The threat of heavy rains on Saturday July 9, 2022 dampened participation in a fund raising “dice” run for the VFW 7764 Auxiliary.  Thirty motorcycles showed up and near perfect weather allowed them to participate in the 100 mile plus event without getting wet, but many more stayed away due to predicted conditions.

Auxiliary President Joe Boyett said the effort produced some profits, a lot of experience and good contacts for a similar event in the future.  “Everyone told us it was the best event they’d ever participated in,” Boyett said.  “They really enjoyed the day, but the weather predictions slowed things down, and we learned some things that we need to do in the future.”

Portions of three motorcycle groups participated including The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, the Sons of Smoke, and Imago Dei Motorcycle Ministry which completed the ride and made suggestions for the future.  All three groups offered to help organize another ride in 2023.

Food preparations were overestimated, but the excess food was donated to a Hunger Ministry in Statesboro.  “We hoped to have participants eat all that good food, but we are glad it could be used and not wasted.  We are all about helping folks who need help,” Boyett said.

One person who was not disappointed was VFW Quartermaster Ronnie Thomas who counted 28 VFW and Auxiliary members who put in at least 6 hours each of voluntary community service for the event. “This is the kind of event that helps us achieve our All State and All American honors,” he said.  “Multiply 28 times 6 and you get 168 community service hours.  Also, some of these people put in 8 hours so we tallied an actual total of more than that. We didn’t make as much money as we’d hoped, but the day was not wasted.  It’s the kind of effort that helps us recruit more members too.  We picked up two new members Saturday.”

During the regular meeting Monday night, QM Thomas announced Commander Ronnie McCall had been notified that VFW 7764 had made All American for the second straight year.  Not bad for a VFW Post about to close its doors due to lack of participation in 2009.