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TPW-JAN16

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10 nJanuary 2016n www.thunderpress.net by Jay Anderson EL CAJON, CALIF., NOV. 14— On this chilly Saturday morning, at least by San Diego standards, they arrived at El Cajon Harley-Davidson. True to the chilly temperatures, most sported leather jackets, while hoping for the forecasted higher temps later in the day. Carefully entering the staging area in a well-practiced orchestration managed by the H.O.G. ground guides, they parked their motorcycles in neat rows, with the front wheels pointed out to enable an easy departure later in the morning. Dozens were gathering for the dealership's 2nd annual run in sup- port of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. According to the program's website, the mission and goal are "to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted," and "to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, produc- tive, patriotic citizens." For many people, the word biker brings to mind many things, some of which are not very positive. On the positive side, however, the vast majority of bikers are well known for both their patriotism and generosity. As indicated by the military patches on their vests and the countless toys strapped on their rides, patriotism and generosity were certainly the themes of this day. Smiles and laughter fi lled the air, as they shared an early- morning meal before starting out on the run. For all these folks, it does not get much better than this: Harleys, chrome, leather, rid- ing, camaraderie, Christmas, patriotism and giving back. Several groups, like the El Cajon Harley Owners Group, American Legion Riders, Women in the Wind and oth- ers were represented, joined by unaffi liated solo riders and couples. Contrary to what many may think, not all the bikers were gray-bearded men, as several women (including veterans) arrived on their bikes to join in. Old or young, male or female, and regardless of which branch of the military they had served in, they came together for a great cause. Inside the shop, Marine veteran and ECHD Sales Manager Matt Cochran stood by one of the Toys for Tots collection boxes. Outside by the registration table, Marine veteran and ECHD salesman Bobby Bradshaw spoke with Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Castillo, opera- tions chief for 4th Tank Battalion, the Marine command to which all the toys would be delivered. With a distinc- tively Marine Corps theme in the air, overheard were countless exchanges of "Semper Fi." With breakfast consumed, the safety briefi ng was given by one of the road captains, and the riders mounted up. Taking off in three groups, the run wound its way to the top of Mount Helix and then to the Miramar National Cemetery, where the riders stopped and refl ected on the those who gave their all for our country. Mounting up again, the riders headed to the Reserve Center. Once there, with the bikes parked in rows with near-military precision, the important work began. Saddlebags were opened, boxes were unstrapped from the back of bikes, the van unloaded, and the donated toys were set up between two Marine Corps tanks. As an obliga- tory picture was taken, the 4th Tank Battalion Inspector, Lieutenant Colonel Storer, said a few words to the several dozen bikers. "Because of groups like yours," he said they are hoping to meet the need of more than 57,000 kids in the San Diego region that will be supported by this year's program. Thanking the group, he and Master Gunnery Sergeant Castillo joined in one last group picture. Fifty-seven thousand new, unwrapped toys is a signifi cant target. On this morning, one large group of bikers made a dent in meeting that objective. Not a bad way to start the weekend. After dropping off the toys, the riders rolled back to El Cajon Harley- Davidson for a taco lunch and more camaraderie. 4 EL CAJON HARLEY-DAVIDSON TOYS FOR TOTS RUN PATRIOTISM AND PRESENTS PATRIOTISM AND PRESENTS Making a dent in an ambitious goal Women in the Wind loaded their bikes with toys for the occasion Marine veteran and ECHD Sales Manager Matt Cochran oversaw the toy collection at the dealership

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