Band of cross-country cyclists visit area to honor CWOA Derrick Anthony Walker
by S. Rotan Hale
Many people, when thinking of motorcycle gangs automatically think of Hells Angles and other groups that typically conjure negative stereo types generally associated with such stigmas.
However, times have changed since the early days of biker gangs–as modern-day bands of bikers have (for years) organized in support of a number of uplifting causes–shifting their collective energies to an array of high-minded ventures for the greater good of all.
One group of conscientious riders gathered Tuesday, July 17 to engage in their annual “Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Memorial Torch Motorcycle Ride.”
Their mission involves a 19-day, 3,500 mile cross country trip from Eugene, Oregon to Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC. and honors America’s fallen soldiers.
An integral part of the procession is a motorcycle trailer, pulled by a motor home, that houses the “Memorial Flame” that burns continuously as they travel from state to state until the group reaches the journey’s end at Arlington Cemetery where the flame will be extinguished.
Throughout the arduous journey the group paid respects through several scheduled stops at the homes of certain deceased soldiers in what they refer to as “Fallen Soldier Home Visits.” This year’s tour involved 62 families.
During the home visits, the group presents the family with a “Memorial Plaque of Distinguished Service,” for their “loved ones service and sacrifice” and a sizable portrait of the decease.
At one point during the service–that generally lasts just over an hour–several of the veteran members of the group salute as a family member rings a bell as the fallen soldier is officially inducted into the order.
On Thursday, Aug. 2, the bikers traveled to the area for another bitter sweet occasion to honor native Roanoker Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4) Derrick Anthony Walker.
Walker was a 1992 graduate of William Fleming HS who furthered his education at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond earning a BA in Multi Media Design. Determined and focused, he also earned a masters in Information Technology–a field of study that enhanced his career after joining the US Army.
While fulfilling his ambition to serve, he took ill while stationed in Afghanistan and was transported back to the US where he died in the prime of his life, at 43 on October 5, 2017.
In addition to his grandmother, Clarice Walker and mother Diane Walker, CWO4 Walker leaves to mourn his loss: wife Wendy and 8-month old son Derrick, Jr. along with his sister, Tamara Walker.
As the family goes on living and loving through such a loss, they stand tall and incredibly grateful to the band of patriots traveling across the country who paid tribute to one of the countless number of the nation’s fallen soldiers.
