By Greg Grisolano

news@joplinglobe.com

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A local veteran is hoping to honor not only troops but the civilians who also make sacrifices during wartime with a ceremony and motorcycle ride today at Pittsburg State University’s Veterans Memorial Amphitheater.

Event coordinator Jim Gees, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, said: “It takes both to make it work. In World War II, when this country needed to take care of being attacked, families did whatever it took to support the troops.”

Festivities start at 8 a.m. when five members of the Green Berets parachute into PSU’s rugby pitch, just north of the amphitheater at 1909 S. Rouse Ave. At 11 a.m., members of the Patriot Guard and American Legion Post 64 riders will lead a “Thunder Run” motorcycle procession from Pittsburg to Fort Scott for the bike blessing at Good Ol’ Days.

“I wanted to do something for veterans, bikers and their families,” Gees said. “We have this beautiful memorial out here and it needs to be used more.”

Gees also said he has arranged with Pittsburg’s Army recruiting office for a display of seven military vehicles, including a Chinook helicopter, as well as a weapons display featuring state-of-the-art equipment that is being used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“People will be able to get in it and look around,” Gees said of the vehicle display.

The keynote address will be given by Capt. Damon J. Bird, head of the Joplin Army Recruiting station.

In addition, the ceremony will include music from the 312th Army Band and Joel Wren of the Highland Bagpipes.

The Thunder Run is free and does not require pre-registration, but Gees said bikers who want to attend Good Ol’ Days should purchase a wristband at the Harley-Davidson Training Center on U.S. Highway 69 before the event. Gees said that he expects around 500 bikers to attend.

“We’ve got riders coming from everywhere,” he said.

Past experience

Jim Gees already has some experience with event planning, having helped orchestrate the Blessing of the Bikes event in Pittsburg. He also participated in the Patriot Guard rally at Marine Cpl. Richard Bennett’s funeral in Girard last June.