NVAO Members,
Another year of successfully accomplishing our mission. We made friends with lots of Veterans in the VA hospitals and homes, we participated in local memorial services, and we shared some time with hundreds of school students (from 1st grade through high school).
We dodged bad weather all across the country till we got out East. At several VA facilities, the weather was such that the vets couldn’t come outside. But, as in the past, the facilities welcomed us inside and we met the vets in the reception areas and in their rooms.
We didn’t have any major health issues among the riders but we did have some bikes break down. Thankfully, we have Kat and Mike Tipton as chase truck operators. Mike said that this was one of the busiest rides ever for necessary trips to motorcycle shops. And of course, the Tiptons’ handling of merchandise sales was excellent. Thank you, Kat and Tip.
Thanks to the State Coordinators and the Ride Staff. Everything was well planned and executed professionally. The Road Guards got us to DC safely and except for Don “Quacker” Jenkins, everybody stayed on the pavement.
A few people need to be called out for going above and beyond on this year’s NVAR. Fairal Warren, our wreath laying squad leader, had to leave the ride early and Jim Grant stepped in and did a fabulous job leading the squads. Amy Baker and Fred Corcoran enjoyed their first year as State Coordinators. Amy is the Maryland State Coordinator and was treated to a torrential downpour at Rocky Gap Cemetery. She made it and did a great job. Fred is the Nevada State Coordinator and Nevada has lots of moving parts. From police escorts to dining al fresco, from Patriot Guard Riders to the Reno VA Hospital, he handled everything perfectly. Good job, Amy and Fred.
Tony Cunningham took over DC Coordination and handled the activities at Arlington National Cemetery, which can be tough. Our wreath laying squad at the Tomb of the Unknown looked sharp and made the NVAR proud.
One more person deserves a “Thanks”. When, at the last minute, Jerry Conner, the National Coordinator, couldn’t do the NVAR, Wylie Wilson stepped forward and helped lead the ride across the United States. This past week, Jerry announced to the Board of Directors that he would like to pass his responsibilities and title to Wylie on a permanent basis. Yesterday, Jerry and Steve “Headdog” Moore offered the invitation to Wylie and he accepted. Wylie has been involved with the NVAR since the very beginning and was the Ride Leader a few years ago. The organization is fortunate to have a person like Wylie to help guide us into the future.
Congratulations to Robert Huckins for winning this year’s Rifle Raffle. Robert is a member of the Auburn Jeep Club and helps prepare the breakfast for us before we leave Auburn each year for the NVAR. Thanks and congratulations, Robert.
Below are three photos that represent actions that made the 2026 NVAR memorable.
First is a photo of Wayne Worden (CA State Coordinator) presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to the Auburn, CA Police Department. The photo and words above the photo are from the Facebook page of the Auburn Police Department. Some very nice words were said about the National Veterans Awareness Ride by the Auburn PD.
Second is a truly amazing photo of Tony Cunningham paying his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. This unplanned photo couldn’t have been better if it had been totally orchestrated.
The third photo is Jerry presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Colleen Hindman, the art teacher at Forest Glen Elementary School in Glen Ellyn, IL .Accompanying Jerry are Liv Dietzler, a 5th grade student at Forest Glen and Jennifer Dietzler, a friend of Ms. Hindman and the person who asked Ms. Hindman if she could have her students write cards, and artwork for the veterans visited by the NVAR. Ms. Hindman presented the NVAR with over 200 pieces of art that were handed out on the 2026 NVAR.
The fourth photo is a brick that the National Veterans Awareness Organization bought to help the Veterans Memorial Park in Davenport. Roger Granbois, our Webmaster, has been instrumental in making this park one of the best Veterans parks in the country. Thank you, Roger.
That’s it for now.
Be careful out there.
Never Forget
The NVAO Board of Directors
