There was special moment that I took with me from the Veterans Cuts 1st Inaugural Ride. One being this coin (pictures showing back and front) that was handed to me near the end of the evening from a participant of our ride, and led this particular ride, Terry Camp. I will cherish this forever; it means the world to me.
Thank you.
On Saturday, June 22, 2024, we held our 1st Inaugural Ride for Veterans Cuts. The sky was blue, but the heat was on. A mere 96 degrees. The setup was beautiful, we had a several bikes join us. We’re young and new to some still but once they heard us, and what our mission is, we gained some very good supporters and friends. We’re solid, pure and focused. The American Legion Post 100 in Washington went above and beyond to accommodate us and our supporters. The colors showed up as well at the American Legion Minister for our blessing, but a last-minute funeral took precedence of the T.A.C.T Team and they didn’t make it, but the Commander of the Legion took pride in our event and gathered some Veterans for our very own T.A.C.T team and we were able to still have our Gun Salute. It was even more special by doing so. Big thanks sent out to our sponsors for all the donations received, Beevers Workshop for donating all our Inaugural items, the bartender for coming in on her day off, the cooks in the kitchen who made delicious pulled pork with sides, and the Veterans Cuts team who helped over long hot hours. We did it, and we had enjoyed meeting every one that came to support us, Thank you so much!
On May 27th, 2024 Veterans Cuts was honored to be present to hear the stories of “17” WWII Veterans that were the last know WWII Veterans left in Tazewell County. It was held in Morton, IL at the High School Theater and was a full house to say the least, they even had chairs throughout the halls with TV’s so the overflow could vision it clearly as well. The “17” WWII Veterans all sat on the stage and each had their own story to share. They were given gifts from town mayors, legislators and fellow veterans. They ranged from the age of 95-106. The event lasted two hours and I didn’t even flinch. The memories they shared were amazing. There was one that flew over 100 fighter missions. Another wore his actual uniform to the event. That in itself was so special (I still have my school uniform several years later, and that would be impossible). This day is a memory that most couldn’t even imagine and I’m so glad to have been present.
An amazingly memorable afternoon, so happy we were there to be a part of this event 🇺🇸 Even though the rain was coming down, our President and Marketing Coordinator were determined to attend this honorable event. So glad we did, we met some very influential Commanders in and around the State of Illinois, including the State Commander!
Veterans Cuts joined many other Veterans on the weekend of Saturday, May 4, 2024 to wish Veteran Richard Lohnes a very happy “106” birthday!!! He is the OLDEST of “17” WWll Veterans in Tazewell county. Richard “Dick” Lohnes currently still resides in his own home. As we drove up he was sitting comfortably on his porch smiling and waving as the bikes, and vehicles pulled up. One by one we approached Mr. Lohnes and shook his hand personally and wished him a very happy birthday. What a amazing, chilling afternoon it was. He was alert and very happy to speak to everyone. Jackie, our President and Shannon, our Marketing Coordinator were also there. We supplied Mr. Lohnes with his personal birthday hat, card and a couple of balloons as well. It truly was amazing to be able to meet such an honorable great veterans of this era. The stories that were shared, the decorated yard, the span of the bikes traveling to road to Green Valley….truly chilling event. Thank you Mr. Lohnes for your service Sir….and we hope to see you again next year!!!
