Killeen Daily Herald
HARKER HEIGHTS ? Heavy rains might have dampened plans for Saturday's motorcycle parade to honor returning soldiers for some people, but not everyone was chased away by the inclement weather.
"I'm soaking wet, but I was the first rider out," said Mike Kiger, who helped organize the event for Fort Hood Harley-Davidson, which sponsored the parade in conjunction with the city.
About 50 motorcycle riders, all veterans, rode through Harker Heights and Killeen. Kiger said the motorcycle shop provided nine active-duty service members with bikes for the 20-minute parade.
"A lot of communities in this country are trying to do things to thank the troops," said Kiger, who came up with the motorcycle parade idea last year. "I did this for them."
Among the bikers was a father-daughter team. Lowell Dublin served in Vietnam, and his daughter, Angela Dublin, served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Angela Dublin, who retired from the Air Force in 2009, said patriotic pride and love of the military kept her from backing out of the organized ride. "I bleed red, white and blue," she said.
Like his daughter, Lowell Dublin wasn't put off by the rain and chilly temperatures. "Compared to what (the troops) are doing for us, this is nothing," he said.
The Vietnam veteran, with tears in his eyes, talked about how returning troops are treated today compared to years ago, saying it's like "night and day."
Lowell Dublin said the parade also was important because it gave him a chance to join his daughter and fellow war veteran on an important ride. "I wanted to bring her here to do this with me," he said.
But Kiger said the rainy weather did cause several planned speakers to cancel their appearances, including some local politicians.
In addition to welcoming back redeployed soldiers, the event also was designed to help raise money for Wounded Warriors, an organization that supports injured service members.
"A hundred percent of the money raised will go to the Wounded Warriors," said Kiger, who didn't have donation amounts Saturday. "I will present them a check myself."
Contact Rebecca Rose at rebeccar@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7548.
Source: http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=64864
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