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Title: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 02, 2013, 05:10:29 PM: As my family is trying to come to terms with Aaron's passing we are all looking for ways to honor his memory. My dad has decided to ride his Harley to all four corners of the country, with stops along the way to raise funds for the Fisher House, USO, Wounded Warriors, and the patriot guard riders. He is starting this ride at Owens Harley Davidson in Yakima on August 3rd. From there he is riding over to Renton WA. to meet his good friend Bruce who will be going with him. I will post the schedule below. Its a Saturday so I hope some of you can attend either send offs and show him the support he needs. He is a little nervous knowone will attend. If you have a bike and want to ride with him a ways when he leaves that would be even better! Thanks again to everyone for all the love and support. Share this with everyone! Also you can follow him on Facebook at, A Fathers Tribute Ride. Never Forget! -Karl
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: jackelope on July 02, 2013, 05:13:28 PM: :tup:

My co-worker is a Patriot Guard Rider. I will tell him about it tomorrow. I'd be pretty positive telling you that people will show up, at least around here.
I can't wrap myself around the way you guys are feeling. I think it's incredible what your dad is doing. Not sure how else to describe how that makes me feel. I'll do what I can to ensure people show up.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Machias on July 02, 2013, 05:23:20 PM: Patriot Guard Riders, they have a vast network on Facebook and e-mail and can really get the word out. When he comes over to this corner of the country, I would be so honored to ride and help in anyway I can. I have some buddies out near Spokane, I will pass along the information to them. Tell your Dad to ride safe.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: haugenna on July 02, 2013, 05:30:08 PM: Is he going to R.O.N. somewhere along the way?
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Taco280AI on July 02, 2013, 05:37:35 PM: If he passes by Fort Rucker and needs a place to stay I have an extra room.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 02, 2013, 05:41:00 PM: Quote from: jackelope on July 02, 2013, 05:13:28 PM
:tup:

My co-worker is a Patriot Guard Rider. I will tell him about it tomorrow. I'd be pretty positive telling you that people will show up, at least around here.
I can't wrap myself around the way you guys are feeling. I think it's incredible what your dad is doing. Not sure how else to describe how that makes me feel. I'll do what I can to ensure people show up.

Thanks Josh....for everything.

Quote from: Machias on July 02, 2013, 05:23:20 PM
Patriot Guard Riders, they have a vast network on Facebook and e-mail and can really get the word out. When he comes over to this corner of the country, I would be so honored to ride and help in anyway I can. I have some buddies out near Spokane, I will pass along the information to them. Tell your Dad to ride safe.
Thanks Fred I will. If you don't mind, can I give my Dad your phone number? Couldn't hurt to have a contact over there.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: haugenna on July 02, 2013, 05:42:38 PM: My mistake,

I thought you said State instead of Country.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 02, 2013, 05:44:27 PM: I'm not sure on where all his extra stops are going to be. I know he is going to Ft. Drum for a day, I believe he is stopping at Arlington National Cemetery, and in Arizona to visit a family member. Feel free to message him on Facebook @ Don Blanchard or A Fathers Tribute Ride. You can also shoot me questions or comments and I will pass them on. Thank you everyone!
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 02, 2013, 05:47:55 PM: I am pretty sure he has his overnight stops in between official destinations all planned out so when I get that information I will post it up as well,
Title: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: jackelope on July 02, 2013, 09:55:37 PM: Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/AFathersTributeRide

Got a couple HD guys interested in possibly joining the ride when he gets close to Drum.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on July 02, 2013, 10:19:28 PM: :tup:
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Whitpirate on July 03, 2013, 10:47:23 AM: :tup:

I'm passing the word. He won't be alone.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: PlateauNDN on July 03, 2013, 10:50:28 AM: :tup:
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Machias on July 03, 2013, 11:04:38 AM: Quote from: BLRman on July 02, 2013, 05:41:00 PM
Quote from: jackelope on July 02, 2013, 05:13:28 PM
:tup:

My co-worker is a Patriot Guard Rider. I will tell him about it tomorrow. I'd be pretty positive telling you that people will show up, at least around here.
I can't wrap myself around the way you guys are feeling. I think it's incredible what your dad is doing. Not sure how else to describe how that makes me feel. I'll do what I can to ensure people show up.

Thanks Josh....for everything.

Quote from: Machias on July 02, 2013, 05:23:20 PM
Patriot Guard Riders, they have a vast network on Facebook and e-mail and can really get the word out. When he comes over to this corner of the country, I would be so honored to ride and help in anyway I can. I have some buddies out near Spokane, I will pass along the information to them. Tell your Dad to ride safe.
Thanks Fred I will. If you don't mind, can I give my Dad your phone number? Couldn't hurt to have a contact over there.

Absolutely, do you need me to re-send it to you? Please let him know he is more than welcome to stay in my guest room if he visits Arlington. I'm just a few miles south of there.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: bearpaw on July 07, 2013, 01:48:10 PM: :brew: to a safe ride... :tup:
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: coachcw on July 08, 2013, 06:06:49 AM: It's a great cause .I hope for a safe road trip .
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: sled on July 12, 2013, 10:20:16 PM: IM A Little Confused About The Route From renton He Will Be Taking. Will He Be Going South Or East? I Would Be Honored To Ride With Him A Ways If He Wouldn't Mind Riding With A klr :chuckle:
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on July 22, 2013, 08:23:03 PM: What a cool way to remember Aaron! If the weather is good might just do the Yakima ride.c :tup:
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: phishisgroovin on July 30, 2013, 11:49:48 PM: its official, i just got the email requesting the lineup.

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/186/postid/2106594/view/topic/Default.aspx (http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/186/postid/2106594/view/topic/Default.aspx)

I to would love to ride a ways with colockumelk's father.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: jackelope on July 31, 2013, 10:20:25 AM: Quote from: phishisgroovin on July 30, 2013, 11:49:48 PM
its official, i just got the email requesting the lineup.

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/186/postid/2106594/view/topic/Default.aspx (http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/186/postid/2106594/view/topic/Default.aspx)

I to would love to ride a ways with colockumelk's father.

My coworker will be there with you.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 31, 2013, 09:12:20 PM: Just jumped on here to bump this but I see you guys are on it! For those that are going down to Owens in Yakima, they are doing breakfast from 0500-0730 and he is rolling out at 0800. Hope to see some of you there! :tup:
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: coachcw on July 31, 2013, 09:15:35 PM: Ride safe gentleman !
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Karl Blanchard on July 31, 2013, 09:28:11 PM: I also have a big suprize coming for my dad tomorrow but I can't say what it is yet incase there are some lurkers. :chuckle: Its gonna blow his doors off!
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: coachcw on July 31, 2013, 09:36:32 PM: :tup: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: jackelope on August 05, 2013, 01:24:57 PM: Here's a bunch of pictures from this weekend in Yakima and Renton. I lifted these off of Facebook.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F08%2F06%2Fmy4ynu8a.jpg&hash=86e4cafab8a52ca2c79186320f32dff21b570d16)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F08%2F06%2Fsyqu9a7u.jpg&hash=c0f8a67c2de825ec5d3ea07c6d716974abfa643a)
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: jackelope on August 05, 2013, 01:26:36 PM: More
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: jackelope on August 05, 2013, 01:27:53 PM: More
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: jackelope on August 05, 2013, 01:30:57 PM: I don't know who any of these folks are so maybe Karl or anyone else can let us know who's who. I figured out who Don is but that's about it. One of my buddys is a Patriot Guard Rider and he was at the Renton location but that's all I know. I know in Yakima there was at least a few Patriot Guard Riders too.
Pretty cool that all these people could come together to support Mr. Blanchard.

:tup:
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: bearpaw on August 21, 2013, 03:03:48 AM: :yeah: :tup:
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Machias on August 30, 2013, 10:33:11 AM: Got to spend the last couple of days with Don. It's easy to see why he raised such fine young men. America is lucky to have men like these. It was sure nice to chat with someone like Don. Looking forward to the day I get back out west and share a campfire with Don!
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: mossy8352 on August 30, 2013, 10:37:20 AM: If he hits Texas I have a friend there that will be interested from that areas Guard.
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Machias on August 30, 2013, 11:01:23 AM: Quote from: mossy8352 on August 30, 2013, 10:37:20 AM
If he hits Texas I have a friend there that will be interested from that areas Guard.

He will be rolling through TX at some point in the Future. Best best is go to the Facebook page and track his progress.

https://www.facebook.com/AFathersTributeRide?ref=stream (https://www.facebook.com/AFathersTributeRide?ref=stream)
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Karl Blanchard on August 31, 2013, 11:55:12 AM: Thank you Fred for the continued support! You sir talk the talk AND walk the walk!!!!
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: phishisgroovin on September 25, 2013, 03:27:59 AM: this saturday, downtown harley davidson in Renton.

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/132/postid/2148763/view/topic/Default.aspx (http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/132/postid/2148763/view/topic/Default.aspx)

>
>
>
> Ladies and Gentleman,
>
> We have been invited by the Manager of the Northwest USO center in SeaTac to assist in escorting Gold Star Father Dan Blanchard to the final stop in his tour around the four corners of the United States in honor of his son, Cpt Aaron Blanchard, KIA, April 2013. This epic ride started the first week of August and has covered approximately 12,000 miles. Downtown Harley in Renton, WA will be his final stop and they are hosting a BBQ at the reception at 12:00 September 28, 2013.
>
> More information about Don Blanchard and his journey can be found at Facebook, A fathers Tribute Ride, uso.org/healing-on-the-highway/ or downtownhd.com/event_list.asp .
>
> This mission will consist of flag line greeting at Destination Harley Davidson of Tacoma and then an escort to Downtown Harley Davidson in Renton.
>
> MISSION DATE: 28 SEP 2013
>
> STAGING LOCATION: Destination Harley Davidson of Tacoma
> 2302 Pacific Hwy S
> Fife, WA 98424
>
> SCHEDULE:
>
> 0920 HRS: RC's arrive
> 0930 HRS: Riders arrive and sign in
> 1010 HRS: Briefing and establish flag line
> 1100 HRS: Honorarium arrives
> 1115 HRS: Escort on to Renton
>
> Debrief upon arrival at Renton. Continue on with your day or participate in the celebration.
>
> RC's
>
> PRI: Harold"Gatekeeper"Appelgate
>
> SEC: TBD
>
> Support Vehicle: TBD
>
> I would like to thank everyone that is able to take time from their schedules to attend this mission to show honor and respect to Don Blanchard, his son Cpt Aaron Blanchard and survivors.
>
> Respectfully,
>
> Harold"Gatekeeper"Appelgate
> West Central District Captain
> Washington State PGR
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: coachcw on September 25, 2013, 09:18:46 AM: I will do my best to get to Renton . I'm hoping to not have to head to Wenatchee for a 90th birthday , ride safe !
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Karl Blanchard on September 25, 2013, 08:02:36 PM: Sorry guys for not keeping everyone up to speed on my dads ride. Burning the candle at both ends around my house the last few months! If you can make it to Renton on saturday please do! It would really mean a lot to the whole family if there was a big turnout. The send off was pretty dissappointing. After having said that I will point out that I will not be there as it is opening day of deer season and my dad and I came to the agreement (he threatened my life :chuckle:) that I have to get out of town and shoot something. Here is a video that the USO did that features my dad. Thanks all! Healing on the Highway (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_Z_mP3Z0-w#)
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: GrainfedMuley on September 26, 2013, 11:32:11 PM: In case nobody heard this on the radio today. KISW and the show "the men's room" Read an e-mail today about the ride. Very touching to hear this on the radio. They said the ride will finish on Sat. at Downtown Harley Davidson in Renton. Several thousand people heard about the ride and it's meaning. Very cool.........
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: sirfunkeybut on October 03, 2013, 08:13:19 PM: Any update as to his location? Ride on!!!
Title: Re: For Aaron: " A Fathers Tribute Ride"
Post by: Russ McDonald on October 03, 2013, 08:19:17 PM: He came home last Saturday. Arrived in Renton HD at noon.http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=135119.0 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=135119.0) here is another link with pics.

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