On a bright and clear September 11th morning, dozens of motorcyclists from around Northwest Indiana and neighboring states gathered in the parking lot of Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso for the 4th annual Northwest Indiana Automobile Trade Association Poker Run.
Sonny Kors, owner of Southlake Auto Mall and former NIATA president was happy with the day’s turn-out.
“Sharon Burke and I came up with the idea for this event four years ago,” said Kors. "We wanted to do something to get employees from our dealership, along with others in the area, involved in doing something that would benefit local organizations. This year's event will benefit the Indiana Patriot Guard.”
Generally held the 2nd Sunday in September, this year’s event happened to coincide with the 15th anniversary of 9/11, which added an even greater depth of meaning to the ride.
“We’re raising money for the Indiana Patriot Guard,” said Burke. “They’re a wonderful group of motorcycle riders. They attend funerals for veterans of any branch of our military. Sometimes they are the only ones attending these funerals. They also escort fallen soldiers when they come back from overseas.”
Burke said that the cost to ride in the run is $25, plus an extra $10 if they have a passenger along with them. Proceeds will go to help support the Indiana Patriot Guard. This year’s event is also sponsored by local businesses including Christenson Chevrolet, Schepel Buick/GMC/Cadillac, Southlake Kia and Richardson Sales & Service of Highland, Indiana.
“We have 4 stops scheduled for the riders,” Burke told Ideas In Motion Media. “They include Mood’s Pub in Portage, Buddy N' Pals in Crown Point, Bullpen Luxury Bar in Crown Point and Franklin House here in Valparaiso. Riders can stop at any place they want, in any order they want.”
“Following the run, we will meet back here, and each rider will get 5 cards for their poker hand. There will be prizes for both first and second place. There will also be door prizes for everyone who participated in today’s event. We’ll even have lunch here for everyone,” said Burke.
Gary Richardson, owner of Richardson Sales and Service had high expectations for the event.
“This is our 4th year doing the Poker Run here with NIATA,” said Richardson. “The weather is perfect and I think we’re going to see a lot of riders out here today.”
Richardson said that he was there with five of his employees, and that they hoped to hit all four of the stops scheduled for the run. Representatives of the Indiana Patriot Guard were proudly in attendance at the ride.
Dale “Doc” Ready, Senior Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard and Vietnam Veteran and combat medic who served in 1962, shared his thoughts and thanks.
“This is the first time that NIATA has done something like this for the Patriot Guard,” said Doc. “Things like this… they’ll humble you.”
Ready struggled to hold back tears as he spoke of the many service members who have lost their lives in service to their country.
“We’re losing close to 400 veterans a day now,” said Doc. “Many of these people don’t really talk very much about their sacrifices. Many suffer in silence. We’re there to honor those who have fallen. We honor individuals and entire platoons.”
Doc says that the Patriot Guard is famous for their flag line.
"These are people – many are military, but not necessarily so – who come and stand the flag line in honor of heroes who have fallen. It’s one of the greater things that make a difference to the families of those soldiers. Just when they thought they were alone, here comes a line of folks – police, military and civilians alike – holding the line in support of the fallen. It’s just incredible,” said Ready.
Ready invited region residents to invite the Patriot Guard out to honor their loved ones who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“All people have to do is notify us in advance. We have a webpage – www.indianapatriotguard.org. Just contact us and we’ll be there. We owe these men and women a debt which can never be repaid.”