When Ride Captain Tim Kieffer organized the first ride to remember he never thought 14 years later he would still be doing it. This year’s ride will kick off at Liberty Park in Batesville. June 8th, 2024 is the date to get things rolling at 8:00 a.m. There will be 13 stops total ending in Versailles. The group will travel a total of about 345 miles crossing southern Indiana. The public is encouraged to come out and participate or just wish them well on their journey. The purpose of the ride is to make sure that we never forget our Gold Star Families said Kieffer. Riders as far away as San Antonio will ride up to be a part of the ride. Chet Blue, a commander in the National Guard ,will pay his respects to Chad Keith who was killed in action under his command. Chet will sound out the roll call in Batesville in a very moving moment. Mark and Brent from the Indiana 35th Pipe and Drum Corps will make the journey as they have for many years to provide the trumpeter and the bagpipes. This event is a very educational experience for all ages to learn respect and sacrifice. Kieffer says these lives have value and kids should learn that. The week before the ride two riders will make the ride, to document any hazards to the group. The Indiana Patriot Guard will never forget these men and women who have sacrificed all for our country. As many as 310 veterans have made the ride. This past week Aaron Garrett, an 8th grade teacher, from Batesville made a class trip to Arlington National Cemetery as he does every year to place a placard and a ride T shirt on the grave site of Chad Keith. The 15 stops are as follows: 

Army Sergeant Chad L. Keith Batesville. 

Army Private First Class Anthony P. Seig Sunman. 

Army Specialist Zachary S. Salmon Aurora. 

Army Sergeant Kenneth “KR” Booker Bennington. 

Army National Guard Specialist Jonathan D. Menke Madison. 

Army Staff Sergeant Robert J. Montgomery Scottsburg. 

Marine Corporal Jordan L. Spears Sellersburg. 

Army Sergeant Jonathan K. Penny 

Army Sergeant Matthew L. Deckard 

Army Sergeant Steven P. Mennemeyer 

Army National Guard Carlos E. Wilcox IV New Albany. 

Army Sergeant James D. Faulkner New Albany. 

Marine Corporal Dustin L. Turpen Heltonville. 

Marine Lance Corporal Hunter “HD” Hogan Brownstown. 

Marine Lance Corporal Jacky R. Koenig Jr. Vernon. 

Marine Corporal John C. Bishop Versailles. 

The ride safety meeting will take place at 7 a.m. on June 8 and 9th. The South Eastern Chapter of the Indiana Patriot Guard would like to welcome the public to this event at any of the stops along the way.