Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/763593
12 nJanuary 2017n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Jay Anderson EL CAJON, CALIF., NOV. 12— The early morning weather was typi- cally SoCal great on the Saturday after Veterans Day, boding well for the third annual Toys for Tots Run in support of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve annual Toys for Tots Program. "Once a Marine, always a Marine," and "All you need is one good Marine," are more than just phrases, particularly for Marine veter- ans. It is ingrained in their personas. So it comes as no surprise that a retired Marine and biker lead the planning for this charity event. Bikers, by nature, are generous folks. Simply perusing the Internet for motorcycle-involved fundraising events reveals countless announcements for poker runs and the like. So for bikers near El Cajon, California (just east of San Diego), plans for the toy run paid off. Retired Marine and El Cajon H.O.G. member Mike Harris had been working his duff off to make each run bigger and better than the year before, just asking each rider to bring new unwrapped toys. New this year, commemorative challenge coins were provided to the fi rst 99 bikers to plunk down the $10 registration fee. The crowd began building well before the 8:30 a.m. advertised start of regis- tration at El Cajon Harley-Davidson, where the Harley Owners Group was supporting the run. Many bikers rolled in with toys strapped on every con- ceivable part of their rides. 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 major- ity of bikers are well known for both their patriotism and generosity. This morning, as indicated by the military patches on their vests and the countless toys, patriotism and generosity were certainly the day's themes. For these folks, it does not get much better than Harleys, chrome, leather, riding, camaraderie, Christmas, patriotism, and giving back. Several groups, such as Harley Owners Group chapters including El Cajon H.O.G., Bikers Against Child Abuse, Blue Knights, and others were represented, joined by unaffi liated solo riders and couples. Contrary to what some may think, not all the bikers were gray-bearded men, as several women (including veterans and members of Women in the Wind) arrived on their bikes to join in. One of the women riders, Shelly Martin, is also a Marine Corps veteran. She said, "I usually come out for Toys for Tots, not because I am a Marine, but because it is a good cause." She also spoke of having a good time riding with her friends, spe- cifi cally mentioning the Soul Sisters Chapter of Women in the Wind, which Martin described as a female riding organization, which is also international. "It's a group of ladies that promotes good riding ethics and going out having a good time with other women." But old or young, male or female, and regardless of which branch of the military in which they had served, all the bikers came together for a great cause. As usual, there was a terrifi c atmosphere at El Cajon Harley-Davidson. From the top down, General Manager and Army veteran Brett Dickinson, General Sales Manager and Marine veteran Matt Cochran, admin Rob Poindexter, Marketing Manager Tina Hook, and Service Manager Aaron Stechnij, all work at welcoming everyone who visits. The entire team supported Harris throughout the year of planning, as did the H.O.G. chapter. A special shout-out goes to the lot tech Chris, who helped load toys into the van, joining the procession to deliver the toys. Enjoying the hot breakfast, a cup of coffee, and sharing camaraderie, the mood was defi nitely festive. And the breakfast would not have been possible without the hard work from the volun- teer cooks (the Engstroms and Timothy Spencer) who were busy scrambling eggs, grilling sausage links, and fl ip- ping pancakes. Julia Engstrom said she was there, "to support her good friend, Mike," the same sentiment offered by El Cajon H.O.G. member/volunteer cook Timothy Spencer, who said he was there to support Mike and "see how many toys we can get for Toys for Tots." The Mike they spoke of is, of course, Mike Harris. Go to most any Harley-Davidson dealership for a fundraiser or other charitable event and you expect to see bikes, chrome, leather, gray beards, ball caps, and more bikes. But would you expect to see crowns? This event was honored to have several, includ- ing Amy Spencer, Mrs. California All Star United States 2017; Monica Spencer, Junior Teen Miss San Diego East 2016; and Emma Spencer, Pre- Teen Miss San Diego East 2016 in attendance, "giving back to the com- munity," as Ms. Spencer said. The Spencer gals helped contribute to the positive, festive mood as breakfasts 3RD ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS RUN MUSTERING THE TROOPS And harvesting the toys Big J's BBQ provided a fantastic barbecue chicken lunch Mike Harris chowing down