RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA — The West Coast Thunder Foundation and Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee have each made a contribution of $100,000 towards the construction of the American Indian Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery.
This groundbreaking memorial is designed to pay tribute to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander Veterans and holds the distinction of being the first of its kind at a cemetery under the management of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration.
Jackson Dodd, Executive Director of the West Coast Thunder Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting the construction of this significant monument. “We are delighted to be a part of this endeavor to honor American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander Veterans, who have a rich history of service to our nation,” Dodd remarked. “This memorial will stand as a lasting testament to their sacrifices made in service to our country.”
The contribution stems from the Foundation’s annual West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride, which took place May 29, 2023.
Jim Gore, Chairman of the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee, offered his gratitude to the West Coast Thunder Foundation for their steadfast support over the past 23 years.
“West Coast Thunder and Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee have forged a long-time working relationship with the primary goal of supporting the Riverside National Cemetery,” Gore said. “The West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride, along with other fundraising events West Coast Thunder Foundation has organized, have provided financial aid for the construction of memorials, assisted with ongoing maintenance and repairs of monuments, and provided for special cemetery projects.
“This year, Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee will be matching West Coast Thunder Foundation’s donation of $100,000, allowing us to help expedite construction for the American Indian Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery.”
“We are honored and proud to continue our support and help the American Indian Veterans Memorial’s further construction,” Mitch Lavine, President of the West Coast Thunder Board of Directors and Director of the Inland Empire Harley Owners Group, said. “We are grateful to our friends at the Support Committee for matching our donation this year.”
The West Coast Thunder Foundation primarily raises funds through community outreach efforts, notably organizing the country’s most substantial motorcycle ride held every Memorial Day. This event attracts over 10,000 riders and spectators to Riverside, California, with many lining the streets to witness the parade as it winds through the city. The proceeds generated from these events contribute to the construction of monuments and support other essential services at Riverside National Cemetery.
The nonprofit confirmed that planning is underway for next year’s event, taking place Memorial Day, May 27, 2024. For more information, please visit westcoastthunder.com.
About West Coast Thunder Foundation: West Coast Thunder Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds through community outreach, including organizing the country’s largest motorcycle ride every Memorial Day. Proceeds from all West Coast Thunder Foundation events benefit monument construction and other ancillary services at Riverside National Cemetery via Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee.
Since 2000, West Coast Thunder Foundation has been the major contributor of funds to Riverside National Cemetery, the largest in the United States National Cemetery System. The foundation has begun funding the construction of the American Indian Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery, which broke ground in 2020. Past projects have included the construction of the National POW/MIA Memorial (dedicated in 2005), repairs to the Medal of Honor Memorial, financial support to the Riverside National Cemetery Memorial Honor Detail, and funding for the “Concert for Heroes” every July.
About Riverside National Cemetery: Now covering 1,250 acres, Riverside National Cemetery is the largest and busiest cemetery managed by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. The cemetery was established in 1976 through the transfer of 740 acres from March Air Force Base. The cemetery was dedicated and opened for burials on November 11, 1978.
About Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee: Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide upkeep and support to the Riverside National Cemetery. They provide activities for veterans, their families and friends, and the community. The committee also raises funds to create monuments, purchases needed equipment, and provides services for events and the dedicated staff that works at Riverside National Cemetery.
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Photo: Jackson Dodd (L), Executive Director of West Coast Thunder Foundation, presents a check to Jim Gore (R), Chairman of Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California on Friday, November 10, 2023. (Photo credit: Mike Pagaduan/West Coast Thunder)