Ratcliff (R). Both were inducted at our monthly membership meeting on Sunday, October 22nd., 2023.
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At Florida 1's September membership meeting, Ken Brody and Jed Parks earned their Rocker and Eagle patches, and Tom Talley earned his Boot patch. Let's congratulate them and welcome them to the Rolling Thunder family. Pictured L-R, Barbara Morris (COB); Jed Parks; Dr. Lance Armstrong (President); Tom Talley; and Ken Brody. Also at the September meeting, the membership unanimously reelected all those that were up for reelection.
On August 27th. Florida 1 members Charles Grochowski and Robert Wells received their Boot Patches. Congratulations to both of you.
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Jim Istvan served 38 years in firefighting, retiring just three years ago as a Station Chief from Fairfax Virginia. Survived by his wife Maryalice (RTFL1 member) with Don and Dorthy Pearsall (L), Chaplain Chip Hanson (C), Lance Armstrong, and Theresa Camp (R). Maryalice let us know in Jim's last breaths, "I want to be buried with my Rolling Thunder Rocker and Eagle". The patches arrived that day. Only 24 days between symptoms and his passing from Pancreatic Cancer.
Cindy Flowers and Flo Walter with our friends from the Netherlands
A 'sneak peak' at the new memorial bench for our beloved immediate past President, "JJ" Justice
at it's temporary location at the Veterans Memorial Center.
Original photo by Cindy Flowers
at it's temporary location at the Veterans Memorial Center.
Original photo by Cindy Flowers
Still selling our motorcycle raffle tickets at Space Coast Harley-Davidson
Photos by Cindy Flowers
Photos by Cindy Flowers
What is a leader? Someone who will be there, do that, and make sure the job gets done. President Lance Armstrong and one of our Ride Captains and BOD member Gary McClain, attending the Leesburg Bike Fest to sell the remaining Ride For Freedom XXXV Chapter 1 Florida motorcycle raffle tickets. If you would like one, please let us know - time and tickets are running out.
The city of Leesburg held its annual bike week this weekend. RTFL1 BOD Gary McClain and I arrived there mid day Friday. An 80% rain forecast didn’t hinder our mission attitude one bit. Fortunately we saw little rain the weekend when Florida had big hail for the prior two days.
Gator Harley Davidson was very well set up with approximately 30 vendors of everything from leathers, rings, motorcycle accessory‘s and the ability to install aftermarket high-performance components. Their stage, sound lights and bands were great. Management however, did not want us to advertise our Memorial day weekend event or receive donations for the RTFL1 bike raffle. We will be glad to work with them next year so that we can. This lead to our heading downtown.
Main Street downtown Leesburg is well set up, well supported by vendors, support staff, emergency services, and law enforcement. We scouted out the location and sold approximately 20 tickets Friday into the evening, had a hamburger, went back at it for another couple hours, and then headed to the motel, dead tired.
Scouting had paid off, along with a police cone, allowing us to park right at the event in a public free parking spot. Motorcycles pack this area with handlebar to handlebar, rear tire on curb parking. Hundreds also park in the center of the street for blocks. Gary and I set our comfortable chairs in the shade, next to a water fountain at the main intersection and had partial success.
Scouting out this stage I met the sound engineer and director of entertainment who wanted me to give a presentation about our Rolling Thunder Florida Ride for Freedom. We did this three times over the course of the afternoon, and into the evening. We sold every ticket we took, 70!
Thank you Leesburg and all who were there now planning to come in one month to the Ride for Freedom! A big time, “Thank you” to those who donated to us for bike raffle tickets. We look forward to a great three day event.
Lance Armstrong, DC
RTFL1 President
Gator Harley Davidson was very well set up with approximately 30 vendors of everything from leathers, rings, motorcycle accessory‘s and the ability to install aftermarket high-performance components. Their stage, sound lights and bands were great. Management however, did not want us to advertise our Memorial day weekend event or receive donations for the RTFL1 bike raffle. We will be glad to work with them next year so that we can. This lead to our heading downtown.
Main Street downtown Leesburg is well set up, well supported by vendors, support staff, emergency services, and law enforcement. We scouted out the location and sold approximately 20 tickets Friday into the evening, had a hamburger, went back at it for another couple hours, and then headed to the motel, dead tired.
Scouting had paid off, along with a police cone, allowing us to park right at the event in a public free parking spot. Motorcycles pack this area with handlebar to handlebar, rear tire on curb parking. Hundreds also park in the center of the street for blocks. Gary and I set our comfortable chairs in the shade, next to a water fountain at the main intersection and had partial success.
Scouting out this stage I met the sound engineer and director of entertainment who wanted me to give a presentation about our Rolling Thunder Florida Ride for Freedom. We did this three times over the course of the afternoon, and into the evening. We sold every ticket we took, 70!
Thank you Leesburg and all who were there now planning to come in one month to the Ride for Freedom! A big time, “Thank you” to those who donated to us for bike raffle tickets. We look forward to a great three day event.
Lance Armstrong, DC
RTFL1 President
Ride Captain Appointees receiving their patches:
(L-R) Bill Wagner, Jed Parks, Jim Istvan, Mike Dorn and Gary McClain. Far left Barbara Morris (COB), far right Lance Armstrong (President)
Willard Davis receives his Boot patch
Another day at Space Coast Harley-Davidson! L-R: Walt Marshall, Cindy Flowers, Larry Morris, Diatra Salmons, Barbara Morris.
Every Wednesday morning, the Chapter meets at a different restaurant to enjoy a good breakfast, and camaraderie. If you would like to get on the email notification list, just send a note to [email protected].
The push is on to sell the remaining motorcycle raffle tickets! Easter weekend at Space Coast Harley-Davidson dealership were Walt Marshall, Larry and Barbara Morris, Kay and 'Red' Dhaeze, Diatra Salmons, Theresa Camp, Jerry Lipson, and Cindy Flowers. Oh, and the Easter Bunny! Photo's by Walt Marshall
Did you know that members Don Pearsall and Dorothy Walsh Pearsall operate their own veterans service organization? It is a non-profit, and what they offer is Veterans' Connections' Equine Therapy. This type of program is nationally recognized, and if you or someone you know could benefit from this therapy, send Dorothy a note.
Umm, is the projector on?
Tom Fitzgerald of Solemn Pride, Inc. makes a presentation to the Chapter. He and his wife Denise are most notably known for their civil war clothing and their mule drawn caisson at many different events, especially at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. The Chapter is proud to support their organization.
(L-R) Betty Jo Green - Secretary, Tom Fitzgerald, Cindy Flowers - Vice President, Lance Armstrong - President, Dick Laning - Treasurer, Tom Lynch - Rolling Thunder® Florida State Liaison, Barbara Morris - Chairperson of the Board.
(L-R) Betty Jo Green - Secretary, Tom Fitzgerald, Cindy Flowers - Vice President, Lance Armstrong - President, Dick Laning - Treasurer, Tom Lynch - Rolling Thunder® Florida State Liaison, Barbara Morris - Chairperson of the Board.
Rolling Thunder® Florida State Liaison Tom Lynch presents The Order of the Purple Heart challenge coin to three Chapter 1 members (L-R) John Juliano, Don Pearsall, and Bill Wagner.
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Rolling Thunder® Florida State Liaison Tom Lynch presents an excellence in service challenge coin to (L-R) Barbara Morris (COB), and Larry Morris.
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And ... if you're wondering what those gold covered jars are, well - it's honey - from our own bee Farmer and Chapter Treasurer, Dick Laning. They are for sale, so if you'd like some really good 'local' honey, let us know.
Good news for our Chaplin
Chaplain Chip, is in stable condition and expected to be released from Lake Nona Veterans Medical Center shortly. He had a clogged artery, referred to as the Widow Maker, which required emergency surgery for insertion of a stent. Fortunately, it was caught in time. He said the doctor told him that if he hadn’t come to the hospital at the time he did, he would not have survived another 48 hours. Our prayers extended for a full and quick recovery.
Special recognition's at the March General Membership Meeting
It is an honor to witness member achievements in the form of what we call 'patches' - our organizational "colors". A boot patch may be awarded a new member within 120 days of participating in events and meetings, but can be awarded at the end of 90 days. A Boot patch signifies the member now has the right to vote. One year after receiving their boot patch, members are eligible for their Rolling Thunder® Rocker & Eagle, indicating they are now a fully patched member.