AMVETS RIDERS HONOR WWI ‘DOUGHBOY’ FRANK BUCKLES War hero welcomes Tennessee and Pennsylvania riders to his West Virginia farm WASHINGTON, July 11, 2008—AMVETS Riders from the Department of Tennessee recently embarked on an epic ride to visit one of this nation’s most revered combat veterans, Frank Buckles.

Frank Buckles, the last remaining American WWI veteran, meets with AMVETS Riders from Tennessee and Pennsylvania at his family farm in Charles Town, W.V. The Riders presented Buckles with numerous honors recounting his military service, as well as a customized AMVETS Riders vest.

Buckles, the last surviving “Doughboy” of World War I, happily hosted Tennessee’s riders, along with a contingent from nearby Pennsylvania at his farm in Charles Town, W.V.

“We never dreamed that within 42 hours and 1,001 total miles on our motorcycles that this would be one of the most moving experiences in all our lives,” said Jason Anders, AMVETS Department of Tennessee Riders First Vice President. “We should never pass up an opportunity to thank veterans and give them the honor and respect they deserve. Every time I ride, I will think of Cpl. Frank Woodruff Buckles and the smile on his face.”

When the group of riders arrived at Buckles’ sprawling 330-acre farm, the 107-year-old WWI veteran was delighted to meet with the group of veterans, representing a cross-section of military service that exemplifies AMVETS.

Victor “Dutch” Stivason from Pennsylvania AMVETS Riders presented Buckles with a letter of appreciation, and Tennessee Road Captain Bruce McElhaney presented Buckles with a framed certificate honoring his service. Anders had the privilege of presenting Buckles with a his own embroidered AMVETS Riders vest and a custom WWI patch on behalf of AMVETS Riders nationwide.

“[Buckles] lit up as his daughter helped him put on the vest,” said Anders. “He sat and spoke with us the entire time with it on. He told and told stories, and was so humble. He was like a mentor and teacher to all of us, listening intently.”

During the visit, Buckles spoke of his experiences as an ambulance driver in Europe during WWI and his subsequent internment as a civilian prisoner of war in a Japanese camp during WWII. He even showed his guests the metal cup that he used to eat and drink during his 39 months of captivity. Buckles also spoke about his life working the farm and his secrets to longevity.

Buckles, who would lead his fellow American prisoners in daily calisthenics during WWII, attributed his long life to eating right, exercising, educating himself, working, and maintaining a positive attitude.

Anders, who began planning the event in February, said he was honored to walk in the footsteps of a veteran like Buckles.

On the return trip to Tennessee, the riders stopped in Washington to visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall, the National WWII Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial, where they were able to share their story with tourists around the National Mall.

In June, AMVETS was on Capitol Hill with members of Congress to honor Buckles’ service. During the ceremony, AMVETS National Commander John P. “JP” Brown III presented Buckles with a plaque honoring his service and a new American flag to fly over his ranch.

Earlier this year, Buckles was honored at the White House by President Bush and at the Pentagon by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who helped to unveil a portrait of Buckles as part of the Pentagon’s tribute to America’s WWI veterans.

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