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Photos added 07/08 |
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Photos of RI Members at the 08 National Meeting, Spearfish, SD |
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Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association “Veterans Supporting Veterans and our Community” Hosted by (A National Sanctioned Event) Location:
2841 South County Trail
This is just a preliminary report of the weekend activities. Friday, 10 August turned out to be a cold, rainy day (for this time of year). One couple from PA, Scott and CJ, tried to make it to the camp, but traffic and weather changed their minds. They did pull in early Saturday morning - great to see them!! Other members from the region joined us Saturday morning, representing RI, MA, VT, NH, ME & NY. Just as we were about to take off for our ride through Southern RI, we got word two of our Brothers from VT were on their way, and not far out. So rather than take off and leave them to an empty camp, we held out and waited for their arrival. About 30 bikes got on the road and we made our way to the RI State Veterans Cemetery, making a lap to pay our respects to those who have gone before us. Heading South on RT 2, then RT 138 East, we arrived at the International Parachute Competition - the RING Leapfest. We arrived just in time to see the last group land. They finished early due to the nice weather. We stuck around for Dells lemonade and to check out the displays, then mounted up for the next leg of the trip. Continuing South on scenic Ministerial Rd, the shade provided nice relief from the sun. Mountain laurel and rhododendrons on both sides of the road. We then jumped on RT 1 North, going from Charleston to Narragansett, taking Point Judith Rd down to the lighthouse. We did a lap around it, giving everyone a view of Block Island Sound and Block Island, 10 miles off the coast. We then stopped about a mile back up the road at two local popular clam shacks - Aunt Carries, and Iggys. Stopped for clam cakes. Nice cool ocean breeze here. Back on the bikes, heading North on RT 1A/Boston Neck Rd, along Narragansett Pier/Twin Towers/beach area. Further up jumping on RT 138 East over the Jamestown Bridge, giving us a great view of Narragansett Bay. Took a ride down to Beaver Tail Point, the Southern most tip of the island, and stopped for a break and photos there. Back on the road, and back to Camp Fogarty, where we ended the day at the camps recently renovated club house, where we had a cook out and partied like the Vikings we are. :) Sunday morning, after breakfast cooked by our RI KP team, we took another ride out the the Veterans Cemetery, where brother Popeye guided us around to the Viet Nam memorial, pointing out our recently repatriated Army Special Forces MIA SFC Walton, Korean War memorial, USMC memorial, CIB memorial, and the gravesite of Lance Corporal Holly Charrett, the first female Marine KIA in OIF. We honored their sacrifices and paid our respects, then made our way back to the camp. Sunday afternoon the regional meeting started just a little after 1200. The topics concerned guidance put forth at the recent National meeting. Information was put out, ideas exchanged, and concerns voiced. One item that was clarified was that of honorary members. This will allow chapters who have individuals who would otherwise not meet the criteria for full membership, supporter or auxiliary to otherwise be included in what we do. We are all aware of people who would be an asset to our organization but either are not a vet, or don't ride a motorcycle, etc. This allows their association with us and will provide a positive impact. Following the meeting we were provided with a spaghetti and meatball lunch. There were also raffles. The event ended and everyone made their way home. The RI chapter then tore down and cleaned up. Personally I thought is was a great weekend. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones. I look forward to riding together again soon. There has been some discussion of us hosting a gathering next year at the same time and location, to view the Leapfest. Providing the generous RING allows us use of the camp, we will seriously consider doing this. If anyone has photos of the weekend we would like to put them up on the site. Please email them to Andy or Mike (email addresses on the contact page) or mail a CD to our snail mail address, also on that page. Respectfully Submitted, John "JAGER" Westlake
Schedule of Events: Friday(10 August): Chaplain John DiRaimo will be at The Range Control building for anyone who wishes to arrive on Friday..Please send a heads up if you plan on arriving on this day.
Saturday(11 August): Breakfast
will be served from A Ride to The International Military Parachute Competition will be conducted that day to include Point Judith, RI Veteran's Cemetery and other scenic areas. Leapfest Link: http://riguard.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=64
Evening meal of Hamburgers and hotdogs will be grilled at the club located on location…Television and lounge area.
Sunday (12
August): Breakfast will be served on site from A spaghetti and meatball dinner will be held after the meeting is adjourned. Before members depart. There will be raffles, and penny social events. The Area: There is lodging available in the area, also gas stations, coffee shops, diners etc.. Map quest should give you an idea of what is along that route… Arrival and Check-in: Arrival and check in can be done at the range control building. As you pull into the training site road, you will pass the rappel tower on the left. As you continue, you will see a UH1 Huey to your front. At the top of the street...Take a right and the range control building is on your left. Make sure you sign in to receive credit for attending a Nationally sanctioned event. Plenty of safe parking for bikes at this location. What is available on
Site? We have air-conditioned and or heated Quonset hut sleeping quarters at NO CHARGE All you need is a bed roll or sleeping bag. Blanket etc…available for male and separate female accommodations.
Outside view of the Quonset huts
Inside View. Sleeping quarters There is a Building next to the Huts that are Separate Male and Fe-Male bathrooms, sinks, and shower facilities. The Meeting Classroom and Mess Hall facilities are located in the Same Building and are a short distance from the Sleeping quarters and bathroom facilities.
Mess Hall area near class room/meeting room The Club house is also walking distance in this area and has grills, Television, Bar and lounge areas for our Guests.
Clubhouse and lounge area Parking for Bikes, Cars, etc.will be next to the sleeping areas and are safe on Site. Again, Use of all these facilities are at no cost to the CVMA and we will only be responsible to clean up after ourselves. Directions: From Interstate
Rt.95 North: Route I 95 south to Exit 9 (Route 4 toward Take the second exit on Rt.4, Exit 7 to Rt 402. Stay right on the exit ramp to 402. Keeping left on that ramp..take a left at the stop sign toward Rt.2 (Frenchtown road). At the light, take a left (you will see a gas station on your right and then a dunkin donuts Next to it) From Interstate Rt.
95 South: Route I 95 North to exit 8A ( Off the ramp follow Route 2 Straight 3.2 Miles and Again, by typing in map quest you can get to anywhere you need for what is in the area. Any R.I. CVMA member will be happy to assist you when you arrive also..Just ask. This Will be a Great event and hope to see as many brothers as possible! This invitation is open to any of our National Board of Director members also.
Andrew
“Dash” Martel
R.I.
Chapter Commander
Combat Veterans Association
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