Robins Riders pays tribute to fallen comrades Published May 22, 2008 By Amanda Creel 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, Ga. -- Few of us envision men and women choking back tears when we picture a group of motorcyclist cruising down the highway with a police escort. But on May 16, members of the Robins Riders, the base motorcycle group, could be found choking back tears as they participated in their annual Memorial Day ride. "You start getting teary eyed a little bit. It gets pretty emotional," said Jeff Pickett, an F-15 mechanic with the 561st Aircraft Maintenance Support Squadron. The men and women donning motorcycle jackets and Harley Davidson t-shirts were bonded not only by their love of bikes but by their appreciation of those willing to sacrifice everything for our country. The ride began on Ga. Highway 247 and ended about 55 miles later at the Andersonville National Historic Site. The riders came together to honor the men and women who have given their lives in the name of America's freedom. "Let us be reminded freedom is not free and that it comes with a cost," prayed John Marlin moments before the 67 riders made their way into the cemetery to post more than 200 American Flags. Later Mr. Marlin told us he knows the cost of freedom all to well after losing many of his fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War. Gerry Allen, an Andersonville park ranger, told the riders about the 88 American patriots who had been laid to rest at the site this year. Some of those who were buried this year served the country during World War II, others died fighting the war on terrorism in Iraq and others were spouses of troops joining their soul mates. Those who came to rest at Andersonville served as members of all the uniformed services some died in service and others died years later but wanted to be laid to rest with their brother and sisters in arms. "These grounds are sacred grounds. When you see the avenue of the flags, it takes your breath away especially on a holiday like Memorial Day," Mr. Allen said. The riders all agree being a part of the ride is a tangible reminder of the many lives that have been lost in the name of freedom. "These guys gave their lives for us and I think it is very important we honor them," said Donn Johnson, ride organizer. "I knew people that are buried here. It is something a little special we can do for them and their families," said Michael Johnson, a base contractor with First Support Services. Lt. Col. Jeff Menges, director of operations for the 330th Combat Training School at the 116th Air Control Wing, participated in the ride for the first time. He said it was an overwhelming experience to walk these grounds and watch the flags rise up. "It's emotional. It's fantastic. It gives you that lump in your throat," Colonel Menges said. Bruce West, who served as the lead rider, agreed one of the most impressive things about the ride is the work the riders do posting the flags. "It means a lot to me to see what it looks like here before we get here and what it looks like when we leave," Mr. West said. "It makes me realize freedom is not free." He said the diversity among the group's riders is astounding, but more astounding is how the group is unified by the simple gesture of respect for the sacrifices of all those who have given their lives or lost their loved ones in the name of freedom. Mr. West said he learned how important the American flag is to the men and women in uniform during his stint in the Navy. "It's part of home to see our flag. I went all over the world when I was in the Navy and I know what it means to see our flag," he added. Tech Sgt. Lark Williams, a first-time rider, said she was surprised by the magnitude of the project. "It was overwhelming. I didn't know it was going to be this many flags," Sergeant Williams said. "There is a bigger picture here and I am just glad I can contribute because this is part of a much bigger celebration." The importance of the posting of the flags to the site's many Memorial Day observances motivates many of the riders to come back year after year. "No matter what, this ride will go down," Mr. Johnson said. "Our efforts to make these flags go up will happen because these flags are critical to the Memorial Day observations that go on here." The park rangers at Andersonville said they wouldn't be able to post the flags without volunteers like the Robins Motorcycle group. "If it wasn't for groups like this, we wouldn't be able to do special projects like this. For that we are truly grateful," said Kim Humber, Andersonville lead park ranger. Along with posting the American flags on the Avenue of the Flags in the Andersonville National Cemetery, the riders also post state flags representing each of the 50 states in the union outside of the Andersonville National Prisoner of War Museum.