We get a lot of mail from our men and women in the armed forces from all over the world telling us all about their lives and bikes. One of them that fell into my lap was from an old friend by the name of Lars, who had been stationed in Japan after his third tour in Iraq. His letter was all about how cool it was to stroll into the PX on the base and see my photo in Baggers and read what I wrote. Mind you that this guy was the first I ever saw riding on a blacked-out Road King with big-ass apes on it. This FLHR was his only source of transportation and his best friend while stationed at Camp Pendleton. In the letter Lars told me he put his bike in storage before he and his new bride shoved off to Okinawa for a two-year stint. He also mentioned that he and his wife parted ways rather quickly due to him being gone for long periods of time. He ended his short letter by writing that he was gearing up to go on his fourth tour in Iraq.
After reading the letter, I really got to thinking about all of the sacrifices that my pal Lars has made for this country. In the space of one quick note it struck me that having no bike to ride while stationed overseas, a broken marriage, and putting his life on the line daily for other people didn't really seem that bad to him. My mind wandered and I began thinking of the millions of active and reserve military personnel in this country and the daily sacrifices they have to make to keep this country and the world a tolerable place to live. Sacrifices that are much greater than most civilians like myself will ever know. I am proud to know guys like Lars and the many other friends and family of mine past and present who have been of service, knowing that they are arm-in-arm with so many that share this way of life. I would like to take this time to send out a big "thank you" to all of you who have served and those who are serving, from us here at Baggers magazine. We truly appreciate it.
Jeff G. Holt, Associate Editor