July 5, 2017 – Theresa, WI – On July 22nd, a very unique experience will be happening in Theresa as the 5th Annual American Tribute Ride will be ending at Theresa Fireman’s Park. It is anticipated that 200 or more motorcycles will participate along with a few 4-wheeler vehicles. The route coming to the Theresa Fireman’s Park will be WI-49 east from Waupun, to C.R. Z south to Reiser Road/C.R. YY to C.R. Y to C.R. AY to WI-28 and into the park.
Ron Naab, chair of the committee, said recently, “Our fund raising ride, which will include 2, 3, or 4-wheel vehicles, is travelling from Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial to the Coloma Fire Station, on to Endeavor-Moundville Fire Station; next stop is the Fox Lake Firefighters Car Show with the ride ending up at the Theresa Firemen’s Park on July 22, 2017.” He went on to say that the ride is escorted and speeds are controlled to provide the safest environment for all participating.
This year’s ride will progress from the Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial (WSFM) Park in Wisconsin Rapids, traveling along the Wisconsin River to Coloma Fire Station for a short stop to include snacks and beverages. It is anticipated the convoy should arrive in Coloma around 12:30 PM.
From Coloma the participants will travel to the Endeavor Fire Station for lunch and a special presentation for a Legacy Stone to honor Larry Millard at the WSFM. The procession should arrive in Endeavor at approximately at 1:45 PM after passing through the peaceful village of Westfield around 2:05 PM.
After the lunch stop in Endeavor, the ride will then continue with a stop at the Fox Lake Fire Department Car Show. The entourage will be passing through Cambria around 3:25 pm and on C.R. P and WI-73 in Randolph around 3:40 PM. The day will conclude at the Fireman’s Park in Theresa around 5:15 PM. “At the Theresa Fireman’s Park there will be a Memorial service to honor and remember those that have made the supreme sacrifice serving our communities and county,” said Naab. Those being honored will be:
MILITARY
August 23 Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Thompson, Brookfield, Afghanistan (Army Staff Sergeant Matthew Thompson was killed by a roadside bomb on August 23 while on patrol in southern Afghanistan.)
FIREFIGHTER
October 31 John C. Brocker, Town of Oneida FD
February 25 FF Terrance (Terry) Shafer, Spring Valley FD
July 11 Assistant Chief Mitchell Koski, Montreal FD
LAW ENFORCEMENT
October 30 Daniel Glaze, Rusk County Sheriff
March 22 Jason T. Weiland, Everest Metro Police Dept.
April 11 Anthony Borostowski, Wisconsin State Patrol
Pastor Renae Dymond of Still Waters UMC Community Church will assist paying tribute with a brief recognition ceremony along with Gina Crossley, our traditional bagpiper (sponsored by Hometown Towing and Schuette Heating and Air Conditioning).
The memorial service will be followed by a delicious pay-in-advance meal served by Leroy Meats of Horicon. Naab encourages, “The public is invited to attend any of our stops, especially the Memorial Service at Theresa.” The ATR Committee does ask for pre-registration/payment for the evening meal for those that would like to join the entire rider.
The money raised from this very unique fund raiser supports a number of entities: Wisconsin Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth, Badger Honor Flights, Veterans Assistance Program at King Veterans Center, Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial, and Concerns of Police Survivors-Wisconsin.
For those that wish to partake in the ride, they may pre-register at the American tribute Ride website (www.americantributeride.com) or on Facebook. For further questions please contact Ron Naab (262/629-9749 or rjnaab@frontier.com), or Barb Pahl (atride1@yahoo.com).