November 18, 2023
WWII MIA - November 12, 1944
Welcome Home PFC Henry C Wade - Russell Springs, KY
November 18, 2023, Rolling Thunder KY5 conducted the Welcome Home and escort of WWII MIA, PFC Henry C. Wade from Decatur, KY. We were joined by brothers and sisters from RTKY1 and OH10.
In November 1944, his unit was engaged in battle with German forces near the Germeter-Hürtgen Road, where they encountered heavy resistance.
Fighting raged for several days, during which Wade, barely 24 years old, was killed in action.
Due to the tactical situation, his remains were not immediately recovered. He was declared non-recoverable in December 1951.
Thanks to the diligence of the DPAA and their supporters Wade’s remains were were recovered and eventually identified May 11, 2023.
Accounting for, securing and welcoming home MIA/POW’s are what Rolling Thunder, inc. was founded on 37 years ago. It is what we do.
These missions are extremely heartfelt and will find your spirit soaring through an emotional roller coaster at times nearly overwhelming.
Welcome Home PFC Henry Wade
NEVER FORGET
WWII MIA - November 12, 1944
Welcome Home PFC Henry C Wade - Russell Springs, KY
November 18, 2023, Rolling Thunder KY5 conducted the Welcome Home and escort of WWII MIA, PFC Henry C. Wade from Decatur, KY. We were joined by brothers and sisters from RTKY1 and OH10.
In November 1944, his unit was engaged in battle with German forces near the Germeter-Hürtgen Road, where they encountered heavy resistance.
Fighting raged for several days, during which Wade, barely 24 years old, was killed in action.
Due to the tactical situation, his remains were not immediately recovered. He was declared non-recoverable in December 1951.
Thanks to the diligence of the DPAA and their supporters Wade’s remains were were recovered and eventually identified May 11, 2023.
Accounting for, securing and welcoming home MIA/POW’s are what Rolling Thunder, inc. was founded on 37 years ago. It is what we do.
These missions are extremely heartfelt and will find your spirit soaring through an emotional roller coaster at times nearly overwhelming.
Welcome Home PFC Henry Wade
NEVER FORGET
November 16, 2023
WWII MIA - June 30, 1944
Repatriation for PFC Charles Wells
November 16, 2023, Rolling Thunder KY5 along with RTKY1, traveled to Vine Grove, Ky for the escort and interment ceremony of
PFC Charles Wells.
Wells enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Burma during World War II. He served as an infantry soldier as a member of the Merrill's Marauders. In 1944, the Marauders were sent to recover northern Burma. At the age of 21, PFC Wells was killed in action June 30, 1944, during a battle with the Japanese over an airfield and major crossroad near the Myitkyina area. Because conditions were so bad, Wells was one of two soldiers buried in a common grave.
After WWII, the U.S. military went back into the area to locate missing soldiers. His body was discovered in the common grave, but no one could identify him.
Now, 79 years after Charles Wells shed his last drop of blood for our nation and it’s inherent freedoms, he was identified, returned to his home in Kentucky and today laid to rest with full military honors.
It was a privilege and an honor for RTKY5 to take part in today’s historic and humbling ceremony.
NEVER FORGOTTEN
WWII MIA - June 30, 1944
Repatriation for PFC Charles Wells
November 16, 2023, Rolling Thunder KY5 along with RTKY1, traveled to Vine Grove, Ky for the escort and interment ceremony of
PFC Charles Wells.
Wells enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Burma during World War II. He served as an infantry soldier as a member of the Merrill's Marauders. In 1944, the Marauders were sent to recover northern Burma. At the age of 21, PFC Wells was killed in action June 30, 1944, during a battle with the Japanese over an airfield and major crossroad near the Myitkyina area. Because conditions were so bad, Wells was one of two soldiers buried in a common grave.
After WWII, the U.S. military went back into the area to locate missing soldiers. His body was discovered in the common grave, but no one could identify him.
Now, 79 years after Charles Wells shed his last drop of blood for our nation and it’s inherent freedoms, he was identified, returned to his home in Kentucky and today laid to rest with full military honors.
It was a privilege and an honor for RTKY5 to take part in today’s historic and humbling ceremony.
NEVER FORGOTTEN
November 11, 2023
Wilmore Veterans Parade
Veterans Day 2023, RTKY5 participated in the parade at Wilmore. We were well represented and for the first time our junior members also took part. They rode on the float and tossed out candy.
Your emotions swell as you transition from the patriotic attendance of the community waving flags and saluting our veterans to the retirement community of Wesley Village and then to the veteran residents at Thompson Hood. Tear jerking emotions that are good for the soul.
We were honored to take part in this salute to our heroes.
Honoring Our Heroes
Wilmore Veterans Parade
Veterans Day 2023, RTKY5 participated in the parade at Wilmore. We were well represented and for the first time our junior members also took part. They rode on the float and tossed out candy.
Your emotions swell as you transition from the patriotic attendance of the community waving flags and saluting our veterans to the retirement community of Wesley Village and then to the veteran residents at Thompson Hood. Tear jerking emotions that are good for the soul.
We were honored to take part in this salute to our heroes.
Honoring Our Heroes
November 9, 2023
Robert D Campbell Middle School Veteran Ceremony
November 9, 2023, RTKY5 was invited to attend the Veterans Day ceremony of not one, but two schools!
That morning in Winchester we participated in the program hosted by Robert D Campbell Junior High.
The students and staff shared in presentations and the band and choir performed beautifully.
The veterans and their guests were treated to an incredible breakfast as well.
It was so uplifting to see a school honor our veterans and teaching our youth the importance of their service.
To top things off TAPS was played live on a bugle by a band student! It was beyond beautiful….
Afterward we traveled to Berea having been invited to attend the Veterans Day Program conducted by Shannon Johnson Elementary School.
The school was covered in handmade, patriotic decorations and students delivered historical and educational presentations on everything from Flag and TAPS etiquette to the difference in Veterans Day and Memorial Day and much more.
Then, every veteran in attendance was recognized and introduced by a family member (student) or friend.
The guest speaker was our very own Montana Red who did what he does so well. He delivered a presentation with authenticity and passion that had us all in tears. Then the students presented him with a check on RTKY5’s behalf. Their donation to our chapter from their patriotic t-shirt sales!
And incredibly enough, we were treated to another, live rendering of TAPS from a visiting high school student.
And probably the most heart-warming moment of all, when we recited the Pledge of Allegiance those little voices boomed forth with passion and enthusiasm in an almost deafening roar! It was magnificently uplifting.
Robert D Campbell Middle School Veteran Ceremony
November 9, 2023, RTKY5 was invited to attend the Veterans Day ceremony of not one, but two schools!
That morning in Winchester we participated in the program hosted by Robert D Campbell Junior High.
The students and staff shared in presentations and the band and choir performed beautifully.
The veterans and their guests were treated to an incredible breakfast as well.
It was so uplifting to see a school honor our veterans and teaching our youth the importance of their service.
To top things off TAPS was played live on a bugle by a band student! It was beyond beautiful….
Afterward we traveled to Berea having been invited to attend the Veterans Day Program conducted by Shannon Johnson Elementary School.
The school was covered in handmade, patriotic decorations and students delivered historical and educational presentations on everything from Flag and TAPS etiquette to the difference in Veterans Day and Memorial Day and much more.
Then, every veteran in attendance was recognized and introduced by a family member (student) or friend.
The guest speaker was our very own Montana Red who did what he does so well. He delivered a presentation with authenticity and passion that had us all in tears. Then the students presented him with a check on RTKY5’s behalf. Their donation to our chapter from their patriotic t-shirt sales!
And incredibly enough, we were treated to another, live rendering of TAPS from a visiting high school student.
And probably the most heart-warming moment of all, when we recited the Pledge of Allegiance those little voices boomed forth with passion and enthusiasm in an almost deafening roar! It was magnificently uplifting.
November 4, 2023
EKU Memorial Wall Dedication and Chair of Honor Re-Dedication
November 4, 2023, RTKY5 traveled to Richmond, KY to attend the
EKU Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony.
There were many distinguished guests and speakers in attendance, none more distinguished than the Guest Speaker, our very own Cathy Stringer-Robinson. Her father, Captain John Curtis Stringer,an EKU Alumnus, who’s name is engraved on the EKU Memorial Wall unveiled Saturday, has been Missing In Action since November 30, 1970 in Vietnam.
He is one of the 14 Kentucky Vietnam era MIA’s our chapter honors.
Cathy did an amazing job addressing those in attendance speaking with emotion, eloquence and grace.
It was an honor to participate in this dedication and support our RTKY5 sister.
That same evening we reconvened at Roy Kidd Stadium for the rededication of the POW/MIA chair installed there in 2019. At halftime our members gathered around the chair as the crowd was directed to that location. RTKY5 was recognized before the entire stadium and a moment of silence rendered for those we represent.
It was a distinguished privilege for our chapter to take part in EKU’s incredible day of Military Recognition and actively contribute to the main function of our very existence……to publicize the POW/MIA issue that still exists in our country and to educate the public that many American Prisoners Of War were left behind after all previous wars.
NEVER FORGET
EKU Memorial Wall Dedication and Chair of Honor Re-Dedication
November 4, 2023, RTKY5 traveled to Richmond, KY to attend the
EKU Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony.
There were many distinguished guests and speakers in attendance, none more distinguished than the Guest Speaker, our very own Cathy Stringer-Robinson. Her father, Captain John Curtis Stringer,an EKU Alumnus, who’s name is engraved on the EKU Memorial Wall unveiled Saturday, has been Missing In Action since November 30, 1970 in Vietnam.
He is one of the 14 Kentucky Vietnam era MIA’s our chapter honors.
Cathy did an amazing job addressing those in attendance speaking with emotion, eloquence and grace.
It was an honor to participate in this dedication and support our RTKY5 sister.
That same evening we reconvened at Roy Kidd Stadium for the rededication of the POW/MIA chair installed there in 2019. At halftime our members gathered around the chair as the crowd was directed to that location. RTKY5 was recognized before the entire stadium and a moment of silence rendered for those we represent.
It was a distinguished privilege for our chapter to take part in EKU’s incredible day of Military Recognition and actively contribute to the main function of our very existence……to publicize the POW/MIA issue that still exists in our country and to educate the public that many American Prisoners Of War were left behind after all previous wars.
NEVER FORGET
November 1, 2023
Jeff Mattingly 1845 Grand Opening
Today RTKY5 traveled to Frankfort to support a fellow patriot, Jeff Mattingly as he officially opened his new business location in Frankfort. He and his entire roster of employees are staunch supporters of not only veterans, but Rolling Thunder KY5 specifically. His family business, Bourbon 30 has donated several thousand dollars to our chapter in support of our mission.
Patriots like Mattingly and his staff are crucial partners in our patriotic endeavors and it was an honor to show him our appreciation by attending a very important event for everyone at Bourbon 30.
COMMUNITY
Jeff Mattingly 1845 Grand Opening
Today RTKY5 traveled to Frankfort to support a fellow patriot, Jeff Mattingly as he officially opened his new business location in Frankfort. He and his entire roster of employees are staunch supporters of not only veterans, but Rolling Thunder KY5 specifically. His family business, Bourbon 30 has donated several thousand dollars to our chapter in support of our mission.
Patriots like Mattingly and his staff are crucial partners in our patriotic endeavors and it was an honor to show him our appreciation by attending a very important event for everyone at Bourbon 30.
COMMUNITY
