I want to tell everyone what my Chapter, KY-T, has done for us.  I joined the Chapter on April 18, 2007.  On June 2, Josh and his girlfriend, Steven, my wife (of 30 years) and myself were going for a benefit ride for our church.  It was to be a day of fun, but little did we know that it would turn out to be the worst day of our lives.  We started out and less than a mile from the house, my son, Steven, went into a curve and lost control of his bike and went down.  He was taken to a local hospital and then taken by a chopper to a larger hospital where he passed away from his injuries.  That was the worst day of our lives.  When we came out of the ICU, the hall was full of friends, family and GWRRA Members.

We had the funeral, and the place was full with standing room only.  I asked my biker friends to lead the way to Steven’s final resting place.  We had over 75 bikes.  Steven would have liked that.  I thought I had a small insurance policy on both my sons, but when I checked into it I found I didn’t.  The Chapter heard the problem I had and came to my rescue with a fund-raising ride.  The money the Chapter took in combined with the money from the guys I work with was enough to pay for the funeral.

About four months ago, three ladies from the Chapter came to me, and asked if they could put together a scholarship ride in remembrance of Steven.  I said that would be nice, but thought to myself that it probably wouldn’t do too well.  We got all the food, drinks, and things to auction donated, and we took in a lot more than I expected.  We made enough to pay for a two year scholarship.  They’re planning on doing this again next year.  This is what GWRRA is all about!!  I will never be able to repay this bunch of friends for what they have done for my family.  I hope you can help me let them know how much they mean to me. 

Lonnie R. Allen, Chapter KY-T

Deployment Deters Trip to Wing Ding

I have enjoyed the magazine editorials and the reader’s articles in Wing World magazine.  I’ve even enjoyed them enough to respond to some and share my opinion.  Thanks again for everything you do to keep this wonderful organization going.  I wish you the best to come and hopefully, I’ll get to attend Wing Ding next year.  I have missed them due to my deployment with the military.

Sgt. Dain Cole
GWRRA #252683

Enjoying the Chapter

I am enjoying the local Chapter - their fellowship and support.  I love Wing World magazine, and I love my Gold Wing!

Philip Kennedy, Chapter CO-I

Wing Ding Volunteers Made the Difference

I am a 70- year old retired police officer who joined GWRRA in January of this year.  I decided to go to Honda Hoot and Wing Ding this year to see what both organizations were about.  The main differences were the volunteers and the folks attending.  The Hoot had a great party night on the river and Wynonna Judd’s concert was fantastic, but the folks attending, and the Honda staff/support personnel missed the mark.  They were not outgoing, and the event was flat.  At the Hoot I met and got to know one person.  At Wing Ding, everyone (volunteers and attendees) went out of their way to help, introduce themselves and appeared to want to make contact, and/or assist you in any way they could.  I met many new friends that I will stay in contact with and look forward to seeing them again in Tulsa next year.  I will become more active in my GWRRA local Chapter TX-S2.  A big thanks to all the staff and volunteers that made Wing Ding such an enjoyable event.

Robert Elkin, Chapter TX-S2

A Good Group

Texas Chapter T is run well and has a good group of people.  There are plenty of rides for everyone.  I am really enjoying my membership.

Ratje Bunke, Chapter TX-T

Membership in GWRRA is a Must

We had not renewed our membership with GWRRA for several years, and last year we took a trip and had tire trouble.  It just so happened we carried a Gold Book in our trunk and we made a few calls.  In no time at all, three couples responded with more help than we could imagine and never left us until we were fixed and running.  Needless to say, we have decided that we wanted to rejoin GWRRA and remain Members and hopefully be able to help someone in need one day.  It is a wonderful organization, and if a person rides a Gold Wing they should definitely include membership in GWRRA as a must have.

Willis Coco, Chapter LA-E

Last Tuesday night Kathy and I were proud to represent the western area Members of North Carolina GWRRA by accepting a special award on your behalf.  Normally your Assistant District Directors would have attended for you, but outgoing ADDS, Eddie and Ann Allen had prior commitments for the evening, and incoming ADDs, Tom and Terri Pennoni also had a scheduling conflict which prevented their attendance.  We were thrilled to take part in the recognition of the western area Members and leadership, and we were proud to be able to represent you for all of your efforts toward supporting the North Carolina District's annual Gifts on Cycles event.

Each year individuals and groups are nominated by various organizations for the volunteer efforts which those individuals and groups have performed in fulfilling the special needs in our state which might otherwise go unmet.  This year the personnel of the Volunteer Services Department of the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center (http://www.jirdc.org/) nominated for the Burke County award program the North Carolina Gold Wing Road Riders Association, western area, for the award.  The judging for awards was performed by a group of folks from outside the county involved, and competition for the awards is tough.  The group of nominees in attendance at the awards ceremony had been whittled down to ten from a much larger group.  We were amazed when hearing the accomplishments of your competition, which included a large Rotary Club with numerous support projects under their belts, and a Chick-fil-A restaurant whose employees must work as much time in volunteer efforts as they do for their company.

We are pleased to tell you that the western area of North Carolina GWRRA was chosen as the recipient of a Governor's North Carolina Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.  A portion of the letter from Governor Mike Easley which accompanied the beautiful framed award reads:

"Congratulations on your North Carolina Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.  Volunteers are at the heart of the long-standing tradition of community service in our state.  Your work  enriches and improves the lives of others everyday in countless ways.  Positive role models such as you make a difference in the lives of others.  Your service is admirable, and your contributions to the state are immeasurable.  Thank you for all that you do."

We congratulate each of you on receiving the recognition which you so justly deserve, and we want to thank you for all of your efforts and the donations of time, money and gifts which bring a higher quality of life to the residents of the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center.

Although the western area was the recipient of this award, we know that our Members in the central and eastern areas of the state contribute equally in the time, efforts and finances which you provide to the centers in your portions of the District.  We want to thank you as well for your contributions.  Former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali is credited with having said: "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."   We believe that the Members of GWRRA North Carolina easily pay their annual rent on the first Saturday of December each year. 

Thanks for all that you do, not only for the North Carolina District of GWRRA, but also for the many other endeavors which you so readily support in order to help your fellow man.