Over the stretch of a week, various entities, including Rolling Thunder, were able to take time out to remember the sacrifices of a pair of local veterans.
“It was a very busy week,” said Jeff Kilbourn, president of Rolling Thunder Tennessee Chapter 4. “But it was well worth it.”
Citizens in Northeast Tennessee Sunday were able to see motorcyclists cruise through Washington County up to Roan Mountain to remember the sacrifice of Air Force Senior Airman Benjamin D. White.
Citizens gathered at the Johnson City/Washington County Veterans’ Memorial Sunday afternoon for a remembrance ceremony for White. The event, spearheaded by Gold Star Mother and Rolling Thunder Chapter 4 member Brenda Shelton, was followed by a special memorial ride to Carver’s Gap in Roan Mountain. The choice of destination, Kilbourn added, was decided by Shelton due to its high point being a way for the family to be closer to White.
“It is an event we look forward to each year,” he added. “We make our way from Washington County to Carver’s Gap, come back, then we stop by the American Legion in Elizabethton to remember Airman White.”
White, from Erwin, lost his life June 9, 2010, in a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of four other veterans — Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael P. Flores, Air Force 1st Lt. Joel C. Gentz, Air Force Staff Sgt. David C. Smith and Air Force Captain David Wisniewski.
Being a member of Air Force Pararescue, the group’s motto “that others may live” stayed true with each member that gave their life for their country. During the remembrance ceremony, attendees took time out to pray for the families of each of the veterans impacted by the incident and others that continue to give their life for their country.
Kilbourn also thanked each group that provided their time and efforts during Sunday’s event, including the Johnson City Police Department, Elizabethton Police Department and the Carter County Sheriff’s Office for their time allotted for the ride.
While the weekend saw a celebration of life for Airman White, the region was able to recognize Army Private First Class (PFC) Reece Gass — whose remains were brought back home at the end of last week. Gass passed away at the age of 20 in Belgium while serving in Belgium during World War II.
“We also want to thank everyone that helped with the repatriation event for PFC Gass,” Kilbourn added. “We were assisted by different law enforcement agencies as the remains were transported from Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville to Greeneville.”
Kilbourn added the region is a tremendous asset when it comes to remembering the lives of those that gave their lives for their country.
Citizens are encouraged to continue to support the veteran population by participating in different veteran-orientated organizations and groups, including Rolling Thunder or American Legion.