Motels my wife and I are staying at while on the 2012 Torches Across America ride

Evening of September 2&3, 2012, San Diego, CA; Americas Best Value
Padre Trail Inn, 4200 Taylor St., San Diego, CA, 92110, 619-297-3291.
I made my reservations thru www.Hotelsone.com and was given a very
good price $ 147.48. This motel was given a 4 star on TripAdvisor and
is in a great location for touring around San Diego. Ask for the Torches

Across America Ride rate.

Evening of September 4, 2012, Kingman, AZ; Travel Lodge, 3275 Andy
Devine Ave., Kingman, AZ, 86401, 928-757-1188. 1 to 2 people $ 55.00
plus tax and 2 to 4 people $ 65.00 plus tax. Ask for the Torches Across

America Ride rate.

Evening of September 5, 2012, Albuquerque, NM; Western Star (once the
Comfort Inn), 2015 Menaul NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87107, 505-881-3210. 1
to 4 people $ 55.00 plus tax. You can make your reservations online at
www.westernstarinn.com and the code is (torch). Or you can call them.
After putting in the code on the next page look for (Torches Across
America ) rate and click book now.

Evening of September 6, 2012, Amarillo, TX; Red Roof INN, 1620 East
I-40, Amarillo, TX, 79103, 806-374-2020. 1 to 4 people $ 50.99 plus
tax. Ask for the Torches Across America Ride rate.

Evening of September 7, 2012, Tulsa, OK; Econo Lodge, 11629 East
Skelly Dr., Tulsa, OK, 74128, 918-437-9200. 1 bed 2 people $ 40.00
plus tax, 2 beds 2 people $ 49.00 plus tax. Ask for the Torches Across America

Ride rate.

Evening of September 8, 2012, Troy, IL; Red Roof Inn, 2030 Formosa Rd., Troy, IL, 62294, 618-667-2222. 1 to 4 people $ 62.99 plus tax. Ask for the Torches Across America rate. Marge and I will be staying there. Holiday Inn Express, 2020 Formosa Rd., Troy, IL, 62294, 618-667-9200. 1 to 4 people $ 84.00 plus tax. Ask for the Torches Across America Ride rate.


Evening of September 9, 2012, Cambridge, OH; Southgate Hotel (once
Holiday Inn), 2248 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, OH, 43725,
740-432-7313. 1 to 2 people $ 65.00 plus tax and 2 to 4 people $ 75.00
plus tax. Ask for the Torches Across America Ride rate.

Evening of September 10, 2012, Jersey City, NJ; The Holland Hotel, (once Holland Motor Inn), 175 12th. St., Jersey City, NJ, 07310, 201-963-6200. For my wife and I
it is $ 109.00 plus tax. Quentin Bristow is the General Manager and he said to
call him when making the reservations. Tell him your with the Torches
Across America Ride for this rate. Or you can email him at (TheHollandHotel@yahoo.com).If your going or thanking about going on the ride you better make reservations now because their rooms will not last long.

We can park our bike, trike, car or truck. in The Holland Hotel
parking lot or at the Hoboken MC Club House parking lot for the evening.

Evening of September 11, 2012; Allentown, PA, Howard Johnson Inn &
Suites, 3220 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, PA, 18103, 610-439-4000. 1 to
4 people $ 59.00 plus tax.

The ride ends in Shanksville, PA, on September 12, 2012. We will be
going to the Flight 93 National Memorial and Flight 93 Chapel. I tried
to get something set up for that evening in Somerset, PA, but nothing
worked out so the ride will end after visiting the Flight 93 Chapel.

2012 Torches Across America ride route, dates, departure times and destinations

                                      September 4, 2012 thru September 12, 2012



Dates Time                               Departs                                                 Destination

9/4, 8:00am, VFW Post 5477, Imperial, Beach, CA, to our host VFW Post 10386 Kingman, AZ, 6:30pm.

9/5, 7:00am, Travel Lodge, Kingman, AZ, to our host American Legion Post 13, Albuquerque, NM, 6:30pm.

9/6, 7:00am, Western Star Inn, Albuquerque, NM, to a barbeque in Tucumcari, NM, with Paul Elam and his family around noon then to the Big Texan Restaurant, Amarillo, TX whenever we get there because it is a free night.

9/7, 7:00am, Red Roof Inn, Amarillo, TX, and at the Oklahoma State Line and be escorted by our host Oklahoma Southern Cruisers Riding Club to Tulsa, OK.

9/8, 7:00am, Econo Lodge, OK, meet with riders at exit 256 off HWY, I - 44 in Pacific, MO, at the BP Station 3:00pm. Leave at 3:30pm and meet Illinois riders at the Jefferson Barracks Bridge on the Illinois side then ride into Troy, IL, VFW Post 976, 4:30pm.

9/9, 6-7am, breakfast by VFW Post 976, Ladies Auxiliary then ride to VFW Post 2901 Cambridge, OH, 6:30pm.

9/10, 7:00am South Gate Hotel, Cambridge, OH to Jersey City, NJ , free night in New York, City, NY.

9/11, 7:30am The Holland Hotel, Jersey City, NJ and attend 9/11 Memorial Service in Jersey City, NJ, at 8:46am. Escorted ride to Liberty State Park by Hoboken, M.C. to see new 9/11 Memorial then escorted ride back to Hoboken, M.C. Club House. Free time in New York City, NY, then ride to Allentown, PA.

9/12, 7:00am, Howard Johnson Inn & Suits, PA to Flight 93 National Memorial and Flight 93 Chapel, Shanksville, PA.

TAA 2012 shirt, patch, and pin order forms

Shirt, Pin and patch orders must be sent in by August 6, 2012 (which is this coming Monday) in order to have them by September 1, 2012.

If you are going to be on the ride or meet us at a host location send me your money right away and I will give you your order when I see you on the ride. This way you do not have to pay for packaging, insurance and postage. But you will be responsible for getting in touch with me at the point you are going to be with us on the ride or you will have to pay for packaging, insurance and postage when I send it to you after the ride.

Shirts can be ordered in black or safety green and you can order them in short or long sleeves.

Short sleeve shirts in black or safety green;

Small thru Extra Large $ 10.00 each.

XX Large $ 11.25 each.

XXX Large $ 11.75 each.

Long sleeve shirts in black or safety green;

Small thru Extra Large $ 14.10 each.

XX Large $ 15.60 each.

XXX Large $ 16.60 each.

Pins are $ 3.00 each.

Patches are $ 3.00 each

Prices with packaging, insurance and postage.

When ordering a shirt or shirts just add $ 3.00 per pin and $3.00 per patch to your order.

If ordering just pins and patches see prices below and all prices include packaging, insurance and postage;

One pin ordered is $ 6.80 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Two pin order is $ 9.80 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

One patch order is $ 5.30 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Two patch order is $ 8.30 an includes package, insurance and postage.

One pin and one patch order is $ 9.80 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Two pins and two patches order is $ 15.80 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Short sleeve shirts see prices below and all prices include packaging, insurance and postage. Remember you can order them in black or safety green;

One short sleeve shirt small thru extra large $ 17.75 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Two short sleeve shirts small thru extra large $ 31.30 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

One short sleeve shirt xx large $ 19.00 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Two short sleeve shirts xx large $ 33.80 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

One short sleeve shirt xxx large $ 22.10 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Two short sleeve shirts xxx large $38.85 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Long sleeve shirts see prices below and all prices include packing, insurance and postage. Remember you can order them in black or safety green.

One long sleeve shirt small thru extra large $ 22.85 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Two long sleeve shirts small thru extra large $ 39.95 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

One long sleeve shirt xx large $ 24.45 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Two long sleeve shirts xx large $ 43.45 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

One long sleeve shirt xxx large $ 25.95 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

Two long sleeve shirts xxx large $ 44.55 an includes packaging, insurance and postage.

This part is if your going to have the orders shipped to you.

If you order a pin and patch with a shirt they will be shipped together and the shipping charges that apply for the shirts is all that is charged for your whole order.

Here is an order form you can print and send in with your check or money order by August 6, 2012;

Name_________________________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________________

Apartment or suite number________________________________________________________________

City__________________________________________________________________________________

State and zip code_______________________________________________________________________

Phone number in case I need to ask questions about your order____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Pin with shirt order, Total_________________________ Total cost_______________________________

Patch with shirt order, Total _______________________ Total cost_______________________________

Pin and patch with shirt order, Total _________________ Total cost ______________________________

Pin only, Total__________________________________ Total cost with shipping charges_____________

Patch only, Total________________________________ Total cost with shipping charges_____________

Pin and patch only, Total __________________________Total cost with shipping charges_____________

Shirt or shirts black, Total, small_________, Medium__________ Large________

Extra Large________ XX Large_________ XXX Large_________



Total cost with shipping charges_____________



Shirt or shirts safety green, Total, small_________, Medium__________ Large________

Extra Large__________ XX Large_________ XXX Large___________

Total cost with shipping charges_____________

Add up all Total lines________________________ Total cost for your whole order________________

Make checks and money orders payable to;
PayPal if you email in your order to torchesacrossamerica@yahoo.com

Torches Across America

P.O. Box 531

Kimberling City, MO, 65686

If you have any questions contact me Gary Covert at, torchesacrossamerica@Yahoo.com

　

This order form section is if you want me to give them to you when you meet us on the ride. But remember you will be responsible for getting in touch with me at the point you are going to be with us on the ride or you will have to pay for packaging, insurance and postage when I send it to you after the ride. Need your check or money order sent in by August 6, 2012.

Pin with shirt order, Total_________________________ Total cost_______________________________

Patch with shirt order, Total _______________________ Total cost_______________________________

Pin and patch with shirt order, Total _________________ Total cost ______________________________

Pin only, Total__________________________________ Total cost ______________________________

Patch only, Total________________________________ Total cost ______________________________

Pin and patch only, Total __________________________Total cost ______________________________

Pin and patch with shirt order, Total _________________ Total Cost ______________________________

Shirt or shirts black, Total, small_________, Medium__________ Large________

Extra Large________ XX Large_________ XXX Large_________



Total cost ______________________________

Shirt or shirts safety green, Total, small_________, Medium__________ Large________

Extra Large__________ XX Large_________ XXX Large___________

Total cost ______________________________

Add up all Total lines,_____________________________ Total cost for your whole order_____________

Make checks and money orders payable to;
PayPal if you email in your order to torchesacrossamerica@yahoo.com

Torches Across America

P.O. Box 531

Kimberling City, MO, 65686

If you have any questions contact me Gary Covert at, torchesacrossamerica@Yahoo.com

TAA Ride Update Motels My Wife And I Are Staying At

Hi Everyone,

Here are all the motels my wife and I will be staying at except for
Troy, IL. The ones putting everything together in Troy, IL, need to
know how many riders will be spending the night so they can get us the
best price. So please sign up on the www.torchesacrossamerica.com web
site for I can give them a number.

Suzanne Schneider emailed me and told me they charged her $ 115.00
plus tax at " The Holland Hotel ", (once Holland Motor Lodge), and I called them today and they
told me prices have gone up. I talked to Quentin Bristow the General Manager
and he told me when making your reservation to ask for him and to let
him know your with Torches Across America. So please call him Suzanne
for he can change yours. You can make reservations at The Holland Hotel by phone or sending an email to Quentin Bristow and the email address is,  TheHollandHotel@yahoo.com.

I can not stress this enough as we get closer to September 11, 2012,
motel rates will go up. So make your reservation now and if you can not make the trip you can
always cancel. This way you get the best price. In the case of The Holland Hotel
you will get a room but if you do not make an early reservation you might not get to stay there because it is not that big and groups do book there for 9/11/.

When calling an asking for reservations always ask for the (Torches
Across America) rate except Americas Best Value Padre Trail Inn in San
Diego, CA.

Here is the list of motels again except for Troy, IL;

Evening of September 2&3, 2012, San Diego, CA; Americas Best Value
Padre Trail Inn, 4200 Taylor St., San Diego, CA, 92110, 619-297-3291.
I made my reservations thru www.Hotelsone.com and was given a very
good price $ 147.48. This motel was given a 4 star on TripAdvisor and
is in a great location for touring around San Diego.

Evening of September 4, 2012, Kingman, AZ; Travel Lodge, 3275 Andy
Devine Ave., Kingman, AZ, 86401, 928-757-1188. 1 to 2 people $ 55.00
plus tax and 2 to 4 people $ 65.00 plus tax.

Evening of September 5, 2012, Albuquerque, NM; Western Star (once the
Comfort Inn), 2015 Menaul NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87107, 505-881-3210. 1
to 4 people $ 55.00 plus tax. You can make your reservations online at
www.westernstarinn.com and the code is (torch). Or you can call them.
After putting in the code on the next page look for (Torches Across
America ) rate and click book now.

Evening of September 6, 2012, Amarillo, TX; Red Roof  INN, 1620 East
I-40, Amarillo, TX, 79103, 806-374-2020. 1 to 4 people $ 50.99 plus
tax

Evening of September 7, 2012, Tulsa, OK; Econo Lodge, 11629 East
Skelly Dr., Tulsa, OK, 74128, 918-437-9200. 1 bed 2 people $ 40.00
plus tax, 2 beds 2 people $ 49.00 plus tax.

Evening of September 8, 2012, Troy, IL; Everyone who is helping put
everything together in Troy would like me to give them an idea of how
many riders are coming for they can get motels set up for us. So if
everyone that has not told me so far if your coming please do for I
can let them know.

Evening of September 9, 2012, Cambridge, OH; Southgate Hotel (once
Holiday Inn), 2248 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, OH, 43725,
740-432-7313. 1 to 2 people $ 65.00 plus tax and 2 to 4 people $ 75.00
plus tax.

Evening of September 10, 2012, Jersey City, NJ; The Holland Hotel, (once Holland Motor Inn),
175 12th. St., Jersey City, NJ, 07310, 201-963-6200. For my wife and I
it is $ 109.00 plus tax. Quentin Bristow is the General Manager and he said to
call him when making the reservations. Tell him your with the Torches
Across America Ride for this rate. Or you can email him at
(TheHollandHotel@yahoo.com) If your going or thanking about going on
the ride you better make reservations now because their rooms will not
last long. We can park our bike, trike, car or truck. in The Holland Hotel
parking lot or at the Hoboken MC Club House parking lot
for the evening.

Evening of September 11, 2012; Allentown, PA, Howard Johnson Inn &
Suites, 3220 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, PA, 18103, 610-439-4000. 1 to
4 people $ 59.00 plus tax.

The ride ends in Shanksville, PA, on September 12, 2012. We will be
going to the Flight 93 National Memorial and Flight 93 Chapel. I tried
to get something set up for that evening in Somerset, PA, but nothing
worked out so the ride will end after visiting the Flight 93 Chapel.

Remember this ride is not for any charity it is from the heart of the
riders and volunteers who put it together. It is for any make, model,
bike, trike, car or truck.

Have a great day. Gary Covert

TAA ride update 5/16/2012 about motel and hotel change plus information about getting into National September 11 Memorial

Hi Everyone,

The other day I told you about the motels and hotels my wife and I were going to stay at and I am going to make a change in Amarillo, TX..

I have decided not to stay at the Holiday Inn in Amarillo, TX and I will tell you later this week where we will stay in Amarillo.

Christina Shaw, President of Star Touring and Riding Associations Brooklyn, NY, Chapter # 265. Has sent me information we need to know about going to the National September 11 Memorial at the World Trade Center in NY, City.

It is in a PDF File but you cannot open the PDF File go to http://www.911memorial.org/ for the information. You do have to have reservation in order to get in. So if you want to get in you better make them now.

Have a great night, Gary Covert

2012 Torches Across America Ride design contest ends June 1, 2012

Hi Everyone,

I am updating the dead line date for the 2012 Torches Across America Ride design contest again because I was asked how many colors can be in it and how it was going to be put on the shirts.

The dead line for the 2012 TAA ride design contest is June 1, 2012. So get your designs in as soon as possible. Remember it is open to any child or adult in the world.

The design needs to be about the mission of the ride. Only six colors can be in the design. There has to be a purple heart somewhere in it for our wounded warriors and a gold star somewhere in it for our lost warriors that will never be forgotten. Torches Across America needs to be on the top. The year 2012 also needs to be on it. And on the bottom it should read "9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride" and "In Memory Honor And Support".

The shirts will be silk screened

Send the designs to Torches Across America, P.O. Box 531, Kimberling City, MO 65686.

Have a great day, Gary Covert.

5/12/2012 TAA Ride Update Motels and Hotels

Hi Everyone,

I need to start the ride update with a correction, Mike Mohn told me Kingman, AZ is on the same time zone as California so do not change your watches on September 4, 2012 when going from Imperial Beach, CA, to Kingman, AZ. But you will need to change your watch on September 5, 2012 when going from Kingman, AZ, to Albuquerque, NM.

The dead line for the 2012 TAA ride design contest is coming up June 1, 2012. So get your designs in as soon as possible. Remember it is open to any child or adult in the world.

Some of you have asked for a list of motels and hotels my wife and I are going to be staying at. Most of them are ones we have stayed at in the past. A couple of them have changed their names but they are all looking forward to seeing us again.

Remember you can stay at whatever motel or hotel you want but these are the ones my wife and I are staying at. I also try to get them to give us a good price and I was very surprised how close they are to the 2007 prices they gave us.

Some of these motels and hotels you can make your reservation by internet or phone. I will tell you which motels you can make reservations by internet and the code you have to have when making the reservation. When making a phone reservation you need to ask for the Torches Across America room rate.

Imperial Beach, San Diego, CA, area I do not know of one at this time.

Evening of September 4, 2012; Kingman, AZ, Travel Lodge, 3275 Andy Devine Ave., Kingman, AZ, 86401, 928-757-1188. 1 to 2 people $ 55.00 plus tax and 2 to 4 people $ 65.00 plus tax.

Evening of September 5, 2012; Albuquerque, NM, Western Star (once the Comfort Inn), 2015 Menaul NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87107, 505-881-3210. They are giving us a great price and you will be able to make reservations by internet or phone but I just talked to Michelle Friday and she needs to enter the information into the motel computer so I will tell you the price later.

Evening of September 6, 2012; Amarillo, TX, Holiday Inn, 1911 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX, 79102, 806-372-8741. I just saw the check in and out dates on the agreement form they sent me yesterday and I guess I told them the wrong days so I will get back to you when everything is taken care of.

Evening of September 7, 2012; Tulsa, OK, Econo Lodge, 11629 East Skelly Dr., Tulsa, OK, 74128, 918-437-9200. 1 bed 2 people $ 40.00 plus tax, 2 beds 2 people $ 49.00 plus tax.

Evening of September 8, 2012; Troy, IL. Everyone who is helping put everything together in Troy would like me to give them an idea of how many riders are coming for they can get motels set up for us. So if everyone that has not told me so far if your coming please do for I can let them know.

Evening of September 9, 2012; Cambridge, OH, Southgate Hotel (once Holiday Inn), 2248 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, OH, 43725, 740-432-7313. 1 to 2 people $ 65.00 plus tax and 2 to 4 people $ 75.00 plus tax.

Evening of September 10, 2012; Jersey City, NJ, Holland Motor Lodge, 175 12^th. St., Jersey City, NJ, 07310, 201-963-6200. For my wife and I it is $ 109.00 plus tax. I did not ask them for a group rate. If your going or thanking about going on the ride you better make reservations now because their rooms will not last long. We can park our bike, trike, car or truck. in the Holland Motor Lodge parking lot or at the Hoboken MC Club House parking lot for the evening.

Evening of September 11, 2012; Allentown, PA, Howard Johnson Inn & Suites, 3220 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, PA, 18103, 610-439-4000. 1 to 4 people $ 59.00 plus tax.

The ride ends in Shanksville, PA, on September 12, 2012. We will be going to the Flight 93 National Memorial and Flight 93 Chapel. I tried to get something set up for that evening in Somerset, PA, but nothing worked out so the ride will end after visiting the Flight 93 Chapel.

Remember this ride is not for any charity it is from the heart of the riders and volunteers who put it together. It is for any make, model, bike, trike, car or truck

Have a great day. Gary Covert

4/21/2012 Torches Across America Ride Update

Hi Everyone,

The starting place for the 2012 Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride will be in Imperial Beach, CA, at VFW Post 5477 (Silver Strand Post) 123 Palm Ave. Imperial Beach, CA, 91932.

VFW Post 5477 Commander Mike Smith emailed me a couple of days ago telling me the good news. I thank Mike and the rest of the members of VFW Post 5477 very much for their help. This will be the first time TAA has been to VFW Post 5477.

We will meet at VFW Post 5477 at 8:00am on September 4, 2012 and leave at 9:00am and ride up Silver Strand right through Coronado, CA. At this time know one has offered to give us an escort through Coronado, CA. It is an easy ride though and the San Diego Freeway is close by.

Now I am going to take a different route to Kingman, AZ this year just to change things a little. When I get on I-8 to Yuma, AZ. Then I am going to get on HWY 95 North and stay on it through Lake Havasu City, AZ then connect with I-40 West and go to our first nights stop, Kingman, AZ, VFW Post 10386 (James L. Standfield Post) 2985 E. John L. Ave., Kingman, AZ, 86409.

At this time we have not set up a time to arrive at VFW Post 10386 in Kingman, AZ. But we do gain an hour on our first days ride. If you are on CA time add an hour to it and you will be on AZ time.

I talked to Kenny the President of the Hoboken M/C, 50 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ and they are getting ready for us on September 11, 2012. They are great and have always treated us like family.

Kenny told me hMag, Hoboken Lifestyle Magazine just wrote an article about the Hoboken M/C and you can see it by going to www.hmag.com and clicking on Feature, Jessica Rosero on the left side of the page. I am very proud to know they think enough of TAA to have said something about TAA in the interview. If you have been on the TAA ride when we have been to the Hoboken M/C Club House write a comment at the end of the article for them.

I want to let you all know this about the Hoboken M/C. When I asked them for their help this year they went into action right away because they feel if riders from all across America and other countries want to be with them to honor their brothers and sisters that died on 9/11/2001 they are proud to have you come and this is one way they show it.

9/11 may not mean much now to a lot of Americans but it does to those that lost friends and relatives on the East Coast especially.

Les is able to see out of one eye now and has posted on the TAA web page, for information on the 2012 TAA ride click on (Gary’s blog) in the menu bar on the top of the TAA web page.

Les has just come home from the hospital today and I was going to call him tonight but by the time I get all this finished he will probably be in bed.

You can now go to the TAA’s Sign Up link on the TAA web site and sign up for this years ride.

Sign up and click submit, and on the top of the next page click continue and it will take you back to the TAA web site.

Suzanne Schneider put together a TAA sign up sheet for me but since Les has the main one going we will use it. Thanks again Suzanne and Larry did look like he stuck his finger into an electrical pug the other day on facebook.

Every time I put this ride together I feel like a beggar because I am always asking everyone for help. So I just want to say this to all the people that have helped make the TAA rides possible, your all very very special people and thank you very much. And I thank all the riders that take the time to be on this ride because we make a lot of people happy inside knowing others care about them and their loved ones.

Have a great night. Gary Covert

3/25/2012 Torches Across America Ride Update

Hi Everyone,

Just want to let everyone know that Mike Pow a member of Kingman, AZ, VFW Post 10386 said were welcome the evening of Sept. 4, 2012. A lot of you that have been on the ride before know how pleased they are to have us.From the time we arrive to the time we leave we always feel like we have been a part of their family forever. They have a special touch that makes everyone just feel at ease and very relaxed.

The other day when I told you about the contest for the design to be used on the TAA ride shirts, pins and patches I forgot to add the dead line date. I have to have all entries by June 1, 2012.

Have a great night.
Gary Covert

Who is going to be the winner for the design to be used on the Torches Across America 2012 ride shirts, pins and patches.

Who is going to be the winner for the design to be used on the Torches Across America 2012 ride shirts, pins and patches.

Hi Everyone,

The design needs to be about the mission of the ride. Have a purple heart somewhere in it for our wounded warriors and a gold star somewhere in it for our lost warriors that will never be forgotten. Torches Across America needs to be on the top. The year 2012 also needs to be on it. And on the bottom it should read “9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride” and “In Memory Honor And Support”. Send the designs to Torches Across America, P.O. Box 531, Kimberling City, MO

The mission for the ride this year is to say welcome home to our Armed Forces Members that have returned home from Iraq and to let them know how proud we are of them and their families for all the sacrifices they have made for we can have the freedom that we sometimes take for granite. We also want to tell the families that have lost a love one in Iraq or Afghanistan we will always remember them.

The winner will receive a free shirt, pin and patch and a great big thank you from me.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

TAA 3/11/2012 ride update

Hi Everyone,

Once again Troy, IL Mayor Tom Caraker Sr., VFW Post 976 and the city citizens want Torches Across America riders to join them for their 9/11 Memorial Service as the TAA riders cross America. He is a great person and I thank him and all the wonderful citizens of Troy, IL very much for inviting us.

Milt Eddington gave me this information a few days ago. Milt is working with Mayor Tom Caraker Sr. and he is also a member of VFW Post 976 and Illinois Patriot Guard Riders. Your super Milt and thank you for your help.

Any TAA rider that has ever went to Troy, IL for their 9/11 Memorial Service has never forgotten it. It is defiantly a memory worth repeating. The citizens of Troy, IL at that time show how much the heart land of America feels about our great Nation.

They also invite other cities around them to join in and that makes it even more special because it shows how united our country is. Now I am going to repeat something a crazy Russian “Yakov Smirnoff” from my area of America says a lot. “What A Country”.

I can not leave out this super person I have to thank for helping in Troy and Collinsville, IL, and he is Fat Fred. Fat Fred is a member of Collinsville, IL VFW Post 5691 and Illinois Patriot Guard Riders.

Have a great day.

Gary Covert

There will be a 2012 Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let all of you know that there will be a 2012 Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride.

Ed Ravak Commander of VFW Post 2901 in Cambridge, OH gave us an ok. I am waiting on the results of three meetings. I have been told things look good for those meetings also. The members of the VFW Post I have been talking to are very happy for what the riders are wanting to do. 

A few years ago I did this and I am going to do it again this year but in a different way. In 2007 I asked Roger Alons if one of the kids in Troy, IL, would want to draw a design that would be put on the TAA shirts, pins and patches for the 2007 ride. The design we used was from his daughter and it was a great looking design.

Well this year I am going to let anyone that wants to submit a design they think would represent the mission of this ride send it to me by June 1st 2012 and I will pick the one I like the best and use it for this years ride. 

The design needs to be about the mission of the ride. Have a purple heart somewhere in it for our wounded warriors and a gold star somewhere in it for our lost warriors that will never be forgotten. Torches Across America needs to be on the top. The year 2012 also needs to be on it. And on the bottom it should read “9/11 Memorial  Motorcycle Ride” and “In Memory Honor And Support”. Send the designs to Torches Across America, P.O. Box 531, Kimberling City, MO 65686.   

Again since Les is not able to work on the TAA web site I am trying to post all the information about the ride in several places on the web and here is a list of those places;

Gary’s Bolg, which is on the www.torchesacrossamerica.com web site. All you have to do is go to the menu bar at the top of the page and click on Gary’s Blog.

In Google Groups,  http://groups.google.com/group/taaride?lnk=srg .  I would like to see more of you go there because I want to hear feed back from everybody and you can comment on any ones post.

Torches Across America, Facebook web site. I might be better at facebook when this ride is over. I only have a few friends on it because like I have said I do not know how to use face book.

I want to thank everyone again that is helping put this years TAA ride together. You are all super special people.

Also remember you can ride the whole ride, part of the ride or be with us the night were in your area to show honor to your areas Armed Forces Members and their families. Do not let the rain keep you away if were going to be in your area for the night just get in your car or truck and come on down.

I will never forget this email JD sent to me a few year ago when I asked riders to put a ride together in their area for our Armed Forces Members.

Hi Gary,
We woke up to about 3 inches of snow on the ground only to be topped by a few more as we were leaving so we trucked it. About 1500 people showed up and the rally was a huge success. We will keep you posted as there is another one planned for this weekend in my hometown (MT.Pleasant Pa).
Thanks
J.D .


If you can not be with us on the ride put a ride together in your area during the week of 9/11.

Oh by the way help spread the word about the ride please and here are the dates for the ride;

Sept. 4th, Coronado, CA, to Kingman, AZ
Sept. 5th, Kingman, AZ, to Albuquerque NM.
Sept. 6th , Albuquerque, NM to Amarillo TX.
Sept. 7th , Amarillo, TX to Tulsa, OK.
Sept. 8th , Tulsa, OK to Troy, IL
Sept. 9th , Troy, IL to Cambridge, OH.
Sept. 10th , Cambridge, OH to Jersey City, NJ
Sept. 11th, Jersey City, NJ to Allentown, PA
Sept.12th, Allentown, PA to Shanksville, PA and spend the last night in Somerset, PA

On the morning of Sept. 4th I am going to start my morning at the famous Stardust Donut Shop, http://www.yelp.com/biz/stardust-donut-shop-imperial-beach ,in Imperial Beach, CA, it is located right before you hit the Strand going into Coronado, CA. If the two brothers that own the Stardust Donut Shop hear about my  plans they will close down for sure that day and go fishing if I know them. So if you know the two brothers that own it please tell them to stay open because I am coming from half way across America and want to have one of their great tasting donuts.

Now if there closed no problem because Don Ponchos is right next door to Stardust Donut and people start their morning their as well.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

TAA 2/20/2012 ride update

Hi Everyone,

I received a lot of help this week after I sent out an SOS about the ride. I want to give a very big thank you to Bruce Mathis and Tia Azlin, who is Southern Cruisers Rider Club, Oklahoma State Officer. Tia Azlin sent me this email;

Gary,

I would like to offer the assistance of Southern Cruisers Riding Clubs as you cross Oklahoma. Bruce Mathis shared this email with me. He is a past State Officer for SCRC Oklahoma, and I am the current State Officer. We have chapters across the state and will be honored to help you in any way. We have SCRC Chapters across the nation and I am sure we can coordinate escort and assistance all the way if needed.

Please contact me for any assistance.

Sincerely,

Tia Azlin
Oklahoma State Officer

For those of you that were on the first TAA ride in 2002 will remember Bruce Mathis and his wife for the escorted ride they gave us on the old Route 66 from American Legion Post 308 Tulsa, Ok, to Branson, MO.

I have asked TIA if she could get other SCRC State Officers to see if their Chapters in the cities we spend the night will ask the VFW Post if they will help bring everybody together. I have also told her I will let the Oklahoma SCRC go for it in Oklahoma because I am very proud to have the help from all of them. I want all the Armed Forces Members and their families in Oklahoma know when TAA comes through that the Oklahoma SCRC was the main force behind putting all this together for them because they all mean something special to each and every member of the SCRC.

Scott Rasco, Texas SCRC State Officer contacted me yesterday and asked me what I needed from the VFW and he would start working with the Amarillo, TX, SCRC Chapter.

The SCRC does not have a Chapter in every city we spend the night so I am working on the ones they do not cover.

I know from the VFW Posts I contacted everything has been positive and I am waiting to hear back from them after their monthly meeting.

I do not want to leave out Joe Sewell who has been the TAA Oklahoma State Coordinator for many years on this update. He emailed me right after I sent out the email saying there might be a 2012 TAA ride and said he would like to help and that he had a new job and as working a super amount of hours a week but would try to set up his vacation time for he could ride some with us. I emailed him back but have heard nothing from him since.

Torches Across America is put together by volunteers all across America and I am just one of those volunteers. If you go to most years posted about the TAA ride on the web and look at the menu bar at the top of the page you will see ‘Thank You” click on it and you will see all the volunteers that put the ride together for that year.

All I do is ask riders if they would like to ride with me to NYC during the week of 9/11 and the ride is for a very special mission. I also try to get us together with others in cities we spend time in as we cross who are a part of the mission.

So what I am trying to say here is the ride is put together by volunteers and I am very thankful and proud of all the volunteers and riders that make TAA possible because during the week of 9/11. You all help put a great big spot light on those who the mission of the ride is about. The spot light forms a warm spot you put into their hearts that stays with them forever. Sometimes those who the mission of the ride is about want to thank all the riders so much they volunteer to put something together for us in their city.

I thank all of you for your help and support of the ride mission..
Gary Covert

TAA 2/10/2012 ride update

  Hi Everyone,

I have been setting up new ways to communicate with everyone for this years ride and this new "garycovert1@gmail.com" address is one those ways. I hope sending this email through Gmail Group Email will send all of them at one time because Yahoo Group Email would let not me.

I also set up a Google Groups web page called "Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Ride" so everyone can see, correspond with others and comment on any post made by anyone.

Now here is the bad news the two organizations I asked if they could bring us together for the evening in the cities we spend night as we cross America with Armed Forces Member and their families that have come home from Iraq and with families who lost a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan will not help me.

So at this time I have two choices. I could say there will not be a 2012 ride or I could ask the VFW members in the cities we spend the night if they will help. I hate to ask the VFW members because they have helped me so much in the past.

Other things I have to consider are there have been some home coming parades in cities now for Armed Forces Members coming back from Iraq and there are national motorcycle organizations that could put together a national home coming for them with the snap of a finger.

I will let you all decide what choice I should make but here is what you have to think about before deciding;

Will any of you help me set everything up with the VFW in your area that we will be spending the night in?

Will you be on the whole ride or part of the ride?

Will you help spread the word about the ride to other riders?

Here is the rough draft of the route:

I am going to take a different route from Coronado, CA to Kingman, AZ this year. I will be taking interstate 8 to Yuma, AZ then two lane roads north up through Lake Havasu then hit interstate 10 to Kingman.

We will be spending the night of Sept 10th in Jersey City New Jersey, and I have already made my reservations at the Holland Motor Inn their. I looked at discount Hotel Motel sights on the web and I was able to make my reservations cheaper by calling the Holland Motor Inn direct.

By spending the night in Jersey City riders can go into NYC for the evening. The morning of Sept. 11th we will start our morning at the Jersey City 9/11 Memorial service that is held looking over the Hudson River at where the World Trade Center once stood. Then we will ride to Liberty State Park to see the new 9/11 Memorial, see the Statue of Liberty and look across the Hudson River at NYC. A couple of the Hoboken M.C. road guards will escort us to their club house for we can park our bikes so we can take a taxi to the subway then ride the subway to the World Trade Center Station, Visit the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial have lunch go back to the Hoboken M.C. club house by way of subway or ferry before 4pm to beat the rush hour traffic out of NYC. Freshen up at the club house then take off for Allentown, PA for the evening of Sept. 11th. You do have to have tickets ahead of time to visit the museum at the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial sight.

Riders can ride their bikes into NYC if they would like to on Sept. 10th or 11th but I will be going in on the subway and out by ferry. The evening of Sept. 10th I will probably take the subway back because the ferry’s might have stopped working for the night by the time my wife and I come back.

On the morning of Sept, 12th we will ride to the new 9/11 Memorial in Shanksville, PA, visit the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel and spend the night in Somerset, PA

Sept. 4th, Coronado, CA, to Kingman, AZ
Sept. 5th, Kingman, AZ, to Albuquerque NM.
Sept. 6th , Albuquerque, NM to Amarillo TX.
Sept. 7th , Amarillo, TX to Tulsa, OK.
Sept. 8th , Tulsa, OK to Troy, IL
Sept. 9th , Troy, IL to Cambridge, OH.
Sept. 10th , Cambridge, OH to Jersey City, NJ
Sept. 11th, Jersey City, NJ to Allentown, PA
Sept.12th, Allentown, PA to Shanksville, PA

Here is the email address for the “Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Ride” Google Group web page so you can send me comments go or bad about the ride taaride@googlegroups.com .

Have a great weekend.
Gary Covert

Maybe a 2012 Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Ride

Hi Everyone,

Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and are going to have a great New Years.

I am thinking about maybe doing another Torches Across America Ride this year.

The reason why is because of our troops coming home from Iraq. This coming 9-11 should be in honor of them because they and their families have made the most sacrifices of all Americans in America since 9-11.

I posted something today on the Torches Across America Facebook page to Suzanne Schneider saying, (this is the season to be giving and I was thinking about putting a TAA ride together for our military).

Well tonight I really do feel like putting it together because I just saw the World News (News Hour) on our local PBS station and they talked to four military personal that have been to Iraq and they said since they have been home not many Americans really care.

I know there are a lot of motorcycle riders in America that care and this coming 9-11 would be a great time to show them since 9-11 is why they were put in harms way and they and their families made to sacrifice so much.

This year if there is a ride it would start in Coronado, CA next to San Diego, CA on the 4^TH of September.

At this time I do not know where the ride will end. It will be close to NYC on 9-11 and that is where I would need all the help I can get.

The hardest part of putting this ride together is ending it in NYC. It is a very small and super busy area for a large number of bikes to come into. And that is not even adding the trouble of the toll booths you have to go through. Also 9-11 is on a week day in 2012 and people will be working on that day. Liberty State Park in New Jersey would be a great place to end the ride and so would be attending the 9-11 Memorial Service in Jersey City, NJ. They are both right across the Hudson River from NYC.

Please let me know what you think about it. My wife said I could put this ride together if she could ride it on a Goldwing tike so I asked Les’s wife tonight if Les would let us use his for the ride and she said it would be possible but I have not talked to Les yet. Les has not been able to ride it since his stroke a couple of years ago.

My laptop crashed a couple of years ago and I lost all the TAA sign up email address and a few weeks ago my Yahoo email address book was hacked and I had no email addresses left in it. This weekend I was going through all my disk with TAA pictures and things on them to sort of clean my work room up and I came across a disk with TAA peoples address on it.

So if you receive this email and you do not want to be on TAA email list please let me know and I will take you off of it. I will do it without you having to cuss at me also, ok.

Have a great night.
Gary Covert

Don Snyder has passed away and will be missed by many.

Here is an e-mail sent to me by Don Snyder's daughters informing me about Don's Funeral Service.

I am writing to inform you that Donald Snyder has unfortunately passed away on Wednesday June 8th after suffering heart complications. His funeral and service will be held at noon on Monday June 20th at the Cochran & Waud Sunset Chapel, 715 7th Street, Oregon City, OR 97045, followed by a military graveside service with the Patriot Guard to be held at Willamette National Cemetery 11800 SE Mt. Scott Boulevard, Portland, OR 97086-6937. Reception to follow.
If you have any questions please call Donald’s daughters Eva Fisher at 503 659 3480 or Nancy Hale at 503 882 6928.
Sincerely
Eva Fisher & Nancy Hale

Kip Doran sent me an e-mail saying; I understand the Patriot Guard will be there in his honor, I’m sure it will be packed with a lifetime of friends and family.


I am very proud to say that I road with Don Snyder on two TAA rides. He was a super person and helped me out in many ways. On the second TAA ride he came with his brother (Link Snyder) and their friend Kip Doran and the three of them were super great road guards.

Here are some of many pictures I have of Don Snyders thanks to all of the TAA riders.

Don at the Tulsa, OK,VFW Post 308 911 Memorial Service.



Don doing his best thinking while on the ride at Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman, AZ.



Don with the core group that was invited to be apart of the Jersey City, NJ, 911Memorial Service. Also in the picture on the left side is Jersey City, NJ, Mayor Glenn Cunningham.

Don in Harrisburg,PA.

Don talking to someone in Harrisburg, PA.



Don participating in bike games at the Holiday Inn in Amarillo, TX

2008 March TAA Ride Updates

Hi Everyone,

First I would like to tell you that Rick Parson, Torches Across America New Mexico State Coordinator was taken to the Presbyterian Hospital by ambulance on February 7th this year. Rick had pulmonary embolism with massive blood clots in both lungs two years ago and now it has happened all over again. He is home now and just starting to get around again.

I have talked to him about helping with TAA again this year and he has already started on it. Rick’s a great person so maybe you can sent him a get well e-mail. His e-mail address is; rgp7255@yahoo.com .

Roger Alons, TAA Illinois State Coordinator was in the hospital in the past couple of months having a colon operation. So far no cancer. Roger is a great person so maybe you can send him a get well e-mail also. His e-mail address is; rotorhd669@msn.com .

I talked to Les Knauer after he came out off the hospital from his stroke. Nancy gave him the phone and said Gary wants to talk to you. Les did not say anything so I said to him, I here you went to the hospital just to see all the pretty nurses. Les did not say anything still so I said it again, still he did not say anything. Then about a minute or two later he says to me, you know Nancy and I have been married for thirty one years this year, pause, I was in the hospital for 31 days, pause, I had my pants pulled down more times in those thirty one days by a woman, then I have during the 31 years of our marriage.

So all I can say about that is, your get well e-mails sure helped him get better. He still has a long way to go but if I know Les, he will make it with Nancy’s help.

I just want everyone to know, all I am doing this year is helping the hosts put the 2008 Torches Across America ride together. I am not, putting it together.
When Roger and TAA Troy, IL said the ride would at least continue from Troy, IL in 2008, I told them I would get in touch with the other hosts and see if they would like to help also. I am very glad to say they are all on board again this year.

So here how it looks so far;

Oceanside, CA

Bill Kennedy is working on a starting place in San Diego for the start of the 2008 ride. It sounds great and I hope it all works out.

Laughlin, NV

Instead of the ride spending the first night out in Kingman, AZ, the ride will spend the night in Laughlin, NV.

Last year Jennifer Wilson, Special Veteran Program Manager with the AVI Resort and Casino and Heather Ching Co-Founder Bullhead Patriots, member of the Patriot Guard Riders and Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America wanted to be a part of the ride and help the riders. They did a super job of it to. This year they would like to be a part of TAA and have the riders come to Laughlin.

New Mexico

When I talked to Rick to see how he was doing the other day I asked what he thought about helping again this years and he said I will help as long as I am able. So the second day of the ride will go from Laughlin to Albuquerque, NM.

Victor Lioce is also a New Mexico TAA State Coordinator and he is setting up a scenic route again for this years ride as it leaves Albuquerque.

I also talked to Rosanne Bianco who is with the Blue Star Mothers in Albuquerque. Rosanne has helped TAA for three years and she said she has on her 2008 calender a note that says to get a hold of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for the 2008 Proclamation making 9/11 a Recognition Day for all New Mexico’’s First Call Responders on 9/11/ 2008.

Tulsa, OK

Last year Joe Sewell talked to Barbara Porter, Treasure/Public Relations, Oklahoma Chapter 1, Blue Mothers of America and she contacted me and said they would like to help the riders. They did a super job of it to. This year they would like to be a part of TAA again.

Illinois

The Torches America Troy, IL members, Roger Alons, Fat Fred Dahlgren, Butch Clemings,
Mike Raymond, David Bloom, A.J. Kaufman, Giles Culver, Pappy Hessenauer, Cynthia Dashen,Gertia Kaufman, Linda Culver, Milt Edrington and Rodney Dunaway are all going to be working hard this year to make this ride possible.

As far as I am concerned all of TAA’s state coordinators, hosts and riders are super great people and I am very proud that you would like to see the ride continue.

The TAA ride will not have a main speaker this year because each and everyone of these hosts share the same kinds of feelings I do for the reason of this ride.

I have asked all of you to help in getting all last years shirts, pins and patches sold. It is a big expense to do these and when you do not sell them it works against the money you made from them. So instead of the money from the sales of these items going towards the new 9/11 memorial being built in Troy, IL it just goes to paying off what it cost to buy the shirts, pins and patches.

What I have been doing lately is asking people to buy a shirt and maybe a pin and patch a long with it and have TAA Troy, IL sent them to Barbara Porter. She and the other members of Oklahoma Chapter 1 Blue Star Mothers will sent them to our Armed Forces members over seas in their care packages.

Torches Across America Troy, Illions is a none profit organization so your orders are tax deductible. The address to send your orders to is:

Torches Across America
Milt Edrington
2509 Reveres Rt.
Granite City, IL 62040

Milt Edrington’’s e-mail address is; dingerdq@gmail.com and his phone number is; 618-540-0033.

The shirts are $15.00 and the pins and patches are $5.00 ea. There is no cost for shipping to Barbara or to you if you want them shipped to you inside the United States.

Remember one of the reasons we ride is to show support for these men and women in our Armed Forces. They are willing to give us the ultimate sacrifice any human can give to another human and that is their, life, if need be for our freedom.

Know matter what your thoughts are about the war, it should not keep you from saying thank you to all these supper men and woman and their families, who worry about them constantly while they are gone.

I have asked some of the TAA riders that belong to a nation wide organization to contact their national reps and ask if their organization would escort the TAA memorial walls this year because I will not be able to do it. I have offered to pay for the shipping of the memorial walls to California if they will do it.

Here is something that is funny in a way to me. Every year when I hear that the Vietnam Memorial Wall is coming by my area, motorcycle riders for miles around are asked if they would help escort it.

Well on the TAA ride we travel with two memorial walls. One has all the names of the victims of 9/11 on it. The second one has all the names of our, " Fallen Warriors Lost But Not Forgotten", on it that have died in the war with Afghanistan and Iraq. Both the war in Afghanistan and Iraq as you all know are the result of the 9/11 attach on America. And we also know they are still on going.

More riders will escort the Vietnam Memorial Wall than a memorial wall of a war that is being fought right now. I have heard two different reasons for this. The first one is, this war has lasted to long and we just want to stop hearing about it. The second reason is, 9/11 is over with so get on with your life.

So hears the funny part to me, if 9/11 is old news and they say we should get over it and get on with our lives, how old does that make the Vietnam War.

I ride for the Vietnam Memorial Wall because of respect. I also ride for the memorial walls of the victims of 9/11 and our "Fallen Warriors Lost But Not Forgotten" because of respect. Thank you Fat Fred for teaching me about the word respect.

Yes riding for these men women and children on all these memorial walls are about respect. I hate to say it but most Americans do not have that in them anymore it is mostly about ones self now.

The TAA ride is not about the destruction that happened on 9/11, it is about remembering the victims that died on 9/11, saying thank you to all of America’s First Call Responders for showing us how dedicated they are to protecting us, and showing support to all our Armed Forces members who willing to give us the ultimate sacrifice any human can give to another human and that is their, life, if need be for our freedom.

When we do this for them we are also letting their families know we care about them also. Here are some e-mails I have received in the past from family members of 9/11 victims;

Angie Rapoport; I think it is wonderful what you all do every year. I lost my father, Gerard Coppola, on 9/11. And, although, I don't have a bike, I do GREATLY appreciate your efforts. I remember driving into the city last year and seeing you coming in. It was amazing. I can't quite describe the feeling. But, I can say it did make me cry. And, I mean that in the best of ways. It was almost as if all of you were a part of my family and were grieving along with me. Thank you. Thank you all so much.
Angie was talking about the 2006 ride.

George A. Hentrique; To ride with and for my daughter Michelle who was killed in the South Tower. Could you please advise me where I could hook up with the ride on 9/10 going to ground zero.
George met us all at the Hoboken M/C Club House on the 2007 ride.

Judith A Kapp; Remembrance for my brother in law lost in Tower II, and show respect for all those in service and veterans.

We have also have had some military family members present at our hosts sites that have lost their son or daughter in the war in Afghanistan or Iraq. They are very sad but super happy knowing people are taking the time to remember their son or daughter and by name even.

We also have TAA riders whos sons our daughters have been or are stationed at this time in Afghanistan and Iraq. I thank all of you for being apart of TAA and may your sons and daughters return home safely.

Peter Frauenkron sent me this e-mail so maybe you might want to think about doing this. Thank you Peter.

'In Case of Emergency'
We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency?
Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign

The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call.He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.'

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

Have a great day
Gary Covert

"9/11, it's over with, get on with your life"

Wrong thing to say to our Armed Forces families and to all the VFW and American Legion members.

For those of you that feel this way, the earth is going to stop at 12:30pm September 11, 2007 and you can all get off.

Are people in this country so self me that they can not see or understand that our Armed Forces are still in Afghanistan and Iraq because of 9/11.

My wife and I were at Walter Reed Army Medical Center yesterday evening and met with our countries finest and I tell you what, they are super.

Now these men and women have been injured in some way or another but they are very proud to have fought for their country. Not one of them complained about their injuries.

I talked to a few of them and the main comment from them was, we need to be fighting them over there because if we do not they will be attacking us over here.

They were not very happy about the fact anti war protesters were going to be rallying in Washington DC on September 15, 2007.

Milton Edrington, member of Troy, IL VFW Post 976 gave me one hundred Torches Across America Ride pens to give to our Armed Forces members while we were at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The mission was completed and I thank Milton very much for wanting them to have a ride pin.

I also want to thank Colonel Peter M. Garibaldi, Garrison Commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center for making it possible for us to be with our Armed Forces members yesterday. They are our finest and we are very proud of them.

Remember everyone they are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice one human can give to another human and that is their life for you and me. It takes a mighty brave person to do this especially for someone they do not even know.

The scouts of Troy, IL and Roger Alons daughter designed the 2007 Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride logo

The scouts of Troy, IL and Roger Alons daughter designed the 2007 Torches Across America logo and they did a great job.

I am very proud to say, this is what the scouts in Troy, IL and Roger Alons daughter want to be on our shirts, pins and patches this year for the 2007 TAA ride. I am going to wear mine proudly as we ride into Troy this year for all the scouts and Roger Alons daughter know how much I appreciate them for wanting to help Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride.

As you can see they are made up of the same true grit as their parents have in them. They are the heartland of America.

The price for the shirts will be $15.00, patches and pins $5.00 each. Now do not forget the money made from the sale of these items will go towards the 9/11 Memorial to be build in Troy, IL.

The 9/11 Memorial is not only in remembrance of the victims of 9/11 but it also pays tribute to all our Armed Forces members that have died in Afghanistan and Iraq. They are also 9/11 victims.

I will not be bring any shirts, pins or patches on the ride with me this year so you need to order them from Torches Across America, Troy. The address is;

Torches Across America
C/O Roger Alons
956 Weathervane
Troy, IL 62294

The City of Troy, Illinois has dedicated a piece of land in their city for the building of a 9/11 Memorial

I am very proud to say that the Troy, Il City Council has set aside a piece of land in their city for a 9/11 Memorial to be built.

Troy, Il is not only the heartland of America but it is also the cross roads of America.

When the 9/11 Memorial is finished people traveling through America north or south east or west can stop and see this beautiful tribute to all of those that have lost their lives because of that very tragic day in our countries history.

Roger Altons, past President of the Troy, IL VFW Post 976 and VFW Post 976 member Butch Clemings, were very instrnmental in getting the City of Troy, IL involved in the 9/11 Memorial. They are super and I thank them very much.

The organization behind building the 9/11 Memorial in Troy, IL is called TAAT (Torches Across America Troy). If you would like to make a donation to help build the 9/11 Memorial please contact Roger Alons at; (618)667-3981, rotorhd669@msn.com. All donations are tax deductible.

I also thank Troy, Il Mayor Tom Caraker, Troy, Il City Council, residents of Troy, IL and the businesses of Troy, Il for wanting this 9/11 memorial in their city.

The design for the 9/11 Memorial comes from a 9/11 Memorial drawing by Paul Elam. As some of you have known him, he was Sergeant Paul Elam of the Moriarty, New Mexico Police Department. Last year Paul moved back to his home town of Tucumcari, NM and is no longer working for the Moriarty, NM Police Department.

I thank Paul’s 9/11 Memorial is very beautiful. Paul is a very gifted person and I think it was meant for his drawing to become a reality. I have one of his sketches that I am going to post but you really have to see it in person to see its beauty and feel the warmth from it.

I hope we can get a school in Tucumcari, New Mexico that has a class for making bronze statues, make two bronze statues needed for the 9/11 Memorial.

The two bronze statues are of a female and male solider passing a folded American Flag to each other and they would be placed just before the 9/11 Memorial. They are not in this sketch.

Here is one of Paul Elam’s sketches that he sent me;













This group of very special people put everything together for Torches Across America when the ride comes to Troy and Collinsville, Illinois. Also some of them belong to the TAAT (Torches Across America Troy) Organization in Troy, IL. They are truly super people and I thank them very much.

Top row from left to right; Fat Fred Dahlgren, Roger Alons, Butch Clemings, Mike Raymond, David Bloom, A.J. Kaufman, Giles Culver.

Bottom row from left to right; Pappy Hessenauer, Cynthia Dashen, Gertia Kaufman, Linda Culver, Milt Eddington and Rodney Dunaway.













Here is Fat Fred Dahlgren's pickup truck. As you can see Fat Fred is a member of the Patriot Guards. Fat Fred said the Patriot Guards in that area are very interested in the Torches Across America Ride. Fat Fred also said he will have 200 American Flags lined up when we arrive in Troy,IL

September 12, 2007 "Emergency Responder Day" in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Hi Everyone,

As you all know I am very proud of each and every rider that rides with us on the Torches Across America Ride.

We all have a reason for being apart of the ride. And in this e-mail I am sending you today is something super special that Frank Kiehner has been able to do for all First Call Responders in the State of Pennsylvania .

I know Frank worked very hard to make this happen and as all of you can tell, Pennsylvania is very proud of their First Call Responders.

The wording in this resolution is excellent. Please read it slowly so every word can get your full attention.

Thank you ever so much Frank for what you have accomplished. I am looking forward to riding across America with you and you wife Lil this year.

Frank and his wife are doing some long rides Saturdays to condition their butts to handle the distance.

I give special thanks to Pennsylvania Representative, Stan Saylor. He was the main driving force in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to make this come about.

I also want to give special to all the other Pennsylvania Representatives for passing this resolution unanimously.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert

Here is Frank's e-mail to all of us. I will put this on Gary 's Blog also.
http://www.torchesacrossamerica.blogspot.com/

Hi Group (especially Gary ),

In todays mail I received a Pa House resolution making Sept 12, 2007 "Emergency Responder Day" in the Commonwealth.

Had to pick the 12th as the 11th is already "Patriot's Day" in Pa.

The resolution goes as follows:

"In the House, June 5, 2007

Whereas, On September 11, 2001 Al Queda terrorists hijacked and
intentionally flew two planes into the twin towers of the World TradeCenter in Manhattan and hijacked and crashed a third aircraft into theUnited States Department of Defense headquarters at the Pentagon in Arlington County , Virginia ; and

Whereas, the first battle of the global war on terrorism took place in the skies over Somerset County , Pennsylvania , and was ultimately won by the heroism of the passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who courageously fought to regain control of the plane and prevented further death and destruction; and

Whereas, These attacks clained nearly 3,000 innocent lives, including many emergency responders who unselfishly answered the call to duty; and

Whereas, On September 12, 2001, the emergency responder community of our great nation took pause to reflect upon the heroic efforts of their fellow emergency responders who were killed in the line of duty during the attacks of 9/11; and

Whereas, Their acts of courage and sacrifice for our country are worthy of acknowledgment and commendation, and they shall remain in our hearts and minds forever, their remembrance continuing to be passed on to future generations; therefore be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives designate September 12, 2007, as "Emergency Responder Day" in Pennsylvania , setting aside this day as a day of gratitude and profound respect for all past and present firefighters, public safety providers, ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians, emergency dispatchers, first responseteams, police officers and all emergencyand disaster responders in this Commonwealth and affirming that these heroes help our citizens every day in extraordinary ways.

"I received this card with the resolution,

"Dear Mr Kiehner, Thank you for contacting my office requesting the resolution declaring September 12, 2007, as Emergency Responder Day in Pennsylvania .

Enclosed is a certified copy of the resolution, House Resolution 215, which passed the House unanimously on June 5, 2007. Rep Stan Saylor

"I was not expecting to see this but was VERY surprised and proud to get it in the mail. I read it at my Fire Companies meeting this evening and they were impressed that the Commonwealth would do this for us.

See you in a little over 2 months.
Frank Kiehner

Nixa, Missouri 9/11 Resolution for all First Call Responders

Hi Everyone,

I am very proud to say that the Nixa, Missouri Mayor, Doug Marrs and Nixa Board of Aldermen passed Resolution 2007-44 on April 9,2007 making 9/11 a Recondition Day for all First Call Responders.

All of us with Torches Across America thank all of you very much for doing this very specail deed.

I also want to give a special thank you to Coralee Patrick. She is the Nixa, Missouri City Clerk and a super person as well. She went the extra mile on this and it is appreciated by all of us.

Here is the Resolution;

RESOLUTION 2007 –44

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
OF THE CITY OF NIXA, MISSOURI
ESTABLISHING SEPTEMBER 11 OF EVERY YEAR
AS “RECOGNITION DAY” FOR
ALL FIRST CALL RESPONDERS


WHEREAS, the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of hundreds of fire fighters, law enforcement officers and EMS personnel; and

WHEREAS, First Call Responders – including Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Services personnel – have continued to provide a high level of public service to communities across the nation; and

WHEREAS, these unsung heroes are deserving of recognition for their commitment and personal sacrifice; and for preserving the peace and well being of all humanity.

NOW THEREFORE. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF NIXA, MISSOURI, that beginning in 2007, September 11th will be known as “Recognition Day” to honor all of the brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line as First Call Responders.


Passed and approved this 9th day of April, 2007.


DOUG MARRS
____________________________________
Mayor

ATTEST:


CORALEE PATRICK
________________________________
City Clerk

E-mail from Kevin Sweet who has just got out of the military and would like to be a part of TAA. We do not have officers we do have state coordinators

Hi,
Does this organizations have officers?
Do you have National officers - I just got out of the military and very
interested in becoming part of the team.
thanks
Kevin

My reply to Kevin;

Hi Kevin Sweet,

Thank you very much for your e-mail.

I know everyone that is involved with Torches Across America would be proud to read your e-mail also. So I am going to share it with them.

So where are you living now that you are out of the USMC?

Torches Across America 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride is just riders that ride the whole ride across America or just a few miles with us as we go through their area.

Torches Across America is not a ride for any charity. Money that is made by selling shirts, pins and patches go back into the cost of these items and if there is money left over it goes into other cost for the ride like the memorial walls we take with us and set up at every stop.

We have hosts that do something special for the riders in each of the cities we stop in.

We also have state coordinators in some states that help set things up with riders in their state and if there is a host in their state they also try and help them.

A state coordinators contacts as many motorcycle clubs and organization in their state as possible and lets them know about the ride. If any of them want to be a part of the ride the state coordinator makes sure we all meet up at the right time.

The state coordinator also helps a host if they are in his state by doing some of these things;

Contact any relatives of the 9/11 victims and see if they would like to be present so we can say something to them and they can speak to the riders.

Contact any active Armed Forces members in that area that would like to be present so we can say thank you to them.

Contact any family members of an Armed Forces member that was killed so they can be with us for we can tell them how much we appreciate them for their sacrifice.

Contact First Call Responders in the area and ask them to be present for we can say thank you to them.

We have other super people and riders that help in anyway they can. One person that comes to mind from the early days of the ride is Carol Lemons from Amarillo,TX. She offered to help any of the riders with information about the Amarillo area if they wanted it. I do not know much about Amarillo but with her help,riders could find out what they needed to know.

Carol has been very sick the past few year but she still offers to help TAA in anyway she can.

There are so many people like Carol that help TAA and I hope the ones I did not mention forgive me for not putting their names down at this time.

A goal we have set for the Torches Across America Ride is to get 9/11 to become a National Recognition Day for America's First Call Responders. Some of them thought it was going to happen after 9/11 but it did not.

Thanks to one of Kingman,AZ Mayors (Monica Gates), cities have followed her lead by passing a resolution making 9/11 a "Recognition Day" for their cities First Call Responders.

We have super state coordinators, host and riders. That is what makes being a part of TAA something special to me. It shows people can still come together for a great cause and money does not have to be in its center focus. The TAA ride is just from the heart.

A society in this world can not exist without a heart and people that help put TAA together and the riders on it have super big hearts.

The TAA ride does not have big name super stars on it and I do not know why. What I do know is that some rides do and the big stars expect them to pay for their expenses because of the use of their names to generate money for their cause.

So I guess you could say we are the ride from across the tracks or just a plain Jane ride that has a super big heart.

If you would like to be a part of TAA we would love to have you.

Have a great day.
Gary Covert