Sturgis Special: A day with EagleRider Rentals and Tours!

Wednesday evening I was sitting around talking [of course!] to people and I met Ben Young, Vice President of Operations for EagleRider Rentals and Tours.  He's been here longer than I have this week and it was nice taking a breather together.  Oh yes, he's also #stillserving because he is in the Navy Reserve!

Ben asked if I had done any riding this week.  I told him it had been a while since I'd ridden in general as I donated my bike some years ago for a veteran who needed it more than I did.  That was all it took and he said meet me in the morning at 0800.  I got there early and was shooting the breeze with Jesse James, sitting on a bench outside the General Store.  Ben came up and Jesse suggested a few places to ride.  Well, when JJD of Pappy Hoel makes a suggestion.....HA!

Sean Sappington, the EagleRider Club Subscription Manager [more on that later], hooked me up with a brand new Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, with just a few miles on it.  Of course we had to do the paperwork, but guess what?  There is NO PAPER!  EagleRider is firmly in the 21st century when it comes to customer service.  Everything was in the cloud and by using my smartphone I got signed in quickly, easily, and efficiently.  After a thorough safety and equipment briefing, Ben and I took to the road out here in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.

As we rode and took breaks during the day, Ben and I talked less and less about work and more and more about life, family, and the things that really matter.  The freedom of riding broke down the corporate barriers and it was just two guys on EagleRider Harley Davidson bikes enjoying the peace and serenity riding brings to the soul.  Several hundred miles [yup, SEVERAL hundred!] and many hours will do that for you!

Our adventure took us to the Stone House, recommended by JJD.  It's closed about 50 weeks of the year and opens for the two weeks of the Rally.  It's really an old stone house.  Feel free to write your name on the walls, floors, whatever you want.  At ten in the morning a band was already playing under the huge cammo net and a nice gathering of fellow bikers were enjoying their favorite libations.  Being responsible riders, Ben and I both enjoyed a Coke and fellowship.  Next stop Spearfish and Spearfish Canyon.  What a beautiful ride with sweeping turns, elevation changes, waterfalls, rivers and of course lots of bikes.  Off to Deadwood for lunch and then a ride to visit Mount Rushmore.  By then it was time to get back as we both had things to do and I had the Harley Davidson pool party to attend.  I made it with a few hours to spare!  Not a lot of pics of the ride, because I was enjoying the ride!

If you are thinking of renting a motorcycle I highly recommend EagleRider Rentals and Tours.  They are in all the states and many foreign countries.  Check out the Club Subscription program at https://www.eaglerider.com/motorcycle-club .  For a low monthly subscription you gain credits to rent a bike at a ridiculously low price...any bike...any time...any place! How cool is that?

EagleRider Rentals and Tours:  Thanks for a great day.  Please visit this veteran friendly outfit that's on board with the VFW Mission!

VP of Operations Ben walking me through the electrons

Club Subscription Manager Sean giving me a THOROUGH briefing.  Great customer service

Off we go!

Ben in the Stone House.  Exactly as described by JJD

Relaxing under the net at Stone House

This sweet ride may need to be in my garage...

America Baby!

Sturgis: Meeting Great People

I spent a few days around the Pappy Hoel Campground this week and met quite a few people while hanging around the VFW booth at the entrance of the General Store.  I also got to hang out with a great group of Harley Davidson executives at the HD pool party one afternoon.  It's all about relationships! It was wonderful to see Dave Cavalier from HD again!! And, of course, a radio interview or two while I was enjoying the sweet sounds of Chapel Heart, an amazing trio of country music vocalists.  Sisters Danica and Devynn, along with their cousin Trea,  sing like angels!  Well, country angels!  I met them in Kansas City once and they loved Mama Cass, so of course that means they are great people!  Check them out at chapelheart.com!

Tim and Steve at the VFW booth at the entrance of the General Store are recruiting and informational phenoms!  They made sure I talked to the people they were talking to while I was there.  I guess I've got a certain cachet being the Commander in Chief.  Here's a random sampling of great people enjoying the Motorcycle Rally.  They joined or re-joined the VFW because they love what we do!

On the air with Johnny and Dee, station 94.1 WJJO out of Madison Wisconsin.  Strong Navy ties, but I won't hold that against them!

Dave Cavalier, Harley Davidson General Manager of Business Development

Larry, a Vietnam veteran, REJOINING the VFW!  Disappointed in the VFW in the past, he's now fully on board with the new direction of SERVICE!

Martin Duarte, Program Outreach Coordinator of Wounded Warriors Family Support.  They had a solemn and moving tribute to the fallen soldiers of the current wars.

Steve, a NEW life member of the VFW.  He wasn't aware that his service in Korea made him eligible.  He was so proud to become a member.

Peter and John, North Dartmouth Massachusetts VFW Post 9059!

Chad from Iowa!  He was really having a great time!

Holy Cow so much going on in Sturgis!

 Hi Fans!  The last few days have been a blur!!  I've got so much to write and go through but I can't get it right now because I'm TIRED!

Look forward in a day or two and you'll hear all about my motorcycle ride through the Black Hills, meeting a ton of veterans, doing interviews, and of course, the HUGE Jesse James Dupree and Jackyl concert at the Full Throttle Saloon!

See you soon!

A Country Update

 Just a quick shout out to the following folks in countries around the world that have tuned into the blog in just the last 24 hours!  Give the people what they want, and will find you!  Thanks for reading about my adventures!  

Sweden

Bulgaria

Brazil

Germany

France

Guam

Ireland

Iceland

Netherlands

Russia

Turkey

Sturgis Bike Rally - Day 4! The Full Throttle Saloon!

 I spent the whole day [0730- 2300] at Pappy Hoel Campground and the Full Throttle Saloon, run by our good friend Jesse James Dupree!  It was media day so I had a great time talking up the VFW and our Unmet Needs program.

Big shout out to Tom Kief of WIIL Rock Radio who is really pushing the donations to Unmet Needs with his listeners.   Jeff at 94.1 The Point in Little Rock Arkansas kept things moving and even had a listener back in Arkansas contact him to say he loved the interview!  Humbled and happy to spread the word my friends!  I spent a lot of time talking to great people enjoying the day but I also got to visit the vendors and sponsors.  Everyone is so excited to help veterans.  It was such a positive day!  It's late right now but I'm still smiling!

I spent a good deal of time at the VFW tent, along with two outstanding national recruiters.  They are doing a bang up job and I am so impressed with their people skills.  Yes, we are in the people business and they get it!  I wasn't getting in the way of recruiting, but I enjoyed talking to all of the veterans that came up and talked to us.  Several related a bad experience or two with the VFW in past, but after spending time with them and letting them know about the GREAT things we do for veterans, service members, and their families, they could not wait to re-join the ranks of the members of the greatest combat veterans organization in the world!  I love this!

And, since this is Harley Davidson Mecca, I can't forget about the renewal of friendships with the great folks of many Harley Davidson Dealerships around the country.  I've met them at different venues and seeing them again is like old home week.  I didn't get pics of all the Harley folks yet, but I'll get them to you soon.  It's great to meet people so high up and yet so down to earth. 

I finished up the night by watching Jesse and his band Dixie Inc on the big stage at the Full Throttle Saloon.  Being backstage and watching is a bit different, but still so much fun.  Coming off the stage, I got a big hug from Jesse.  Friendship is an amazing thing!

And now, some pics of folks I met and other things I did today.  It's late and I'll get you more tomorrow.  Time for bed now because Day 5 is going to be the Best Day Ever!  Enjoy!

EVERYONE coming to the Full Throttle Saloon goes into the General Store of the Pappy Hoel Campground.  And the VFW is proudly on display and our booth is right at the door.

Discussing the VFW Unmet Needs program with Tom Kief of WIIL Rock Radio!  They raise so much money and awareness of this great program

Jeff at 94.1 The Point talking about what it means to be a veteran and how to help veterans.  Terrific Guy!

Two stellar recruiters at Pappy Hoel:  Tim Woods of NC and Steve Franklin of AZ

The Chief of Security of this whole event!  "Senior" also happens to be a retired Chief Master Sergeant from the Air Force in my old career field, Security Forces.  It was fun swapping challenge coins with him!

It was a beautiful day at the pool so we held an impromptu raffle for a genuine KA-Bar fighting knife.  We raised a ton of money for Unmet Needs because folks here love veterans.  The really happy winners were Rich and Mary from Wisconsin!

A pleasure meeting John, who has been around a while!  He served with the 101st Airborne Division "a while back".  All The Way!

Sunset over the Full Throttle Saloon.  Wildfires are bad, but you can't deny it's a beautiful view....

Guitars for Vets: Sturgis Special Edition!

 I did a lot today but this one deserves its own blog entry.  I had the absolute pleasure and humble honor to meet Krista and Joey Belladonna and talk about Guitars for Vets.

Who are these two?  Joey is the lead singer for the band Anthrax.  Some of you may have heard of that group!  Krista is his wonderful wife and driving force behind Guitars for Vets.  The program is designed to help veterans with PTSD by bringing them out of their isolation and teaching them to play the guitar.  The comradery of learning together along with the solace of finding meaning in music are juxtaposed and yet they make perfect sense,  Inner peace can be found, even in the most troubling times. The joy of music can heal. To date, Guitars for Vets has provided over 40,000 free lessons to veterans!  When they complete the ten private lessons, the veterans are given, free of charge, an acoustic guitar and all the essentials, so they can continue their journey of healing and finding peace. It's a positive and rewarding step in the right direction.  As long as you are moving forward, you are making progress! Right now, over 4,000 guitars have been given out.

As I talked to Krista and Joey, I will say that I was drawn in by their deep desire to help veterans with PTSD.  As Krista told me about her family ties to veterans she said it with pride and it showed.  She became so emotional as we shared our stories.  As I looked into Joey's eyes while we were discussing peace, strength, and healing, it was a pretty powerful moment for all of us. We realized that we understood each other and our desire to help others. He is such a gentle soul and you can read that, especially when we were passionately talking about helping veterans with PTSD.  They truly want to help and it isn't about them.  That comes across clearly.  They want to help and they have an avenue to do that.  As I said when we were talking, if it works for even one person, then it is a success.

Krista and Joey, you touched my heart today; you touched my soul.  I wish you much success and will do all I can to help you in your efforts to help our nation's warriors.  I didn't know what to expect when I heard we were meeting, but I am grateful for the opportunity to know you.

Guitars for Vets has over 110 chapters in over 40 states.  I encourage you to check out their website, Guitars4vets.org .  You just might be interested for yourself, a friend, or even be able to volunteer to help others find the peace they seek.

Joey and Krista - Wonderful People!

Day 3, Sturgis Bike Rally--Military Appreciation Day!

 Well Friends, another day in the books and the VFW showed its colors in full force.  Interviews with the media ran the gamut from print to radio to television.  I wasn't too sure about the TV interview...I've been told I have a great face for radio!

One of the more interesting radio interviews happened in The Knuckle Saloon.  Yes, they have a radio booth in the bar!  Billy the DJ calls it the Voice of Sturgis on the Pirate Radio Network.  It's a low power station with a limited range, but they have been broadcasting at the Sturgis Bike Week Rally for many years.  Great music, entertaining DJ, and they had me on the air.  I'd say that's a winner!

Sturgis and the motorcycle enthusiast community take their love of veterans to the next level.  People wearing service specific clothing and caps, bike vests adorned with militaria, and FLAGS, yes FLAGS, flying all over proclaiming this is a slice of America and they are proud of it.  I was honored by the City of Sturgis to be the guest of honor on the photo tower at the main drag downtown.  I asked Barb the South Dakota Commander to join me and she was on it.  What a dynamo!  On that tower and looking down the street at the thousands of bikers was amazing.  The announcer let me say a few words to the crowd before the official photo and I simply thanked all of them for their great support of veterans.  The roar of the crowd overtook the roar of the motorcycles.  I haven't seen the official photo but the pics Barb took are awesome.  The population count is supposed to be record breaking this year.  We'll see!

More interviews followed and then off to the Harley Davidson Rally Point amphitheater for an outstanding program. Once again honored by the City to be the keynote speaker, I let everyone know that the VFW has proudly been a sponsor of the city as well as the bike rally for many years and we will continue that commitment.  The roar of the bikes from Dakota Thunder wasn't noise:  It was the sound of Freedom and these Americans aren't afraid to show their love of country!  Feeding on that, and in line with the program, I explained we were dedicating a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.  The VFW was a major contributor toward the cost of the monument and rightfully so.  Gold Star Families are people whose loved ones have died in war.  They live with that pain every day for the rest of their lives.  It's only fitting that we pay tribute to them.  [You will recall I attended a Gold Star Monument dedication back in June in West Virginia.  There is a monument in every state now!]

Following the program, we headed out to the town of Deadwood to have dinner with members of the Post there.  What a beautiful Post, situated right in the heart of town.  Lots of bikes there too! Commander John has a lot to be proud of when it comes to the Post and what they do with the community.  

That's it for now, tomorrow is another day serving veterans and spreading the word of the VFW!

A mock up of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.  Ground breaking begins next month.  

The Knuckle Saloon!

Inside the Saloon, inside the bar, inside the radio booth!  Pirate Radio at it's best and everyone in the Sturgis area listens

A view of the gathering crowd for the Official 81st Sturgis Bike Rally photograph.  According to reports will be the largest gathering of bikers in the world

Barb is the selfie master.  She took this while we were waiting for the crowd to gather.  So exciting to speak to that large crowd from up there!

More heights!  On the roof of the parking garage attached to the Black Hills VFW Post in Deadwood.  What a view!

The view from the roof of the VFW Post in Deadwood.

Addressing the crowd at the Harley Davidson Rally Point Amphitheater.  Who needs notes when you speak from the heart about the great things the Veterans of Foreign Wars does!

Sturgis Rally - Day 2

 And what a beautiful day my friends!  The 100 degree heat gave way to very nice 80s with a [mostly more than mild] breeze.  Perfect day to do my thing and talk up the VFW!

There certainly was a lot on the plate, beginning with a trip to the Armory downtown where we have a recruiting and information booth, as well as a service officer helping people with their claims.  Barbara, the South Dakota VFW State Commander has been leading by example and putting in many hours in this booth.  She's a leader!

After the Armory, we headed out to the Full Throttle Saloon to catch up with Jesse James Dupree. I can't say enough how much he has done for the VFW in the Unmet Needs Program, but also in opening many other doors for us.  Jesse and I have known each other a few years now and when he saw me he dropped all the things he was working on and took me for a ride around the 600 acre compound known as the Full Throttle Saloon.  Concert venues, camp grounds, a large pool, the General Store, many-many-many vendors and partners all over.  Climbing into his 1962 Jeep and spending this one on one time was something I will hold dear.  I even enjoyed the hill climb that was almost vertical!

Next up, a lot of handshaking and talking with current and prospective partners.  These partnerships are force multipliers for the VFW.  We are reaching markets that we never thought possible and that's because we are thinking outside the box.  This *really* isn't your grandfather's VFW anymore!  I was able to hand out my Commander in Chief coin to several individuals.  That simple coin is a cherished item because the recipient knows that we, the VFW, care!

Jesse's band Dixie Inc gave an impromptu concert inside the Full Throttle and I really like this music!  I was shocked that he asked me to come up on the stage but I'll take any opportunity to thank a crowd of freedom loving Americans for their support to veterans!  Thank you for giving me that spotlight Jesse!

This long day ended with a reception in downtown Sturgis with the Mayor, staff, and other Sturgis Rally sponsors.  Great way to mingle and talk about possibilities with some amazing individuals and the companies they represent.  Stay tuned for more as I've got another exciting and long day tomorrow!

South Dakota State Commander Barb and State Surgeon Glynnis at the Armory signing up a new Life Member for the VFW

Thanking the huge crowd at the Dixie Inc concert for their great support of Veterans

The 1962 Jeep [Sadly, I'm OLDER than the Jeep!]

Touring the grounds and outlying areas at the Full Throttle Saloon.  Even when he's extremely busy, Jesse is so gracious of his time

What started as a business partnership has truly blossomed into a friendship.  He still likes Mama Cass much more however!

Jennifer Loberman, Harley Davidson Corporate Affairs

Lisa Gomez, American Eagle Harley Davidson Director of Marketing.  We caught her on a break by the pool but she was thrilled to receive not only my Chief Coin but also Barbara's State Commander coin

Scott and Mary of Top Coat ceramic coating. Their  F11 car sealant is unbelievable and they can't wait to start working with us.  And, stay tuned, because we are going to have some AMAZING news soon about a new product they are working on that will pique the interest of many veterans!  Also in the top picture is Kevin Jamison [L] of the VFW Foundation.  He's the glue that brings all these partners into the fold.

Rebel Eddies!  What a wonderful family business.  They have been providing free bike washes for veterans and, guess what?  They use Scott and Mary's F11 sealant products!  It's synergy!  All the veterans have signed their canopy and they asked me to do the same.  Very nice.  And, they gave me a really cool ball cap!

The end of the day with the Mayor's Reception.  If you look closely, with a magnifying glass, you can see up on the hill a white concrete formation that spells out "Sturgis".  It used to be spelled out in white rocks but apparently the local kids enjoyed rearranging the letters too often!

The 81st Annual Sturgis Bike Rally!

 Hi all!  I made it to Sturgis to be part of an amazing week at the annual Bike rally!  The VFW has a big presence here concerning outreach, membership, and of course the great work the VFW Foundation does for Unmet Needs.  Our partnership with Jesse James Dupree and the Full Throttle Saloon continues to thrive!

It's going to be a full week of events, interviews, partnering and overall messaging for the VFW.  I'll keep you updated during the week so you too can know what the VFW is doing for veterans!

It's Official: VFW Commander in Chief!

 Yes, the VFW convention went off without a hitch in its modified format.  Even COVID restrictions didn't stop us from getting important business taken care of!  And, most important of all, from my perspective that is, I was elected as the Commander in Chief of the greatest combat veterans organization in the world!

There lots of pictures and articles floating around in the internet now about the convention, so I won't bore you with any of that.  However, if you didn't get an opportunity to watch my acceptance speech, you can find it on YouTube at https://youtu.be/onBd9gbPr_I   [Depending how this posts, you may have to copy and paste the link].  I think you will see what my philosophy is for the coming year!  Social Media is a force multiplier.   

I want to thank everyone who has been following my journey over the last two years when I was first elected as the Junior Vice Commander in Chief.  This begins my final leg in the three year journey.  Buckle up because I am hitting the ground running and will be doing a lot of traveling to promote our great organization!  Your inbox is going to be filled up with posts from Around The World With Fritz!

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your support! 

Taking the oath of office

My wife Megan and Mama Cass after my election

Several of the service dogs and handlers present came up for a group photo.  Great to see more and more each year.

Couldn't resist doing some magic tricks for the kids present.  It was nice seeing more families attending.

This dog.  Mama Cass got a reserved place on the National stage, next to me of course.  She even had her own Reserved Name Placard.

The VFW National Convention is here!

Yes!  Finally!  We are having a smaller but still in person national convention in Kansas City.  For those of you around the world who would like to watch it live, here's the info.  I will add that if you are only interested in the election, installation and my acceptance speech <insert really big smile here!>  that's going to happen on Tuesday morning, August 3, at 0800.  There will be some business and videos first, then we roll into a really big day in my life!

"Have your electronic devices ready as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) begins livestreaming from its business-only 122nd VFW National Convention in Kansas City, beginning with the Monday Business Session on Aug. 2 at 8:00 a.m. CDT, and culminating the following day with the election of a new national commander. "

 Be sure to log on to vfw.org/Convention to watch the stream, and join in on the social conversation using #VFWConvention. 

I've been here since Monday and it's been non-stop preparation since.  We've got committee meetings and such Saturday and Sunday, but the actual business sessions start Monday morning.  I hope you can all tune in!

VFW Post 805 Centennial!

 I had the absolute pleasure to attend this 100th Anniversary for a Post in my District over the weekend. This Post is an amazing poster child for all the things the VFW does right in its communities!

The Post itself is spotless and represents our military and veteran heritage well.  Outside, there was a band set up and plenty of shaded picnic tables.  Adjoining the Post was a plethora of re-enactors of our military past.  Even in the 90+ degree heat, these folks stayed in character in their toasty wool gear.  I even got to meet the 2020-2021 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Paulette Fryar.  Looking forward to possible partnering efforts with her this year.

Post 805 is a perennial All American Post and this year received the prestigious  VFW National Community Service Award.  It's clear they are loved in the community as they received plaques and proclamations from the Chamber of Commerce and the City Mayor.  Rounding out the accolades were Proclamations from the Governor as well as U.S. Representative Mike Bost.  The National VFW also provided a very nice 100th Anniversary citation.

I've known the members and community at Post 805 in O'Fallon Illinois for many years.  When I think of a model for veterans service and community service this Post immediately comes to mind.  I spent some time talking with the outgoing multi-term Post Commander, Ed Martinez, and he shared with me a few of the many "quiet" times he and the Post helped veterans.  Not done for fame or glory, not done as part of a program or campaign, but simply to help a fellow veteran in need.  Those are the moments we cherish, for those moments are what the Veterans of Foreign Wars is all about!

Charles Fricke VFW Post 805!  Beautiful Display!

Paulette Fryar, Military Spouse of the Year.  Her husband is currently in the Coast Guard.

Post 805 loves Mama Cass.  They prepared her own name card, bed, water dish, and her favorite snacks.  She didn't move at all during the ceremony.  Why would she!  Also, they placed a fan under my chair to keep her cool.  Did I get a fan?  Nope!

Found one!

"I've chased my last rabbit...."

Some hard working re-enactors.  Thank you!  Never mind that paratrooper hanging around in the background...