Bob Parker (Co-Founder/UK Organiser)

Hello, my name is Bob Parker [tambor] and I am a member of the RBLR, living in Kent.

I served in the Royal Engineers for 12 yrs [1961 - 1973]. This is my second attempt at being a ‘Legion’ member. I ride a Suzuki Intruder ‘Velusia’ and have taken part in several military type shows with members of the RBL in Kent.

This ‘RIDE’ was originally my brother’s [Norman] idea. He passes the cemetery quite often and thought it would be a nice idea to try to see if we could organise something to commemorate the fallen USA personell buried here. This website and attached information is a direct result of this idea.

As for me, I am well into my sixties, still very keen on riding and looking to do what I can to promote both the Legion and the Riders.

I have travelled extensively, lived in Germany [as a civilian] and been married twice. My current wife is my rock, she encourages me to ‘DO’ things, even if they are stupid.

I hope that anyone who reads and rides will participate in this event. We are getting lots of interest from media, both here and in the states and hopefully this will raise both money and awareness of the POPPY appeal as a charity that exists all year round, not just the week before Remembrance day.

Please sign up for this, the cause is good and the reward could be more than you imagined.

Bob Parker [Tambor]

Norman Parker (Co-Founder/UK Organiser)

My name is Norman Parker. I originally come from the East End of London but have lived in Bedfordshire for the past 25 years. I'm a lorry driver by profession, and have been for most of the past 30 years, since leaving the Army.

I served in the Royal Engineers from 1971 - 1980. I did 5 Tours in Norhtern Ireland and was stationed in Germany. In the last few years of my Army Career. I was fortunate enough to be part of a British Army Training team where I spent time in Canada and Kenya.

My real passion in life (apart from my partner, Gill) is motorbikes. I've been a motorcyclist from the age of 16 and I'm now 58. In the late 60's I raced a Norton Dominator and my claim to fame is that I was lapped twice by Barry Sheen at Brands Hatch!!!

Gill and I have been together a year now and although she is a novice to the motorcycling world she now shares my passion for bikes. We are looking forward to many years in the saddle together - hopefully on a Rocket III (our dream bike) riding into the sunset, lol !!!

Last year was such a great success, lets hope its an even bigger one this year.

Regards
Norman Parker

Jon Sore (International Coordinator/Administrator/UK Organiser)

Hi, my name is Jon Sore although everybody knows me as Dino (pronounced deano!). I work in London and live there with my wife, Jules. We've been together for 27 years in which time she has been my best friend, my nurse and the mother of my three awesome kids (I can say that now they're all grown up!).  I joined the RBLR in 2008 and this will be my second year assisting with the AMRR.

I am a serving member of the Armed Forces and have received the Queen's shilling for the past 30 years, having been 'press ganged' in 1980!. I have seen active service in the Falklands, the Gulf and Northern Ireland over the years but due to a serious motorcycle accident in 2007, I have been confined to a desk job! I ride a Bandit 1200S and also own a Fazer 600 and Zypher 750.

I offered my assistance to Bob and Norman for the first AMRR (formerly known as AWC2009) and somehow won the title of 'The Third Wheel' (on reflection, I'm hoping that doesn't mean I'm a spare! ).

I have many reasons for wanting to take part in this ride; primarely to express my gratitude and give remembrance to all those that paid the ultimate price for the freedom we enjoy today. I also like to think that I'm riding as a representative for the majority of decent people in this country to show our American cousins that we continue to remember and that we do care about those that have fallen in pursuit of freedom. Last but not least, I use this ride to remember and pay respect to our own troops and those of all our allies past and present that have, and continue, to lay down their lives.

Ride safe,
Dino

Sue Merry (UK Head Marshal/UK Organiser)

I’m Sue Merry.  I was given my first bike for my 16th birthday, a Raleigh moped that I painted purple & orange, but gave it up when I joined the WRAF (a long time ago!).  I had a couple of happy years as a Ground Electrician but left after three & a half years.   In 2003 some ‘girls’ in the street were learning to ride & I said I wish I’d done it years before, as I was too old to start ‘now’.  They persuaded me to have a go & I passed my test 1st time less than 6 months later.  I bought a TDM 900 when my two-year restricted licence was up.  Since joining the RBLR in Sept 07 I have ridden many miles including the Saddlesore last June.  A life-changing ride :O)

I attended this ride last year &, as Cambridgeshire Rep, helped at the RV.  I have been asked to organise it this year & will do my best but this will be a first for me so please be patient!

I tried to think of words to explain why I want to be involved in this event but Dino has done such a good job I’ll just put ‘ditto’.

Why they want my face & biog here I don’t know – this is very much a team project, I’m just happy to help.  Look forward to meeting & greeting you but please don’t expect me to remember all your names :O)

George Sherman (U.S.A. Coordinator/Texas Organiser)

Hello my name is George Sherman, I live in Fort Worth, Texas. U.S.A.

I currently serve in the U.S. Air Force as an F-16 Crew Chief, have my own assigned aircraft that I maintain all the mechanical systems on the aircraft. Have been in for a total of 24 years, Got out in 1992, went to work for Kennet Aviation when they were based at Cranfield in Bedfordshire.Came back in the Air Force in 2002. Unfortunately seperated, I have a daughter that lives in the U.K. with her mum, and I recently had my other daughter move in with me here in Texas

Being a member of both the Royal British Legion Riders and the American Legion Riders, Bob and Norman informed me of the ride being planned in the U.K. and asked if the American Legion wanted to get involved, of course I said yes, then one day while working on the flightline, I tolled the story to a close friend of mine, Scott (Pech) Pecikonis, and he asked the question "If they can ride for our fallen airmen, why can't we ride for their's" and so we did, with a great turn out !

Why do I want to be involved, well I currently serve, so this is "Our" history as well, the Army Air Corps separated into what is now the U.S. Air Force, My mum was one of those children taken out of London because of the bombing during the war, and my grandfather fought under Field Marshall Montgomery in WW II. My father was in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in the U.K., where he met my mum. And like Jon, we are currently at war again, side by side, and unfortunately with war we loose members of "Our" Armed Forces, this is a way to say you are not, and will not be forgotten !

Thanks goes to Bob, Norman and Jon for letting us be a part of this !

Ride Safe, Ride with Pride !
George

Jason Skeen (Texas, U.S.A. Organiser)

Hello my name is Jason Skeen, I live in Fort Worth, Texas. My hometown is Plainfield, Ill.

I also serve in the U.S.Air Force as an F-16 Crew Chief, working with George Sherman and Scott Pecikonis and I also have my own assigned aircraft. So far I have done 12 years active duty Air Force, 5 years reserve. Assignments: Nellis A.F.B., Nevada, Kunsan A.F.B. ROK (Korea), Luke A.F.B., Arizona, Hill A.F.B.,Utah, and now at Carswell A.F.B., TX

I was aproached last year by George and Scott on the subject of doing this ride going to Greenwood cemetery here in Fort Worth, Tx. to pay respects to the fallen British and Canadian Aviators buried there, George also informed me of the ride which was happening in the United Kingdom. So I agreed to help organize the ride here last year on the 4th of July. Which turned out very well !

This year we are planning on going further out, to Terrell, Tx. to pay our respect to 20 Fallen R.A.F. training cadets. It will be a GREAT ride this year !

Ride Safe !
Jason Skeen

Michael Blow (Canadian Coordinator/Organiser)

Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders (CVFR) National President.

Michael Blow aka “Smokey” is one of the co-founders of the CVFR. Born in England in 1952, he immigrated to Canada as a young lad at the tender age of 14 to reside with his Mother in Toronto in 1967. He has been riding since 1968 when he purchased his first ride, a 50cc scooter. His present ride is a 2005 1600 Vulcan Nomad.

A 35 year veteran of the Canadian Military, he served from 1972 to 2008 when he took his retirement. Smokey’s service in the Military started in the communications sector and in 1978 he changed to the Fire Fighter profession where he progressed in rank from Corporal to Captain, the rank he now holds in retirement. He has served all across Canada and had one tour in Bermuda, his service also included tours on a Navy supply ship and a Frigate where he was a member of the helicopter fire fighting team.

Smokey resides in Orleans Ontario, with his wife Lorraine, whom he has been married to for 32 years, they have two children, Genevieve 30 and Martin 35. They also have two adopted dogs Bella and Dante.

In March of 2010, Smokey, along with 2 others, Chevy and Lavi, decided to form their own riding club and the CVFR came into existence. The CVFR presently has units in Ottawa and Kingston Ontario, and one in Prince Edward Island, located on the East Coast of Canada. The CVFR supports veteran groups by assisting in events and assisting in raising money for veteran and other organizations through charity rides and participating in other clubs events. More can be seen of the CVFR at their web site at www.cvfr.ca

Mike Chiviendacz (Canadian Organiser)

My name is Mike “Chevy” Chiviendacz. I was born in 1967 in Ottawa and I come from a military family. Both of my parents were in the Canadian Forces. Both of my Grand Fathers served as well. I joined as soon as I was able and served as a Weapons Technician from 1985 to 2003 having reached the rank of Warrant Officer. My sister is married to a Soldier as well. I think that being called a Soldier is just about the highest praise one can get.

I have been riding for 30 years. My first bike was a Kawasaki 100 enduro. I’ve owned just about every make of metric bike and my current ride is a 2001 Honda Sabre 1100. I am the National VP and one of three co-founders of the Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders. I am as passionate about being a Biker as I am about being a Soldier.

I am lucky to be married to a wonderful woman and we are raising two kids (Olivia, 7 and Oscar, 4). I spend my time with my family, working as an Information Security Architect or riding with the CVFR.

I am proud to be involved in the Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride and I am humbled by the fantastic success that our UK and US Brothers and Sisters have had in rides past. The Canadian team is following in big footsteps but you’ve blazed a strong trail to follow. We currently hold a memorial service for each and every Canadian Soldier who falls and we hope that we can use these as a pattern to successfully pay tribute to ALL allied Soldiers who have fallen as servants of freedom.