Motorcycle rally set for Saturday at military surplus store - By TOM RAGAN - SENTINEL STAFF WRITER - September 1, 2006

Hi Your Shield!

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) event at Moss Landing also got more publicity. The 9/2/06 event included remembering those who died in the attack on 9/11.

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2006/September/01/local/stories/10local.htm

Regards,

USAKIA

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September 1, 2006

Motorcycle rally set for Saturday at military surplus store

A motorcycle rally Saturday will honor soldiers who've been killed in action and those still missing or taken prisoner.

For the second straight year, Jim Gilbertson, owner of J&S Surplus and Outdoor Store, will hold a Labor Day weekend rally to remember those who died serving their country - from its first wars to the conflict in Iraq.

"I think it's important to remember the true patriots of this country," said Gilbertson, 42, who created a monument two years ago to honor American soldiers.

The monument is often mistaken for a memorial, but Gilbertson says the monument is merely a concrete island in the middle of his parking lot where several flags fly daily.

The place will be full of bikers and veterans of war from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday courtesy of the San Jose-based USA Killed in Action/Died of Wounds Family Foundation, which dubbed it "The KIA Thunder Run."

"This rally is all about unity, and it's nonpartisan," said USA KIA/DOW President Vincent Bartning. Members of his family have been killed in action - his cousin in Korea and his grandfather in World War II.

"KIA families have done a lot for our country. Their sons and daughters gave their lives for our freedom, and it's something we should never forget," he said.

Also on hand will be Victorville resident Pat Wiscowiche, the mother of Lance Cpl. William Wiscowiche, who died March 30, 2004, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was 20.

She plans to speak and raise the first flag, which is expected at about 1 p.m., Gilbertson said.

At 1:30 p.m. there will be live music and entertainment and a series of raffles.

Prizes include military merchandise and gift certificates for Gilbertson's store, which is the only military store in the Central Coast.

"American flags are going big these days," said Gilbertson. "But even bigger are the black POW flags. They've really got soul."

Swap Meet, KIA Thunder Run and Military Vehicle Show.

9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
J&S Surplus and Outdoor Store, Highway 1 and North Struve Road, just north of Moss Landing.
724-5470.

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