Story by Sedrick “Mitch” Mitchell, Photos by Mitch & Dave Hayes, Videos by Patrick J. Hughes {phocagallery view=categories|categoryid=875|imagecategories=0|}

As the thousands of motorcyclists rolled across the Memorial Bridge in our nation’s capital, their first sight of pride and patriotism stood in the middle of 23rd Street at the intersection of Constitution Avenue. It was Marine Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Tim Chambers. Since 2002, he has come to Washington D.C. for the Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Ride.
About 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the First Amendment Demonstration Ride SSG Tim Chambers arrived his acclaimed location by automobile. As he steps out of the car, he is immediately greeted and surrounded by photographers, video crews, and admirers who just wanted to shake his hand and say thanks. His mother and grandmother helped him setup his makeshift memorial. Mom and grandmother rode away in the auto, as SSG Chambers continue setting up his position and talking with reporters and spectators. Shortly before the start of the Demonstration Ride Local authorities approached his site, and ask all reporters to leave the area in final preparation for the start Rolling Thunder. As the lead portion of the two-wheel motorcade reaches SSGT Tim Chambers position, he slowly raises his right arm and renders a professional military salute. The motorcycles are riding two abreast, and it takes the thousands of machines over three hours before the last bike passes SSGT Tim Chambers position. In Marine dress uniform, SSGT Chambers firmly hold his salute for the entire Demonstration Ride.
Many of the riders would stop, dismount their machines, stand at the position of attention, and then return SSGT Chamber’s salute. What most of them didn’t know is that Iron Marine SSGT Tim Chambers were holding his salute with an injured wrist. On several occasions throughout the Ride, the expressions on his face clearly showed that he was in pain.
Shortly before starting his journey to Washington D.C. for the Rolling Thunder event, a medical doctor wanted to put a cast on SSGT Chambers wrist, but a cast on his wrist/arm would have made it impossible for him to salute and prevented him from paying his special tribute to all the veterans. These actions by this Marine made me further understand the Marine recruitment slogan, “We are looking for a few good men.”
SSGT Tim Chambers recently retired, and plans to be at all future Rolling Thunder event as long as he is healthy and is able to hold a salute for more three plus hours. He has some special plans for next year’s 25th Rolling Thunder event, and I’m sure it’s going to be something honorable for the American veterans, and those fighting in current wars.
As more and more Americans serve in today’s armed forces, especially doing a time of war, the Rolling Thunder event continues to grow. A prime example was the first time opening of the Stars & Stripes & Spokes at the RFK Stadium festival grounds. At this site was a host of vendors, food and drinks, musical entertainment, a bikini contest, and random speeches by active combat service members. They also provided an interesting motorcycle stunt show.
We’ll see you in D.C. for the 2012 Rolling Thunder event!