NVAO Members,
Over the past few months, we have lost a couple good friends of the National Veterans Awareness Ride.
Sadly, I must share with you that Mike Malmstrom has died. Mike was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and he dedicated much of his life to working with and helping veterans. He was a member and past Commander of AMVETS #145, Finance Officer of American Legion Post #583, and he was the President of Bridging the Gap for homeless vets with which he proudly helped coordinate and host the annual Bridge the Gap Stand Down events in the Quad Cities. Mike also had served as the Illinois State Coordinator for the National Veterans Awareness Ride. Attached is a photo of Mike showing respect at a Missing Man Table Ceremony in Davenport, IA. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 16 at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory (6601 38th Ave. Moline, IL.) A private funeral service will be on April 17. Mike will be remembered and missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
1. In happier news, last month, Wayne Worden California NVAR State Coordinator sent the following email to us regarding a thank you ceremony that was held for Brigadier General Bud Anderson. In Wayne’s own words, here’s what happened.
“Jerry,
On Tuesday, March 19th, we presented 102-year-old Brigadier General Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson with a Certificate of Appreciation from the NVAR. There were nine involved in the presentation. From CMA, myself (NVAR), Jim Taylor, and Jon Forsman. From the American Legion Riders, Fred Corcoran (NVAR), Tony Ivins (NVAR), John Murray, Dave George, and Dave Gazarian. Ken Keener (NVAR alumni) was the ninth person. Larry LaVerne, from the American Legion took some of the pictures. Larry is the man who sings the National Anthem at the Bowman School flag raising. There were others in attendance including Bud’s son, Jim, and Tom Dwelle (Auburn resident/businessman) who were both fighter pilots.
It was amazing to meet and talk with Bud. When I explained the NVAR to him, he gave us a big ‘thumbs up’ and he wished us all well on the ride this year.
I have attached a short history of Bud Anderson and five of the best pictures.
Wayne”.
Thanks, Wayne. And thanks to all of the folks who participated in the Thank You Ceremony. Showing respect for our veterans is what we are all about.
2. The 2024 National Veterans Awareness Ride is almost hear. Our first school visit and hospital visit will be on Tuesday, May 14. We will have ride books in the Chase Trailer and also, the full ride schedule is posted on the NVAO website (nvao.us). Each day, you and your family/friends can follow the ride in words and photos in the Sit Reps section of the NVAO website. Many thanks to Libby Taylor-Worden for taking over the Sit Rep responsibilities from Mike Rinowski. Eddie Shinn will have Registration Forms on the ride that you must fill out to participate in the NVAR but if you’d like to fill the form out early and give it to Eddie when you arrive, you can type in the information on the form on the NVAO website, print it out and bring it with you to give to Eddie when you join the ride.
The State Coordinators have reported that all the VA Hospitals and Homes are 100% open and are looking forward to our arrival. As always, we all must stay flexible for last minute changes that are beyond our control.
Although we’ve got the Chase Trailer on the ride, you should get your bike serviced so (hopefully) you don’t have any major problems.
If you have any small items that would make good give-aways at the 50/50 drawings, please bring them to the NVAR and give them to the Tiptons or the Kintzeles and they’ll store them in the Chase Trailer.
3. If anyone knows Bill Carbaugh, please have him send an email to us and give us his new contact information.
That’s it for now.
Hopefully we’ll see you on the NVAR.
Be careful out there.
The NVAO Board of Directors
