I attended the Ridin For WoJo scholarship ride today. I did not ride. I came to meet the people there before they hit the rode. I got to hug Wojo's mom.
Wojo, if you did not know, refers to Marine Staff Sergeant Mark A. (Tony) Wojciechowski. He was killed in action while conducting combat operations against anti-Iraqi forces in Iraq on April 30, 2009. He was 25 years old.
He enlisted at 17 and had an illustrious and highly decorated military career. He was deployed to Iraq twice. He graduated EOD ( Explosive Ordinance Training) with 48 starting in his class and only 9 graduating.
He went to Goshen High School in Clermont County Ohio. A county that has sufferred much loosing young men to the wars fought to defend freedom. They never waiver.
The motorcycle ride was not just a remembrance of Tony, but a ride to raise money for a scholarship fund for folks related to Veterans going to college.
Before the ride a prayer was offered and the Star Spangled Banner was sung beautifully. I saw a few tears but mostly there were smiles all around. Amidst what must be great pain there is great joy in knowing these young heros. Remarkable men and women.
The greater Cincinnati motorcycle community has a heart and soul like no other area that I know. They come together as patriots, that just don't talk, but lay their lives down for all of us.
I just want to say thanks to all the Veterans and to Wojo's family for keeping us all aware the Freedom isn't Free. It never will be. And that's a good thing. Because Americans will fight harder and longer and do whatever it takes to protect democracy. They come together in Clermont County. A place some call the yellow ribbon capital of the world.
To see some of the photos of this years ride click here Ridin for Wojo
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