Ride Report posted for Spike

Mama J is working on a Welcome Home and Thank You to our local Vietnam Vets to be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in March.  A meeting was held on Thursday, 1/25 where she explained to the group what the WWR’s mission is all about.  She gave those in attendance her phone number for contact about the VNV event.  When Mama J arrived at work on Monday, she was contacted by one of the ladies that attended the VNV meeting.  One of her co-workers had lost a nephew – Travis Kirchgatter and she wanted to know if the WWR would escort the family for the funeral.  Mama J turned this over to me (Spike) to contact the family.  What he discovered was that Travis served in Iraq 2006/2007 for the Army National Guard.  He was an E-4 with an MOS of 11B, Infantrymen.  He had been

 awarded the Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism, National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Army Good Conduct Ribbon.  Travis was born in Livermore and grew up in Manteca.  He met his wife Richelle in 2006 and they have a daughter, Kilie.  Travis was involved in a car accident that took his life.   We staged at the funeral home in Manteca, stood a flag line as Travis was brought out and placed into his coach.  In total, we had 9 bikes, one Corvette and Dorothy in her pick-up truck, with 24 other

 

 cages filled with friends and family for the escort to the San Joaquin National Cemetary.  This is approximately a 70 mile ride.  As we arrived at the cemetary, we were met by several military officials from Travis’ unit.  Travis was a Reservist at Camp Parks.  Once ready, we rolled up to the ceremonial area where the Honor Detail was standing by with full honors.  This was a very emotional day for the family due to the fact that their loved one survived Iraq and perished here – especially at such a young age of 27.  Prayers to the family.  Travis will NEVER be forgotten.