A tribute is being made to two of Kingsley's very own who lost their lives in action.
Tobias Meister and Chad Groepper, both of Kingsley gave the ultimate sacrafice for our country. Today, their town and others across the state held the ultimate motorcylce rally and rode with American pride in honor of them.
With full throttle, the RWAP motorcycle organization gathered for the second year in a row to pay tribute to America's troops. Some members, like Don Nelson from Albert City, IA, say it's the least they could do.
"We're just grateful that they're out there doin' the job for us, that we could ride our motorcycles in the land of the free and the brave and everybody know that freedom comes at a price."
That price is something RWAP President Art Otto is concerned about. With a lot of helping hands, he started the event to honor fallen soldiers.
Otto says, "I think it's an important cause, because there was too many Vietnam vets not recognized when they came back from Vietnam and now we're in this new war and we're just starting to realize the impact of the fallen soldiers and what it takes on in a community the size of Kingsley."
Kingsley is home to the family of Chad Groepper, a soldier who lost is life on the battlefield in February of last year. Although it was an emotional ceremony for all of them, Chad's father says, there's a lot to be celebrated.
Dave Groepper says, "Great kid...they all are. I mean, they're a different breed to go over there and do what they do and I wanna thank all of them. Past, present and future. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be here."
The day of tribute was made complete by a motorcycle rally, good food, great friends, and lots of patriotism.
The tribute to the troops rally isn't the only event that the Ride with American Pride organization holds. They also sponsor events for the needy and homeless.