|
Johnson Takes Part in Bike Ride |
||||
|
Birmingham Al. (August 12, 2009) – Steve
Johnson, who is a long time supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, recently
rode with Brazoria County Cavalry to pay a special visit to a marine in Lake
Jackson, Texas, who is home for a brief stay before he returns abroad to
protect America’s freedom. The cavalry, which included dozens of bikers,
local sheriffs and firemen, presented Seth Baker the actual Texas state flag
that hung at the capitol. “I have so much respect for the men and women in our Armed Forces,” said Johnson. “They provide us with the freedom to go out and do what ever we want to in life. Heck, when I really think about it I haven’t ever gotten a bill for that freedom. So if I could add to this one freedom fighter’s experience by jumping on a plane and riding with the Cavalry in Lake Jackson, it’s the least I could do to show my gratitude for the freedom I have every single day of my life." Johnson became involved with this ride after seeing a similar ceremony on Memorial Day. Close friends of Johnson’s, George and Mary Arrants, asked him to attend a flag presentation for their son, Jason Arrants, and fellow soldiers, Andy Fucelli and Jordan Roebuck. These young men had trained in the Army at Fort Bragg for two years and were on a short leave before traveling to Afghanistan the next month. “What the Brazoria County Cavalry does week in and week out for our Armed Forces is so overwhelming and very emotional,” said Johnson. “When I saw what they did for Jason, Andy, and Jordan on Memorial Day, I knew I wanted to be involved on the other side of the rides as they honor these men and women who are going to fight for our freedom. The gratitude and sentiment that each and every cavalry member carries with them on these rides is so powerful. Riding with them, it’s like you are riding with a small city of special Americans and veterans that really want to say thank you. It’s just that they choose to do it with some of life’s most precious gifts – their time and their hearts. “It’s just so powerful when we all pulled up with the American flags waving, the ear piercing sirens, and the rumble of all these bikes,” added Johnson. “Seeing Seth and his entire family watch as the Cavalry arrived and presented the Texas flag was a real blessing. The emotion when his dad spoke of how proud he was of his son was 100 times more powerful than any Top Fuel dragster at the NHRA races. I’m telling you, the grass that everyone was standing on will not have to be watered for weeks, if you know what I mean.” Johnson, with sponsors WyoTech, Snap-on, Cengage Learning, Lightning Bay, Mickey Thompson and Simpson, often says how lucky he is. The defending U.S. Nationals Champion tries to expresses his support for America’s Armed Forces in numerous ways. He frequently participates in all of the NHRA YES events and, when speaking at high schools across the country, he thanks students that will go into any branch of the military to fight for their country. Johnson has even considered his support of the Armed Forces as a great way to appreciate some of his blessings in life. “There are many perks when you travel a lot on Delta so it’s kind of a kick to invite service men and women into the Sky Club or even switch seats with them on the plane,” said Johnson. “These guys and girls are so polite and appreciative when I offer them my seat that it helps me remember how lucky I really am. “The men and women of the Armed Forces are such giving people. It’s nice that I have some ways to show a few of them how grateful we all are. Taking part in these ceremonies, I realized how much pride these soldiers and their families have in what they’re doing for their country. I take pride in my racing because it’s what I love to do, but I’m sure their pride is much different. I know mine was that day as I rode with the Brazoria County Cavalry.” |
||||
 |
 |
 |
||
