I would like to thank you on behalf of all Rolling Thunder® Illinois Chapter 1 for visiting our website. There are many interesting links as well as photos and articles on some of our past and current activities such as our annual major fun raiser below. 

BIG THUNDER RUN - 4 Oct 09
Batavia VFW
645 S. River Road (Rte 25)
Batavia. IL 60510
(just north of the intersection with IL Rte 56)      

All our activities would not have happen if it were not for our Bike Raffle and Big Thunder Run which I encourage all of you to again support this year at the Batavia, IL VFW Hall on Rte. 25 just north of Rte 56 intersection on the east side of the Fox River.  The date of this event is always the first Sunday in October. This year the date will be 4 OCT 09.  We will again have live music, great food, Bike Show, Bike Raffle, many corporate sponsor booths, and The Remembrance Table Ceremony.  We hope to continue with your support to make this event for the Veterans one of the top events in our area.  We thank you for your past support.  

Thanks to those of you who have supported our fund raising efforts as because of you we have had the opportunity to donate thousands of dollars and partner with many groups all dedicated to helping the Veteran in need.  We have worked with the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Illinois Freedom Run, VietNow - Proffitt Family Lunch program, many VFW Halls, Wounded Heroes Foundation, Kupp’s Puple Heart Run and many others.   

Our Chapter representatives had productive visits with Senator Durbin’s office, with Congressman Roskam, and with Tammy Duckworth, Director, Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs.

Over Memorial Day weekend many of us travel to Washington D.C. and join Rolling Thunder® National’s Ride For Freedom each year. Last year marked the 20th anniversary.  We helped provide escort duty for the Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers plus other dignitaries.  Over 350,000 motorcycles joined us in proceeding down Constitutional Avenue in our demonstration ride and an estimated 500,000 more were in Washington D.C. in support. It is truly a life changing experience for those of you that can make it.  

We have much more going on so please check our upcoming events and join us. 

Finally, if our activities of bringing awareness to POW/MIA and Veteran issues point towards something you want to be involved with – please join us as our guest at our monthly meetings at the Warrenville, IL VFW Hall (just off Rte 56 on Mignin Dr.) every first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM. 

Thank you, 

 

Rolling Thunder ® Inc.  Illinois Chapter 1
Douglas E. Mahar
President
roofmedic@msn.com

I want to thank all who showed up to support our 2008 Big Thunder Run this past 5 Oct 08.
Big Thunder Run is a tribute to Veterans of all wars and to those who currently serve taking their turn to guard the freedoms and lifestyle we enjoy.
Big Thunder Run also served to remember those who couldn't join us  - the Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.
Some of you traveled many miles to join us like the group from Kentucky.
Despite the rain your support allowed us to cover our costs and raise a considerable overage.
As we are a totally volunteer organization the overage will be directed to helping Veterans and Veteran organizations.

We were blessed with having two professional photographer organizations represented. I encourage you to go to their web sites.
Look at their pictures and purchase those that interest you. I direct you to these two websites:

www.crystalnoackphotography.com  (click on “order”)
www.shootersimages.com  (click on “event”)

Again, thanks to all that participated and those who volunteered to help. Please support our corporate sponsors. We will have much better weather at next year's event.