Motorcyclists rally to support U.S. troops in Iraq

09:59 PM PDT on Sunday, July 11, 2004

By ROBERTA ROMERO / KING 5 News

KING Hundreds of motorcyclists rode for the troops.

TACOMA, Wash. - Hundreds and hundreds of motorcyclists at destination Harley Davidson in Tacoma met Sunday for one purpose - to support the U.S. troops serving in Iraq.

"I just feel I should support these young people as one veteran to another," said Ira Joseph.

For some, the ride was personal and its meaning critical to those serving in Iraq.

"I've been overseas myself and I know how detached you get from the folks back in the states," said Robert Kukelko. "Anything that the people can do on a large scale really gets their attention and lets them know that people care about them."

The riders will raise money for the Stryker Brigade soldiers, based out of Fort Lewis, and their families.

More supporters were on hand to cheer the motorcyclists on.

"When these guys come home they'll know that what they were doing was appreciated and that people stood behind them and that's the kind of support they need," said Darrell Jensen.

And it's working. Dan Kern from the Washington Army National Guard came by to thank them.

"Everybody thinks you need to be in Iraq to fight a war, you'd be in a war right here. Look at these people, they're doing it," said Kern.

After the nearly 20-mile ride on Interstate 5 the motorcyclists returned to dealership, where they listened to messages from soldiers in Iraq, thanking them for their support.

Family of the soldiers also came to show their appreciation and to watch the shout-out tape in hopes of seeing a loved one stationed in Iraq.

"Even though it wasn't our specific husband, just them thinking of us is an overall great thing," said Toni Joseph.

Those who participated in the ride and rally said they hope the huge turn-out proves to U.S. soldiers that they are not forgotten.

Organizers of the event say they have collected more than $20,000 in donations. All of it will go to the family readiness program at Fort Lewis for the Stryker Brigade.