Thunder Rolls Through D.C.
Veterans from the Rolling Thunder group met again this year for a demonstration in support of American soldiers who are missing in action (MIA) or prisoners of war (POW).
The group gathered starting at 7am Sunday morning at the Pentagon for a massive motorcycle ride across Memorial Bridge and to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. An estimated 400,000 riders took part in this years demonstration, accompanied by an even larger number of spectators.
The Rolling Thunder group was started by Artie Muller and Ray Manzo in 1987 and the first ride was organized in 1988. Most of the riders are veterans who proudly display unit patches on their riding gear. Few of the riders are official members of Rolling Thunder, most show up to show support for the organization and for the POW and MIA soldiers which it represents. Riders come to D.C. from all over the country for the once-a-year event. For many it is a time of remembrance and healing concerning their own times spent in the service of their nation.
I have been to VA & VFW (2) C & P’s and I continue to be limited as an American Vietnam Agent Orange Diabetic taking 7 needles a day. I have upper and lower neuropathy and attend PTSD classes. I am a Life time Chaplain for Post 6027. I receive 40% which is not enough. I need another way of combating the Compensation Raters and Doctor’s told to under diagnosed Vietnam cases. I do write to Washington. Anything new to help me? Any person who knows a better system?
Ed Taylor
One step that I have heard working for other people is to contact your senators and representative:
Senator Barbara Mikulski (D- MD) 202-224-4654
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D- MD) 202-224-4524
Representative Frank M. Kratovil, Jr. (D – 01) 202-225-5311
Hopefully some other posters will have better ideas.