Looking For Motorcycle Riders To Honor Air Force Capt. Ryan S. Phaneuf
Ryan’s Ride will be a motorcycle ride to raise money for the Ryan S. Phaneuf Scholarship Fund. I hope after reading about Ryan, that you will consider supporting this event….
Ryan’s Ride is a motorcycle ride that will raise money for the Ryan S. Phaneuf Scholarship Fund. Ryan tragically lost his life in Afghanistan.
Free Getty ImageRyan's Ride will be a motorcycle ride to raise money for the Ryan S. Phaneuf Scholarship Fund. I hope after reading about Ryan, that you will consider supporting this event.
There's a long list of heroes who have dedicated their lives to the service of our Nation. While many are thankfully alive to tell the tales of war, there are thousands who have lost their lives fighting for our country. One specific hero lost his life and there's a motorcycle ride on September 9th, 2023 to honor him. That man is Air Force Capt. Ryan S. Phaneuf.
The Tragic January Day
On January 27, 2020, a Bombardier E-11A crashed in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of two airmen: Lt. Col. Paul K. Voss and Capt. Ryan S. Phaneuf.
Lt. Col. Voss was just 46-years-old. He was attached to the Air Combat Command headquarters at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia. Voss served 25 years in active duty and had been at Langley-Eustis for 4 years. Captain Ryan S. Phaneuf was a local New Hampshire man. Just 30-years-old at the time of his passing. He was from Hudson, New Hampshire. Phaneuf was assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and was an 11B bomber pilot. Lt. Col. Voss, having volunteered for a deployment to Afghanistan, was piloting the E-11A at the time of the crash.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. It is believed not to have been a shootdown. Remains were found near the crash site and the aircraft's wreckage was destroyed. The E-11A was a communications aircraft. It was part of a small fleet used for bridging communication gaps. This was especially important in challenging terrains like Afghanistan.
Ryan S. Phaneuf Legacy and Remembrance
While Capt. Ryan S. Phaneuf's end might have been tragic, the legacy he leaves behind is rich and profound. His sacrifice serves as a stark reminder of the price of freedom and the individuals who pay that price to ensure it.
In remembering Capt. Phaneuf, we don't just honor the uniform or the medals, but the spirit of service and the heart of a hero. His legacy lives on in the memories of his comrades, his family, and all those who are touched by his story. Which is why there will be a motorcycle ride to honor him.
I hope you will come out to this event to support Ryan's Ride. Registration is now open!
Ryan's Ride On September 9, 2023
- 9:30-10:30 Registration $25.00pp
- 10:45 National Anthem sung by Ayla Brown
- 11:00 KSU - 1 hour seacoast ride led by state police escort
- 12:00 BBQ, Live music by Whiskey Business, Raffles, prizes.
- 2:30-3:00 event concludes
RELATED:
We Salute These 13 Country Stars Who Served In The US Military!
On Veteran's Day it's important to salute the men and women who served our country. We support you, we see you, we appreciate you!
There are a number of country stars who don't just sing about the red, white and blue, but they served in our US Military as well! I've always believed that country music has a deep connection with the American spirit. The lyrics often echo themes of patriotism, love of country, and respect for the men and women who serve in the military.
Some of my favorite songs that come to mind are "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" by Toby Keith. Or "Travelin' Soldier" by The Chicks. Both of those songs touch a chord in my soul because it makes me think of the men and women who have sacrificed so much for their country. What's ironic about these two songs is that the artists who sing them never served in our military.
Country Artists Who Serve Our Military Are Special
But there are a number of country artists who have served in the military. And they bring something different and special to the table. Because when they sing about serving they can sing about their real-life experiences. They draw from the challenges, camaraderie, and sacrifices they've witnessed and endured, creating music that speaks to the hearts of those who can relate.
Country singers also often have a personal connection with the military community. That can either be through family members, or through their own service. This connection strengthens their ties to the military and adds a layer of authenticity to their songs.
We salute all of these men who sacrificed their lives to serve our country. And if you are a Veteran in MA, scroll down to see what companies are giving Military deals or freebies today!
Here are 13 Country Stars Who Served In The Military:
Craig Morgan
Craig Morgan is a 17-year veteran of the Army and Army Reserves. Opining on his reason for joining the military, Morgan said, "I'm an American country boy who loves his country, his family and his God, and all of those things collectively dictate who I am."
George Jones
George Jones was a veteran of the US Marine Corps. Though Jones served in the 1950s, during the Korean War, he was stationed in California and never saw combat.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson enrolled in the US Air Force after he left high school in 1950. He was medically discharged due to back problems after nine months.
Johnny Cash
1st March 1979: Country music legend Johnny Cash (1932 - 2003) in London.
Johnny Cash spent four years in the US Air Force in the 1950s. He was stationed in West Germany for most of that time, and notably eavesdropped on Soviet communication as a radio intercept officer. Over the course of his employment with USAF, Cash learned to translate Russian Morse code.
Kris Kristofferson
Kris served as an army helicopter pilot. He attained the rank of Captain while serving.
Kris Kristofferson once self-identified as an "army brat," because his father's position as a US Army Air Corps officer entailed that the family moved around a lot during his childhood. In 1960, the younger Kristofferson followed in his father's military footsteps, becoming an army helicopter pilot. In 2011, the famed country singer received the Veteran of the Year award at the American Veteran Awards.
George Straight
George Strait served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1975, and had reached the rank of Corporal by the end of his service. During his time in the 25th Infantry Division at Hawaii's Schofield Barracks, Strait began performing under the name Santee.
James Otto
James served in the US Navy for two years.
Jamey Johnson
Jamey Johnson served in the US Marine Corps
Conway Twitty
American singer Conway Twitty at a press reception for his new record 'Oh Boy', at the Society Restaurant in London, May 5th 1959. (Photo by Reg Burkett/Keystone/Getty Images)
After graduating from high school, Conway Twitty was offered a contract to play baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies, but was unable to accept because he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. Twitty began pursuing his musical career after completing his service.
John Prine
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) John Prine performs at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre on October 01, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Famed country-folk singer/songwriter John Prine served in the US Army after graduating from high school.
Sturgell Simpson
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Sturgill Simpson performs onstage during day two of the Boston Calling Music Festival at Boston City Hall Plaza on September 26, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Sturgell Simpson is a veteran of the US Navy.
Josh Gracin
Josh Gracin served in the US Marines
Zach Bryan
Zach Bryan served in the US Navy.
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Ayla Brown is the host of "Country Mornings With Ayla Brown" from 5:30-9am. You can read the rest of her blogs here.
Photo by Rob Bellamy
