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s you may have noticed in this edition of Thunder Roads® Tennessee/ Kentucky, many things have changed, this column is another example. First off, our entire staff and most of all, our readers, express our utmost respect and thanks to Bob “Bulldog” Ousley for being the voice and authority on veteran’s issues for this magazine over the last several years. Bob has been a solid no-fail contributor and we appreciate what he has done for us and the Veteran community. Salute, Bob. As we move forward, we’ll be covering important issues (updated health benefits, new hazardous exposure compensation filing, state/regional events of interest redeployment/homecomings), listing resources and providing appropriate contact information for Veterans and their families. With a combined DoD workforce force of over 60,000 Active Duty and Reserve forces in Kentucky and Tennessee, another 14,000 DoD Civilian employees, a staggering 765,000 combined retired military personnel population, and tens of thousands of family members conducting their day-to-day operations at home while their loved ones are deployed, it’s important that we offer relevant information so that we can all continue to operate effectively. Additionally, we’ll be highlighting our local heroes who served and who are still serving. Covering the unique history of The Volunteer State and The Bluegrass State’s contribution to the formation of this Nation before it was really a Nation and their service to it today as well as giving shoutouts to our VFW, American Legion, ROTC/JROTC and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association do-gooders who press the good fight in our communities; their mission continues.
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My aspirations were simple; I wanted to see the world from 20,000 feet. As a Crew Chief aboard a C-130, I did exactly that. Yep, I’m a blue suiter. I chose to fly in a plane and sleep in a hoteldon’t hate me for it. Life is all about choices. As my twenty-two-year career waned, I found myself reflecting upon why I entered the military in service to this nation. Of all the things I’ve done, accomplished and experienced in my career the single event that put it all in motion was the day I entered a recruiter’s office. It was that day that I put my life in the hands of others to make, break or shape me. I was excited, anxious, a little proud and a lot uncertain. After some preliminary testing, background checks and so forth, I raised my right hand, and I was in. The ensuing years had their difficulties for sure and my journey would not have been possible without guidance, mentorship, and dedication from a select few superiors. They were in effect honoring my Oath of Enlistment. My contract with this country if you will. What was the best way for me to honor the voluntary enlistment of my junior Airmen? To help them grow and have the same opportunities and worldly experiences that I had? I became a First Sergeant. I became that top enlisted mentor. That top enlisted member responsible for their safety, training, welfare, morale, discipline, and good military order. As we move along in this new journey together, understand that we put people first, always. Nothing happens without people, nothing. Tennessee and Kentucky riders, this is YOUR motorcycle magazine. I openly invite each of you to comment and offer topics of interest that you feel are important to the growth of this column. Send me an email at: getmoreinfo@thunderroadstennessee.com
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ThunderRoadsTennessee.com
FEBRUARY 2022
