Sgt. Dillon’s Ride

By: Gary Steel

an

n honor of the memory of

Sgt. Dillon C. Baldridge, a ride was held on his birthday on July 18 starting at Crossroads Harley-Davidson of Wilkesboro, North Carolina. This was an escorted ride through the countryside and the Blue Ridge Mountains to Dillon’s gravesite for a wreath laying ceremony.

Friends and family and over a hundred bikes were present to wish Dillon a happy birthday and to help fulfill the promise made to the family that Dillon’s sacrifice and his life would not be forgotten. Patriot Guard riders, members of Rolling Thunder, and the Christian Motorcyclists Association were there in force to assure the family that promise had not been neglected.

Dillon, at just 22 years old, was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. His prior awards and decorations include the Army

Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three oak clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.

Dillon’s life was taken on 6/10/17 while serving in Peka Valley, Nanghar Province, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel alongside Sgt. Eric M. Houck and Sgt. William M. Bays whose lives were also taken by the Taliban on June 10, 2017.

The ride was spectacular, over 100 bikes and seven or eight chase vehicles and Freightliner’s Ride of Pride, toured the mountainous highways through Wilkesboro, Sparta, West Jefferson, and Deep Gap to Ashelawn Memorial Gardens and back to Crossroads Harley-Davidson in Wilkesboro. Of course, everyone rode over the newly constructed bridge bearing Dillon’s name.

The ride concluded with drinks and food provided at Crossroads Harley-Davidson. Many door prizes were handed out and the 50/50 prize monies were donated back to the ride, which benefited T.A.P.S. (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). The costs of the ride, food and drinks and entertainment, were paid by Dillon’s selfless sacrifice. There was nearly $2500 donated to the cause.

Thanks, must go out to Benny Hayslett of the Patriot Guard Riders for his skill and dedication in organizing and putting this ride together. Condolences also go to the family, Tina Palmer (mother) and Christopher Baldridge (father), may your sacrifice be unforgotten as well, as the nation honors you and your son. Thank you.