After the Ride come the tributes

After Rolling Thunder, Inc. XXXII Ride for Freedom, spectators and riders can gather near the Lincoln Memorial for a program featuring Rolling Thunder, Inc. National Sgt. Artie Muller, Executive Director and Founder, and Joe Bean, President, along with the following speakers:

Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie. Prior to his July 2018 confirmation as the top official of the VA, Mr. Wilkie served more than 20 years in key legal, national security and advisor posts in the George W. Bush administration, Department of Defense and Congress. Born into a military family, he has served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and is currently a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve assigned to the Office of the Chief of Staff.

USAF Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Tom McInerney. A decorated pilot who served in Vietnam and has flown in 407 combat missions, Lt. Gen. McInerney’s military career includes service in numerous countries; commander of Alaskan Air Command; assistant vice chief of staff of the Air Force; and director of the Defense Performance Review, reporting to the Secretary of Defense.

Jason Noel, Director of Sales, Midwest Market, Harley-Davidson Motor Corp. An Army veteran, Mr. Noel has been with Harley-Davidson for four years; the company has been a key corporate partner with Rolling Thunder, Inc. for 18 years and is committed to unite riders in support of the men and women who serve America.

Sen. Michael Brown, District of Columbia. Michael Donald “Mike” Brown is a D.C. “shadow senator” since 2007.

Chris Noel. The model-turned-actress began entertaining troops in Vietnam in the 1960s and received the Distinguished Vietnam Veteran award in 1984 from the Veterans Network for her wartime service. She will share Master of Ceremonies duties with Nikki Mendicino, a member of Rolling Thunder, Inc. National.

Rockie Lynne. Rolling Thunder, Inc., Chapter 2 NC. An Army veteran and co-founder of Tribute for the Troops, which raises money for families who have lost a parent in active duty, Mr. Lynne is a nationally known singer-songwriter; his album, “Songs for Soldiers,” benefits charities that serve service members.

Gordon Painter. Rolling Thunder, Inc. National. Mr. Painter has been performing his unique musical style at the Veteran’s Center for nursing home patients every year on Saturday plus performing at the stage on Sunday.

Ben Mason, composer and pianist. A supporter of veterans, Mr. Mason has been performing in the D.C. area since the 1960s and played at venues such as the Birchmere, the old Cellar Door, Blues Alley, the Bayou, the Kennedy Center and the Baltimore Civic Center.