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They ride to remember : No one is left behind
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Attending a committee meeting with the organizers of the Brandon Titus Memorial Ride/Fund is almost like being at a stand up comedian’s convention/biker rally. Walking up to the house, visitors can hear a roar of laughter as the next round of jokes leaves the group in stitches. If the ride is half as entertaining as the group of individuals who organize it, we’re all in for a real treat.
The BTMR/F is a non-profit organization established by Tom Titus to support the families of local soldiers who have been killed in action.
Titus established the fund as a way to honor his son, Army Specialist Brandon Titus, after he was killed in action in Iraq, and to support American families at a time they need it most.
Losing a family member in war is not a foreign concept to Titus.
Every Sunday, the BTMR committee meets in his living room under the watchful eye of his son whose pictures line every wall of Mr. Titus’s home. The third annual BTMR takes place on August 18, the day after the third anniversary of Brandon’s death.
There are many groups and organizations that find ways to support the troops fighting in the war, but not many which support the families of American soldiers that don’t make it home.
The BTMR is the principle fundraiser that puts money into the BTMF, which Mr. Titus draws upon. When a soldier is killed in action, Titus writes the family a personal condolence letter along with the offer of financial assistance from the fund.
If the family chooses to, it can accept the offer to help pay for funeral expenses or other needs it may have. The fund isn’t big enough to cover every soldier lost in the war. Titus is only able to extend this offer to local military families.
Any motorized vehicle on two wheels is welcome in this ride, be it a scooter to a Harley Davidson. The public can pre-register at Boise Cycle to participate in the ride for $25 for
a single rider and $35 for a rider and passenger. Admission increases $5 the day of the event. Included in the registration is a custom BTMR patch, ride card and meal ticket.
The ride starts at Boise Cycle at 10 a.m. From there riders will embark upon a 150-mile ride, stopping at various points to get their ride card stamped, which acts as their admission ticket to the barbecue celebration at Crows Inn, the last stop on the ride.
Raffle tickets are available now for $1 at Crows Inn to win a limited edition green New Belgium Fat Tire Bicycle (valued at $500), or a red Budweiser rolling mini-refrigerator, styled to look like a toolbox. The winner must be present at the barbecue to claim their prize.
The festivities are not limited to motorcyclists. Admission to the barbecue is $7 per person, which includes food, live music by the band Pilot Error and an opportunity to buy tickets to the raffle and bid on items in a silent auction. All money raised from the ride, the auction and the raffle will go into the BTMF.
Food and beverages are provided in the cost of the ticket, alcohol will be available at an additional charge. The barbecue begins at 4:30 p.m. for those who aren’t riding in the ride.
Alcohol will be available for purchase at an additional charge.
The Associated Students of Boise State University has donated $300 to the Brandon Titus Memorial Fund and plans are underway to organize a contest for students, clubs and organizations to raise money for the fund. The Arbiter has donated a free advertisement in the newspaper to go to the winning club or organization. An e-mail will be sent to every student, faculty member and professional staff once plans for the contest are finalized.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to help out with this fundraiser and feel it’s a good way for students and our community to come together for a worthy cause to kick off the new school year,” ASBSU President Amy Ortmann said.
“I have deep empathy for families who have lost a loved one who served in our nations military,” Vice President Mark Getecha said. “It is my honor as vice president of ASBSU and as a U.S. Army Veteran to serve those families by helping to raise money for the Brandon Titus Memorial Fund.”
Tom Titus continues to organize this event. “I still ride my Harleys in memory of my son, and I put this on in memory of him because I’m honoring his dedication but at the same time I’m honoring the dedication of those families that have suffered,” he said.
Shannon Morgan
