A group of Vietnam-era veterans will arrive in Hood
River on May 19 to pay their respects to Army Sgt. Jason Shaffer.
The Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association has vowed to
honor every fallen warrior from the Northwest.
“We are doing what America should have done for us,”
said Harvey James, a Navy veteran.
OVMA will lead next Saturday’s processional for Army
Sgt. Jason Shaffer with the Missing Man formation.
Shaffer was killed in Iraq on April 5 after a roadside
bomb detonated near his patrol vehicle. A memorial service to remember his
sacrifice takes place at 2:30 p.m. next Saturday at the high school.
The ceremonial parade of bikes and emergency service
vehicles leaves the waterfront at 1:15 p.m. and travels to Hood River
Valley High School. The route takes them along the Second Street overpass
to Oak Street and then 13th Street into the Heights. (A complete story on
the program will run on Wednesday.)
James and six other OVMA members, including President
Ken Person, traveled to Hood River on Thursday. They met with Hood River
County Sheriff Capt. Jim Tomson to work out logistical issues. The group
wanted to ensure smooth traveling for hundreds of motorcycles.
OVMA will be joined by 26 bike groups, some of which
will form an avenue of flags to welcome the Shaffer family and visiting
dignitaries.
“We are determined that these boys who come home now
aren’t neglected like we were neglected,” said Person.
Sgt. Shaffer’s widow, Kathleen, has requested that
Harleys be given top ranking in the processional. Her husband’s dream had
been to ride one of the American-made bikes across the country.
Person owns the Screaming Eagle Fat Boy Harley that
topped Shaffer’s wish list. The yellow and blue limited-edition model will
be set up inside the school as a tribute to the Army scout.
More than 100 of the 600 OVMA riders from 15 chapters
statewide will be in Hood River for the event.
The group formed 17 years ago and makes regular runs to raise money for
veteran programs and attend military funerals and services.
