Thank you for supporting final ride

To the editor:

We would like to thank everyone who came out and attended the final ride for the Lance Cpl. Andrew F. Whitacre Memorial Fund.

We had over 100 bikes this year along with some very sharp antique cars and other vehicles participate to raise $8,170.

On the front page of The Commercial Review on June 18, the picture caption stated that it would be the last ride unless someone steps up. We would like to clarify that a bit.

It was the final Whitacre ride.

We do hope that another group would sponsor or organize another ride that would support the troops, the veterans or something to show Portland’s patriotic values.

Our ride for Andrew has helped to keep his memory alive and carry out his request to not forget the ones fighting the fight. We think of him everyday and will never forget and hope he along with all the others from Jay County who gave their life will always be remembered along with their families. 

The Portland Moose Lodge has hosted our event over the years and we really appreciate their support. The venue works out perfectly for this event with plenty of parking and room inside for everyone.

Thanks to Gary Loy and crew for once again doing the auction and to Adair Processing for taking care of the the meal, and our family and friends who helped serve and also helped out in so many other ways. 

We would also like to thank our major sponsors — Portland Best One Tire, FCC (Indiana), Clear Choice Chiropractic, Bollenbacher and Associates, Hanlin Real Estate, TJ Bicycle & Moped, Ohio Valley Gas, Banta Family Dentistry, First Bank of Berne, Muhlenkamp Building, Jay County Beverage and Richard Braun Trucking — for their loyal support over the years.

Also a big thanks to the following for their donations for the auction and raffle: Mary Ellenberger Paintings, Adair Processing, Brad Lemaster, Remember When, Crossroads Financial Federal Credit Union, Renegade Customs, S.D.P Manufacturing, Fisher Packing, Aker-Taylor Plumbing, Radiant Reflections, Hull Brothers, Fort Recovery Lumber, Bryant Harvest Land Co-op, Locker’s Plant and Gifts, Selkings International, Landon Excavating, Pizza King of Portland, The Tipsy Glass, Upper Kut Salon, Closet Update, Moser Motors, The Flower Nook, Pit’s Cocktail Lounge, The Tin Cupboard, North Side Carry Out, Country Creek Primitives, Portland True Value, Schmidt Chiropractic, Progressive Office Supply, Pizza Hut, AutoZone, Buffalo Wings & Rings, Jay County REMC, McDonald’s of Portland, M&M Market, Fear Powersports, Strohl’s TV & Appliance, The Greazy Pickle, Tire Center, Greek’s Pizzeria, Advance Auto, Richard Rook, Meehan Family, Byers Family, Kerry and Sharon, Cliff and Jenny Guingrich, Karmen Ward State Farm Insurance, Richard from Collett, Hilty Family and anonymous.

Thanks again to the Portland Police department for the escort out of town and to the Bryant Volunteer Fire Department. They always help get us safely out to Gravel Hill Cemetery to drive past Andrew’s grave that is honored by his fellow Marines, Airmen and Army soldiers who were also his close friends growing up. This year we were also assisted by the Geneva Police and escorted to Geneva and through the current bridge construction.

I am so grateful that we were able to give tribute to Andrew one final time.

Thank you all again,

Norma and Ernie Whitacre and the ride committee